Brunei – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues

What are the general attitudes toward pets and animals in Brunei?

Pet ownership in Brunei is influenced by a combination of traditional Malay customs, Islamic principles, and an increasingly modern community of animal lovers. Cats are overwhelmingly the most popular companion animals and are welcomed across all segments of society — they are not considered ritually impure under Islamic law, and households throughout Brunei keep them both inside and outdoors.

Dogs are owned by non-Muslim residents — among them many expatriates and members of the Chinese Bruneian community — but their presence in daily life is handled with considerably more restraint than in Western societies such as the United Kingdom or Australia, where dogs freely accompany owners into public spaces and are treated as integral family members. In Islamic tradition, dogs are frequently regarded as najis (ritually impure), particularly on account of their saliva, which necessitates a ritual cleansing procedure before prayer. Nonetheless, Islam equally places great emphasis on kindness and compassion toward every living creature. This dual dimension defines the day-to-day reality for dog owners living in Brunei.

Perspectives are slowly evolving, with a growing number of Malay Muslims showing sympathy toward stray animal welfare, though raising public awareness remains essential to dispelling persistent misconceptions about contact with dogs. In urban centres like Bandar Seri Begawan, a more internationally exposed population has helped normalise pet ownership — dogs included — within expatriate social circles. In more rural or traditionally minded communities, however, the presence of dogs in shared public spaces tends to be viewed with greater reservation.

Beyond domesticated animals, Brunei’s forests are home to extraordinary biodiversity — with the Bornean slow loris, sun bear, and proboscis monkey among the most emblematic species — alongside approximately 455 bird species, 221 mammals, and 73 reptiles. This ecological richness fosters a broader cultural reverence for the natural world, and Brunei earned distinction as the first nation in Asia to prohibit shark finning.

What laws and regulations govern pet ownership in Brunei?

The central piece of legislation governing dog ownership in Brunei is the Dogs Act (Chapter 60), which falls under the administration of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Dogs Act establishes rules and procedures for dog registration; any dog that has reached three months of age must be registered, and failure to comply may result in a fine of BND $250 or, in lieu of payment, 14 days’ imprisonment. A second offence can attract a fine of BND $500 or, alternatively, one month’s imprisonment.

The annual licence fee is approximately BND $8, which includes a serial-number tag issued by the government, and must be renewed before the first of February each year, or as soon as a dog reaches three months of age. Licences are processed through the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood. The full text of the Dogs Act can be accessed via the Attorney General’s Chambers website (agc.gov.bn).

The legislation further stipulates that dogs must not be left outside without displaying their registration badge — the officially issued metal tag. Owners are legally responsible for their animals and must ensure that dogs are confined within their home property, either within a cage or secured on a leash. This is a particularly relevant point for expatriates accustomed to off-leash areas or more relaxed containment practices in their home countries.

Cats are not subject to any government registration requirement. That said, responsible ownership — including fitting cats with a collar and identification tag — is strongly encouraged, particularly in light of the substantial stray population across the country.

Certain dog breeds are entirely prohibited from being kept or imported. The following breeds and their crossbreeds are banned from entry into Brunei: Akita, Fila Brasileiro, Barboel, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pit Bull types (including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier), Japanese Tosa, and Perro De Presa Canario. The following breeds may be imported subject to conditions: Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd/Alsatian, inclusive of Belgian Shepherd and East European Shepherd.

If you are renting accommodation, note that while there is no official cap on the number of pets that may be imported, local authorities may impose restrictions on how many animals may be kept on residential premises. Always review your tenancy agreement carefully and seek your landlord’s consent before bringing a pet — particularly a dog — into rented housing. For current licence fees and registration procedures, confirm the latest information directly with the Agriculture and Agrifood Department (agriculture.gov.bn).

Are there animal welfare laws in Brunei, and how are they enforced?

