Taking your dog or cat from Malaysia to Philippines comes down to good timing and the right paperwork. Expect about 8-12 weeks. Nothing here is unusually complex, but the deadlines matter. Factor in 30 days of quarantine at the destination. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Malaysia to Philippines
typically takes around 8-12 weeks.
Expect 30 days of quarantine on arrival.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Malaysia to Philippines pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm pet is 120+ days old and microchip is in place
Responsible: Owner
Before any applications
2
Complete rabies vaccination
Responsible: DVS-authorised vet Malaysia
At least 14 days before SPSIC application
3
Apply for SPSIC through BAI online portal
Responsible: Owner or Philippine agent
After vaccination; allow 2-3 weeks for BAI processing
4
Receive SPSIC (valid 2 months)
Responsible: BAI
Plan travel within this window
5
Obtain DVS export health certificate
Responsible: DVS-authorised vet
Within 14 days of departure
6
Book Philippine Airlines or AirAsia cargo
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
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
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required.
Rabies vaccination
Required at least 14 days before SPSIC application. Malaysia is rabies-endemic, so vaccination is not waived.
Quarantine
30 days at BAI quarantine facility on arrival in Manila. Mandatory for all pets from rabies-endemic countries.
Import permit
SPSIC serves as the combined import permit and health clearance. Valid 2 months from issue. Maximum 3 pets per SPSIC.
Health certificate
DVS export health certificate issued within 14 days of travel.
Export permit (Malaysia)
No formal export permit required for pet dogs and cats from Malaysia.
Costs
What this route typically costs
DVS health certificate Malaysia: RM 100-300
Rabies vaccination: RM 40-120
SPSIC BAI fee: nominal Philippines government charge
Philippine Airlines cargo KUL to MNL: USD 400-1,200 depending on crate size
BAI 30-day quarantine Philippines: approximately PHP 15,000-30,000 (USD 250-530)
Agent fees Philippines (recommended): USD 300-700
Total typical range: USD 1,200-2,800 for a medium dog
Critical points to read before you book
The SPSIC is valid for 2 months. Book your flight after the SPSIC is confirmed so you travel within the validity period.
Maximum 3 pets per SPSIC. If you have more than 3 animals, apply for multiple clearances.
Malaysia is rabies-endemic. The Philippines BAI will not waive the rabies vaccination requirement for Malaysian-origin pets.
30-day BAI quarantine is mandatory. Budget for facility fees as a fixed cost alongside flight and documentation.
The pet must be 120 days or older at SPSIC application. Very young puppies or kittens cannot travel until they reach this minimum age.
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.
PHILIPPINE
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines (PR) operates KLIA (KUL) to Manila (MNL) direct. Cargo service for live animals. Contact PR Cargo for booking. IATA-compliant crate mandatory.
Cargo Only
AIRASIA
AirAsia
AirAsia operates KUL to MNL on budget routes. Pet cargo may be available through AirAsia Cargo on this corridor; confirm availability and size limits directly. Not all AirAsia international routes accept live animal cargo.
Cargo Only
CEBU PACIFIC
Cebu Pacific
Cebu Pacific does not accept pets as cargo on international routes from Malaysia. Not suitable.
Not Suitable
What Philippines requires
Getting a pet into Philippines is a middle of the road process. The rules are well defined, so most of the work is simply staying on schedule.
Avoiding the common mistakes
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.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
FAQ
Common questions about Malaysia to Philippines pet transport
No. The Philippines does not require a FAVN titre test for pet imports from Malaysia. The main requirements are an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination at least 14 days before SPSIC application, a BAI SPSIC clearance obtained before travel, and a DVS export health certificate.
30 days at a BAI quarantine facility at Manila NAIA. This is mandatory for all pets from Malaysia, which is a rabies-endemic country. Budget for quarantine fees (approximately PHP 15,000-30,000) alongside your other transport costs.
Yes, up to three pets per SPSIC clearance. If you are moving more than three animals, you must submit separate SPSIC applications. All animals must individually meet the vaccination, microchip and minimum age (120 days) requirements.
Philippine Airlines operates a direct KUL to MNL service and is the primary choice for pet cargo on this route. AirAsia may offer cargo on this corridor; confirm availability with AirAsia Cargo directly.
Airline guides
Philippine Airlines
AirAsia
Cebu Pacific
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.