Malaysia
Pet Travel Policy Information
Pet Travel Requirements for Malaysia
Pet Entry Requirements for Malaysia
Country Classifications
Malaysia classifies the following countries as Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Countries: Scheduled Countries:United Kingdom, Eire, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Brunei, Australia, and Singapore. Dogs or cats must have been born in or continuously lived in one of these countries for a minimum of 6 months prior to traveling to Malaysia to qualify for this category. There must be no incidence of rabies reported for 12 months prior to import. Non-Scheduled Countries: All countries other than Scheduled Countries. Non-Scheduled Countries may be evaluated at the time of import application. Pet owners should identify the classification of their country of origin before reviewing import requirements for Malaysia.
Pet Microchip
The first step to importing a dog or cat to Malaysia is to have your pet identified with a non-encrypted, 15-digit pet microchip that is compliant with ISO 11784 or Annex A of ISO 11785. If your pet’s microchip is not ISO-compliant, you can bring your own. A veterinarian, a veterinary hospital or a trained nurse should implant the microchip. You should receive documentation on how to register it in the manufacturer’s database. The microchip number must be recorded on all required import documents.
Vaccinations
All pet dogs and cats entering Malaysia must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months of entering Malaysia. Vaccination certificates reflecting all the routine vaccinations administered by your veterinarian should also accompany your pet or be listed on the health certificate.
Rabies Titer (Serology) Test
A rabies titer test measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. It must be administered more than 30 days after the rabies vaccination. Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) tests are recommended, as they are accepted by every country that requires this test. Malaysia does not require a rabies titer test for pets entering from any country, however, it is classified by some countries as a country with a high risk of rabies and, as such, the test may be required to return to the origination country.
Parasite Treatments
Treatments for internal and external parasites are required for cats and dogs shortly prior to entering Malaysia from all countries.
Health Certificate
Every country worldwide requires pets to enter the country with an original export health certificate (sometimes known as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) in their pet import regulations, and Malaysia is no exception. The health certificate must clearly identify your pet, including its microchip number, species, and physical characteristics. After the vaccinations and titer test are completed, a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin must then complete an export pet health certificate within 14 days of traveling. Related: After issuance, the certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian representing the agency in the country of origin responsible for the import and export of live animals. Another inspection of the pet must occur within 48 hours of travel. For pets entering from Scheduled Countries (Step 1), health certificates must contain a statement that there have been no incidents of rabies among un-quarantined animals in the country of origin for the past 12 months.
Import Permit
All pets entering Malaysia must secure an Import License issued by the Director General of Veterinary Services or the Director of the State Veterinary Department. The license can be applied for online by an agent who is registered in the system or in person by a licensed agent or representative of the owner. This document is issued within a day and is valid for 30 days from issuance. Applications for import to the States of Sabah and Sarawak should be made to the respective states as their pet import requirements differ from those of Malaysia.
Complete all 7 steps to enter Malaysia with your pet
Requirements may change. Always verify with official sources before travel.
Is Quarantine Required for Pets in Malaysia?
There will be 7-10 days of quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Malaysia except when originating from a Scheduled Country (see step 1).
What Additional Information Do I Need for Malaysia?
- Pets in Malaysia:
Cats and dogs are the most commonly owned pets in Malaysia. There are approximately 1.3 million cats and 700,000 dogs living in Malaysian households. Other popular pets include birds, fish, and small mammals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Birds are a popular choice, particularly in urban areas. Popular dog breeds include the Shih Tzu, Poodle, Golden Retriever, and local mixed breeds. Popular cat breeds include domestic shorthairs, Persian, Siamese, and British Shorthair. Malaysia has a growing network of veterinary clinics offering a range of services from routine check-ups to advanced medical treatments required to import pets to other countries. Major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru have a significant number of pet supply stores.
- Other Information:
Not specified
- What is a Pet Passport?:
We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents that fulfill Malaysia pet import requirements for dogs and cats entering Malaysia.This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for resident pets. Your pet’s passport will include proof of a microchip, current rabies vaccinations, parasite treatments, import permit, and a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country.
