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Malaysia – Importing a Pet

If you are planning to move to Malaysia with your pet, it is important to know the regulations and requirements for importing pets. Here is an overview of the regulations and procedures for importing pets to Malaysia.

Malaysia’s Pet Importation Rules

Malaysia allows the import of pets, but there are certain restrictions on the types of pets that are allowed into the country. The following pets are allowed to be imported into Malaysia:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Birds
  • Fish
  • Small mammals such as guinea pigs and hamsters

Exotic animals such as snakes, lizards, spiders, and other reptiles are not allowed to be imported into Malaysia.

Pet Vaccination Requirements in Malaysia

All pets imported into Malaysia must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate. The rabies vaccination must be given at least 30 days before the date of arrival in Malaysia. If the pet has never been vaccinated against rabies, it must be vaccinated and then kept in quarantine for a period of 30 days before being allowed entry into Malaysia.

Importation Application Procedure in Malaysia

To import a pet to Malaysia, the pet owner must obtain an import permit from the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services (DVS). The application for the import permit must be submitted at least 7 days before the date of arrival of the pet.

The following documents are required for the import of pets to Malaysia:


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  • Import permit from DVS
  • Valid rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin
  • Copy of the pet owner‚Äôs passport
  • Copy of the pet‚Äôs passport

Quarantine requirements for importing pets to Malaysia

If the pet has never been vaccinated against rabies, it must be vaccinated and then kept in quarantine for a period of 30 days before being allowed entry into Malaysia. The quarantine period must be carried out at a government-approved quarantine facility in the country of origin.

If the pet has a valid rabies vaccination certificate, it will not be required to undergo quarantine upon arrival in Malaysia. However, the pet will still be subjected to health checks at the point of entry.

Malaysia’s participation in international travel scheme for pets

Malaysia is not a member of the European Union’s Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) or the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Pet Travel Scheme. However, the country has its own regulations for importing pets, which are in line with international standards.

License requirements for pets in Malaysia

Pet owners in Malaysia are required to obtain a license for their pets. The license can be obtained from the local council in the area where the pet owner resides. The pet license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Relevant government website for importing pets to Malaysia

For more information on importing pets to Malaysia, pet owners can visit the official website of the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) at http://www.dvs.gov.my. The website provides comprehensive information on the regulations and procedures for importing pets to Malaysia.