Bringing a pet to Malaysia

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Malaysia runs a permit-based pet import regime administered by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Quarantine is routine: most dogs arriving from abroad spend time in a government quarantine station or an approved private facility, with the duration set by the animal's rabies vaccination history, titer status, and origin. Start paperwork 3–6 months before travel, secure the DVS import permit before the dog flies, and budget for quarantine kennelling. Requirements vary by the rabies-risk status of the origin country.

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

7 days

Minimum 7 days at a DVS-approved quarantine facility, provided the dog has a valid in-date rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel and a DVS import permit. Quarantine may be extended if documentation is incomplete or the dog shows signs of illness on arrival.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the exporting country (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for the US, DEFRA/APHA for the UK, or equivalent national veterinary authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Malaysia does not maintain a national breed ban list for dogs, but some airlines refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers, especially in cargo. Certain local authorities (e.g. some state councils) may have restrictions on 'dangerous' breeds like Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds — check with the relevant local council if you plan to keep the dog in a specific state. Confirm with your airline and DVS before travel.

Documents checklist

DVS import permit (apply before travel)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785) recorded on all documents
Proof of origin / residency (where applicable)
Air waybill / flight details

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify with DVS and your vet: import permit ~MYR 50–200, health certificate ~USD 100–200, microchip ~USD 30–50, quarantine ~MYR 30–80 per day for 7 days, plus flight and agent fees. No titer test is required for this tier. Prices change; confirm current rates with DVS and a local pet relocation agent.

Even for 'free' rabies-status origins, Malaysia still requires an import permit and a short quarantine. There is no zero-quarantine pathway for dogs from any origin.

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 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

7 days

Minimum 7 days at a DVS-approved quarantine facility if all documentation (permit, vaccination, titer, health certificate) is complete and valid. Quarantine can be extended to 14 days or more if the titer result is borderline, documentation is incomplete, or the dog arrives without a valid permit.

Health certificate

Required

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

DVS import permit (apply before travel)
Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before travel)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, done at least 30 days after vaccination)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785) recorded on all documents
Proof of origin / residency
Air waybill / flight details

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify with DVS and your vet: import permit ~MYR 50–200, FAVN titer test ~USD 100–250, health certificate ~USD 100–200, microchip ~USD 30–50, quarantine ~MYR 30–80 per day for 7 days, plus flight and agent fees. Confirm current prices with DVS and a local pet relocation agent.

Most European countries, the US, UK, Japan, and Australia fall into this tier. The titer test is the main additional hurdle compared to 'free' origins, and the 3-month wait after the titer test is the biggest timing constraint.

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 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

14 days

Minimum 14 days at a DVS-approved quarantine facility, even with complete documentation. Quarantine may be extended to 30 days or more if the titer result is borderline, documentation is incomplete, or the dog arrives without a valid permit. Dogs from high-risk origins may be subject to additional health checks on arrival.

Health certificate

Required

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

DVS import permit (apply before travel)
Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before travel)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, done at least 30 days after vaccination)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785) recorded on all documents
Proof of origin / residency
Air waybill / flight details

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify with DVS and your vet: import permit ~MYR 50–200, FAVN titer test ~USD 100–250, health certificate ~USD 100–200, microchip ~USD 30–50, quarantine ~MYR 30–80 per day for 14 days, plus flight and agent fees. Confirm current prices with DVS and a local pet relocation agent.

High-risk origins (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) face the longest quarantine (14 days minimum) and the same titer requirement as low-risk origins. The 3-month post-titer wait plus 14-day quarantine means planning at least 5–6 months ahead.

DVS Malaysia

Frequently asked questions

Malaysia generally allows up to 2 dogs per person under non-commercial (personal pet) rules. If you bring more than 2, the shipment may be treated as commercial, requiring additional licensing, higher fees, and potentially different quarantine arrangements. Confirm the current limit with DVS before you book, as it can change.

