Navigating the Process of Importing Dogs and Cats to Malaysia

If you're planning a move to Malaysia and want to bring your furry companion along, you'll need to navigate the specific import requirements and regulations set by the Malaysian authorities. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps you need to take to ensure a successful and stress-free journey for your pet to Malaysia.

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Essential Requirements for Pet Travel to Malaysia

Attention: This information will be used as general guidelines and may not be updated to meet the current requirements. Before you travel, contact the appropriate authorities for your destination country.

Microchip

Each pet shall be identified using a microchip. No other form of identification is acceptable. The microchip should comply with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785. Malaysia currently accepts AVID 9 and AVID 10 in addition to ISO. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered.

Rabies Vaccination and Certificate

Pets must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate, which must state the microchip number, date of inoculation, and validity of the vaccine. The vaccine must be inactivated and administered at least 30 days before departure.

Additional Vaccines

It is suggested that all animals have full vaccinations, as well:

Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHLPP) and Bordetella.

Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP).

These should be valid at the time of import and administered no less than two weeks before the export date for maximum effectiveness.

Import Permit

An import permit is required to enter the country. Please get in touch with your PetRelocation Specialist to learn more about how to manage this or contact their local Government Authority.

Vet Health Certificate (APHIS Form 7001)

If departing from the United States, this is the standard Health Certificate to be filled out by your USDA-accredited veterinarian. It must be issued within 7 days of the date of export.

USDA Endorsements - Government Authority

The following documents should be sent to the state USDA veterinarian for endorsement:

  • Microchip Implantation Record
  • Rabies Certificate
  • Vet Health Certificate

Quarantine at Kuala Lumpur Animal Quarantine Station (KLAQS)

There is a seven-day mandatory quarantine for all pets going into Malaysia from the United States. KLAQS is located at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang.

  • Animal Quarantine & Import Export Control Complex
  • KL International Airport (KLIA), Sepang
  • Jalan Pekeliling 4
  • 64050 Sepang
  • Selangor Darul Ehsan
  • Tel: 603- 87872377 / 79
  • Fax: 603- 878722378

Learn more about KLAQS and your pet’s quarantine experience here.

Additional Details

Dogs and cats must be at least three months of age at the time of import.

There is no restriction on the number of pets a person can import. However, the local authorities in Malaysia may have regulations about the number of dogs that can be kept within residential premises.

You are required to obtain an import permit to be able to import pets into Malaysia. PetRelocation can obtain the import permit on your behalf. Pets arriving without import permits may not be allowed entry by the animal quarantine officers at the point of entry. To import an exotic animal as a pet, you may also be required to obtain approval from the Department of Wildlife Conservation and National Parks before applying for the import permit.

For importation into Peninsular Malaysia, import permits shall be obtained from the Directors of State Veterinary departments or the Director General Department of Veterinary Services, Malaysia. For importation into the States of Sabah and Sarawak, inquiries and applications should be made to those states.

The import permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

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