In short:
Preparing to move a pet from New Zealand to Malaysia
typically takes around 26-32 weeks.
Expect 30 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
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Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
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Overview
If you are relocating a pet from New Zealand to Malaysia, the process is manageable once you know the sequence. Plan for approximately 26-32 weeks. This is a rigorous route with little room to compress the schedule. Plan for 30 days of quarantine on arrival.
This route requires a rabies titre test with a set waiting period, so do not leave it late. Use the timeline below to plan backwards from your travel date.
Step by step
The New Zealand to Malaysia process
1
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
2
After microchip. 30-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
3
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 30-day wait after successful result.
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
4
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from Malaysia
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
5
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
6
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
7
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
8
Immediately on arrival (mandatory)
Quarantine on arrival (30 days)
Responsible: Malaysia quarantine authority
Checklist
Malaysia: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 16 weeks. 30-day wait after vaccination before travel
Rabies titre test
Required. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 30-day wait from test date before entry
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. 30 days. Facility: DVS quarantine station
Import permit
Required. Issued by: Department of Veterinary Services
Health certificate
Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 14 days from issue
No export permit for cats and dogs from New Zealand.
Health certificate
MPI issues AHC or equivalent for export.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
2
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
3
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
4
Rabies titre test laboratory fee
5
Import permit application fee (Malaysia)
6
Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
7
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.
⚠ Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
⚠ Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Qantas
Cargo: QantasFreighter network for pet transport. Brachycephalic breeds restricted year-round. Temperature embargoes: seasonal restrictions during Australian summer (Dec-Feb)
Cargo Only
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
Malaysia import rules, explained
Malaysia takes biosecurity seriously, and the requirements reflect that. The paperwork is exacting, so accuracy matters as much as timing.
Practical tips for this move
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.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
FAQ
Common questions
Allow at least 26 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
Yes, quarantine is mandatory in Malaysia. Your pet will stay for 30 days at DVS quarantine station on arrival. Confirm the facility, duration, and current charges with the destination authority before travel.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 30-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Malaysia. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from Malaysia’s authority (Department of Veterinary Services). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in New Zealand. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Malaysia’s authority for the exact format required.
Airline guides
Qantas
British Airways
Emirates
Lufthansa
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Air France
KLM
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.