Pet Relocation to Malaysia

Who can bring a pet?

As of the DVS notice published 3 February 2026, dog and cat imports from Indonesia are prohibited. This applies to pet relocation planning regardless of the usual personal-pet checklist. The March 2026 DVS country-category notice does not itself lift the separate Indonesia prohibition.

Microchip

Microchip and identification records are part of Malaysia’s normal pet-import documentation, but they do not override the current prohibition. Keep the chip details and vaccination record for a future application only after DVS confirms the restriction has been lifted.

Rabies vaccination

A rabies vaccine cannot make the currently prohibited Indonesia route lawful. Do not vaccinate or book tests solely on the assumption that the normal import requirements are enough. Ask DVS or MAQIS for a written update before resuming preparation.

Rabies titre test

A titre test does not replace DVS authorization and will not by itself lift the ban. Wait for a revised official notice that explicitly allows import from Indonesia and states the test, lab and timing rules, if any.

Import permit

The current DVS prohibition must be resolved before an import permit, Veterinary Health Certificate or ordinary non-scheduled-country process can be used. Do not ask an intermediary country to disguise the Indonesian origin; any legal alternative requires prior written approval from DVS.

Government documents

For future planning, ask DVS which version of the scheduled/non-scheduled-country rules will apply after the restriction changes. A normal file may include an import permit, government veterinary health certificate, vaccination and parasite records, microchip information and any required quarantine documents. Separately, when a pet actually leaves Indonesia, Barantin asks the sender to report the export through PTK Online and provide destination-required veterinary documents, vaccination records and, for dogs and cats, a protective rabies titre result. The pet is then presented at a designated exit point for quarantine inspection; an Animal Health Certificate is issued if requirements are met. If the final export is from a third country, use that country’s export certificate instead.

Quarantine and arrival inspection

Do not assume quarantine is an allowed workaround. The prohibition is about importing from Indonesia; holding an animal after arrival does not create permission to ship it. Confirm a valid route and any quarantine conditions with DVS before travel.

Airline requirements

Do not purchase a flight or hand the animal to an airline for Malaysia while the notice remains active. The carrier may refuse check-in and the pet could face return or other measures. Recheck DVS and MAQIS notices on the day a future journey is assessed.

Travel crate

Crate preparation can wait until DVS confirms a lawful, bookable route. Once cleared, the carrier must approve the exact crate and itinerary under its live-animal policy. Do not size or buy a crate as if the present route were confirmed.

Timeline

There is no compliant travel timeline while the prohibition remains in force. First wait for a new DVS notice or written permission; only then can the permit process, vaccine/titre timing, certificate window, quarantine and airline schedule be calculated.

Cost factors

Do not commit to permit, lab, freight or quarantine charges for a prohibited move. A future estimate will depend on DVS’s updated entry conditions, government fees, veterinary preparation, crate and route. Keep funds uncommitted until the authority confirms eligibility in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog or cat move from Indonesia to Malaysia now?

No. DVS published a prohibition on dog and cat imports from Indonesia on 3 February 2026. Confirm that a newer notice has lifted it before planning.

Can quarantine or transit through another country avoid the prohibition?

Do not treat either as a workaround. Ask DVS for written approval of any lawful alternative before moving the pet or booking transport.

When can I request a quote?

After DVS publishes a new clearance or gives written approval for the specific route. Until then, PTI cannot confirm a lawful travel date or complete requirements.

Official sources

Checked against the linked official sources on 24 October 2026. Rules can change; verify again before preparing your pet.

Pet relocation from Indonesia to Malaysia