Moving to Malaysia with Pets
Many expatriates move to Malaysia with their cats and dogs, and with sufficient planning the process is quite manageable. However, animals cannot simply travel as ordinary luggage. Import permits, veterinary documents, vaccinations and transport arrangements must normally be completed before departure.
Requirements also vary according to the animal, its country of origin and, in the case of dogs, its breed. Quarantine may be required, so pet owners should begin making arrangements well before their intended move. Malaysia’s Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) set the principal requirements for importing dogs and cats.
Start Planning Early
Do not leave pet relocation until the final weeks before moving. You will need time to check your pet’s vaccination history, arrange any required vaccinations or identification, obtain an import permit, organise the appropriate veterinary certification and book the animal with an airline. If quarantine is required, arrangements may also need to be made in advance.
Owners should first check the current import requirements for the country from which the animal will travel, as Malaysia classifies countries differently according to animal-health and rabies risk. The DVS updated its country classifications in March 2026, illustrating why it is important to check the current rules rather than rely on older online advice.
Import Permit
Dogs and cats entering Malaysia generally require a valid import permit issued by MAQIS. The permit specifies the conditions under which the animal can enter and the approved point of entry. Owners using a specialist pet relocation company will often have the application handled on their behalf. Dogs and cats should generally be at least three months old at the time of importation.
Microchipping
Imported dogs and cats are required to have an identification microchip complying with ISO Standards 11784 and 11785. The microchip number should correspond with the information shown on the animal’s veterinary documents and pet passport or vaccination records. It is sensible to have the microchip scanned by your vet before travelling to make sure it can be read correctly.
Vaccinations and Veterinary Documents
Malaysia requires appropriate veterinary certification before animals are imported. Dogs and cats normally need a veterinary health certificate issued or endorsed by the appropriate veterinary authority in the country of departure. Under the general MAQIS guidance, export should take place within seven days of the certificate being issued.
Rabies vaccination requirements depend partly on the country of origin, and other routine vaccinations should also be kept up to date. Current DVS rules for many countries require rabies vaccination before export and core vaccinations within the preceding 12 months. Your pet passport or vaccination record should therefore be complete and readily available.
Will My Pet Have to Go into Quarantine?
Malaysia applies different quarantine arrangements according to the country from which the animal is arriving. Animals from countries considered to have a higher rabies risk may be required to enter quarantine upon arrival. Under current DVS rules, dogs and cats arriving from many non-scheduled countries are subject to a compulsory quarantine period of at least seven days. The period can be extended if veterinary authorities consider this necessary.
Animals from certain lower-risk or specially classified countries may face different requirements. Because the classifications can change, check the latest DVS and MAQIS rules for your particular country before booking flights.
Restricted and Prohibited Dog Breeds
Malaysia restricts the importation of certain dog breeds and prohibits others altogether. Restricted breeds require additional approval from MAQIS before an import permit can be issued. Current restricted breeds include the Doberman, Rottweiler, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier and German Shepherd/Alsatian, among others.
There is also a list of breeds that cannot normally be imported, including certain Pit Bull types, Akitas, Dogo Argentinos and several others. Anyone bringing a large or restricted breed should check this before making any other relocation arrangements, particularly before paying for flights or pet transport.
Arranging the Flight
Airlines have their own policies for transporting animals. Depending on the airline, route and animal, a pet may travel as checked baggage or as manifest cargo. Some airlines do not accept pets on particular aircraft or routes, and restrictions may also apply during periods of extreme heat. The transport crate must normally comply with airline and international animal-transport standards and should be large enough for the animal to stand, turn around and lie comfortably. Direct flights are preferable where practical, as they reduce handling and avoid complications associated with transit through another country.
Preparing Your Pet for the Journey
The crate should not be completely unfamiliar to your pet on the day of departure. Leave it available at home beforehand and encourage the animal to sleep or rest inside it. Familiar bedding or another permitted item carrying the smell of home can also help. Discuss feeding, water and any health concerns with your vet before travelling. Sedation is generally something that should only be considered following professional veterinary advice. Never give an animal medication simply to make travelling easier without first discussing it with a vet.
Should You Use a Pet Relocation Company?
You can arrange a pet move yourself, but professional assistance can be worthwhile. A specialist pet relocation company can usually coordinate all the requirements for shipping and processing and final delivery to your home. This can be particularly useful for long-distance moves, multiple pets, restricted breeds or journeys involving connecting flights.
Arriving in Malaysia
Pets must enter through an authorised entry point and will be inspected by the appropriate authorities. Animals requiring quarantine will be transferred to the relevant quarantine facility. Current DVS information notes facilities at locations including KLIA and Penang, although owners
should confirm availability and entry arrangements when planning the journey. Original permits and veterinary documentation should travel with the animal or be readily available to the person handling its arrival.
Finding a Pet-Friendly Home
An issue that is easily overlooked is whether your Malaysian accommodation actually permits pets. Many landed properties allow pets, but condominiums and other strata developments may have restrictions imposed by their management bodies. Some landlords also specifically prohibit animals.
Anyone relocating with a dog or cat should therefore make pet-friendly accommodation one of the criteria when looking for a home. For dogs in particular, consider access to suitable outdoor areas and how easily you will be able to exercise the animal.
Settling Your Pet into Malaysia
Malaysia’s heat and humidity can require some adjustment, particularly for animals arriving from cooler climates. Ensure pets have plenty of water and shade, and avoid exercising dogs during the hottest part of the day. Air-conditioned indoor living is common for many household pets.
Once settled, finding a local veterinary clinic should be one of your first tasks. Ask the vet about vaccinations, parasite control, ticks, fleas and any health precautions appropriate to Malaysia’s tropical climate.
Before You Travel
The main steps are straightforward: confirm the import rules for your country, obtain the MAQIS permit, ensure your pet is correctly microchipped and vaccinated, arrange the necessary veterinary certificate, establish whether quarantine applies and confirm transport arrangements with the airline. Rules can be amended in response to disease outbreaks or changing animal-health conditions. Pet owners should therefore check the latest requirements with MAQIS and the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia before finalising their move.
SPECIAL NOTE: Sabah and Sarawak may have different veterinary and entry procedures from Peninsular Malaysia. Anyone intending to live in either state should check the requirements for their final destination rather than assuming that the procedures for Kuala Lumpur or Peninsular Malaysia automatically apply.