Pet import requirements for Malaysia

Malaysia at a glance

The detail

Malaysia, country of Southeast Asia, to the north it is bordered by Thailand, to the south Singapore,, to the southwest, across the Strait of Malacca, is the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. Airports: (Airports with Animal Quarantine Stations (AQS): 1. Minimum 3 months.

Import requirements

Minimum 3 months.

• Import permit (valid for 30 days from the date of issue)
• Pet passport or vaccination record with vaccination history status, treatment given and health status of the animal
• Veterinary Health Certificate issue by a competent veterinary of ficer of the Government Veterinary Authority of the exporting country
• Restricted and banned breed of dogs and cats need to get a permission from the Director of MAQIS before applying for import permit
• Pets can arrive in Malaysia as manifested cargo, checked-in baggage, or in the cabin, depending on airline policies.
• The animal has been examined and found to be healthy and free from any clinical sign of in fectious or contagious disease, within seven (7) days prior to export and certification, and showed no any clinical signs and fit to travel on the day of shipment.
• East Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak) Has separate regulations, controls, and quarantine facilities. Importers must contact the State Veterinary Departments directly for applications.
• The regulations do not specify a hard limit. However, 1 to 3 pets per household is considered a standard, acceptable number for personal companionship. Importing four or more pets is possible but may require the importer to provide justification

Import Requirements for dogs and cats from:-CatsNdogs-NONSCHEDULED_COUNTRIES-revised131213_.pdf)Canada(V)-CatsNdogs-CANADA-revised150414.pdf)

Australia-CatsNdogs-AUSTRALIA-revised140716_website-1.pdf)

Indonesia-CatsNdogs-Indonesia_NONSCHEDULED_RABIES_COUNTRIES.pdf)

Schedule Country -CatsNdogs-SCHEDULED_COUNTRIES-revised131213_.pdf)(United Kingdom, Eire, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Singapore and Brunei)

Non-Schedule Country-CatsNdogs-NONSCHEDULED_COUNTRIES-revised131213_.pdf)

The of ficial Malaysian import protocols do not specify a hard numerical limit. However, common sense and regulatory practice apply:

1-3 Pets: Almost always accepted as personal without question.

4 or More Pets: This may require justification to MAQIS and DVS to prove the personal nature of the import. The owner may need to demonstrate a pre-existing relationship with all animals (e.g., through past veterinary records, registration papers).

Exception for Events: As in your example, a person traveling with several animals for a bona fide pet show or sporting event (like a dog race or agility competition) may be allowed to import them under personal pet regulations, provided they can provide proof of entry into the event. This is not considered a commercial activity.

A "commercial move" is defined as the importation of dogs or cats for the purpose of trade, business, or economic gain. This in cludes animals imported for sale, breeding, or research.

Specific requirements for commercial imports in clude:

Commercial Import Permit: A specific import permit must be obtained via the MAQIS ePermit system, declaring the commercial purpose.

Business Registration: The importer must be a legally registered business entity in Malaysia with a valid Trader's License.

DVS Approval: Prior registration or approval from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) is often required.

Facility Licensing: The premises where the animals will be kept (e.g., pet shop, breeding facility) must be licensed and approved by the local authorities and/or DVS.

Strict Quarantine: All commercial animals must undergo the mandatory quarantine period at an approved government or private station.

Animal Welfare Compliance: The importer must fully comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2015, which sets standards for housing, care, and transportation.

Yes, import requirements vary significantly based on the country of origin, primarily due to rabies risk and specific disease concerns.

The dog or cat cannot have been imported into Australia during the six months prior to export.

List of banned and restricted breeds of dogs and cats (from Indonesia only)

Restricted breeds of Dogs:

Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Doberman, Rottweiler, German Shepard/Alsation in cluding Belgian Shepard and East European Shepard, Cane Corso

Banned breeds of Dogs:

Akita, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero, Japanese Tosa, Neopolitan Mastiff, Pit Bull Terrier / Pit Bull (also known as American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier), Boerboel and Perro de Presa Canario (also known as Canary Dog)

Identification and microchip

ISO (Std 11784 & 11785) required

Rabies and vaccinations

Pets must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate, which must state the microchip number, date of in oculation, and validity of the vaccine. The vaccine must be in activated and administered at least 30 days before departure.

Rabies vaccination (at least 28 days prior to export according to manufacturer recommendation)

Annual vaccination (within 12 months prior to export)

FOR CATS: MINIMUM F4/F5 vaccination. Must in clude at least the following: Chlamydia psittaci, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia and feline rhinotracheitis

FOR DOGS: core vaccines (complete course) as recommended by manufacturer or license veterinarian

Tests and treatments

Hendra test from Australia only – Must be tested for Hendra Virus using Serum Neutralization Test (SNT) at dilution 1 in 2 with negative results, within fourteen (14) days prior to export.