- Flying a Pet to Malaysia:
Flights to Malaysia should be direct or transit through arabies-controlled countryor another EU Member State if possible*. *Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply.
- Entering Malaysia with a Pet:
All cats and dogs requiring quarantine must enter at at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Senai International Airport in Lahore, Labuan International Airport, Labuan F.T. or Bayan Lepas International Airport in Penang. Reservations for quarantine must be made at least two weeks if not more in advance as quarantine facilities are oftentimes full. Pet owners will be responsible for the care of their dog or cat while in quarantine. It is recommended that notice be given to the Animal Quarantine Officer at the landing point prior to entry. There are no restrictions on the number of domesticated pets that you can import if that number will be permitted at the place of residency. Related:Is your pet’s crate IATA compliant? All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry to Malaysia. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at importer expense.
- Find a Licensed Veterinarian:
Before beginning any pet export procedure, make sure your veterinarian is approved by the governing veterinarian authority in your pet’s country of origin. Your veterinarian should work for or is licensed by the agency of the government that is responsible for the movement of live animals.
- Malaysia Pet Import Requirements:
All steps required to conform to Malaysia pet import requirements must be completed in the origination country. Complete steps 1-7 in the order given.
- Quarantine Requirements for Malaysia:
If your pet is entering Malaysia from a Scheduled Country (see step 1) after being born or living there for six months prior to import, no quarantine is required if all requirements are met. If your pet is entering Malaysia from any other country, it shall be placed in quarantine and may be vaccinated with approved anti-rabies vaccine and detained in quarantine for compulsory period of not less than seven days (10 days for dogs and cats entering from Australia). Your pet will be released if found to be free of any evidence of infection. However, where deemed necessary, the quarantine period can be extended up to six (6) months based on risk assessment on a case-to-case basis. Quarantine facilities for dogs and cats are available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at Sepang, Penang International Airport, and Padang Besar (Perlis-Thai border). Those dogs and cats requiring quarantine must enter at those points. Advance quarantine reservations must be made. An agent must care for your pet while it is in quarantine.
- Breeds Banned from Import to Malaysia:
The following breeds are not permitted to enter Malaysia: American Pit Bull, Pit Bull Terrier, Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Neopolitan Mastiff, Japanese Tosa, Akita, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero. There are additional requirements to bring these breeds to Malaysia: Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepard, Belgian Shepard, East European Shepard, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, and Perro de Presa Canario. Owners of these breeds need to make an official written application to the Director of State Veterinary Services (State DVS) in advance. Pedigree certificates must be available, and these dogs must not be imported for resale or other commercial reasons.
- Exporting Resident Pets from Malaysia:
Pet owners must submit a Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) application as well as all documentationrequired for their destination country to Veterinary Services. VS will issue an export permit. There is a fee for this service.
- Quarantine for Pets Entering Malaysia:
There will be 7-10 days of quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Malaysia except when originating from a Scheduled Country (see step 1).
- Animals Eligible for These Requirements:
These rules apply to the transport of domestic dogs and cats, including assistance and service animals. Wolf hybrids and Savannah and Bengal cats, unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree, cannot be imported under these regulations. Owners of other types of pets (amphibia, reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents) covered by these regulations should refer to IMPORTING OTHER PET ANIMALS TO MALAYSIA below.
- Importing Other Pet Animals to Malaysia:
To import exotic animals or wildlife as a pet, you may also need to obtain approval from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks before applying for an import permit from the Department of Veterinary Services.
- Importing Puppies and Kittens to Malaysia:
Malaysia requires that puppies and kittens are 3 months of age prior to import. They should be vaccinated for rabies and are subject to regulations listed here. More information ontransporting a puppy.
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
Importers should verify that their pet is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This is important if your pet is not a dog or cat, and it is even more important if it is a turtle or parrot. You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate in and enforce CITES regulations. Related:Search the CITES databaseorSearch the Species+ database Related:Learn more about CITES
Related Resources
Traveler Tips & Experiences
Emily Parker
February 12, 2025
I visited Malaysia last year with my French Bulldog and found the process straightforward and well-documented.
Michael Chen
January 3, 2025
Air travel to Malaysia was a breeze and my cat had no issues. Highly recommend booking early!