Vietnam – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues

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

By 2025, Vietnam’s pet industry has reached remarkable scale, with more than 12 million dogs and cats living in Vietnamese homes. Animals are no longer seen simply as functional creatures; they have become cherished members of families, fuelling demand for premium nutrition, grooming, professional veterinary services, and even high-tech pet accessories. The pace of this transformation, measured against even a single generation ago, is striking.

This change is most visible among millennials and Gen Z residents in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and has helped build a pet economy worth more than $500 million — a figure expected to climb considerably in the years ahead. Unlike countries in Northern Europe, where companion animal culture has been firmly established for many decades, Vietnam’s embrace of pets as friends rather than working tools is a comparatively recent development, and one that remains stronger in cities than in the countryside.

The relationship between Vietnamese people and dogs is layered and far from uniform. In many households, dogs are beloved companions valued for emotional closeness, while in rural settings they still commonly serve as guardians of property and livestock, keeping intruders at bay. Both roles can exist side by side, sometimes within the same community.

Animal welfare advocates in Vietnam have worked to reshape public attitudes toward dogs and cats — animals that were historically viewed as working creatures or, in some contexts, as food. Legislation regulating pet breeding passed through the Vietnamese parliament between 2019 and 2024, and NGO-led campaigns have promoted the idea that dogs and cats deserve care and respect rather than exploitation.

Attitudes among the population remain varied. Some Vietnamese people are genuinely devoted to their animals, while others remain indifferent or apprehensive around them. Dedicated dog parks are rare, though pet-friendly areas do exist in larger cities. Expats settling outside major urban centres may notice far fewer pet owners around them and a sparser infrastructure of grooming services and specialist clinics.

What laws and regulations govern pet ownership in Vietnam?

At present, dog ownership is the primary focus of Vietnam’s pet-related legislation. The key legal instruments include the 2018 Law on Livestock Production, the 2015 Law on Animal Health, Government Decree 90/2017/ND-CP on administrative penalties in the field of animal health (as amended by Decree 04/2020/ND-CP), and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Circular 07 of 2016 on the prevention and control of terrestrial animal diseases.

Currently, there is no legal obligation requiring owners to notify local authorities about their pets, nor any national cap on the number of animals a household may keep. This may change, however: proposed regulations in Ho Chi Minh City would oblige pet owners to register their animals with commune-level People’s Committees twice a year and to satisfy requirements relating to hygiene, noise management, and disease prevention. Given that local rules can differ substantially between municipalities, expats should check with their own People’s Committee for the most current requirements in their area.

Those who keep 50 or more animals — which qualifies as large-scale pet raising under Vietnamese law — must additionally meet conditions regarding animal health management and qualified staff. For the vast majority of household pet owners, this threshold will be irrelevant, but it signals the general direction in which regulation is heading.

Noise from pets is also addressed under existing rules. Dog barking must remain below 70dBA during daytime hours — roughly comparable to a washing machine in operation — and must not exceed 55dBA at night, a level similar to a running refrigerator. Unlike Germany, where pet registration and a formal dog tax have long been part of the legal landscape, Vietnam does not operate a standardised national licensing system for dogs.

Vietnam prohibits the importation of certain breeds deemed dangerous, among them Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and similar types. Owners of these breeds should confirm the current restrictions directly with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) well before making travel arrangements.

Apartment and rental living introduces additional complications. As city pet ownership increases, disputes involving noise, cleanliness, and shared building spaces are becoming more frequent, and many landlords retain the right to ban pets outright. Expats should confirm the position with their landlord or building management company before moving in with an animal.

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

Vietnam has not yet enacted a standalone, comprehensive animal welfare law of the kind found in many Western countries, but a range of legal provisions do address cruelty to animals — most notably within the broader areas of public order, veterinary regulation, environmental protection, and criminal law. For context, the European Union has long maintained binding welfare standards covering companion animals, livestock, and animals during transport — a level of legal integration that Vietnam is still working toward.

The Law on Animal Health (2015) establishes that individuals and organisations responsible for animals — including pets and farmed animals — have a duty to provide proper care and nourishment, to treat animals humanely, and to limit their pain and distress. The law’s recognition that different species have different needs hints at a growing acknowledgement of animal sentience within the legal framework.

The Law on Animal Husbandry (2018) specifically bans mistreatment of livestock during rearing, transport, slaughter, and scientific research. Owners and organisations must supply adequate food and water, ensure transport conditions provide sufficient space, and they are prohibited from allowing animals to witness the killing of others of their kind.