Brunei has a collection of laws that address aspects of animal welfare, although a single unified animal cruelty statute comparable to those in place in countries such as Germany or Australia does not appear to exist. The most significant recent development is the Animal (Diseases and Quarantine) Act (Chapter 254), which entered into force in August 2021. This Act governs the general welfare and improvement of animals in Brunei Darussalam, as well as the movement of animals into, within, and out of the country.

Under the Act, any individual who fails to comply with a directive from the Director is guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, liable to a fine not exceeding BND $10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both. This represents a considerably more robust penalty structure than the older Dogs Act and reflects a more serious legislative stance toward animal management.

Fundamental protections for pets are also embedded within existing statutes. Mistreating or abusing animals in any form is prohibited, including neglecting to supply adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary attention. The abandonment of animals is likewise illegal and may result in fines and imprisonment.

The Agriculture and Agrifood Department operates a Biosecurity Division that includes a sub-unit dedicated to biosecurity enforcement and regulation. Wildlife matters fall under the jurisdiction of the department’s Wildlife Division, which can be reached at +673 238 1013 or 238 1687 and serves as the official government body responsible for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in Brunei Darussalam.

In practice, the most prominent animal law concerns in Brunei are dog mistreatment and wildlife trafficking. Although a regulatory framework exists, enforcement on the ground remains inconsistent — a pattern common to many countries across Asia. Expatriates should be aware of this gap between legislation and its practical application. Should you witness an act of animal cruelty, reporting the incident to the Agriculture and Agrifood Department or to the local police is the appropriate course of action. The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism maintains its official portal at mprt.gov.bn.

With respect to wildlife specifically, the Wildlife Protection Act provides overarching provisions covering wildlife sanctuaries and procedural regulations, and prohibits the shooting, hunting, killing, capturing, or removal of any animal, bird, fish, or reptile, as well as the disturbance of nests or the possession of wildlife trophies.

What animal welfare charities and rescue organisations operate in Brunei?

The animal welfare NGO landscape in Brunei is modest in size but energetic in its activities, sustained primarily by volunteers and community contributions. Several organisations concentrate their efforts on stray management, sterilisation, and rehoming — and represent an ideal first point of contact for expatriates wishing to adopt a rescue animal.

PawsUp Brunei is among the most prominent of these. PawsUp was established to enhance the health and wellbeing of animals and the people who care for them, and describes itself as the largest and most active animal hospital serving strays in Brunei, with ambitions to become the foremost centre of veterinary excellence in the country. A substantial portion of its operations centres on its Trap Neuter Release Monitor (TNRM) Programme. Since implementing this scheme, PawsUp has sterilised over 600 stray animals, supported through a subscription model that enables members of the public to donate as little as BND $2.99 per month toward medical care and sterilisation costs. PawsUp also facilitates animal adoptions. Further information is available at pawsupbrunei.com or via @pawsuptv on Instagram.

Care and Actions for Strays (CAS) is another well-established NGO. Based in Bandar Seri Begawan, CAS advocates for spay and neuter initiatives, the promotion of responsible pet ownership, and the running of foster and adoption programmes. CAS has been outspoken about the magnitude of the stray animal problem and the urgent need for a coordinated national response. Their Facebook page can be found by searching “Care & Actions for Strays (CAS)”.

Sejahtera Community is also active in this space. Founded in 2020, Sejahtera Community focuses on both TNR efforts and the cultivation of community empathy, placing particular emphasis on responsible feeding practices to reduce aggression among stray populations.

Further community groups engaged in rescue and advocacy work include Love Paws Sanctuary, Strayholders, and Save Our Strays (a community outreach initiative under the University of Brunei Darussalam). These groups rely on community fundraising to cover the costs of shelter, food, and veterinary treatment. Most are reachable through social media platforms.

On the wildlife conservation front, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) maintains a presence in Brunei. As an international organisation committed to protecting wildlife globally, the WWF works in Brunei to safeguard the country’s rainforest and the species it supports, including orangutans and other threatened animals.

What should expats know about bringing a pet into Brunei?

