Bringing a pet to Malaysia

Last reviewed July 3, 2026

Malaysia enforces strict, origin-based import requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets, with rules varying by the animal's rabies-risk category. Most pets from high-risk countries must undergo a 30-day quarantine at a government facility, while those from low-risk or rabies-free origins may qualify for home quarantine or direct entry. Plan for extensive paperwork, including a valid rabies vaccination, microchip, and import permit, and start preparations at least three months before travel.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Malaysia.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian in the country of origin · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Import permit from DVS Malaysia
Rabies vaccination certificate
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate
Passport or travel document for the dog

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: import permit fee ~RM10-50, microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and DVS Malaysia.

No quarantine required. Ensure the import permit is obtained before travel.

DVS Malaysia

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian in the country of origin · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Import permit from DVS Malaysia
Rabies vaccination certificate
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate
Passport or travel document for the dog

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: import permit fee ~RM10-50, microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and DVS Malaysia.

No quarantine required. Ensure the import permit is obtained before travel.

DVS Malaysia

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian in the country of origin · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Import permit from DVS Malaysia
Rabies vaccination certificate
FAVN titer test result
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate
Passport or travel document for the dog

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: import permit fee ~RM10-50, microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250. Confirm current prices with a local vet and DVS Malaysia.

No quarantine required, but the titer test adds a minimum 90-day waiting period after vaccination. Ensure the import permit is obtained before travel.

DVS Malaysia

Frequently asked questions

Malaysia allows up to 2 dogs per person for non-commercial import without triggering commercial regulations. If you bring more than 2, you may need to follow commercial import rules, including additional permits and possible quarantine.

No. Dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries do not need a titer test. Only dogs from high-risk rabies countries (as classified by Malaysia) require a FAVN test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL, performed at least 90 days after the rabies vaccination.

You must apply for an import permit from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) at least 30 days before travel. The permit is typically processed within 2-4 weeks. Apply early to avoid delays.

No, Malaysia does not require quarantine for dogs from any country, provided all import requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and import permit) are met. Dogs from high-risk countries must complete a titer test but are not quarantined upon arrival.

No. Malaysia does not recognize emotional support animals as a separate category. Service dogs (e.g., guide dogs) must still meet all standard import requirements, including microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and an import permit. No special exemptions apply.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the dog's arrival in Malaysia. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian in the country of origin.

No. The rabies vaccination is required at a minimum age of 12 weeks, and there is a waiting period of 21 days (30 days for high-risk countries) after vaccination. Therefore, the youngest age a dog can enter Malaysia is approximately 15 weeks (or 16 weeks for high-risk origins).

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Malaysia.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian in the country of origin · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
Health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
Microchip certificate or proof of implantation

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm with a local vet and the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).

No quarantine for cats from rabies-free origins. Entry permitted via any international airport or seaport with a veterinary inspection counter.

DVS Malaysia

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian in the country of origin · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
Health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
Microchip certificate or proof of implantation

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm with a local vet and the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).

No quarantine for cats from low-risk origins. Rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before arrival.

DVS Malaysia

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 30+ days before travel

Quarantine

7 days

Mandatory 7-day quarantine at a government-approved facility in Malaysia. Costs borne by owner. Contact DVS for current facility list and fees.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian in the country of origin · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate
Health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
Import permit from DVS Malaysia

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100, quarantine ~$50-100 per day. Confirm with a local vet and the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).

Cats from high-risk rabies countries face stricter requirements including FAVN test, import permit, and 7-day quarantine. Start process at least 3 months before travel.

DVS Malaysia

Frequently asked questions

Malaysia allows up to 2 cats per person for non-commercial import without triggering commercial regulations. If you bring more than 2, the shipment is treated as commercial and requires additional permits, a licensed importer, and possible customs duties.

Yes, Malaysia accepts health certificates issued by an official government veterinarian in the country of origin. For cats from the US, a USDA-endorsed APHIS Form 7001 is accepted. For cats from the UK, a DEFRA-endorsed health certificate is accepted. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.

No. Malaysia does not recognise emotional support animals under its import regulations. Your cat must meet all standard import requirements regardless of its role. Service animals (guide dogs) have separate rules but still require health documentation and quarantine if from a high-risk country.

