Indonesia – Veterinary Care

What is the standard of veterinary care in Indonesia?

The level of veterinary care available in Indonesia depends greatly on location and the individual clinic. While some practices are outfitted with modern equipment and deliver care comparable to international standards, others operate with restricted resources. Nevertheless, the sector has expanded meaningfully in recent years, and the major urban centres now support genuinely capable veterinary practices.

Most clinics across Indonesia offer consultations, surgical procedures, dental services, and in-house laboratory testing. In cities such as Jakarta and Bali, some practices push further still: one Bali clinic recently introduced the first CT scanner for pets in Indonesia, and was among the first in the region to offer digital radiography, ultrasound, comprehensive haematology and biochemistry blood analysis, and a purpose-built dentistry suite.

Unlike countries such as Germany or Australia, where specialist referral centres are distributed widely, dedicated specialist and emergency veterinary facilities in Indonesia are concentrated in a handful of urban locations. No formal specialist veterinary postgraduate training programme currently exists within Indonesia, though practitioners can access continuing professional education and international training courses. After-hours emergency services are available at certain well-resourced city practices, but this provision is far from universal across the archipelago.

The principal cities host a reasonable range of clinics, including some specifically oriented toward international clientele with multilingual staff. Many Indonesian veterinarians are highly qualified and have completed a portion of their training overseas. In rural areas, on smaller islands, and in less frequently visited corners of the archipelago, veterinary services can be extremely limited — expats relocating outside the main urban hubs should thoroughly research what is available locally before committing to a move.

The number of veterinarians practising in Indonesia is estimated at between 15,000 and 20,000. As of 2024, thirteen universities in Indonesia offer veterinary faculties or degree programmes. This expanding educational base is steadily improving the consistency of care available nationwide, though significant disparities between regions persist.

Is there a national veterinary association in Indonesia?

The Indonesian Veterinary Medical Association — known in Indonesian as PDHI, or Perhimpunan Dokter Hewan Indonesia — is the principal professional body for veterinarians in the country. It plays a central role in advancing veterinary practice, education, and professional standards nationwide. For expats seeking to verify a vet’s credentials, the PDHI is the first reference point.

PDHI is a non-profit professional organisation representing the veterinary profession across Indonesia. It was founded on 9 January 1953 in Lembang, West Java. Its work encompasses continuing professional development, accreditation of practitioners, and upholding a professional code of conduct for members. The association’s national headquarters are situated in Jakarta.

PDHI has 53 regional branches spanning every province of Indonesia and oversees 20 non-territorial organisations serving veterinarians with shared interests, specialisms, or fields of practice — among them the Indonesian Quarantine Veterinarian Association (IDHKI) and the Indonesian Association of Small Animal Practitioner Veterinarians (ADHPHKI).

The PDHI maintains a member portal at mypdhi.com, and the association’s broader online presence can be found by searching “PB PDHI” or by visiting pdhi.or.id. Expats wishing to confirm a veterinarian’s registration status or locate an accredited clinic should consult the official PDHI website directly, as member directories and contact information are updated periodically. The PDHI’s registered headquarters address is: Graha Jati Blok M1 No. 1, Jl. Jati Murni No. 2, Pondok Bambu, Jakarta Timur 13430, Indonesia.

From 2021 onwards, the Competency Examination for Veterinary Professional Education Students (UKMPPDH) has been introduced as a compulsory exit assessment and forms part of the requirements for obtaining a National Certificate of Veterinary Competency. This means all actively practising veterinarians in Indonesia must hold a recognised national competency certificate — a meaningful baseline assurance when choosing a practice.

How do I find a vet in Indonesia, and are English-speaking vets available?

Identifying a reputable vet in Indonesia is relatively easy in the main expat areas, and a number of helpful tools are available. Google Maps is widely relied upon by both residents and expats for locating nearby clinics, reading patient reviews, and checking opening hours. Expat community platforms such as expat.or.id and directories including socialexpat.net and littlestepsasia.com publish curated lists of recommended veterinary clinics in Jakarta and other major cities, complete with addresses, phone numbers, and WhatsApp contacts.

The major cities offer a solid choice of clinics, including practices that are set up specifically for international clients or that employ multilingual staff. In Bali, for instance, vets and support personnel at several clinics communicate fluently in both English and Indonesian, making consultations straightforward. Some Bali practices have assembled teams of internationally trained veterinarians who speak English, Bahasa Indonesia, and additional languages.

