Vietnam – Importing a Pet

Does Vietnam allow pets to be imported, and are there restrictions on which animals are permitted?

Relocating to Vietnam with a dog or cat is entirely achievable provided all the required documentation is properly assembled. The regulations covered here apply to domestic dogs and cats, including animals kept for service or emotional support purposes. Separate and often more complex rules govern the movement of exotic animals, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and rodents.

Species such as birds, reptiles, rodents, and rabbits may face additional documentation requirements or outright restrictions. Anyone intending to bring any animal other than a domestic dog or cat into Vietnam should contact the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) well in advance of travel. Regulations governing these species fall under wildlife protection legislation and can be considerably more demanding.

Vietnam maintains restrictions on certain dog breeds, among them Pit Bulls, Japanese Tosa, and Dogo Argentino. Owners travelling with any of these breeds should verify the current rules directly with Vietnamese authorities well before making any travel arrangements. While there is no formally published banned breed list, dogs considered aggressive or hybrid breeds may attract additional scrutiny or encounter airline-imposed restrictions.

Wolf hybrids are not eligible for import, and the same applies to Savannah and Bengal cats unless they are at least five generations removed from their wild ancestor. If your cat falls within one of these hybrid classifications, confirm its eligibility with the relevant authority before making any plans to travel. Exotic animals may require supplementary paperwork or may be refused entry altogether. Always check eligibility with Vietnam’s Department of Animal Health before finalising your move.

What vaccinations and health requirements do pets need before entering Vietnam?

Vietnam is classified by the World Organization of Animal Health as a high-rabies risk country. This matters not only for meeting entry conditions but also for planning any future return journey — numerous countries apply additional testing requirements or waiting periods to animals arriving from high-risk rabies destinations. Vietnam does not currently require a rabies titre test for cats or dogs entering from any country.

Dogs must have received a rabies vaccination no less than 30 days before arrival and no more than 12 months prior (as of 2025). That vaccination must have been given after the microchip was implanted, and the timing window of more than 30 days and fewer than 12 months before travel must be strictly observed. Both one-year and three-year rabies vaccines are accepted by Vietnamese authorities, provided the timing conditions are satisfied (as of 2025).

Rabies is the sole mandatory vaccine for entry, but a number of additional vaccinations are strongly encouraged: for dogs, these include distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza; for cats, distemper, viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and leukemia are all advisable. None of these are compulsory at the border, but they are highly recommended for your pet’s protection, particularly given Vietnam’s tropical climate and associated disease risks.

Pets must be treated for both internal and external parasites within five days before departure. Treatment for internal parasites — especially Echinococcus multilocularis — as well as external parasites including fleas and ticks, should be planned in consultation with your veterinarian to ensure appropriate products and timing are used.

Puppies and kittens must be at least three months old, vaccinated against rabies, and must arrive at least 30 days after that vaccination was given. Very young animals that have not yet reached the minimum age for vaccination will not qualify for import, so planning your travel dates around your pet’s age is an essential part of preparation.

Always confirm the current vaccination requirements directly with MARD or Vietnam’s Department of Animal Health and Production (DAHP) before travel, since requirements can change without advance notice.

What is the application process for importing a pet into Vietnam, and what paperwork is required?

Every step involved in bringing a dog or cat to Vietnam must be completed in the country of departure. It is important to follow each step in the sequence given below. This matters because certain requirements are sequential — the microchip must be in place before the rabies vaccination is given, for instance. Completing these steps out of order can render your documentation invalid.

