MY

Importing Your Pet to Malaysia

Moderate to import
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.

Malaysia’s Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) sets the import conditions for dogs and cats, and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) issues the import permit and runs the quarantine stations. Sabah and Sarawak have their own state rules.

Where your pet is coming from decides almost everything. Since the DVS notice of 13 March 2026, 22 countries are on the scheduled list, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, Germany and New Zealand. Pets from scheduled countries face no quarantine in Peninsular Malaysia if the scheduled-country conditions are met. Pets from non-scheduled countries and Canada serve at least 7 days’ quarantine on arrival, and Australia and Indonesia each have their own protocol with at least 14 days.

Every pet needs an ISO 11784/11785 microchip and a rabies vaccination before export. The health certificate comes from the exporting country’s government veterinary authority, after an examination within 7 days before export.

Import Requirements

Every requirement below is taken from an official government page, and each one links to the page it comes from. The rules were last checked on 2 October 2026. They can change, so check the linked page again before you book.

Who is in charge

  • DVS sets the import conditions: the FAQ says imports are subject to DVS import regulations. For imports into Sabah and Sarawak, enquiries and applications go to those states. The FAQ names the State Veterinary Director or the DVS Director General as the permit issuer; the current DVS protocols and the MAQIS pet guide say MAQIS issues the import permit and takes quarantine station bookings (recorded under import_permit). DVS FAQ page (Soalan Lazim Import Haiwan Kesayangan) was last updated 30 Oct 2018. Applies to all imports of dogs and cats into Malaysia.
    Soalan Lazim Import Haiwan Kesayangan (updated 30 Oct 2018), checked 2 October 2026

Where your pet travels from

GroupWhat appliesOrigins
Scheduled countriesISO microchip, rabies vaccination before export, core vaccines within 12 months, health certificate within 7 days; no quarantine. The scheduled-country regulation contains no quarantine clause, and the DVS notice of 13 March 2026 (which added 14 countries to the list) limits the compulsory quarantine of at least 7 days to non-scheduled countries. The older DVS FAQ (last updated 30 Oct 2018) separately lists the UK, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei and Singapore as not subject to quarantine. SourceUnited Kingdom, Eire, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Brunei, Singapore, Greece, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Malta, Slovenia, Estonia, Bahrain, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Lithuania
Australia (own protocol)Protocol revised 9 Dec 2024: 6 months' residence, rabies vaccination at least 28 days before export, Hendra virus test, parasite treatment, 14 days' quarantine. SourceAustralia
Indonesia (own protocol)Protocol revised 5 July 2023: 6 months' residence, rabies vaccination at least 6 months before export, FAVN/RFFIT titre of 0.5 IU or more 3 to 12 months before export, parasite treatment, 14 days' quarantine. SourceIndonesia
Canada (own protocol)Protocol revised 15 April 2014: same conditions as non-scheduled countries, including at least 7 days' quarantine. SourceCanada
Non-scheduled countriesRabies vaccination before export; at least 7 days' quarantine on arrival. SourceCountries other than the scheduled countries, Australia, Canada and Indonesia

Import permit

  • Each consignment must be accompanied by a valid import permit issued by MAQIS (all current DVS protocols).
    Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats from the scheduled countries into Malaysia, checked 2 October 2026
    Official sources differThe DVS FAQ (last updated 30 Oct 2018, https://www.dvs.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/804) says permits are obtained from the State Veterinary Director or the DVS Director General. The newer DVS protocols (2024 to 2026) and the MAQIS pet page name MAQIS, so MAQIS is preferred.
  • MAQIS: an import agent applies for the cat or dog import permit through the e-Permit system; MAQIS checks the quarantine booking number where relevant and approves or rejects it.
    Haiwan Kesayangan, checked 2 October 2026
  • Quarantine space must be booked 14 days before import; where quarantine applies, the permit is issued only after quarantine space is confirmed. Applies to dogs and cats needing quarantine.
    Haiwan Kesayangan, checked 2 October 2026
  • DVS FAQ: the import permit is valid for 30 days from issue and is issued within a day. DVS FAQ page (Soalan Lazim Import Haiwan Kesayangan) was last updated 30 Oct 2018.
    Soalan Lazim Import Haiwan Kesayangan (updated 30 Oct 2018), checked 2 October 2026
  • Sarawak: an import permit from the State Veterinary Authority (Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak) is required for dogs and cats from West Malaysia, Sabah and other countries. Sarawak regulation effective 3 April 2023, issued under section 9(1) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. Applies to dogs and cats imported into Sarawak.
    Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats into Sarawak, Malaysia (effective 3 April 2023), checked 2 October 2026