In Jakarta, prominent options include the long-established Gunawan Rahardja Veterinary Clinic (Jakarta Vet Clinic), which provides services ranging from routine health checks and vaccinations to dentistry, day care, surgery, and inpatient treatment. The Pet+Vet Animal Clinic is another well-regarded multi-branch choice in the capital. Rumah Sakit Hewan Jakarta (RSH Jakarta) operates as the largest animal hospital in the city. For owners of exotic pets, Aves Jakarta — located within Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) — specialises in avian and exotic animal care.

Outside Jakarta and Bali — including cities such as Surabaya, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Lombok — English-speaking vets may be harder to find. In these locations, having a trusted local contact or using translation tools can help bridge any communication barrier. Personal recommendations from fellow pet owners, particularly other expats who have already navigated the local veterinary landscape, remain one of the most reliable approaches. Websites and social media communities for pet owners in Indonesia are valuable resources, and Facebook groups tailored to expats in specific cities are especially active and frequently provide current, first-hand clinic recommendations.

What vaccinations and preventive treatments does my pet need in Indonesia?

Indonesia’s tropical climate and the presence of diseases less common in cooler or temperate countries make preventive healthcare for pets especially important. Your local vet will devise a programme suited to your pet’s species, age, and the specific region where you are based — this section provides a general overview only, and registered local veterinary advice should always be sought for current, tailored recommendations.

For dogs being imported, the required vaccinations include Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus (DHLP). Cats need Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccines. All vaccines must be administered between 21 days and one year before departure. Rabies vaccination is a core requirement for both dogs and cats entering Indonesia, and pets must carry an original rabies certificate stating the microchip number, date of inoculation, and vaccination validity period.

Once settled in Indonesia, ongoing preventive care should address heartworm, tick-borne diseases such as ehrlichiosis and babesiosis, and intestinal parasites — all of which are endemic in tropical environments and may be unfamiliar to owners arriving from cooler climates. Mosquito-borne diseases affecting animals occur throughout the year in Indonesia rather than seasonally as in temperate regions. Regular flea and tick prevention, monthly heartworm prophylaxis, and routine deworming programmes are all strongly advisable.

Rabies remains a significant public health concern across much of Indonesia. The stringent rules governing animal imports — particularly into Bali — exist largely to protect the population from this disease and to maintain control over its spread. Keeping your pet’s rabies vaccination current throughout your time in Indonesia is not only essential for their wellbeing but also a core responsibility of pet ownership in the country.

The standard preventive care offered by Indonesian clinics generally includes routine vaccination, deworming, tick control, and desexing surgery. Some practices offer bundled wellness packages covering vaccinations, health check-ups, and parasite management, which can be a convenient and cost-effective option. It is worth enquiring about such packages when first registering your pet at a new clinic.

What does veterinary care cost in Indonesia?

Veterinary fees in Indonesia are broadly lower than those in Western Europe, North America, or Australia, though premium urban and expat-facing clinics are increasingly approaching the pricing of mid-range practices elsewhere. Costs vary considerably between individual clinics and between regions. Always confirm current fees directly with any practice before your appointment, as prices change and can differ substantially.

As a general guide (reflecting commonly reported expat experience for 2024–2025), a routine consultation at a city clinic in Jakarta or Bali typically costs around IDR 100,000–300,000 (approximately USD 6–19). Vaccinations for dogs or cats generally range from IDR 100,000–250,000 per vaccine depending on the type and clinic. Spay or neuter procedures can range from approximately IDR 500,000 at a basic clinic to IDR 3,000,000 or more at a well-equipped urban hospital. These are indicative figures only — always check directly with your chosen practice for current pricing.

Specialist or emergency consultations, advanced diagnostics including ultrasound, CT scanning, or laboratory blood panels, and major surgical interventions will carry significantly higher costs. Some internationally oriented clinics in Bali describe their aim as delivering high-quality, international-standard veterinary services at competitive local prices — a characterisation that broadly reflects the positioning of expat-oriented practices: better resourced than a basic local clinic, yet often still more affordable than equivalent care in Western Europe or Australia.

In rural areas and smaller towns, consultation fees can be substantially lower, but the range of services and available equipment may also be more limited. If you live outside a major city and foresee a potential need for specialist care, it is prudent to identify the nearest referral-level clinic in advance and factor potential travel costs into your planning for serious cases.

Is pet insurance available in Indonesia, and is it worth it?

The market for pet insurance in Indonesia is considerably less mature than in countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, or the UK, where pet cover is mainstream and widely taken up. However, the sector is developing, and some options exist for pet owners in Indonesia — both through domestic providers and international expatriate insurance schemes.

A limited number of Indonesian insurance companies have started offering health cover for pets, and some international insurers targeting expatriates include optional pet riders or separate animal health policies. If you already hold a comprehensive international expat insurance policy, it is worth checking whether any pet cover can be attached to it. Specialist international pet insurance providers may also extend policies to pets residing in Indonesia, though coverage terms, exclusions, and premiums will vary considerably between providers.