1. Microchip your pet. Your pet must carry an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered. The microchip serves as the anchor for your pet’s identity across all subsequent documentation, which is why sequence is critical.
2. Administer required vaccinations. The rabies vaccination must be given after the microchip has been implanted, at least 30 days before entry, and must remain current. Additional core vaccines such as distemper and parvovirus for dogs are strongly recommended at this point.
3. Apply for an import permit if needed. No import permit is required when bringing one or two pets into Vietnam. If you are importing three or more animals, a permit is necessary. The permit takes approximately one week to process and remains valid for ten days (as of 2025). It is issued by Vietnamese authorities through MARD or DAHP.
4. Obtain a health certificate. A licensed veterinarian in the country of origin must complete the health certificate within seven days of your arrival in Vietnam. A government veterinarian must either issue the certificate directly or formally endorse one issued by a private vet. This official represents the body responsible for regulating the import and export of live animals in your country.
5. Ensure government endorsement. Depending on where you are travelling from, your national veterinary or agricultural authority may need to endorse the health certificate and rabies vaccination records before travel. Contact your country’s competent authority for this step, as procedures differ considerably between countries.
6. Notify the quarantine station at your arrival airport. Inform the Animal Quarantine Station at your entry airport of your impending arrival and provide relevant details. Giving advance notice allows officers to make arrangements for the inspection and reduces the risk of delays when you land.
7. Declare your pet at customs on arrival. On reaching Vietnam, you must formally declare your pet at customs. Have all documents — vaccination records and, where relevant, the import permit — ready for presentation.
8. Undergo the arrival health inspection. A health check will be conducted on your pet at the port of entry. Keep all endorsed documents accessible throughout the process. When documentation is complete and in order, clearance typically takes one to two hours.

Documents to be presented to Vietnamese authorities include your pet’s medical certificate and health record, its rabies vaccination certificate, and a photocopy of your passport. Keep originals and copies together and within easy reach throughout your journey.

Does Vietnam require pets to undergo quarantine on arrival?

Pets arriving in Vietnam with all documentation correctly in place are not subject to quarantine. This represents a meaningful advantage compared with destinations like Australia and New Zealand, which impose mandatory quarantine periods of at least ten days on virtually all arriving animals regardless of paperwork. Vietnam’s approach is considerably more accommodating for owners who arrive well prepared.

Quarantine is not routinely imposed when all import conditions are met. However, any animal with incomplete paperwork or presenting signs of illness may be held in quarantine or refused entry. The full cost of quarantine, repatriation, or any other resulting measures falls on the owner, making thorough preparation not just advisable but financially prudent.

Pets that satisfy all import regulations will not be quarantined. Those that do not meet the required standards may be quarantined, returned to their country of origin, or euthanised. All associated costs are borne by the importer. These outcomes are serious, and they make a compelling case for never taking shortcuts with documentation.

Quarantine, when required, takes place at government veterinary quarantine stations situated at major international airports and border crossing points. The quarantine conditions that apply may also vary depending on your pet’s country of origin — animals from countries assessed as low-risk for rabies may face reduced or waived quarantine requirements. Always verify the current rules applicable to your specific country of origin with DAHP before departure.

Pets arriving by air at Tan Son Nhat International Airport are not subject to quarantine, but owners must still report to the quarantine station for document verification. The process is generally straightforward, provided you arrive while the quarantine office is operational. Arriving outside office hours is a practical concern worth factoring into your travel planning.

Is Vietnam part of any international pet travel scheme?

The term “Vietnam pet passport” refers to the collection of documents that dogs and cats must carry when entering Vietnam from abroad. This is not the same as an official EU Pet Passport issued within the European Union for pets residing there. The documentation package for Vietnam includes proof of rabies vaccination and an internationally recognised export health certificate.

Vietnam has no membership of the EU Pet Travel Scheme or any comparable regional arrangement. Unlike movement between EU member states — where a standardised pet passport issued by a licensed vet facilitates relatively smooth border crossings — there is no reciprocal agreement in place that simplifies the process for animals travelling to Vietnam. Every owner must independently compile documentation in line with Vietnamese requirements.

If your journey to Vietnam routes through an EU country, additional documentation may be needed for the transit portion. Transit through an EU member state requires a transit health certificate for your pet, meeting the same standards as if the EU country were your pet’s final destination. This is worth researching and preparing for well in advance if your itinerary involves such a stopover.

Because Vietnam sits outside any international pet travel framework, documentation requirements should always be confirmed directly with Vietnamese authorities and with your home country’s veterinary or agricultural authority before you travel. Requirements can change, and the absence of a shared international system means there is no standardised shortcut to assembling the correct paperwork.

Do pet owners need to register or licence their pet after arriving in Vietnam?

There is no single, nationally unified pet registration or licensing system in Vietnam comparable to those operating in some other countries. That said, individual local authorities — particularly those in major urban areas — may have their own rules governing pet ownership, and these can differ considerably from one province or municipality to the next.

