Who can bring a pet?
The BAI personal-pet pathway permits up to three dogs or cats per year, or the same microchipped animals on repeated trips. A pet must be at least four months old when the SPSIC application is filed. Pregnant pets are not allowed at application, and a pet that has given birth must have done so at least 12 weeks before travel.
Microchip
Provide the microchip number in the SPSIC application and supporting records. BAI asks for the animal’s actual photograph and pet passport where applicable. Make sure the chip, vaccine card and export certificate all identify the same pet.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. The animal should be at least 12 weeks old at vaccination. If it receives its first rabies vaccination, wait 14 days before applying for the SPSIC; an in-date annual booster can avoid that wait, but a lapsed vaccine restarts it.
Rabies titre test
The BAI pet-import page does not list a rabies titre as a standard requirement for every personal pet from Indonesia. Do not order a titre unless BAI’s permit conditions or the export authority require it for this animal and route.
Import permit
An approved, valid SPSIC from the Bureau of Animal Industry is required before entry. Apply through the DA Trade System. BAI states that processing takes 11 working days from submission, evaluation, endorsement and approval; incomplete applications can delay this.
Government documents
The SPSIC application needs vaccination and antiparasitic records, microchip number, a current photo and pet passport if applicable. Before travel, arrange the exporting government’s official veterinary health certificate and any treatment declarations shown on the SPSIC. Carry the printed permit for inspection. 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
The BAI process includes inspection at the port of entry. The public personal-pet guidance does not state a routine fixed quarantine stay for a compliant pet. If documents are missing or the animal does not meet the clearance conditions, officials can hold or take further action.
Airline requirements
Confirm whether the pet can travel in cabin, as accompanied baggage or as cargo on every segment. The airline will check the SPSIC and export documents before carriage. Align arrival with the entry port named in the clearance and the pet’s inspection appointment.
Travel crate
Use the airline’s approved live-animal crate or cabin carrier. For cargo, the crate must fit the animal, allow natural standing, turning and lying, and meet ventilation and water rules. Ask the carrier about aircraft size and hot-weather restrictions.
Timeline
BAI’s stated processing time is 11 working days after a complete SPSIC application. Add time for an initial rabies vaccine’s 14-day wait, the government health certificate, antiparasitic treatments, airline approval and port inspection. Apply before locking in a non-refundable departure date.
Cost factors
Budget for the SPSIC, veterinary vaccines and antiparasitic treatment, official health certificate, air fare or cargo charges, crate, airport handling and any inspection or holding fees. BAI’s per-year animal limit may require a separate route review if the household is moving with several pets.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for my pet?
Yes. Every dog and cat needs an approved, valid BAI SPSIC before entering the Philippines.
How long does the SPSIC take?
BAI lists 11 working days from submission through evaluation, endorsement and approval. Incomplete applications can take longer.
How old must my pet be?
At least four months old when the SPSIC application is submitted. A first rabies vaccine also requires a 14-day wait before permit application.
Official sources
Checked against the linked official sources on 24 October 2026. Rules can change; verify again before preparing your pet.
- Philippines BAI: Bringing dogs and cats into the Philippines
- Philippines BAI: Citizen’s Charter — import permit for dogs and cats
- Bureau of Customs: Pet animals
- Barantin: Export procedures for animals
- Barantin: Taking a dog or cat overseas (23 July 2026)
- IATA: Live animal transport and container requirements
- AVMA: Traveling with your dog or cat