When assessing any pet insurance policy for use in Indonesia, give careful attention to: exclusions for pre-existing conditions, which are standard across the industry globally; whether the policy covers routine preventive care in addition to accidents and illness; annual and per-incident payout limits; whether the insurer pays Indonesian veterinary practices directly or requires upfront payment and subsequent reimbursement; and whether the policy extends to situations where your pet must travel abroad for specialist treatment.

Given the comparatively lower baseline cost of veterinary services in Indonesia, some expat pet owners conclude that maintaining a dedicated savings reserve for veterinary expenses — rather than committing to insurance premiums — is a practical approach for routine and mid-range treatments. For serious illness, major surgery, or emergency situations, however, insurance cover or a substantial financial contingency is strongly advisable. Examine all options carefully and read policy documentation in full before making a decision.

What are the rules for bringing a pet into Indonesia?

Importing a pet into Indonesia demands a considerably higher level of preparation than entering many other Asian countries. As of 2024, the Indonesian government enforces strict regulations on pet imports, making professional expertise and familiarity with local procedures critical. Failure to comply with the requirements can result in quarantine, deportation of the animal back to its country of origin, or in the most serious cases, euthanasia — making it absolutely essential to complete each step in full and in the correct sequence. Requirements should always be verified directly with the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture or the Directorate General of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health, as rules are subject to change.

The following steps outline the standard process for importing a dog or cat into Indonesia:

1. Microchip your pet — each animal must carry a microchip conforming to ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785. The microchip must be implanted prior to the administration of the rabies vaccination.
2. Complete all required vaccinations — all necessary vaccinations must be administered between 21 days and one year before the animal is transported to Indonesia. Dogs require Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus (DHLP); cats require Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP). A current rabies vaccination is compulsory for all dogs and cats.
3. Obtain a rabies titer (FAVN) test — a FAVN blood test demonstrating adequate rabies antibody levels is required, with the sample verified by a foreign government-authorised agency. The result must reach 0.5 IU/ml or above for entry into Indonesia to be permitted.
4. Obtain a health certificate — this document must be issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin, confirming that the pet is in good health and that the area of origin has been free of rabies incidents for the preceding six months.
5. Obtain an Import Permit — an Import Permit must be obtained from the Indonesian Department of Agriculture by submitting a copy of your passport, a valid health certificate, and your pet’s vaccination record. The permit is valid for 30 days and typically takes approximately 14 days to process.
6. Arrange PCR testing if required — Indonesia currently requires cats, minks, ferrets, tigers, lions, Golden Syrian Hamsters, bats, and all primates to be accompanied by a negative laboratory result from a PCR COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) test conducted prior to export. Verify whether this requirement applies to your pet’s species and country of origin before departure.
7. Notify quarantine officials in advance — importers must inform the relevant quarantine station of their arrival time at least two days before entry, to allow inspection arrangements to be made for the animal.
8. Arrive through an approved port of entry — pets travelling to Jakarta and surrounding areas from non-rabies-free countries must enter Indonesia through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and will be subject to 7–14 days of quarantine.

Note that pets — including dogs, cats, birds, and monkeys — may not enter the rabies-free regions of Indonesia unless they originate from a country that Indonesia officially classifies as rabies-free. Indonesia recognises the following countries as rabies-free: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Taiwan, Japan, Ireland, Iceland, Bermuda, Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak, Cyprus, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Malta, United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States. Pets originating from any other country should expect a compulsory quarantine period.

Bali carries additional restrictions. The island maintains particularly rigorous controls over animal imports — especially dogs and cats — as part of its ongoing effort to prevent and control rabies. The process of bringing a pet into Indonesia at all is highly involved and requires many months of preparation. Engaging a professional pet relocation specialist with proven experience in Indonesian import procedures is strongly recommended.

Be aware also that an embargo applies to all pets entering Indonesia from Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), and a specific embargo is in place on the import of dogs from Thailand. Check for any newly imposed embargoes or restrictions with the relevant authority before making travel arrangements.

Are there any animal welfare laws or pet ownership regulations I should know about in Indonesia?

The principal legal framework governing animal health and welfare in Indonesia is Law No. 18 of 2009 on Animal Husbandry and Animal Health, supplemented by subsequent government regulations. This legislation sets out obligations relating to animal health management, disease prevention, and the duties of animal owners. Enforcement of animal health regulations at the national level is overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Indonesia does not operate a single national mandatory pet registration scheme comparable to, for example, the microchip-linked national databases used in the UK or Germany. Although universal microchipping is not yet compulsory, the practice is growing and is highly recommended as a form of identification. Some local municipalities have introduced their own pet registration or licensing requirements for dogs, particularly in urban areas — expats should check with their local government office (kelurahan or kecamatan) for any obligations specific to their neighbourhood.