Vietnam’s animal health administration is structured across several levels: the Department of Animal Health under the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development at the national level, Sub-Departments of Animal Health operating under provincial and city agricultural departments, and stations under the Provincial Veterinary Authority at the district and town level. Pet owners settling in Vietnam for the long term should check with their local provincial veterinary authority or ward-level People’s Committee to find out what registration obligations apply in their specific area.

It is worth familiarising yourself with local rules in your destination city regarding pet ownership, including leash requirements and restrictions on particular breeds. In cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, local rules around dog registration and vaccination compliance have been enforced periodically, particularly during rabies control initiatives. Keeping your pet’s vaccinations current and retaining records throughout your stay is strongly advisable.

For up-to-date information on any local registration fees or licensing requirements, enquire directly with the People’s Committee of your ward or district, as these figures vary between municipalities and may change over time. Third-party estimates of these costs should not be relied upon.

Are there any additional rules or costs expats should be aware of when bringing a pet to Vietnam?

Ports of entry: Pets may enter Vietnam through the principal international airports: Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), or Da Nang. Quarantine officers at these airports will examine your pet on arrival. Note that not all airports have dedicated animal quarantine facilities operating at all hours. Da Nang International Airport does not have a separate Animal Quarantine Station, so owners travelling through Da Nang should confirm procedures with both the airport and Vietnamese authorities in advance.

Number of pets: Owners bringing two or fewer pets into Vietnam under their own name do not need an import permit. Bringing three or more animals adds both time and cost to the process, so those with larger numbers of pets should begin planning well ahead of their intended travel date.

Airline and carrier requirements: Airlines and shipping companies maintain their own policies for transporting animals, which are separate from the requirements set by Vietnamese authorities. Check with your airline or freight representative to establish what their specific conditions are. Requirements vary by airline and depend on the size of your pet. Smaller animals in approved carriers may be permitted to travel in the cabin, while larger dogs typically travel as checked baggage or manifest cargo.

Brachycephalic breeds: A number of airlines refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats, particularly in cargo holds, due to the breathing difficulties these breeds can experience in transit. If your pet is a short-nosed breed, investigate airline policies thoroughly and consider engaging a specialist pet relocation company for guidance.

Flight routing: Where possible, flights should be direct if the journey duration would otherwise infringe on animal welfare standards. Layovers should be kept brief and should not involve a change of airline. If your itinerary includes a stopover in an EU country, additional documentation requirements will apply for that leg of the journey.

Cost of pet travel: The costs involved in transporting a pet internationally can be substantial. Typical expenses include airline pet fees — which vary by carrier, route, and whether the animal travels in-cabin or as cargo — veterinary fees for the health certificate, government endorsement fees in the country of departure, and any arrival inspection fees charged by Vietnamese authorities. Always consult official Vietnamese sources for current inspection fee schedules, as these are subject to revision.

Sick or pregnant animals: Any animal that is unwell or pregnant will be denied boarding. Plan your travel dates carefully to avoid this situation, and ask your vet to formally confirm your pet’s fitness to fly before the health certificate is completed.

Where can expats find official information about importing a pet into Vietnam?

Since pet import requirements can be revised without prior warning, it is essential to verify all information directly with the relevant official bodies before you travel. The sources listed below represent the most authoritative starting points.

• Department of Animal Health and Production (DAHP), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD): DAHP is the principal authority in Vietnam for all matters relating to animal imports, quarantine requirements, and health certification. The MARD website is accessible at www.mard.gov.vn and is the most reliable source for authoritative guidance on import regulations, quarantine rules, and permit processes.
• Animal Quarantine Stations at international airports: Each major airport with a dedicated quarantine facility — including Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai in Hanoi — operates its own quarantine station, which you are required to notify before your arrival. The contact email for the Tan Son Nhat quarantine station is [email protected]. Contact details for Noi Bai and other airports should be confirmed directly through DAHP.
• Your country’s national veterinary or agriculture authority: The competent authority in your home country — whether a national food safety department, biosecurity agency, or similar body — will be responsible for issuing or endorsing your pet’s health certificate and other export paperwork. The process differs from country to country, so contact your authority early to allow adequate time.
• Vietnam Customs (General Department of Vietnam Customs): For information on customs declarations and import procedures at the border, refer to the General Department of Vietnam Customs. This is the appropriate source for understanding declaration obligations on arrival and how the inspection process operates.
• IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association): If you require professional assistance with customs clearance or logistics in Vietnam, accredited agents can be located through IPATA.org. IPATA members specialise in pet relocation and are familiar with Vietnamese requirements, making them a useful resource for navigating paperwork, flight arrangements, and arrival procedures.