Microchip

Rabies vaccination

Rabies titre test

Health certificate

Other vaccines and tests

Parasite treatment

Quarantine

  • Non-scheduled countries and Canada: at least 7 days' quarantine on arrival, with possible rabies vaccination in quarantine; may be extended up to six months. Applies to dogs and cats from non-scheduled countries and Canada.
    Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats from the non-scheduled countries into Malaysia (with 13 March 2026 notice), checked 2 October 2026
  • Australia: at least 14 days' quarantine on arrival (protocol revised 9 Dec 2024). Applies to dogs and cats from Australia.
    Requirements for the importation of dogs and cats from Australia (revised 9 Dec 2024), checked 2 October 2026
    Official sources differThe DVS FAQ (last updated 30 Oct 2018, https://www.dvs.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/804) lists Australia among origins not subject to quarantine. The newer DVS Australia protocol (9 Dec 2024) is preferred.
  • Indonesia: at least 14 days' quarantine on arrival (protocol revised 5 July 2023). Applies to dogs and cats from Indonesia.
    Requirements for the importation of dogs and cats from Indonesia (revised 5 July 2023), checked 2 October 2026
  • Not required: for dogs and cats entering Peninsular Malaysia from the original scheduled countries (UK, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore) if healthy and documents complete. Sarawak sets its own rules (pets from Singapore into Sarawak face 14 days' quarantine, which may be waived). DVS FAQ page (Soalan Lazim Import Haiwan Kesayangan) was last updated 30 Oct 2018. Applies to dogs and cats imported into Peninsular Malaysia from the UK, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei and Singapore.
    Soalan Lazim Import Haiwan Kesayangan (updated 30 Oct 2018), checked 2 October 2026
  • Quarantine facilities for dogs and cats are at KLIA (Sepang), Penang International Airport and Padang Besar. DVS FAQ charges of about RM79 (dog) and RM72 (cat) per week, excluding food and treatment, are older approximate figures; the gazetted MAQIS daily rates (recorded separately) are preferred. DVS FAQ page (Soalan Lazim Import Haiwan Kesayangan) was last updated 30 Oct 2018. Applies to dogs and cats needing quarantine.
    Soalan Lazim Import Haiwan Kesayangan (updated 30 Oct 2018), checked 2 October 2026
  • MAQIS: the quarantine booking deposit is non-refundable and must be paid in full within 48 hours or the space is released. Applies to dogs and cats needing quarantine.
    Haiwan Kesayangan, checked 2 October 2026
  • Not required: for dogs and cats entering Peninsular Malaysia from the 14 countries added to the scheduled list by the DVS notice dated 13 March 2026 (Greece, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Malta, Slovenia, Estonia, Bahrain, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Lithuania), provided the scheduled-country conditions are met. The compulsory quarantine of at least 7 days is clause 5 of the non-scheduled regulation, which the same notice limits to countries other than the scheduled countries, Australia, Canada and Indonesia; the scheduled-country regulation (clauses 1 to 8) contains no quarantine condition. Sarawak's own regulation does not list these countries among its rabies-free countries, so check its quarantine table for imports into Sarawak. Applies to dogs and cats imported into Peninsular Malaysia from Greece, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Malta, Slovenia, Estonia, Bahrain, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, Montenegro, Bulgaria and Lithuania.
    Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats from the non-scheduled countries into Malaysia (with 13 March 2026 notice), checked 2 October 2026
    Official sources differThe DVS FAQ (https://www.dvs.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/804, last updated 30 Oct 2018) says dogs and cats from countries other than its listed exempt countries face at least 7 days' quarantine; it predates the 13 March 2026 notice, so the newer DVS notice is followed.
  • Sarawak, from rabies-infected countries or regions: quarantine on arrival, and where the last killed rabies vaccination was 6 to 12 months before export the period depends on titre: under 0.5 IU/ml 14 days, over 0.5 IU/ml none, titre unknown 30 days. Sarawak regulation effective 3 April 2023, issued under section 9(1) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. Applies to dogs and cats imported into Sarawak from rabies-infected countries.
    Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats into Sarawak, Malaysia (effective 3 April 2023), checked 2 October 2026
  • Sarawak, from West Malaysia, Labuan, Sabah or Singapore: 14 days' quarantine, which may be waived if the animal was vaccinated against rabies before export and has a titre above 0.5 IU/ml. Sarawak regulation effective 3 April 2023, issued under section 9(1) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. Applies to dogs and cats imported into Sarawak from West Malaysia, Labuan, Sabah or Singapore.
    Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats into Sarawak, Malaysia (effective 3 April 2023), checked 2 October 2026
  • Not required in Sarawak for dogs and cats from the rabies-free countries listed: United Kingdom, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden and Brunei. Sarawak regulation effective 3 April 2023, issued under section 9(1) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. Applies to dogs and cats imported into Sarawak from the listed rabies-free countries.
    Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats into Sarawak, Malaysia (effective 3 April 2023), checked 2 October 2026
  • MAQIS quarantine charges (Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2013, P.U.(A) 115/2013, Fourth Schedule item 1.1, confinement): RM10 per dog per day and RM5 per cat per day, plus RM2 per animal for the quarantine certificate (item 1.2). The schedule does not say whether food or treatment is included. Applies to dogs and cats held in MAQIS quarantine.
    Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2013, P.U.(A) 115, checked 2 October 2026
    Official sources differThe DVS FAQ (last updated 30 Oct 2018, https://www.dvs.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/804) gives approximate quarantine charges of RM79 per dog and RM72 per cat per week. MAQIS runs the animal quarantine stations and P.U.(A) 115/2013 is its gazetted charge schedule (listed with no amendment on the MAQIS Acts page, https://www.maqis.gov.my/index.php/akta/), so the MAQIS daily rates are preferred.