Breed-specific legislation is not applied uniformly across Indonesia at the national level, though individual regions and private residential estates (perumahan) may impose restrictions on particular breeds or conditions on keeping larger dogs. Before moving with a pet, always confirm the rules of any housing complex, apartment building, or gated community you are considering. It is also worth noting that the majority of hotels, guesthouses, rental villas, and apartment buildings across Indonesia do not permit pets — an important practical consideration for expats during the initial stages of securing accommodation.

Keeping protected or endangered native species as pets is prohibited under Indonesian law. Indonesia is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and the ownership of or trade in numerous native Indonesian animals — including many reptile, bird, and primate species — is either forbidden or subject to strict regulation. Expats should exercise particular caution when acquiring exotic or unusual animals locally, as animals sold informally at markets may be illegally traded protected species. Always obtain documentation confirming the legal status of any animal acquired within Indonesia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my pet with the local authorities in Indonesia?

There is no single national pet registration requirement in Indonesia, but some municipalities have introduced their own local rules. Check with your local kelurahan (neighbourhood administrative office) and the management of your housing estate or apartment building for any obligations applicable to your specific area. Microchipping your pet is advisable even where it is not legally required, as it greatly improves the chances of reunion if your animal goes missing.

Is Bali a good place to live with a pet?

Bali is home to several well-established veterinary clinics, including practices that operate around the clock, offer advanced diagnostic capabilities, and employ multilingual staff. However, the process of relocating a pet to Bali is complex and time-intensive, given the island’s rigorous rabies control regime. Animals must first enter Indonesia through Jakarta, complete their quarantine there, and then continue on to Bali — there is no direct pet import route into Bali’s airport from overseas. If you plan to bring a pet to Bali, allow several months for preparation at minimum.

How long does pet quarantine take in Indonesia?

Dogs and cats arriving in Indonesia from non-rabies-free countries are subject to a quarantine period of 7–14 days. Pets from countries that Indonesia officially designates as rabies-free may face a shorter or supervised quarantine period. Dogs that undergo a PCR test upon arrival may have their quarantine reduced from 14 to 7 days. Quarantine is carried out at the point of entry — ordinarily Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.

Can I bring any species of pet to Indonesia, or are some prohibited?

Dogs, cats, and ferrets are the animals most frequently brought to Indonesia by relocating expats, and established — if demanding — import procedures exist for these species. Birds, rabbits, and certain other small animals may also be importable but face additional requirements. Many exotic species, particularly those indigenous to Indonesia, are subject to legal prohibitions on ownership or importation. Always confirm requirements with the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture and a specialist pet relocation professional before attempting to import any animal other than a domestic dog or cat.

Are there English-speaking vets in Surabaya and Yogyakarta?

Both Surabaya and Yogyakarta have functioning veterinary practices, and some — particularly those with ties to local veterinary universities — may include staff with English language proficiency. That said, the consistent availability of fluent English-speaking vets is less assured outside Jakarta and Bali. Reaching out through local expat Facebook groups or via platforms such as InterNations before you relocate can help you identify appropriate clinics in your target city.

What do I do in a pet emergency in Indonesia?

Several clinics in major cities — including 24-hour facilities in Jakarta and Bali — are equipped to manage genuine veterinary emergencies. Store the contact details of your nearest after-hours clinic as soon as you arrive, and establish a backup option before an emergency arises. Beyond the large cities, emergency veterinary provision may be sparse or non-existent. Expats in more remote locations should build a relationship with the nearest town vet and be prepared to travel some distance if necessary. Some Jakarta clinics also offer a home-visit “Flying Vet” service for non-emergency cases.

Is it safe to use tap water to clean my pet’s wounds in Indonesia?

Water quality from the tap varies considerably across Indonesia and is not generally regarded as safe to drink untreated in most parts of the country. For wound cleaning, using bottled water or water that has been boiled and allowed to cool is the safer choice until you have verified local water quality. Your vet can advise on suitable wound-care products and appropriate cleaning techniques for your pet.

What is the process for taking my pet back out of Indonesia when I leave?

Exporting a pet from Indonesia requires a health certificate issued by a licensed vet in Indonesia and endorsed by the appropriate Indonesian government authority, together with compliance with the import requirements of your destination country. These requirements differ substantially between countries — some impose strict rabies-free status conditions or mandatory waiting periods following titer tests. Begin researching your destination country’s import regulations at least six months ahead of your planned departure, and consider engaging a specialist pet relocation agent to manage the process.