FOR EXPATS: BRINGING PETS INTO MALAYSIA FAQ

1.      Is There A Restriction On The Type Of Pets That Can Be Imported?
Certain breeds of dogs cannot be imported into the country while there are restrictions on the import of some other breeds of dogs. Please refer to the LIST of Banned / Restricted Breeds of Dogs and Conditions for the approval of importation of Restricted Breeds of dogs. Exotic pets of wildlife origin may be subject to wildlife conservation conditions under the CITES. Please refer to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks for details

2.      How Do I Import Pets Into Malaysia ?
Imports are subject to import regulations of the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia (DVS). For types of animals and products not listed, please write to us for specific regulations.

3.      Is There A Minimum Age Requirement For Importation?

Dogs and cats shall be at least 3 months of age at the time of import.

4.      How Many Pets Can I Import?

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

5.      Is It Necessary To Microchip My Pet?

This is not necessary (except for restricted breeds of dogs) but it is advisable

6.      Permit - Do I need an Import Permit?

You are required to obtain an import permit from this department to be able to import pets into Malaysia. 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 or a wildlife as pet you may also be required to obtain an approval from the Department of Wildlife Conservation and National Parks prior to applying for the import permit from DVS.

7.      Where do I obtain an 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, enquiries and application shall be made to those states concerned.

8.      How do I obtain an import permit?

You should submit the application together with a copy of current vaccination records and import permit fee of Five Ringgit (RM 5.00) per dog/cat. The fee can be paid in cash or by bank draft, money order or postal order, made payable to the Director General of Veterinary Services Malaysia or the Director of the State concerned. Applicants outside the country may submit applications by post or through a local representative (friend, relative or agent in Malaysia).

9.      How long does it take to obtain an import permit?

The Permit is issued within a day

10.  What is the validity period of the import permit?

The import permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. The pet on arrival to Malaysia shall be accompanied with a Veterinary Health Certificate issued by the Veterinary Health Authority of the exporting country as per import regulations.

11.  What are the requirements or procedures during actual importation?

Pets can only be imported as manifested cargo and shall be declared to the Animal Quarantine Officer at the landing point for entry clearance.

12.  Do I need to inform the entry point of the arrival of my pet?

It is not compulsory but it will be good to inform the Animal Quarantine Officer at the point of entry with details of estimated arrival time and flight details for faster entry clearance.

13.  What happens if on import, I did not comply to the regulations and procedures?

The pet may not be allowed entry or shall be subject to any action deemed fit by the Animal Quarantine Officer.

14.  Entry Point Clearance - Is there a restriction on point of entry?

Pets shall land for entry clearance only at the point of entry specified in the import permit. Pets that require quarantine may only land at the KLIA, Penang or Padang Besar where quarantine facilities are available.

15.  Can my pet transit to another point of entry in Malaysia?

Pets are required to land and clear entry at the point of entry specified in the import permit. Transit of the pet to other points of entry is not allowed without clearance by the Animal Quarantine officer at the specified entry point.

16.  Are there charges incurred for entry clearance?

Apart from the Customs charges, entry of pets is subject to veterinary inspection charges.

17.  What documents will be required for clearance at the entry point?

The original copies of the import permit, the health certificate from the veterinary authority of the exporting country and CITES approval (where necessary) shall be submitted to the Animal Quarantine Officer for clearance. All documents shall be in Bahasa Malaysia or English.

18.  What is the validity period of the health certificate?

Veterinary Health Certificates shall be dated within 7 days of export unless specified otherwise in the import regulation.

19.  Does it matter if I do not travel with my pet?

The pet may travel unaccompanied. A local representative (friend, relative or agent in Malaysia) may be appointed by the owner to handle clearance at the point of entry and to attend to quarantine matters.

20.  Quarantine - Is my pet subject to quarantine and what is the duration of quarantine?

Dogs and cats from the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei and Singapore are not subject to quarantine provided the pets are healthy and all documents are in order. Dogs and cats from other countries are subject to a minimum of 7 days quarantine.

21.  Which are the entry points with quarantine facilities?

Quarantine facilities for dogs and cats are available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at Sepang, Penang International Airport, and Padang Besar (Perlis-Thai border).

22.  Do I need to make quarantine reservation for my pet?

For quarantinable pets, import permits shall be issued only upon confirmation of quarantine space which is determined by the Animal Quarantine Station concerned. Hence once the import permit is issued, it means quarantine is reserved for the arrival.

23.  How do I get my pet to the quarantine station?

The Animal Quarantine Officer at the point of entry will assist in the transport of pets to the quarantine station.