Decree No. 14/2021/NĐ-CP sets out financial penalties for failures such as denying pets or livestock access to food, water, and shelter; beating, torturing, or killing animals in a cruel manner; and using animals in fighting or other harmful entertainment. Fines currently range from 1 million to 3 million VND (approximately USD $40–130 as of 2025), and may be higher for repeated or aggravated offences. Although the amounts are modest, they represent a meaningful step toward formal legal recognition of animal welfare in Vietnam.

Under the Vietnamese Penal Code, illegal trafficking in, killing of, or rearing of endangered wildlife can attract prison sentences of up to 15 years and substantial financial penalties. For other animal welfare offences, enforcement tools are largely limited to the withdrawal of permits or licences for relevant activities. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and its Department of Animal Health hold primary responsibility for implementing animal health legislation.

In practice, welfare protections remain weakly enforced. The language used to describe required standards of treatment is often imprecise, and robust enforcement mechanisms are largely absent. Social media has increasingly compensated for this gap: high-profile cases of cruelty shared online occasionally generate sufficient public pressure to prompt official action where it might otherwise not occur.

What animal welfare charities and rescue organisations operate in Vietnam?

While Vietnam has no national animal protection body, a number of international organisations maintain a presence in the country, and a growing network of local rescue and advocacy groups has taken root. For expats considering adopting a rescue animal, these organisations offer an invaluable starting point.

Laws For Paws Vietnam — A nonprofit volunteer organisation focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs at risk, Laws For Paws has established itself as one of the most prominent animal charities in Saigon. Originally founded to tackle the issue of dog abuse and slaughter, the organisation works alongside reputable veterinary practices to ensure rescued animals receive proper care. More information is available at lawsforpawsvietnam.com.

Vietnam Animal Aid and Rescue (VAAR) — Operating from a base in Hoi An and running a farm sanctuary, VAAR is committed to ending suffering across all species through mass sterilisation, vaccination, education, and improvements to veterinary standards throughout Vietnam. Visit vnanimalaid.org for further details.

ARC Vietnam (Animal Rescue and Care) — Based in Ho Chi Minh City, ARC Saigon is an entirely volunteer-run, donation-funded nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehoming stray and abandoned dogs and cats in the city.

Vietnam Animal Welfare Organisation (VAWO) — Operating in Central Vietnam, VAWO delivers spay, neuter, and vaccination programmes alongside pet care education, animal rescue services, and professional development for local veterinarians. A core part of VAWO’s daily mission involves educating both local residents and expats on why desexing pets is essential to controlling animal overpopulation.

Paws for Compassion (Da Nang) — Founded in Da Nang, Paws for Compassion provides sanctuary for animals rescued from the meat trade and offers rehabilitation and rehoming services. The organisation collaborates with veterinary providers to deliver affordable spaying, neutering, and vaccination, along with improvements in animal healthcare more broadly.

Animals Asia — This internationally recognised organisation is active in Vietnam, with a particular focus on bear welfare and the campaign to eliminate the bear bile industry. In 2015, the Vietnamese government signed a memorandum of understanding with Animals Asia committing to a complete ban on the private keeping of bears in Vietnam and to the rescue of all remaining bears held in private captivity. Details of current programmes are at animalsasia.org.

Most of these organisations actively welcome expat volunteers and foster carers, and many maintain lively social media communities where expats can seek guidance, ask questions, and find animals available for adoption.

What should expats know about bringing a pet into Vietnam?

Relocating to Vietnam with a pet demands thorough advance planning. Requirements are subject to change, so expats should always verify the most up-to-date rules directly with Vietnam’s Department of Animal Health (DAH), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, prior to travel. The steps outlined below reflect requirements as understood in 2025, but should not be relied upon as a definitive or final checklist.

1. Microchip your pet. Your pet must carry an ISO 11784/11785-compliant 15-digit microchip. Implantation must take place before the rabies vaccination is administered.
2. Vaccinate against rabies. Your pet must receive a rabies vaccination no fewer than 30 days — and no more than 12 months — before the date of entry into Vietnam.
3. Arrange a rabies titre test. A rabies titre test is required to demonstrate that your pet has achieved adequate antibody levels. Allow plenty of time for test results to be returned before your scheduled departure.
4. Obtain a health certificate. A health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in your home country, officially endorsed by the relevant government authority, is required. This document functions as proof that your pet meets Vietnam’s import conditions.
5. Apply for an import permit if needed. An import permit is not required when bringing two pets or fewer, though notifying border control at the point of arrival is always advisable. If you are importing more than two pets, an import permit from the Department of Animal Health is necessary — confirm the latest rules directly with DAH before travelling.
6. Notify the Animal Quarantine Station. You must inform the Animal Quarantine Station at your arrival airport of your pet’s details ahead of landing. The major international airports at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang all have quarantine facilities.
7. Be prepared for possible quarantine. A 14-day quarantine may be imposed upon arrival, depending on the adequacy of your documentation and the judgement of Vietnamese authorities.
8. Check breed restrictions. Wolf hybrids and Savannah and Bengal cats are subject to restrictions unless they are at least fifth generation removed from the wild ancestor. Certain dog breeds categorised as dangerous are also restricted — confirm this with DAH before travel.