Cabin travel depends on the airline's policy, not Malaysia's import rules. Most international airlines allow cats in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat (typically max 8 kg including carrier). Check with your airline. Malaysia's customs does not restrict cabin travel for pets that meet entry requirements.

Malaysia requires an ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before rabies vaccination. If your cat has a non-ISO chip (e.g., 9-digit or 10-digit), you must bring your own compatible scanner. The chip must be readable at the border. If not, your cat may be denied entry or quarantined until a chip is implanted and verified.

For cats from high-risk countries, the minimum age is 3 months due to the rabies vaccination and FAVN test timeline. For cats from free or low-risk countries, there is no official minimum age, but the cat must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a valid rabies vaccine (given at 12 weeks, then 21-day wait).

Cats can enter through any international airport or seaport with a veterinary inspection counter. Major entry points include Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Penang International Airport (PEN), and Johor Bahru's Senai International Airport (JHB). For seaports, Port Klang and Penang Port are common. Always confirm with DVS that your specific port of entry has a vet on duty.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Malaysia.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or authorized private vet endorsed by the origin country's national authority (e.g., USDA, DEFRA). · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

ISO microchip certificate or proof of implantation
Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine batch, date, validity)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Veterinary export health certificate (if required by origin country)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit fee. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia.

Malaysia does not require a rabies titer test or import permit for ferrets from rabies-free origins. Quarantine is not applied. The health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country.

DVS Malaysia

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or authorized private vet endorsed by the origin country's national authority (e.g., USDA, DEFRA). · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

ISO microchip certificate or proof of implantation
Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine batch, date, validity)
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Veterinary export health certificate (if required by origin country)

Rough budget

Malaysia does not require a rabies titer test or import permit for ferrets from low-risk origins. Quarantine is not applied. The health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country.

DVS Malaysia

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 30+ days before travel

Quarantine

7 days

Mandatory 7-day quarantine at a government-approved facility upon arrival. Costs borne by owner. Quarantine facilities are limited; advance booking may be required.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or authorized private vet endorsed by the origin country's national authority (e.g., USDA). · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

ISO microchip certificate or proof of implantation
Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine batch, date, validity)
FAVN titer test certificate from OIE-approved lab
Import permit from DVS Malaysia
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Veterinary export health certificate (if required by origin country)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100, quarantine ~$10-30/day. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries face stricter requirements: a FAVN titer test, an import permit, and a 7-day quarantine. The import permit application should be submitted at least 30 days before travel. Quarantine space is limited; contact DVS well in advance.

DVS Malaysia

Frequently asked questions

Malaysia does not set a specific numeric limit for non-commercial pet ferret imports. However, if you bring more than 5 animals, customs may treat the shipment as commercial, requiring additional permits and fees. For clarity, contact the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia (DVS) before travel.

No. Malaysia does not have a legal category for emotional support animals. Ferrets entering as pets must follow the same import rules regardless of any ESA designation. No exemptions are granted for ESAs.

Malaysia considers the country of origin as the country where the ferret has resided for the past 6 months (or since birth if younger). If the ferret has been in a low-risk country for at least 6 months, the low-risk rules apply. You must provide proof of residency (e.g., vet records, boarding receipts).

The rabies vaccine must be valid on the day of travel. If it expires before arrival, the ferret may be denied entry or placed in quarantine. Ensure the vaccine is administered at least 21 days before travel and remains valid for the entire journey.

Many airlines require ferrets to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage in an IATA-compliant carrier. Some airlines ban brachycephalic breeds, but ferrets are not affected. Check with your airline for their specific pet policy, as rules vary. Ferrets may be subject to temperature restrictions during layovers.

No. For ferrets from low-risk countries (including the UK, US, EU, Australia, Japan), no import permit is required. Only a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and proof of rabies vaccination are needed.

The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. If the vaccine was given before the microchip, the vaccination is not considered valid for import. You would need to re-vaccinate after microchipping and wait 21 days.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip before rabies vaccination. The import permit application must be submitted to the Department of Veterinary Services at least 30 days before arrival, and pets must enter through designated airports or seaports with quarantine facilities.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Malaysia, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).