Yes, if your dog is coming from a low-risk or high-risk rabies country (which includes most of the world, including the US, UK, and EU). The FAVN test must show at least 0.5 IU/ml, be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and you must wait at least 3 months (90 days) after the test before the dog can enter Malaysia. Dogs from 'free' rabies-status origins (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican) are exempt from the titer test.

Quarantine is mandatory for all dogs entering Malaysia. The minimum is 7 days for dogs from free or low-risk origins with complete documentation, and 14 days for dogs from high-risk origins. Quarantine can be extended to 30 days or more if paperwork is incomplete, the titer result is borderline, or the dog arrives without a valid import permit. Quarantine is at your expense.

No. You must apply for and receive a DVS import permit before the dog travels. Without it, the dog may be refused entry, held at the airport, or quarantined for an extended period at your cost. Apply at least 1–2 months before travel, and earlier if you need to complete a titer test and waiting period.

No. Malaysia does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from import requirements. They must have an import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) a titer test, and they must undergo quarantine just like any other dog. There is no fast-track or waiver for assistance animals.

The dog must be at least 3 months old at the time of entry. This is because the rabies vaccine cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and a 21-day wait after vaccination is required before travel. If the dog is younger than 3 months, it will not meet the vaccination timing requirements and will be refused entry.

Dogs must enter through a designated point of entry with a quarantine facility. The main gateway is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), but other approved entry points include Penang International Airport and Senai International Airport. Check with DVS for the current list, as not all airports have quarantine facilities.

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 of the exporting country · valid 7 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit from Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services (DVS)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 1 year, not expired)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of departure
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Recent negative FIV/FeLV test (recommended but not mandatory)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current prices with a local vet and DVS. Typical ranges: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-100. No titer test or quarantine required for this tier.

Malaysia requires an import permit for all cats regardless of origin. Apply at least 30 days before travel. Cats from rabies-free countries (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican) are exempt from rabies titer test but still need valid rabies vaccination. Quarantine is not required if all documents are in order. If the cat arrives without proper documentation, quarantine may be imposed at the owner's expense.

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 of the exporting country · valid 7 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit from Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services (DVS)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 1 year, not expired)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of departure
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Recent negative FIV/FeLV test (recommended but not mandatory)

Rough budget

Same requirements as free tier. Malaysia does not differentiate between low-risk and free countries for cats; all require import permit and health certificate. Rabies titer test is not required for low-risk countries. Quarantine is not required if documentation is complete.

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 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

7 days

Mandatory 7-day quarantine at a government-approved quarantine facility upon arrival, even with valid titer test and permit. Quarantine can be extended if documents are incomplete or titer test is not valid.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the exporting country · valid 7 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit from Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services (DVS)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 1 year, not expired)
FAVN rabies titer test result (at least 0.5 IU/ml) from an OIE-approved lab
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of departure
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Recent negative FIV/FeLV test (recommended but not mandatory)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current prices with a local vet and DVS. Typical ranges: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-100, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, quarantine fees ~$10-20/day for 7 days.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries (as defined by Malaysia) must have a valid FAVN titer test done at least 90 days before travel. Upon arrival, a 7-day quarantine is mandatory. The import permit must be applied for at least 30 days in advance. Quarantine fees are borne by the owner. If the titer test is not done or fails, quarantine may be extended up to 6 months or the cat may be re-exported.

DVS Malaysia

Frequently asked questions

Malaysia allows a maximum of 2 cats per person for non-commercial import. If you bring more than 2, the shipment is considered commercial and requires additional licensing and compliance with commercial import regulations. This limit applies regardless of origin country.

No. Malaysia does not grant any exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats, including service animals, must meet the same import requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, import permit, health certificate, and if from a high-risk country, a rabies titer test and quarantine. Airlines may have their own policies for cabin travel, but the destination country's rules apply upon arrival.

Cats from high-risk countries must undergo a mandatory 7-day quarantine at a government-approved facility upon arrival, even with a valid rabies titer test and import permit. The quarantine period may be extended if documents are incomplete or the titer test is not valid. Quarantine fees are approximately MYR 50-100 per day (roughly $10-20 USD) and are paid by the owner.