Rabies Antibody test from Indonesia only – Blood sample taken for rabies antibody levels using FAVN or RFFIT not less than 3 months and not more than 12 months prior to export with acceptable result of 0.5 IU or more.

From Australia and Indonesia: The animal has been treated with a product effective against external and in ternal parasites between 2 – 7 days of export (state active in gredient and date of treatment)

Other Countries- Internal & External Parasite treatments are not requirements, however recommended.

Health certificate and permits

The Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued by a competent veterinary of ficer of the Government Veterinary Authority of the exporting country within 7 days of arrival.

Required for entry.

Link for the application of import permit.

Application for Import Permit

Import Permit

The consignment of animals shall be accompanied by a valid import license issued by the Director General of Veterinary Services, Malaysia or the State Director concerned permitting the import of such animals into the state(s) of Malaysia.

Quarantine

Please be in formed that the KUL Quarantine Station is under renovation from August 2024, the new quarantine facility IBC (Integrated Biosecurity Centre) will be completed within 3 years.

There is a quarantine facility in Penang (PEN). For the time being, an alternate route would be tranship to PEN (Penang) and on ward Kuala Lumpur.

No quarantine:

United Kingdom, Eire, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Brunei and Singapore.

Other countries – minimum 7 days.

Australia – minimum 14 days. [NOTE: Nipah test will be done during quarantine, and release will be based on the result]

Indonesia – minimum 14 days

Please be advised that the Animal Quarantine Station at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is currently undergoing renovations.

During this period:

The station remains operational, but its capacity may be limited.

It is highly recommended to contact MAQIS well in advance to confirm space availability and booking procedures at the KLIA station.

Stakeholders are strongly advised to have a confirmed reservation before their pet's arrival.

To ensure a smooth process, stakeholders are encouraged to consider utilizing the following alternative quarantine facilities:

Other MAQIS Animal Quarantine Stations:

Animal Quarantine Station Batu Maung, Pulau Pinang (Penang)

Animal Quarantine Station Rantau Panjang, Kelantan

Animal Quarantine Station Padang Besar, Perlis

Approve Private Quarantine Station

R&D Capital Logistics (M) Sdn Bhd, Nilai,Negeri Sembilan

Kitty Land Pet Shop, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan

Onezone Sdn Bhd, Sepang, Selangor

Symex Global, Sepang, Selangor

Reserve Quarantine Station Space 14 days prior to arrival. Quarantine space is allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis, and depends on availability.

Highly recommended to notify MAQIS of the time and date of arrival for custom clearance process

MAQIS Announcement:

Malay Version:

MAQIS announcement (KUL Quarantine Station).pdf

MAQIS announcement (Penang Quarantine Station).pdf

English Version:

MAQIS announcement (KUL Quarantine Station) (English).pdf

Restrictions and banned breeds

Restricted breeds:

Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Doberman, Rottweiler, German Shepard/Alsation in cluding Belgian Shepard and East European Shepard, Cane Corso

Banned breeds (Including their crosses):

Akita, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero, Japanese Tosa, Neopolitan Mastiff, Pit Bull Terrier / Pit Bul (also known as American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier), Boerboel, Perro de Presa Canario (also known as Canary Dog).

Banned breeds of Cats - From Indonesia only:

First to fourth generation Bengal or Savannah cat and its crosses.

Customs, agents, and airports

Highly Recommended

Destination Agent Required

Airports: (Airports with Animal Quarantine Stations (AQS):

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Sepang (IATA: KUL, ICAO: WMKK)
• Penang International Airport, George Town (IATA: PEN, ICAO: WMKP)
• Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Kota Kinabalu (IATA: BKI, ICAO: WBKK)
• Kuching International Airport, Kuching (IATA: KCH, ICAO: WBGG)

Ground:

• Padang Besar (Perlis-Thai border)

Airports listed on this destination file: KUL, PEN, JHB, KCH, LBU, SZB.

Any passport holder (any status) is eligible to import pets into Malaysia.

There are no duty / tax for import of personal pets.

A Sales and Service Tax (SST) will impose for cargo arrivals (6% on arrival’s airfreight cost appeared on AWB).

Custom Clearance Documents:

• Form K1 (Declaration of Imported Goods) (if applicable)
• Airway bill (air cargo) / in voice (land cargo), boarding pass, and passport of the owner for private passenger routes.

• MAQIS import permit
• Veterinary Health Certificate issued by the competent veterinary authority of the country of origin (Original document).

• Vaccination book / vaccination certificate / pet passport. Rabies vaccine / core vaccine is mandatory.
• CITES permit (if applicable).