Relocating to Brunei with a pet requires completing a structured import process in the country of origin before any travel takes place. The responsible authority is the Agriculture and Agrifood Department (Biosecurity Division) within the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism. For import permit applications and enquiries, contact [email protected] and consult the official page at agriculture.gov.bn. Requirements are subject to change, so always verify the current rules directly with this authority before confirming travel arrangements.

1. Check your country’s classification. Brunei designates the following as scheduled (rabies-free) countries: Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Dogs or cats must have been born in or have continuously resided in one of these countries for a minimum of six months prior to entry into Brunei to qualify under this classification. All other countries are considered non-scheduled.
2. Microchip your pet. Brunei authorities identify pets using a microchip alongside a vet-stamped pet passport. The microchip must be implanted prior to the rabies vaccination being administered and must conform to ISO standards.
3. Vaccinate against rabies. All pets over three months of age must hold an original Rabies Certificate. The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 60 days before departure and no more than 360 days prior to departure.
4. Obtain a rabies titre test (where required). Your pet’s entry documentation must include an import permit, proof of microchipping, a current rabies vaccination record, a rabies titre test result, and an export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin.
5. Treat for internal and external parasites. Brunei’s Ministry of Agriculture requires that pets receive treatment for both internal and external parasites within two to seven days before arrival.
6. Obtain a health certificate. Once vaccinations and any required titre test have been completed, a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin must prepare the export pet health certificate within 14 days of travel. Following its issuance, the certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian in the country of origin.
7. Apply for an import permit. An import permit is required for dogs, cats, and birds entering Brunei and may be obtained by contacting the Ministry of Agriculture. The import permit remains valid for 60 days.
8. Understand quarantine rules. All pets entering Brunei must undergo 180 days of quarantine unless they originate from one of the following countries: Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Pets arriving from a scheduled country and meeting all import conditions are exempt from quarantine.
9. Check breed restrictions. The following breeds and their crossbreeds are banned from import: Akita, Fila Brasileiro, Barboel, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pit Bull types, Japanese Tosa, and Perro De Presa Canario. Restricted breeds including Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd may be imported subject to conditions — they must be over three months of age, spayed or neutered, and kept solely as personal pets.

Wolf hybrids and Savannah and Bengal cats may not be imported unless they are at least five generations removed from wild-breed ancestry. If you intend to bring a bird, rabbit, reptile, or other exotic animal, contact the Agriculture and Agrifood Department separately for species-specific requirements, as the rules differ considerably.

Where can expats buy pet food, supplies, and veterinary care in Brunei?

Pet food and accessories are available across Brunei, though the range of products on offer is narrower than what expatriates may have been accustomed to in larger markets such as Australia, the United Kingdom, or Singapore. Specialist premium pet nutrition brands and high-end accessories found in major international pet retail chains are less widely stocked, and some items may need to be sourced online or carried in personally.

Within Brunei, dedicated pet supply outlets exist but are not as numerous as in many other countries. Pets & More is among the most popular, carrying a selection of pet products including food, toys, and bedding. Standard supermarkets throughout Brunei — including those within shopping complexes in Bandar Seri Begawan — typically carry a basic assortment of cat and dog food.

Alongside physical retail outlets, a number of online platforms serve pet owners in Brunei. Petbacker, for instance, offers a broad range of pet products and services including pet sitting and dog walking, while Maesya.io operates as a local directory linking pet owners with veterinary clinics, groomers, and pet shops across the country.

In terms of veterinary care, clinics in Bandar Seri Begawan are generally capable of handling routine consultations, vaccinations, and neutering procedures. PawsUp operates as the country’s largest and most active animal hospital for strays while also serving owned pets, and aspires to become the leading centre of veterinary excellence in Brunei. Healthy Paws Animal Clinic has locations in both Kuala Belait and Jerudong, reachable at +673 8234006 (Kuala Belait) and +673 8261077 (Jerudong). Outside the main urban centres, the availability of veterinary services thins considerably, so expatriates moving to rural areas should account for the distance to the nearest city clinic when planning their pet care arrangements.