Arrival points and notice

Minimum age

How many pets

Banned and restricted breeds

  • Scheduled, non-scheduled and Canada regulations: banned dog breeds are Akita, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero, Japanese Tosa, Neapolitan Mastiff and Pit Bull Terrier types. Restricted (written approval from the Director General of MAQIS, obtained before the import permit application): Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Doberman, German Shepherd/Alsatian (including Belgian and East European Shepherd), Perro de Presa Canario, Rottweiler. The Australia (9 Dec 2024) and Indonesia (5 July 2023) protocols carry different lists, recorded in separate entries. Applies to dogs from scheduled countries, non-scheduled countries and Canada.
    Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats from the non-scheduled countries into Malaysia (with 13 March 2026 notice), checked 2 October 2026
  • Restricted-breed dogs only: as a condition of the MAQIS Director General's written approval, obtained before the import permit application, the dog's premises or residence is inspected to verify kennel, compound size, safety and control (scheduled regulation clause 6.5; clause 7.5 of the non-scheduled regulation). MAQIS's own guide says the inspection is by the Director General of MAQIS. Applies to restricted-breed dogs (Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Doberman, German/Belgian/East European Shepherd, Perro de Presa Canario, Rottweiler).
    Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats from the scheduled countries into Malaysia, checked 2 October 2026
  • Sarawak bans these dogs and their crosses: American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, Japanese Tosa, Akita Inu, Neapolitan Mastiff, Fila Brazileiro, Dogo Argentino, Russo European Laika, Owtcharka, Canary Dog, Tibetan Mastiff and Kai Dog. Sarawak regulation effective 3 April 2023, issued under section 9(1) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. Applies to dogs imported into Sarawak.
    Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats into Sarawak, Malaysia (effective 3 April 2023), checked 2 October 2026
  • From Australia (DVS protocol revised 9 Dec 2024, clause 6.2): banned dog breeds and their crosses are Akita, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero, American Bulldog, Tosa, Neapolitan Mastiff, Boerboel, Perro de Presa Canario (Canary Dog) and Pit Bull Terrier / Pit Bull (including American Pit Bull, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier). Unlisted breeds with potential risk are assessed by DVS. Applies to dogs from Australia.
    Requirements for the importation of dogs and cats from Australia (revised 9 Dec 2024), checked 2 October 2026
  • From Australia (DVS protocol revised 9 Dec 2024, clause 6.1): restricted dog breeds and their crosses are Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Doberman, German Shepherd/Alsatian (including Belgian and East European Shepherd), Rottweiler and Cane Corso; restricted breeds may not be used for breeding. Applies to dogs from Australia.
    Requirements for the importation of dogs and cats from Australia (revised 9 Dec 2024), checked 2 October 2026
  • From Australia (DVS protocol revised 9 Dec 2024, clause 6.3): first to fourth generation Bengal and Savannah cats and their crosses are banned; documentary proof of at least fifth generation descent is required before import. Applies to cats from Australia.
    Requirements for the importation of dogs and cats from Australia (revised 9 Dec 2024), checked 2 October 2026
  • From Australia (DVS protocol revised 9 Dec 2024, clause 7): restricted-breed dogs need written approval from the Director General of MAQIS before the import permit application; the dog must be at least 9 months old at import, have a pedigree certificate and ISO microchip, and the importer must declare that it is neutered, licensed with the local council and kept as a personal pet (not for sale); premises are inspected by the MAQIS Director. Applies to restricted-breed dogs from Australia.
    Requirements for the importation of dogs and cats from Australia (revised 9 Dec 2024), checked 2 October 2026
  • From Indonesia (DVS protocol revised 5 July 2023, clause 6.2): banned dog breeds and their crosses are Akita, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero, American Bulldog, Tosa, Neapolitan Mastiff, Boerboel, Perro de Presa Canario (Canary Dog) and Pit Bull Terrier / Pit Bull (including American Pit Bull, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier). Unlisted breeds with potential risk are assessed by DVS. Applies to dogs from Indonesia.
    Requirements for the importation of dogs and cats from Indonesia (revised 5 July 2023), checked 2 October 2026
  • From Indonesia (DVS protocol revised 5 July 2023, clause 6.1): restricted dog breeds and their crosses are Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Doberman, German Shepherd/Alsatian (including Belgian and East European Shepherd), Rottweiler and Cane Corso; restricted breeds may not be used for breeding. Applies to dogs from Indonesia.
    Requirements for the importation of dogs and cats from Indonesia (revised 5 July 2023), checked 2 October 2026
  • From Indonesia (DVS protocol revised 5 July 2023, clause 6.3): first to fourth generation Bengal and Savannah cats and their crosses are banned; documentary proof of at least fifth generation descent is required before import. Applies to cats from Indonesia.
    Requirements for the importation of dogs and cats from Indonesia (revised 5 July 2023), checked 2 October 2026
  • From Indonesia (DVS protocol revised 5 July 2023, clause 7): restricted-breed dogs need written approval from the Director General of MAQIS before the import permit application; the dog must be at least 9 months old at import, have a pedigree certificate and ISO microchip, and the importer must declare that it is neutered, licensed with the local council and kept as a personal pet (not for sale); premises are inspected by the MAQIS Director. Applies to restricted-breed dogs from Indonesia.
    Requirements for the importation of dogs and cats from Indonesia (revised 5 July 2023), checked 2 October 2026