• Form MK1 (copy of quarantine facility booking procedure form).

The most efficient ways to enter are as Checked Baggage or Manifest Cargo through a major in ternational airport like Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Pets are generally not permitted in the passenger cabin on flights to Malaysia.

Container Requirements:

All pets must travel in a kennel that is fully compliant with the latest IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR).

Operating Hours & Weekend Arrivals

Customs & MAQIS Hours: Standard government operating hours are typically Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Weekend/Holiday Arrivals: MAQIS and Customs services are generally NOT available outside of standard hours.

If a pet lands on a weekend or holiday, it will likely be held by the airline or a handling agent in its crate at the airport's animal holding facility until MAQIS operations resume on the next business day.

Pets arriving as cargo are moved from the aircraft to this climate-controlled holding facility. They remain in their crates while waiting for the importer/agent to complete clearance with MAQIS and Customs. Once cleared, they are either released to the owner or transferred to the quarantine station.

Export notes

• Health record with valid microchip, rabies and annual vaccines

• Government Health Certificate
• Export Permit

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

All CITES animals need an import permit from the Government besides the CITES import document.

Yes, the import of all other animal species is strictly regulated and subject to completely different rules than those for dogs and cats.

General Rule:

An Import Permit from MAQIS is mandatory for any animal other than a dog or cat.

The standard dog/cat import protocol does not apply.

Key Restrictions:

Prohibited Species: The import of wildlife, exotic animals, and all CITES-listed species as pets is strictly prohibited for private in dividuals under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.

Restricted Species: Common small mammals (e.g., rabbits, hamsters) and birds are subject to strict biosecurity controls and may be imported only under specific conditions.

Process for Allowable Species:

Consult the MAQIS Import Conditions Database to find the specific requirements for your animal.

Apply for an Import Permit through the MAQIS ePermit system.

Fulfill all testing, vaccination, and health certificate requirements as outlined in the specific import conditions.

Reserve a space at an approved quarantine station; quarantine upon arrival is mandatory.

The primary legislation governing animal welfare in Malaysia is the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772). The Act outlines the duty of care for animal owners and prohibits cruelty, abuse, and neglect. The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) is the enforcing authority.

HERE

https://www.oyen.my/post/how-to-import-cat-dog-to-malaysia#:~:text=Home%20in%20Malaysia%20is%20required,cats%20or%20dogs%20to%20Malaysia

April-2-2017 - Requirements

Procedure to Import Dogs and Cats Into Malaysia

Import & Export

Import Protocol - links for different countries

Quarantine Stations

In Malaysia, the law requires every dog to be licensed under its own municipal. Keep in mind that laws vary from state to state, so always check with yourLocal Municipal.

Pets living in Condos/Apartments:

• Pet owners are legally entitled to keep pets in condominiums and apartments unless the local council's by-law expressly prohibits or restricts it
• If the local council does not have a by-law that imposes such restrictions, tenants need not seek consent from the condo management

• If condo management refuses to comply, you may file case at Strata Management Tribunal

Laws of Malaysia – Animal Act

Import and Export License Application Procedures (Sabah)

Import Conditions- (Sabah)

Import Permit Form (Sarawak)

Official contacts

Sabah Department of Veterinary ServicesDirector: Dr Mary Josephine S. Golingai

Level 3, Block B, Wisma Pertanian Sabah,

Jalan Tasik, Luyang (Off Jalan Maktab Gaya),

Beg Berkunci 2051,

88999 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Tel: +6088 213186/301130/215053

Fax: +6088 215053

Email: dvs@sabah.gov.my

Department of Veterinary Services SarawakDirector (state veterinary authority): Dr Adrian Susin Ambud

Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak Headquarters,

Lot 877 Jalan Semenggok, Off Batu 12,

Jalan Kucing-Serian,

93250 Kuching, Sarawak

Tel: +60 82-628249

Fax: +60 82-628227

Email: dvs@sarawak.gov.my

Department of Veterinary ServicesDirector: Datuk Dr. Mohd Noor Hisham bin Mohd Haron

Wisma Tani, Blok Podium, Lot 4G1, Presint 4,

Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,

62624, Putrajaya

Tel: +60 3 8870-2000

Fax: +60 3 8888-6021

Email: pro@dvs.gov.my

Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS)

Aras 4, Menara 4G1, Wisma Tani,

No. 28, Persiaran Perdana, Presint 4,

Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,

62624 Putrajaya, Malaysia

Phone: +60 3 8870-8000

Fax: +: +60 3 8870-8056

Email: feedback@maqis.gov.my

Website - Import Procedures

Up to Date as of April 2025

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 2025-11-17.

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