It depends on the origin country. Cats from rabies-free or low-risk countries (e.g., EU, US, UK, Japan, Australia) do not require a rabies titer test. Cats from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, conducted at least 90 days before travel at an OIE-approved laboratory.

You must apply for the import permit from the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) at least 30 days before the planned arrival date. The permit is valid for a specific period (usually 3 months) and must be presented upon arrival. Processing time can vary, so apply early.

Your cat must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel (if primary vaccination) and the vaccine must be valid for at least 1 year. A microchip (ISO 11784/11785) is required. An official veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of departure is mandatory. FIV/FeLV testing is recommended but not required. All cats must be at least 3 months old.

If your cat arrives without a valid import permit, health certificate, or rabies vaccination, it may be quarantined at your expense for up to 6 months, or it may be re-exported to the origin country at your cost. In some cases, the animal may be euthanized if it poses a rabies risk. Always ensure all documents are complete before travel.

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 of the exporting country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 1 year
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Import permit from Malaysia's Department of Veterinary Services (DVS)
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-150. No titer test or quarantine is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Malaysia DVS.

Ferrets are not on Malaysia's prohibited species list but are subject to strict import controls. An import permit is required even from rabies-free countries. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. Health certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian. Quarantine is not required if all documents are in order.

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 of the exporting country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 1 year
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Import permit from Malaysia's Department of Veterinary Services (DVS)
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Ferrets from low-risk countries are not routinely quarantined if all documents are correct. DVS may impose quarantine if there are discrepancies. Rabies vaccination must be current.

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 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

7 days

Quarantine at a government-approved facility for 7 days upon arrival, at the owner's expense. Quarantine may be extended if test results are not valid or documents are incomplete.

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the exporting country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 1 year
FAVN rabies titer test result (at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 90 days before travel)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Import permit from Malaysia's Department of Veterinary Services (DVS)
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-150, quarantine ~$500-1000. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Malaysia DVS.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN test and undergo 7 days of quarantine. The titer test must be done at an OIE-approved laboratory. Quarantine is mandatory regardless of vaccination status. Import permit must be obtained before travel.

DVS Malaysia

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are not explicitly listed as allowed pets under Malaysia's import regulations. They are subject to the same general rules as other pets under the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS). You must obtain an import permit, a health certificate, and proof of rabies vaccination. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries also require a FAVN titer test and 7 days quarantine. Contact DVS directly before planning travel.

Malaysia generally allows up to 2 pets per passenger for non-commercial import. Bringing more than 2 may require a commercial import license and additional approvals. This limit applies to ferrets as well. Confirm with DVS as rules can change.

No. Malaysia does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals, and even trained service animals must comply with all import requirements, including permits, health certificates, and quarantine if applicable. There is no exemption for ferrets.

If your ferret is travelling from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa), a FAVN test is required. The test must be done at an approved laboratory at least 90 days before travel, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. Ferrets from low-risk or rabies-free countries do not need this test.

Quarantine is not required for ferrets from rabies-free or low-risk countries if all documents are in order. Ferrets from high-risk countries must undergo 7 days of quarantine at a government-approved facility. Quarantine can be extended if there are any issues with documents or test results.

A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory. It must be administered at least 21 days before travel and be valid for at least 1 year. Other vaccinations (e.g., distemper) are recommended but not required by Malaysian law. Your vet should provide a vaccination certificate.

Rough estimate: import permit ~$50-150, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN test ~$100-250 (if required), quarantine ~$500-1000 (if required). Total can range from $200 to over $1500 depending on origin and requirements. These are estimates only; confirm current fees with DVS and your vet.

Good to know

A DVS import permit is mandatory before arrival and cannot be obtained at the airport. All dogs must enter through a designated point of entry with a quarantine facility; Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the main gateway. Rabies vaccination must be current, and for most origins a FAVN (fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation) titer test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml is required. Quarantine is served at the owner's expense. Confirm current fees, quarantine space availability, and permit processing times directly with DVS before booking flights.

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).