Planning a pet relocation from Denmark to Malaysia is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. Allow around 8-16 weeks and follow the steps in order to stay on track. Plan for 14 days of quarantine on arrival.
The guide below …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Denmark to Malaysia
typically takes around 8-16 weeks.
Expect 14 days of quarantine on arrival.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Denmark to Malaysia pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
First step. Before vaccinations.
2
Rabies vaccination (and other required vaccinations)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
After microchip. Allow time for vaccination validity.
3
Apply for DVS import permit
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
At least 30 days before travel. Earlier is better.
4
Book IATA-compliant cargo flight to Kuala Lumpur
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
2-4 weeks before travel once permit is in hand.
5
Obtain DVFA-endorsed health certificate
Responsible: DVFA-authorised veterinarian + DVFA
Within 14 days of travel. Book DVFA appointment in advance.
6
Travel day: pet travels as cargo. Plan for quarantine on arrival in Kuala Lumpur.
Responsible: You + cargo agent
Arrive at cargo desk 3-4 hours before departure.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Malaysia
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard (15-digit). Must be in place before any vaccination records are established.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current vaccination. Must be administered after microchipping.
Rabies titre test
Not routinely required for dogs and cats from Denmark. Malaysia's DVS may require additional health certification for dogs from certain regions. Confirm current requirements with DVS before travel.
Quarantine
Quarantine applies on arrival. Dogs: 7-14 days (EU origin countries with controlled rabies status). Cats: 7 days. Pets from non-rabies-free countries face longer quarantine periods. Entry only through approved ports (Kuala Lumpur International Airport).
Import permit
Required. Import permit from the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia (DVS). Apply at least 30 days before travel. Permit specifies approved entry port.
Health certificate
Required. Official veterinary health certificate issued by a DVFA-authorised vet and endorsed by DVFA. Must be issued within 14 days of travel.
Export permit (Denmark)
Not required
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo fees (varies by carrier, routing, and pet weight/crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: microchip, vaccinations, health certificate
DVFA endorsement fee
DVS import permit application fee
Malaysian quarantine facility fees (duration depends on status)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended)
Critical points to read before you book
DVS import permit must be obtained before travel. Without a valid permit, your pet will not be allowed to enter Malaysia.
Entry must be through an approved entry port. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the standard approved gateway for air freight.
Quarantine duration depends on Denmark's classified rabies status with Malaysian DVS. Confirm current quarantine period before booking.
Always verify current DVS requirements with the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia before travel.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa
Cargo: Lufthansa Cargo via Frankfurt (FRA) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Temperature-controlled hold. Good routing for Danish pet owners.
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo via Dubai (DXB) to Kuala Lumpur. Temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breed restrictions and seasonal embargoes apply.
Cargo Only
QATAR AIRWAYS
Qatar Airways
Cargo: Qatar Airways Cargo via Doha (DOH) to Kuala Lumpur. Reliable service with temperature-controlled hold.
Cargo Only
MALAYSIA
Malaysia Airlines
Cargo: Malaysia Airlines Cargo handles pet transport to Kuala Lumpur. Familiarity with DVS documentation. Book through Malaysia Airlines Cargo agents.
Cargo Only
KLM
KLM
Cargo: KLM Cargo via Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. Temperature-controlled hold. Reliable routing with single hub connection.
Cargo Only
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Singapore Airlines Cargo via Singapore (SIN) to Kuala Lumpur. Short final leg; SIN to KUL is approximately 40 minutes.
Cargo Only
How Malaysia handles incoming pets
Malaysia keeps its requirements reasonable, though a few steps have fixed timing. Map those out first and the rest falls into place.
What experienced owners do
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
FAQ
Common questions about Denmark to Malaysia pet transport
The Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia typically processes import permit applications within 30 days. Apply as early as possible – well before the 30-day minimum. Having the permit in hand before you book your cargo flight gives you much more flexibility if there are any administrative delays.
Quarantine duration for dogs from Denmark is typically 7-14 days, and 7 days for cats, based on Denmark’s EU rabies-controlled status. However, DVS classifications can change, so always confirm the current quarantine period directly with DVS or your pet transport agent before booking travel. Budget for quarantine facility fees in addition to transport costs.
No direct passenger or cargo flights connect CPH and KUL. Your pet will travel via a European hub (Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or similar) or a Middle Eastern or Asian hub. Choose a routing with a single connection to reduce total transit time and the number of cargo handling events.
A standard titre test is not routinely required for dogs and cats from Denmark. However, DVS may request additional health documentation in specific circumstances. Confirm current requirements with DVS or a specialist agent before finalising your veterinary preparation.
For air freight from Europe, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the standard approved entry point. Your DVS import permit will specify the approved entry port. Attempting to enter through a different port will create significant complications.
Airline guides
Lufthansa
Emirates
Qatar Airways
Malaysia Airlines
KLM
Singapore Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.