Mandatory vaccinations — particularly rabies vaccination for dogs — are a legal requirement for pet owners in Vietnam, and with good reason: the country is classified by the World Organisation for Animal Health as being at high risk of rabies. This classification makes thorough pre-import preparation and maintaining vaccinations after arrival especially critical for any expat pet owner.

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

Veterinary services are available across Vietnam, with the broadest and most developed offering found in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. In these cities, expats will encounter a growing number of well-equipped clinics, some employing internationally trained veterinarians or staff with foreign language capabilities. Access to quality veterinary care is significantly more limited in smaller towns and rural areas, so location matters considerably when planning pet ownership.

The pet food and supplies market has expanded at pace. Perfect Companion (Vietnam) Co Ltd dominates the pet care sector with its CP, Me-O, and SmartHeart product lines, while Mars Inc holds second place through brands including Royal Canin, Pedigree, and Catsan. Brands already familiar to many expats — such as Royal Canin and Hill’s Science Diet — are stocked by specialist pet shops, selected large supermarkets, and a range of online retailers in major cities.

Vietnamese pet owners are placing growing emphasis on preventive health and professional care. Online shopping platforms have become the preferred channel for many pet product purchases, although physical retail remains relevant. E-commerce sites such as Shopee and Lazada carry wide selections of pet supplies with delivery available nationwide, making them particularly useful for expats living outside the main cities.

Vietnamese consumers tend to favour mid-range products and are generally reluctant to trade down to economy lines out of concern about product quality. Expats accustomed to a broad selection of premium specialist or prescription veterinary diets may find the range somewhat narrower than in larger markets, though availability continues to improve year on year.

Given Vietnam’s tropical climate, consistent flea and tick prevention is essential. On arrival, discuss a parasite prevention plan with your veterinarian, as the range of parasites common in Southeast Asia differs from those encountered in temperate climates and may call for different products than you previously used.

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

Vietnam is a predominantly Buddhist country with strong Taoist and Confucian influences, and these traditions shape attitudes toward animals in complex and sometimes contradictory ways. Buddhism’s emphasis on compassion for all living beings has lent moral weight to growing public support for animal welfare, yet traditional practices vary considerably from one region and community to the next.

In certain parts of Vietnam, dogs carry cultural significance and feature in traditional practices and rituals, reflecting the depth of historical ties between people and these animals. The Cham Muslim communities, concentrated in the south-central coastal region and parts of An Giang province, consider dogs ritually impure — a view shared with Muslim communities across much of Southeast Asia. Expats walking dogs near these communities should remain mindful and keep their animals on a lead at a respectful distance.

The cultural acceptance of dog meat in parts of Vietnam means that, despite being increasingly pushed to the margins, dog meat consumption continues in certain areas — particularly in the north. This can come as a shock to expats from countries where such practices are unknown. Raising dogs for meat is not prohibited under Vietnamese law, though it faces mounting social criticism as attitudes shift.

Progress has been made: Hanoi issued a directive in 2021 calling for a ban on dog meat within the city, driven partly by concerns about rabies transmission. Enforcement has been uneven, however, and the trade persists in some areas. Expats who find this confronting may choose to connect with local advocacy organisations working to change hearts and minds on the issue.

Snakes, turtles, and certain bird species carry spiritual meaning in Vietnamese folk religion and are sometimes kept as symbols of good fortune or longevity. However, the trade in endangered species remains a serious concern. While animal welfare protections do not extend to wild species trade in the same way as for pets, trafficking, killing, or transporting a number of protected species is illegal. Expats should exercise care to avoid inadvertently purchasing souvenirs or products derived from protected wildlife.

When venturing out with a pet — particularly a dog — being alert to the range of attitudes around you is important. Keep dogs on leads in all public spaces, give a wide berth to locations of religious or ceremonial significance, and be prepared for the reality that some people you encounter may feel fearful or uncomfortable around dogs, especially larger breeds.

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

Stray dogs and cats are a familiar and visible presence throughout Vietnam, in both urban neighbourhoods and rural countryside. As in other parts of Southeast Asia, free-roaming street dogs are encountered everywhere from city alleyways to country roads. Historically, the management of stray populations has been inconsistent, relying on a combination of culling, sporadic local neutering initiatives, and informal community feeding by residents.