24.  Can I visit my pet during quarantine?

Yes, owners and anyone authorised by him is allowed to visit the pets daily between 8.00 am and 4.00 pm. However, visitors are advised to strictly observe all rules and regulations of the quarantine station.

25.  What are the quarantine charges?

The quarantine charge for dogs and cats is approximately RM 79.00 and RM 72.00 per week respectively. This charge is exclusive of feed and any treatment costs that may be incur.

How to Choose a Pet

Do you want a pet but don't know what? Here's what to consider when choosing a pet. Pets can be a life-long responsibility so be careful what you choose to share your life. Pets are live animals - not stuffed animals to be discarded when you are "tired" of them.

STEP 1  

Adopting the right pet can be a challenge. Think about what type of animals you like. 

Do you like small and easy-to-care for pets? Or do you like medium care pets? Or do you like large animals? When your thinking about size remember how cats and dogs can grow, big cats can stay a good size but some cats grow big. It all depends on the type of cat or dog.

STEP 2

The cost of a pet can play a factor in choosing the right pet. 

Consider both the initial cost to purchase the animal as well as on-going maintenance cost of feeding, veterinary care, etc.

STEP 3

If you're thinking of getting exotic pets, check your municipal/county, provincial/state and federal laws on owning and importing the animal. 

If you're importing an animal from outside the country, check with the airlines and/or Customs/Port Authority on the necessary paperwork and quarantine procedures for animals coming from the source country. These regulations can change between borders without notice at any given time depending on health regulations.

STEP 4

Look at what your housing allows.

If you're renting or living in an apartment or condo, does your building allow the type of pet that you want? Rules can vary widely. Many buildings allow smaller pets but not larger ones, some won't allow certain animals regardless of size, some allow pets with a larger damage deposit, etc. Check with your landlord for the specific species, breed and size you're thinking of getting. Get permission in writing, have your lease/contract updated if you think there could be a problem.

STEP 5

Ask yourself various questions about different kinds of pets:  

Aquatic Pets

1. How much space do you have to spare?
2. Do you have a plug near your free space?
3. Do you have enough time to look after it? This means more than feeding. 
4. Do you have the time to commit to regular aquarium cleaning sessions: bagging the fish individually, cleaning out pumps and filters, washing the entire structurre and then gently putting the fish back without upsetting them too much?

Avian Pets

1. Do you have enough space? The larger the bird the larger the cage it needs.Some birds, especially large parrots, have long life spans. African Grey parrots, for example, live an average of 50 years. Budgies, on the other hand, live 5-15 years. Don't choose a bird that you're not willing to make a lifetime commitment to.
2. Do you have time to spend with them? Cages need to be cleaned weekly. Birds should be misted every few days. They need at least several hours a day of interaction with a human. A lone bird can get bored easily and can develop bad habits of over-grooming and over-eating which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Toys and appropriate avian companions can help mitigate this issue, but they still require interaction with the family, they may not get along with their bird companions and it would also affect overall costs, space, etc.
3. Many avian pets are prey species. As such, they have evolved to not show signs of illness until they're almost dead. Do you have a keen sense of observation to be able to get your bird medical attention promptly?

Lizards/Snakes

1. Will you be prepared for a long living pet?
2. Will you be willing to feed it crickets and mice?
3. Do you have enough space? Snakes and some lizards can grow to very large sizes. Are you prepared for increasing space requirements?
4. Who will look after it when you go away?

Dogs/Cats

1. Are you allowed dogs/cats where you are living? Do you have an enclosed yard, or are you prepared to walk a dog to provide sufficient exercise?
2. Can you pay for obedience training? Having an unruly animal can play havoc with your life. Even if you decide not to attend a formal obedience program, you should be prepared to doing some reading and apply necessary discipline for basic training.
3. How much attention can you devote? Most dogs have to be walked every day and have to go outside to relieve themselves. Certain breeds of dogs develop behavior problems if left alone for extended periods of time.
4. Who will look after it when you go away for a while? Check for the availability of boarding kennels and pet sitters in your area, if you do not have friends or family who are willing to care for your pet when you are away.
5. Do you move around a lot? Dogs particularly may not respond well to frequent changes in their immediate habitat.
6. Are you getting an adult pet or a young pup/kitten? If it's the latter, make sure the baby is old enough to be separated from the mother. Younger animals need a lot of care and affection. Keep in mind, that they require more nurturing and a lot of looking after. This means major time commitment on your part.
7. Dogs and Cats can live up to an average of 15 years, depending on breed. Will you be up to that much commitment?
8. Can you afford yearly vet bills and unexpected vet bills? You may wish to consider Pet Insurance.

STEP 6

If you can't afford all of these expenses, try IMAGINARY PETS. ;)

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