How your pet may travel

  • Pets may be imported only as manifested cargo and must be declared to the Animal Quarantine Officer at the landing place; they may travel without the owner. DVS FAQ page (Soalan Lazim Import Haiwan Kesayangan) was last updated 30 Oct 2018.
    Soalan Lazim Import Haiwan Kesayangan (updated 30 Oct 2018), checked 2 October 2026

Official fees

  • DVS FAQ: import permit fee RM5 per dog or cat, from when DVS issued the permit. This is the older DVS figure; the gazetted MAQIS permit fee of RM40 per animal (RM100 for restricted-breed dogs; recorded separately) is preferred. DVS FAQ page (Soalan Lazim Import Haiwan Kesayangan) was last updated 30 Oct 2018.
    Soalan Lazim Import Haiwan Kesayangan (updated 30 Oct 2018), checked 2 October 2026
  • Entry is subject to veterinary inspection charges in addition to customs charges. DVS FAQ page (Soalan Lazim Import Haiwan Kesayangan) was last updated 30 Oct 2018.
    Soalan Lazim Import Haiwan Kesayangan (updated 30 Oct 2018), checked 2 October 2026
  • Sarawak: import licence RM5 per head; quarantine fee RM5 for a dog and RM3 for a cat (the period the quarantine fee covers is not stated); rabies titre testing costs are borne by the owner. Sarawak regulation effective 3 April 2023, issued under section 9(1) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. Applies to dogs and cats imported into Sarawak.
    Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats into Sarawak, Malaysia (effective 3 April 2023), checked 2 October 2026
  • MAQIS permit fee (P.U.(A) 115/2013, in force 1 April 2013, regulation 2 and First Schedule, columns Import and Export): RM40 per cat or dog for the import permit (item 1); restricted-breed dogs (Rottweiler, Doberman, German Shepherd or Alsatian including Belgian and East European Shepherd, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Perro de Presa Canario, and their mixed breeds) are RM100 per animal (item 2). The Second Schedule sets import inspection charges of RM40 per dog and RM25 per cat. The MAQIS Acts page lists no amendment to these regulations. Applies to dogs and cats imported into Peninsular Malaysia under a MAQIS import permit.
    Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2013, P.U.(A) 115, checked 2 October 2026
    Official sources differThe DVS FAQ (last updated 30 Oct 2018, https://www.dvs.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/804) gives an import permit fee of RM5 per dog or cat, from when DVS issued the permit, and the undated DVS state charge sheet on myTRADELINK also lists RM5 per dog or cat for import in most states. The newer DVS protocols (2024 to 2026) say MAQIS issues the import permit and P.U.(A) 115/2013 is MAQIS's gazetted fee schedule, so the MAQIS figures are preferred.