In 2024, a notable rise in rabies cases linked to dog bites was recorded, with evidence suggesting a connection to dogs released from farms and slaughterhouses. This increase was not confined to rural areas but extended into urban environments, underlining why the rabies risk in Vietnam must be taken seriously by all residents, including expats.

Loosely regulated dog meat farming practices likely compound the public health risk by increasing the potential for rabies to spread to humans. Dogs escaping or being deliberately turned loose from meat farms represent a genuine concern. Expats are advised to avoid approaching or feeding stray animals without appropriate precautions, since even apparently docile strays may have no vaccination history.

Anyone bitten or scratched by a stray animal in Vietnam should seek medical attention without delay. Post-exposure rabies prophylaxis (PEP) is accessible in major cities. The WHO Vietnam Country Office and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) provide current public health advice on rabies in Vietnam. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is strongly recommended for expats living in the country, and particularly for families with children.

The Vietnam Animal Welfare Organisation (VAWO) makes daily efforts to educate both local residents and expats about the importance of desexing pets as a way to prevent the cycle of unwanted animals ending up on the streets. They also take in rescued animals and facilitate adoptions. Several other rescue groups run active trap-neuter-return (TNR) programmes in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, gradually reducing stray numbers in those areas. Expats who come across an injured or sick stray animal can reach out to any of the rescue organisations listed in this article for advice on next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog or cat to Vietnam when I relocate?

Yes, dogs and cats can be imported into Vietnam. You will need a microchip, a current rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before travel, a rabies titre test, and a health certificate issued and endorsed by a licensed veterinarian in your country of origin. For more than two pets, you will also need an import permit from the Department of Animal Health. Rules change regularly — always confirm the latest requirements with the Department of Animal Health (MARD) before travelling.

Is there a quarantine period for pets entering Vietnam?

Quarantine is a possibility depending on the completeness of your documentation and the judgement of Vietnamese officials at the point of arrival. A 14-day quarantine may be applied if paperwork is missing or does not fully satisfy requirements. Having all documentation thoroughly in order — ideally prepared with the assistance of a professional pet relocation specialist — offers the best protection against quarantine delays.

Are there good vets in Vietnam?

The standard of veterinary care in Vietnam’s major cities has improved considerably in recent years. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang all have reputable practices, some employing internationally trained staff. In smaller towns and rural settings, quality and availability drop off significantly. Expat community networks are a good source of personal recommendations, and it is worth checking that your chosen veterinarian has relevant experience with your pet’s species and breed.

Do I need to register my pet with local authorities?

Formal national registration requirements remain limited, though some cities — including Ho Chi Minh City — are developing local regulations that would require owners to register dogs and cats with their commune-level People’s Committee. Once your pet is settled, registering with the local veterinary office is a sensible step. Always check with your local People’s Committee for any requirements specific to your area, as rules can differ from one municipality to another.

What should I do if my pet is bitten by a stray animal?

Take your pet to a vet without delay, and if you yourself were bitten or scratched, seek medical care immediately. Rabies is endemic in Vietnam and is classified as high risk by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Post-exposure prophylaxis for humans is available in major cities. The WHO Vietnam Country Office and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) are authoritative sources of current public health guidance on rabies in the country.

Can I adopt a rescue dog or cat in Vietnam?

Yes — and it is something many expats choose to do. Organisations including Laws For Paws Vietnam (lawsforpawsvietnam.com), ARC Vietnam, and Paws for Compassion in Da Nang all run adoption programmes and welcome applications from expat households. Rescue animals are generally vaccinated, desexed, and health-checked before being placed for adoption. If you intend to bring a rescue pet back to your home country when your posting ends, factor your home country’s import requirements into your planning from the outset.

Is dog meat consumption legal in Vietnam?

Eating dog meat is not illegal at the national level in Vietnam, though it is facing growing social disapproval. Hanoi has issued directives seeking to phase out the trade within the city. Generational and geographic divides are pronounced on this issue, with younger urban residents generally far less accepting of the practice than older or rural communities. Expats encountering this cultural difference are encouraged to respond thoughtfully rather than judgementally, while remaining free to support organisations actively working to end the trade.

Are restricted or dangerous dog breeds banned in Vietnam?

Vietnam restricts the importation of certain breeds considered dangerous, including Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers. Wolf hybrids and some exotic cat breeds are also subject to restrictions. There is no single published national breed-specific law equivalent to the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act, so owners of potentially restricted breeds should confirm the current position with the Department of Animal Health (MARD) before importing or registering their animal.