Requirements are subject to change, and it is strongly recommended that you verify current import conditions with Vietnamese authorities and check travel conditions with your carrier before finalising any arrangements. No third-party source, including this article, should be used as a substitute for direct confirmation from official bodies immediately prior to travel.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my pet arrives in Vietnam without the correct paperwork?

Any animal that fails to meet Vietnam’s import regulations may be quarantined, returned to the country of origin, or euthanised, with all associated costs falling on the owner. The financial and emotional consequences of arriving with incomplete documentation are severe. Make certain every required document is in order and has been verified before you depart.

Can I bring a rescue animal into Vietnam?

Rescue animals are eligible for import in principle, but they must fulfil the same conditions as any other pet — including microchipping, a valid rabies vaccination given within the correct timeframe, and a health certificate issued within seven days of travel. The challenge with rescue animals is often that vaccination histories are incomplete or difficult to verify, which can complicate meeting the rabies vaccination timing requirements. Consult your vet to determine the earliest date by which all conditions can be satisfied before booking any travel.

How long does the full import process take from start to finish?

The mandatory 30-day waiting period following the rabies vaccination sets the minimum timeline. When you factor in time for microchipping, administering the vaccine, the 30-day post-vaccination wait, and obtaining the health certificate within seven days of departure, the process takes at least five to six weeks from start to travel. For owners needing an import permit — required when bringing three or more animals — allow an additional week for that to be processed. As a general guide, budget a total of six to eight weeks from the first step through to departure.

Are the rules different for cats versus dogs?

The fundamental requirements — microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a government-endorsed health certificate — are the same for both species. Where differences arise, they are largely related to airline policies: some carriers impose stricter rules on dogs than cats with regard to in-cabin travel, and flat-faced dog breeds face additional carrier restrictions that do not generally apply to cats. It is also worth noting that because the CDC has designated Vietnam as a high-risk country for dog rabies, owners planning to return to certain countries with their dogs after living in Vietnam may face additional requirements on departure.

Do I need to notify anyone in Vietnam before I arrive with my pet?

Yes. The Animal Quarantine Station at your entry airport must be informed of your arrival in advance. Providing this notice ahead of time ensures that officers are prepared for the inspection and helps avoid delays on the day of arrival, particularly if you are landing close to the end of normal quarantine office hours.

Can my pet travel in the cabin with me on the flight to Vietnam?

In-cabin travel for pets depends on the individual airline’s rules and the size of the animal. Smaller pets housed in approved carriers are sometimes permitted in the cabin, while larger animals must travel as checked baggage or cargo. Weight limits, approved carrier dimensions, and breed restrictions all vary by carrier. Always check directly with your airline well before booking your flights.

Will Vietnam’s rabies status affect my plans to bring my pet home afterwards?

Yes, and this is something to research thoroughly before you relocate. The World Organization of Animal Health categorises Vietnam as a high-rabies risk country. Countries with rigorous biosecurity requirements — including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and several EU member states — may require a rabies antibody titre test, a post-test waiting period, and additional treatment before a dog or cat that has lived in Vietnam can be admitted. While a titre test is not needed to enter Vietnam from any country, it is well worth arranging one early in your stay if you intend to take your pet back to a country with such conditions upon departure.

Are there restrictions on how many pets I can bring into Vietnam?

Bringing one or two pets into Vietnam does not require an import permit. An import permit is necessary when importing three or more animals; obtaining this takes approximately one week and the permit remains valid for ten days (as of 2025). There is no formally published upper limit on the number of pets, but importing a larger number — particularly if it could be construed as commercial activity — may invite additional scrutiny and licensing considerations. Contact DAHP directly if you plan to bring more than two animals into the country.