Other conditions

  • Australia and Indonesia: continuous residence of at least 6 months or since birth. Applies to dogs and cats from Australia or Indonesia.
    Requirements for the importation of dogs and cats from Australia (revised 9 Dec 2024), checked 2 October 2026
  • Sabah: dogs and cats from Peninsular Malaysia or Labuan need a DVS Sabah import licence, 6 months' residence, a health check within 48 hours of shipment, endo and ecto parasite treatment within 15 days, rabies vaccination not less than 6 months and not more than 1 year before shipment (boosters within 1 year), and an FAVN of at least 0.5 IU/ml on a sample taken 30 days to 24 months before shipment. Quarantine at Kinarut, Papar is at least 14 days if the health and titre conditions are met, or at least 60 days if only the health certificate conditions are met. Inspection fee MYR 10 per animal. Applies to dogs and cats moving from Peninsular Malaysia into Sabah.
    Additional condition to import dog or cat from Peninsular Malaysia into Sabah, checked 2 October 2026
  • Sarawak: dogs and cats must be identified by a microchip that can be read by a Trovan, Destron or other ISO-compatible reader (the quote stops before the reader list). Sarawak regulation effective 3 April 2023, issued under section 9(1) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. Applies to dogs and cats imported into Sarawak.
    Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats into Sarawak, Malaysia (effective 3 April 2023), checked 2 October 2026

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The import permit

Each consignment must be accompanied by a valid import permit issued by MAQIS. An import agent applies for it through the e-Permit system. Where quarantine applies, quarantine space must be booked 14 days before import, and the permit is issued only after that space is confirmed. Under the MAQIS fees regulations of 2013, the import permit costs RM40 per cat or dog, or RM100 for a restricted-breed dog.

Your pet must land at the entry point named on the import permit. Pets needing quarantine may land only at KLIA, Penang or Padang Besar.

A rabies titre test is not required for dogs and cats entering Peninsular Malaysia from any origin other than Indonesia. From Indonesia, DVS requires a FAVN or RFFIT result of at least 0.5 IU, on a sample taken 3 to 12 months before export.

Parasite treatment from Australia and Indonesia

DVS lists no parasite treatment for dogs and cats from scheduled countries, non-scheduled countries or Canada. The Australia and Indonesia protocols are different: pets from either country need internal and external parasite treatment 2 to 7 days before export.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the origin. Pets from scheduled countries face no quarantine in Peninsular Malaysia if the scheduled-country conditions are met. Pets from non-scheduled countries and Canada serve at least 7 days, which may be extended up to six months, and pets from Australia or Indonesia serve at least 14 days. MAQIS charges RM10 per dog and RM5 per cat per day under its 2013 fees regulations.

Only from Indonesia, for pets entering Peninsular Malaysia. DVS protocols cover every origin, and only the Indonesia protocol contains a rabies antibody test: FAVN or RFFIT, at least 0.5 IU, on a sample taken 3 to 12 months before export.

Sabah and Sarawak set their own import rules. Sarawak uses the titre result to set the quarantine period for some origins.

Yes. Each consignment needs a valid import permit issued by MAQIS, applied for by an import agent through the e-Permit system. Where quarantine applies, the permit is issued only after quarantine space is confirmed.

Yes. Cats need the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate and import permit as dogs. From Australia and Indonesia, first to fourth generation Bengal and Savannah cats and their crosses are banned.

A veterinary health certificate from the exporting country’s government veterinary authority, with an examination within 7 days before export. DVS says all documents presented for clearance must be in Malay or English.

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Sources

Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.