The journey from Denmark to Philippines for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. This route takes some organising, and roughly 20-28 weeks of preparation is about right. Plan for 7 days of quarantine on …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Denmark to Philippines
typically takes around 20-28 weeks.
Expect 7 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
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 Philippines pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Implant ISO 11784/11785 microchip (if not already done)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
First step. Must be completed before any rabies vaccination.
2
Administer rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
After microchip. Allow 30 days before titre test blood draw.
3
Titre test blood draw at accredited laboratory
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
At least 30 days after vaccination. Allow 2-4 weeks for laboratory results.
4
Apply for BAI import permit from the Philippines Bureau of Animal Industry
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Apply as soon as titre test results are in hand. Allow at least 30 days for processing.
5
Book IATA-compliant cargo flight
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with cargo agent.
6
Obtain DVFA-endorsed health certificate
Responsible: DVFA-authorised veterinarian + DVFA
Within 10 days of travel. Book DVFA endorsement appointment early.
7
Travel day: pet travels as cargo. Plan for 7-day BAI quarantine on arrival in Manila.
Responsible: You + cargo agent
Arrive at cargo desk 3-4 hours before departure.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Philippines
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 implanted before the first rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current vaccination within the past 12 months. Must be administered after microchip implantation.
Rabies titre test
Required. FAVN or ELISA titre test at an accredited laboratory. Minimum 0.5 IU/ml. Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. Allow 2-4 weeks for results.
Quarantine
Mandatory 7-day quarantine at the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) quarantine facility in Manila on arrival. Cannot be waived.
Import permit
Required. BAI import permit must be obtained at least 30 days before travel. Apply directly to the Bureau of Animal Industry, Philippines.
Health certificate
Required. Official veterinary health certificate issued by a DVFA-authorised vet, endorsed by DVFA. Must cover microchip number, vaccinations, titre test results, and health status.
Export permit (Denmark)
Not required
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo fees (varies by carrier, routing, pet weight, and crate dimensions)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: microchip, vaccination, health certificate
Titre test laboratory fee
DVFA endorsement fee
BAI import permit application fee
BAI quarantine facility fees (7-day mandatory stay in Manila)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for this route)
Critical points to read before you book
7-day quarantine at the BAI facility in Manila is mandatory. You cannot be present with your pet during this period. Budget for these costs in advance.
The BAI import permit must be in your possession before your pet travels. Without it, your pet may be refused entry.
The titre test adds a mandatory waiting period -- 30 days post-vaccination before blood draw, plus laboratory processing time.
Always confirm current regulations with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) 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: pets transported via Lufthansa Cargo on Frankfurt-Manila routing. IATA Live Animals Regulations apply. Book through approved cargo agent.
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles pet transport via Dubai hub. Temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional documentation and seasonal restrictions.
Cargo Only
QATAR AIRWAYS
Qatar Airways
Cargo: Qatar Airways Cargo via Doha. Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Book through Qatar Airways Cargo approved agents.
Cargo Only
KLM
KLM
Cargo: KLM Cargo via Amsterdam. Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted. Book well in advance.
Cargo Only
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Singapore Airlines Cargo via Singapore hub. Temperature-controlled hold. Good connection from Copenhagen via Amsterdam or Frankfurt.
Cargo Only
PHILIPPINE
Philippine Airlines
Cargo: Philippine Airlines handles pet cargo on Manila routes. Confirm availability and current restrictions directly with PAL cargo before booking.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into Philippines
Philippines asks for several pieces of paperwork, and they all need to line up. A checklist and a clear timeline are your best tools here.
How to keep this move on track
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.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
FAQ
Common questions about Denmark to Philippines pet transport
Yes. A 7-day quarantine at the BAI facility in Manila is mandatory for all incoming dogs and cats, regardless of vaccination status or origin. You cannot be present with your pet during this period – BAI staff provide care throughout. Factor quarantine facility fees into your budget before you travel.
Yes. The BAI requires an FAVN or ELISA rabies antibody titre test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Blood must be drawn a minimum of 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination. Allow 2-4 weeks for laboratory processing on top of that. If the result comes back below threshold, your pet must be revaccinated and retested before travel.
Applications go directly to the Bureau of Animal Industry in the Philippines. You will need copies of your pet’s microchip certificate, vaccination records, and titre test results. Allow at least 30 days for processing. IPATA-registered agents who specialise in Philippine pet imports can handle the application on your behalf – this is worth considering given the volume of paperwork involved.
There are no direct cargo flights from Copenhagen (CPH) to Manila (MNL). All routings require at least one connection: Lufthansa via Frankfurt, KLM via Amsterdam, Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha, and Singapore Airlines via Singapore are the main options. Choose a routing with a single transit stop to minimise handling time.
At least 20 weeks before your planned travel date, and ideally 24-28 weeks to allow buffer. The titre test adds a fixed 30-day post-vaccination wait plus 2-4 weeks of laboratory processing. The BAI permit takes another 30 days. These waits run sequentially and cannot overlap.
Airline guides
Lufthansa
Emirates
Qatar Airways
KLM
Singapore Airlines
Philippine Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.