Specialist and emergency veterinary care is considerably more limited in Brunei than in countries with larger and more developed veterinary sectors, and there is no equivalent of a 24-hour emergency animal hospital as found in major international cities. Expatriates whose pets have complex health needs may encounter significant constraints, and registering with a veterinary clinic promptly after arrival — rather than waiting for a crisis — is strongly advised.

Are there cultural taboos, sensitivities, or religious considerations around specific animals in Brunei?

As a Muslim-majority nation governed according to the principles of Malay Islamic Monarchy (Melayu Islam Beraja), Brunei’s cultural attitudes toward certain animals are substantially shaped by religious teachings. Grasping these norms is essential for expatriates — dog owners in particular — who wish to navigate everyday life with consideration and respect.

Islamic tradition regards dogs as frequently najis (ritually impure), especially in relation to their saliva, which necessitates a specific cleansing ritual before prayer can take place. At the same time, Islam places considerable value on mercy and compassion toward all living beings. In practice, this means that a significant portion of Muslim Bruneians will avoid direct physical contact with dogs, and owners should take particular care when walking their dogs near mosques, during the five daily prayer times, and in busy public areas. Under no circumstances should you allow your dog to approach or jump on a person without their explicit agreement — courteous behaviour anywhere, but of heightened importance in Brunei’s cultural context.

Many Bruneian Muslims understand the care of animals as an expression of devotion to God. In Islam, showing love and care toward animals is considered meritorious, and causing harm to any creature is prohibited regardless of whether it is deemed ritually impure. This layered understanding explains how organisations such as Strayholders and Sejahtera Community — both founded and led by Muslim Bruneians — are able to advocate for stray animal welfare within a framework consistent with their faith.

Pigs are forbidden in Islam and are neither kept as pets nor raised commercially in Brunei. Displaying images or depictions of pigs may be regarded as disrespectful in certain settings. Cows do not carry the sacred status they hold in Hindu-majority societies; Brunei’s population is predominantly Muslim and Malay, with a smaller Chinese community and a very small Hindu minority.

Brunei’s exceptional biodiversity is also a matter of national pride, and wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and orangutans hold significant cultural and conservation significance. The Wildlife Protection Act prohibits the shooting, hunting, killing, capturing, or removal of any animal, bird, fish, or reptile, as well as the disturbance of nests or the possession of wildlife trophies. Attempting to keep protected wildlife as pets constitutes a serious criminal offence.

What is the situation regarding stray or feral animals in Brunei?

Stray animals — predominantly dogs and cats — represent a substantial and enduring challenge across Brunei. PawsUp founder Jay Lau has estimated that there are approximately 50,000 stray cats and dogs within the sultanate. Irresponsible ownership practices and uncontrolled breeding are widely cited as the principal drivers behind this surge in numbers. Unlike Singapore, which operates a well-resourced national stray management programme, Brunei has yet to develop a comparable government-led strategy at scale.

Non-governmental organisations including PawsUp, Sejahtera Community, Care & Actions for Strays (CAS), and Love Paws Sanctuary are leading the response to this problem through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) strategies, also referred to as Trap-Neuter-Release-Monitor (TNRM). This approach involves catching stray animals, sterilising them to prevent further reproduction, vaccinating them against diseases such as rabies, and returning them to their original territories.

Cultural hesitancy among some Bruneian Malays — who may regard dogs as impure or be concerned about religious implications — continues to limit broader public engagement with TNR and adoption initiatives. Attitudes are nonetheless shifting incrementally, with a growing number of Malay Muslims expressing support for stray welfare, and education continues to play a vital role in addressing entrenched misconceptions.

