Traveling with a Dog in Asia [Top Tips!]

April 21, 2023

Traveling to Asia with a dog can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be challenging. Bringing your dog along on your travels can be a great way to bond with your pet and explore new places together. There are plenty of amazing places to explore with your dog, however, Asia isn’t always the most dog-friendly place. Therefore, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique challenges of traveling with a dog in Asia.

Before you travel Asia with a dog

Before setting off on your trip, it’s important that you do some research to ensure that you and your dog will be able to enter the countries you plan to visit.

Can I fly to Asia with my dog?

There are some strict rules that apply when traveling with a dog, particularly when crossing borders and boarding flights.

Many airlines will allow small dogs to fly in the cabin with their owners on the airplane, as long as you comply to the rules and regulations. This is the case as long as dogs are small, well behaved and weigh under 8kg. This is because they will travel in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Your dog must be able to stand up straight, sit down and turn around without any restriction.

For more information check 15 Airlines That Allow Flying With Dogs In-Cabin.

If your dog is unable to fly in the cabin with you, they will need to fly in the cargo section of their planes. They will travel in a climate controlled, comfortable pet zone. Although some pet owners think this will be stressful for their dogs, it can actually be a lot calmer than flying in the cabin, as long as your pet is used to spending time in a crate. This is why it’s important to crate train your dog well in advance.

What documents do I need to travel to Asia with a dog?

The documents required to fly with a dog to Asia will vary depending on which airline you are flying with, and where you are flying to and from. Generally you will require the following:

Microchip certificate – most countries require an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compliant microchip.
Rabies vaccination certificate – most countries require all dogs to be vaccinated against rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to importing.
Animal health certificate – most countries will require an official animal health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian in order to export and import dogs. They are usually valid for 10 days.
Additional vaccination certificates – depending on where you are flying to, your dog may also require additional vaccinations or treatments. These often include Distemper, Hepatitis, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHLPP).
Rabies titer test results – some countries require pets to have a rabies titer test before entering. This is a test to show that your dog’s rabies vaccination was successful and your dog is protected against the disease.
Parasite treatment certificate – to enter many countries, dogs are required to be treated against internal and/or external parasites before entering. This includes treatment for tapeworm, fleas, ticks, nematodes and cestodes.

This is just a guide on what is required, please check the requirements for your specific airline and destination country.

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Will my dog need to quarantine in Asia?

Whether your dog needs to quarantine, depends on where you are traveling to, where you are traveling from, and specific country’s entry requirements for dogs.

When visiting some countries, quarantine is avoided as long as you have all the necessary documentation and vaccinations. However, there are some countries that require dogs to stay in quarantine, despite having the correct documentation.

Make sure you check the entry requirements and have all the necessary documents and vaccinations in order before you go.

Cambodia reserves the right to quarantine animals unless they were vaccinated for rabies 30 days to 12 months prior export.

China has the strictest regulations of the Asian countries, so please pay close attention to all of the requirements before you head there with your dog. If your dog does not meet all of the requirements, they may need to quarantine, can be sent home, or euthanized.

Hong Kong may or may not quarantine your dog, depending on where you are coming from.

Philippines requires certain documents (see below). Failing to show these documents may result in your dog having to quarantine or declined entry and returned home.

Singapore requires all dogs to quarantine for either 10 days or 30 days. If you want to qualify for a 10-day quarantine (as opposed to 30 days), you will need to give your dog a second dose of rabies vaccination.

How can I prepare my dog for travel to Asia?

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for you and your dog when traveling Asia, it’s a good idea to prepare your dog beforehand.

Is your dog well traveled?

Traveling can be stressful for a dog if they haven’t got experience being away from home for large periods of time. Therefore, if your dog isn’t used to traveling or being in new environments, it’s a good idea to start acclimating them to the experience well in advance. This can include taking short car trips, exposing them to new sounds and smells, and practicing good behaviour in unfamiliar places.

Be sure to use plenty of treats, praise and affection to reward good and calm behaviour.

Are you planning on taking your dog in cabin with you?

