Pet import requirements for Bhutan
What Bhutan asks for before a dog or cat can enter — the microchip, the rabies work, the permit and the paperwork — and how far ahead you need to start. We handle all of it on a move we arrange.
Import rules change, and they change without notice. Last verified 2025-04-24 by the country-profile service Furry Freight uses; profile last updated 2025-09-15. Confirm every requirement with the authority named below, or with us on (424) 421-1650, before you book a flight or start any vet work.
Bhutan at a glance
| Requirement | For Bhutan |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Color, identification marks and microchip |
| Rabies | Rabies >6 months <1 year for primary |
| Rabies antibody test Required | Your pet will need a rabies titer test with acceptable results to enter Bhutan |
| Import permit Required | Import Permit required from BAFRA |
| Quarantine | If import requirements are fulfilled, 15 days observation is done at owner facility, for not fulfilling the import requirement, a minimum of 20 days mandatory quarantine at… |
| Minimum age to travel | 4 months |
Where this fits in the timeline. The order matters more than the effort: a rabies vaccination given before the microchip was implanted does not count in most regimes, and a titer test drawn too early restarts a waiting period. On a move we handle, we check your pet's existing dates against these rules on the free consultation before anything is booked.
The detail
Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge. Typical air gateways on file in clude PBH.
Import requirements
4 months.
The animal must not be more than 42 days pregnant at the date of departure.
IATA crate required.
Crate must be new or disinfected.
Visitors must have a visa and return ticket.
The owner’s passport must be valid for 3 months after end of in tended stay.
Entry is only allowed by air. Simplest is on the National Carrier, DRUK AIR from BKK.
DRUK AIR is always filled to capacity so early booking is essential.
Import protocol for cats and dogs
Visitors on short stay must keep their pets in their hotel or compound.
All walking dogs must be kept on a leash and not come in contact with local cats and dogs.
No female may be more than 42 days pregnant.
Only fully weaned animals allowed to enter.
Any suckling young accompanying their mother must be over 6 weeks of age.
The import of pet animal (Dog & Cat) in Bhutan is strictly regulated as per the livestock Act 2001 and Livestock Rules and Regulation 2017
(please refer the laws here: http://www.bafra.gov.bt/legislations/livestock-rules-and-regulations-of-bhutan-2017/)
Import Application
Apply at least 4 weeks prior to BAFRA.
Thimphu: Bhutan, Post Box No. 1071
Tel PABX: +975 2 327-031/325-790/325-993
Fax: +975 2 327-032/335-540
Must be in English.
Visitors on short stays must keep their pets in their hotel or compound.
All walking dogs must be kept on a leash and not come in contact with local cats and dogs.
No female may be more than 42 days pregnant.
Only fully weaned animals are allowed to enter.
Any suckling young accompanying their mother must be over 6 weeks of age.
Animal Quarantine for commercial purpose is 15 days mandatory quarantine at quarantine station.
Identification and microchip
Color, identification marks and microchip.
Rabies and vaccinations
Rabies >6 months <1 year for primary. <1 year if booster.
The animal has been vaccinated against rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus, in fectious canine hepatitis and Leptospira in terrogans Canicola and Leptospira in terrogans Icterohaemorrhagiae. The vaccinations should be done at least one month before the date of entry except for rabies.
Tests and treatments
Your pet will need a rabies titer test with acceptable results to enter Bhutan. The titer test should be done no sooner than 30 days after the rabies vaccination to ensure the best results. Also, the test must be carried out not less than 3 months and not more than 24 months prior to the date of entry. Samples must be processed at approved laboratories.
The animal has been treated with broad spectrum endo-parasiticidal and ecto-parasiticidal drugs at least one week before the date of entry and must be free from ecto parasites upon entry.
Health certificate and permits
An of ficial veterinarian must complete a Veterinary Health Certificate within 48 hours of entry.
Contents to be in cluded can be found in:
https://www.bafra.gov.bt/index.php/standards-and-guidelines/
Import Permit required from BAFRA. Apply at least 4 weeks prior.
Quarantine
If import requirements are fulfilled, 15 days observation is done at owner facility, for not fulfilling the import requirement, a minimum of 20 days mandatory quarantine at animal quarantine station.
Restrictions and banned breeds
None.
Customs, agents, and airports
Pets must enter at Paro Airport.
Airports listed on this destination file: PBH.
Official contacts
Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA)
Ministry of Agriculture and Forests
Post Box: 1071
Thimphu, Bhutan
E-mail: karma_d@moa.gov.bt
Alternative E-mail: to epkarma@hotmail.com
Tel: +975 2 327-031 / 325-790 / 325-993
Fax: +975 2 327-032
Bhutan Agriculture & Food Regulatory Authority
B.V.Sc & AH, One Health (MVM - Biosecurity)
Sr. Regulatory & Quarantine Officer
Kinley Penjor (Dr)
Thimphu, Bhutan
Tel: +975 1 690-0620
Email: kinleypenjor@moaf.gov.bt
National Center for Animal Health
Department of Livestock
Ministry of Agriculture & Forests
Post Box: 155
Serbithang, Babesa
Thimphu: Bhutan
Tel: +975 2 351-083 / 351-093
Fax: +975 2 351-095
Email: ncah2013@gmail.com
Current as of April 2024
Disclaimer
Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2025-04-24.
Next: measure your dog, find the kennel size, then get a free travel quote. Moving on military orders? PCS moves. Going to Hawaiʻi instead? Hawaiʻi has its own regime.
Other destinations: Afghanistan · Armenia · Azerbaijan · all destinations
Questions about moving a pet to Bhutan
Does my dog or cat need a microchip for Bhutan?
Color, identification marks and microchip
From the country profile, last verified 2025-04-24.
What rabies vaccination does Bhutan require?
Rabies >6 months <1 year for primary
Is a rabies antibody (titer) test needed for Bhutan?
Your pet will need a rabies titer test with acceptable results to enter Bhutan
A titer test is the single most common reason a move takes months rather than weeks, because the waiting period runs from the blood draw.
Do I need an import permit to bring a pet into Bhutan?
Import Permit required from BAFRA
Will my pet be quarantined on arrival in Bhutan?
If import requirements are fulfilled, 15 days observation is done at owner facility, for not fulfilling the import requirement, a minimum of 20 days mandatory quarantine at…