From a health and safety perspective, expatriates should exercise prudence around stray animals. Rabies warrants awareness: while Brunei’s authorities actively monitor for the disease and the country generally maintains sound control, the presence of a large stray population means that the risk cannot be dismissed entirely, particularly for those arriving from rabies-endemic regions. Active surveillance of zoonotic diseases, including rabies, is incorporated into Brunei’s national health planning. The Ministry of Health (moh.gov.bn) is the authoritative source for current public health guidance, and the WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Office provides broader regional disease updates. Do not attempt to handle injured or sick strays without appropriate precautions — instead, contact the Wildlife Division at +673 238 1013 or 238 1687, the official government body responsible for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. For domestic stray dogs and cats, reaching out to local NGOs such as PawsUp or CAS is the most effective course of action.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register my cat in Brunei?

Cats are not subject to any government registration requirement in Brunei. It is, however, strongly advisable to equip your cat with a collar bearing an identification tag showing your name and contact details, so that the animal can be identified and returned to you should it wander. This is particularly worthwhile given the large number of stray cats present throughout the country.

How long does the pet import process take, and when should I start?

The timeline varies considerably depending on your country of origin. The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 60 days before departure and within 360 days of departure, and certain countries also require a rabies antibody titre test, which itself involves a waiting period. You should begin the process at least three to six months before your intended travel date. Since the import permit is valid for only 60 days, time its application accordingly. Always verify the current requirements with the Agriculture and Agrifood Department’s Biosecurity Division at [email protected] before commencing any preparations.

My dog is a German Shepherd — can I bring it to Brunei?

German Shepherds (including Belgian Shepherd and East European Shepherd variants) may be imported into Brunei, but only under specific restrictions. All dogs of restricted breeds must be older than three months of age, spayed or neutered, and kept solely as personal pets. Contact the Agriculture and Agrifood Department to confirm the current conditions and documentation requirements before making any travel arrangements.

Is it safe to let my dog off-leash in public areas in Brunei?

Dog owners are legally required to confine their animals within their home property, either in a cage or on a leash. Permitting a dog to roam freely in public is both a legal violation and culturally inconsiderate in Brunei’s Muslim-majority society. There are no designated off-leash dog parks of the kind commonly found in parts of Europe or Australia. Keep your dog leashed in all public spaces at all times, and exercise particular sensitivity near mosques and during prayer times.

Where is the nearest vet to Bandar Seri Begawan?

A number of veterinary clinics serve the Bandar Seri Begawan area and its surroundings, including PawsUp’s animal hospital and Healthy Paws Animal Clinic, which operates locations in both Jerudong and Kuala Belait. For a current directory of veterinarians, groomers, and pet shops, Maesya.io offers a local listing platform for Brunei. Rather than waiting until an emergency arises, register with a vet as soon as possible after arrival, as specialist and out-of-hours care is considerably more limited than in larger countries.

Can I adopt a rescue pet in Brunei?

Yes — adoption is actively promoted by local NGOs. Organisations such as PawsUp offer community outreach platforms through which members of the public can adopt rescued animals, alongside broader responsible pet ownership initiatives. Care and Actions for Strays (CAS) also operates foster and adoption programmes. Many rescue animals have already received vaccinations and been sterilised through TNRM programmes, making adoption a practical and fulfilling option for expatriates.

What should I do if I witness animal cruelty in Brunei?

Incidents of cruelty should be reported to the Agriculture and Agrifood Department (Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism) or to the Royal Brunei Police Force. For wildlife in distress, the Wildlife Division at +673 238 1013 or 238 1687 is the official government agency responsible for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. You may also notify local NGOs such as PawsUp or CAS, who may be in a position to assist or escalate the matter. Dog mistreatment and wildlife trafficking are recognised as the most pressing animal law concerns in Brunei, and while enforcement can be uneven, official channels should always be used when reporting such incidents.

Is rabies present in Brunei, and should I vaccinate my pet?

Brunei conducts active surveillance for rabies and the disease is not widespread, but the risk cannot be entirely ruled out given the sizeable stray animal population across the country. Monitoring of zoonotic diseases including rabies forms part of Brunei’s national health strategy. All imported dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated against rabies as a condition of entry. Even for pets acquired locally within Brunei, rabies vaccination is strongly recommended. Consult the Ministry of Health (moh.gov.bn) for the most up-to-date public health guidance.