If you are planning on traveling with a small dog in the airplane cabin, it’s also a good idea to get them used to traveling in a travel carrier.

It’s important to start acclimating your dog to the travel carrier well in advance and let your dog spend plenty of time in there, so that they feel relaxed. It’s important not to force your dog into the carrier when first introducing it. This may stress them out and cause them to have a negative response to the carrier. Instead, leave it on the floor, open, and let them explore it on their own. You can lure your dog into the carrier with plenty of treats, and let him/her play and sleep in there as much as possible.

It’s also a good idea to do some test runs before setting off on your big trip. Start off with some short trips around the block and work your way up to a longer stay.

It’s also a good idea to pop some of their favourite toys in their travel home, for extra comfort.

What should I pack when traveling to Asia with a dog?

For a smooth trip with your dog, it’s important to pack all the essentials. This includes:

documentation (microchip and vaccination records)
food and treats
a leash and collar
grooming supplies
medication
travel carrier
portable water dish
favourite toys

Getting around Asia with a dog

Can I get on public transport in Asia with my dog?

Traveling around Asia with a dog can be challenging, as public transportation generally do not allow pets. If you’re planning on using taxis or ride-sharing services, make sure you check the company’s pet policy in advance. Some may allow dogs, while others may require you to book a special pet-friendly vehicle.

Can I rent a car for me and my dog in Asia?

If you would like to rent a car for you and your dog, it’s important to check the rental company’s pet policy in advance as well. Some companies may allow dogs, while others may require you to pay an additional fee or may not allow dogs at all.

Pet friendly accommodation in Asia

Finding pet-friendly accommodations in Asia can also be a challenge. Most hotels will not allow pets to stay. However, some luxury hotels will. Your best bet is to look for guesthouses which are more likely to allow dogs. Make sure you do your research in advance and book pet-friendly accommodations well in advance of your trip.

When staying in a hotel or guesthouse with your dog, be sure to follow the rules and keep your dog under control at all times. This includes keeping them on a leash, cleaning up after them, and not leaving them alone in the room for long periods of time.

Specific rules for traveling to specific Asian countries with a dog

Cambodia

You will need to provide the following paperwork at the port of entry:
- Rabies vaccination certificate (microchip number and vaccination date should be included on this certificate).
- Proof of receiving distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus vaccines.
- Veterinarian certificate of health.
- A copy of the your passport.
- Photograph of you and of your dog.
Your dog will need an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compliant microchip.
Your dog will either need a European pet passport or import permit (depending where you are traveling from).
Cambodia reserves the right to quarantine animals unless they were vaccinated for rabies 30 days to 12 months prior export.

China

China has the strictest regulations of the Asian countries, so please pay close attention to all of the requirements before you head there with your dog. If your dog does not meet all of the requirements, they may need to quarantine, can be sent home, or euthanized. Dogs from the US can enter China through any port of arrival. If you are coming from another country, you may need to enter only through a designated port.

You require the following documentation
- Proof of rabies vaccination:
  - Your dog will need to show at least two rabies vaccinations.
  - An original copy of the current rabies vaccine certificate must accompany the APHIS-endorsed health certificate.
- Your dog must have an ISO-compliant microchip.
- Proof of rabies titer test. Dogs coming from Hawaii or Guam are exempt.
- International health certificate.
  - The name on the health certificate must match what is on the passport; and
  - You will need to get the health certificate within 14 days of arrival.
- Photocopy of your passport.
- Two photographs of your dog. Make sure to have something in the photo to help judge the size of your dog.
You may only travel with one pet when entering China.
There are some banned dog breeds when entering China.
Upon arrival, you will need to take your dog, applicable fees, and all documents to the General Administration of Customs of the Peoples Republic of China (GACC) office at the airport. These documents may be kept by the quarantine officials.
Your dog will need to be registered with the local police of your place of residence within one month of arrival in China.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong also has strict rules as it relates to importing your dog into the country. The regulations differ depending on what country you are coming from. Generally, the following applies:

You/your dog will require the following:
- A special import permit, valid for 6 months.
- A dog license. You will need to obtain a dog license from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).
- Up to date on all vaccinations, including rabies, distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus.
- An ISO-compliant microchip.
- Health certificate and residence certificate, issued not more than 14 days before traveling. Submit copies of these to airport office for checking.
You will need to arrange transportation of your dog. They will need to travel to Hong Kong International Airport as manifested cargo with an airline certificate.
Notify duty officer of the Import & Export Section at least 24 hours before arrival.
Quarantine may be required depending on where you are coming from.
You can’t bring certain dog breeds into the country. The following breeds (and their cross breeds) are banned:
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- If you want to bring your Staffordshire Bull Terrier, you have to submit a statutory declaration with the application. You should contact AFCD directly with any questions.

Philippines

You/your dog must have the following when traveling to the Philippines:
- An ISO-compliant microchip.
- Import permit from the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry.
- Health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
- Proof that your dog has the following vaccinations: rabies, distemper, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and adenovirus type 2.
- A health certificate obtained within 30 days of arrival.
Failure to present these requirements may result in your dog having to quarantine or declined entry and returned home.

Singapore

The regulations pet travel to Singapore differ depending on what country you are coming from, but generally the following applies:

The requirements you need to follow depends on your country’s rabies risk. Unless your dog is coming from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or the United Kingdom, you will need a rabies vaccination certificate. Quarantine requirements are dependent on the country you are coming from (it can be for up to 30 days).
The following breeds (and crosses of these breeds) are banned: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Akita, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, Japanese Tosa, and Presa Canario.
You/your dog will require the following:
- An ISO-compliant microchip.
- A rabies vaccination and rabies titer test .
- Vaccinations for distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus.
- A dog license you must apply for at least 1 week before you travel. You will need to provide the address of where you will be living. Once you get this license, you can then apply for an import license. Book your inspection after your obtain your import license.
- Import permit.
- Treatments for external and internal parasites. You must treat your dog between 2 days and 1 week before you depart.
- Health certificate, signed off by an official government vet.
If you want to qualify for a 10-day quarantine (as opposed to 30 days), you will need to give your dog a second dose of rabies vaccination.
At least one month before you travel, you must reserve quarantine space for your dog.
Just before leaving, you must submit a declaration of facts to Singapore Customs as proof that you are exempt from paying Goods & Services Tax for your dog.

Thailand

You/your dog will require the following:
- Microchip.
- Vaccinations for rabies, leptospirosis, distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus. These must be completed at least 21 days prior to entry.
- Negative test results for leptospirosis, within 1 month of entry.
- Validated health certificate, endorsed by US Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) veterinary services office. This must be obtained within 10 days of traveling.
- An import permit for your dog.

General tips for traveling Asia with a dog

Be vigilant

Throughout Asia (particularly in China, Vietnam and Indonesia) there is sadly a huge trade in dog meat. Although laws have been tightened, there are still many dog kidnappings throughout Asia.

Therefore, when you are travelling Asia with your dog, please be extra vigilant and keep an eye on your dog at all times.

Beware of stray dogs

Rabies is still an issue in Asia, with many stray dogs sadly carrying the disease. Every year rabies kills as many as 30,000 people in Asia alone. There is sadly no treatment for rabies once the clinical signs occur. However, if you’ve been vaccinated prior to being bitten or receive a vaccine immediately after you’ve been exposed, then you can prevent the disease.

When you are out with your dog, beware of other dogs. Avoid close contact with any unfamiliar dog, including allowing your own dog to play and interact with other dogs, unless you know they have been vaccinated.

Find your nearest vet

It’s always helpful to know where your nearest vet is whenever you go to a new area, just in case you run into any emergencies.

Conclusion

While traveling with a dog in Asia can be challenging, it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. With your furry friend by your side, you’ll be able to explore new places and create unforgettable memories together.

Just be sure to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique challenges of traveling with a dog in Asia. With the right preparation, you and your furry friend can enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip together.

April 21, 2023