Malaysia requires an import permit from MAQIS and a Veterinary Health Certificate issued within 7 days of departure. All pets must be at least 3 months old with an ISO microchip and rabies vaccination at least 30 days before entry. A compulsory 7-day minimum quarantine applies, though pets from the UK, Singapore, Japan, and select countries may be exempt.
Companies Listed
7
Quarantine
Yes (7 days)
Common Pets
dogs, cats
Requirements
8 documented
Key Import Requirements
Import permit from MAQIS required
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required
Rabies vaccination at least 30 days before entry
Veterinary Health Certificate issued within 7 days of departure
Minimum 7-day quarantine (exempt for pets from UK, Singapore, Japan, NZ, and select countries)
Quarantine extendable up to 6 months based on risk assessment
Banned breeds: Akita, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Neapolitan Mastiff
Restricted breeds (Rottweiler, Doberman, German Shepherd) require prior written approval from State DVS
Import requirements by pet type
Requirements for relocating a pet to Malaysia vary significantly by species. Below are the rules for birds, horses, and exotic pets — dogs and cats are covered in the key requirements above.
Birds
Import permitted
Certain birds can be imported into Peninsular Malaysia with a MAQIS import permit, granted only after the Department of Veterinary Services approves the case. Birds need a government veterinary health certificate confirming the country of origin has been free of velogenic Newcastle disease, pathogenic avian influenza and fowl cholera for 12 months, and wild birds are quarantined at least 30 days on arrival.
Import approval from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) before any permit is issued
MAQIS import permit applied for via the online E-Permit system
Government veterinary health certificate from a competent veterinary officer of the exporting country
Certificate that the country (or part of country) of origin has been free of velogenic Newcastle disease, pathogenic avian influenza (fowl plague) and fowl cholera for 12 months prior to and until export
Wild birds quarantined for not less than 30 days on arrival
CITES-listed birds also require a permit and CITES certificate from PERHILITAN (Wildlife and National Parks)
The 12-month disease-freedom certification and the 30-day wild-bird quarantine are confirmed in DVS's official poultry/bird import regulations. Eligibility is species- and origin-dependent. The exact quarantine length for non-wild pet birds and fees were not confirmed from a primary source. Sabah and Sarawak have separate rules from Peninsular Malaysia. Confirm directly with DVS.
Horses
Import permitted
Horses can be imported into Malaysia subject to DVS approval and a MAQIS import permit via the E-Permit system. Each horse needs a veterinary health certificate and identification/passport, must be isolated at least 14 days pre-export in an approved facility, and must test negative for diseases such as equine infectious anaemia, glanders and piroplasmosis under the relevant country-specific protocol.
Import approval from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) before any permit
MAQIS import permit obtained through the online E-Permit system
Veterinary health certificate from the competent authority with full horse details
Identification certificate or horse passport with full description of the animal
Pre-export isolation of at least 14 days in a facility approved by the exporting country's authority (per the Australia protocol)
Negative tests for equine infectious anaemia (EIA), glanders (CFT or isolation within 1 month of export) and piroplasmosis (blood smear / IFA / CFT within 1 month of export)
The 14-day pre-export isolation and the EIA, glanders and piroplasmosis testing are confirmed in DVS's official horse import regulation for Australia; protocols and exact arrival-quarantine length differ by exporting country. Obtain the protocol for your specific origin country from DVS.
Reptiles
Generally not permitted
Importing pet reptiles into Malaysia is highly restricted and impractical for most private owners. Beyond a DVS approval and MAQIS permit, reptiles classed as wildlife or CITES species require a licence and CITES certificate from PERHILITAN. Native Malaysian wildlife generally cannot be owned, and importing prohibited species can mean confiscation, heavy fines and imprisonment.
Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) approval letter before any permit
Licence and CITES certificate from PERHILITAN (Department of Wildlife and National Parks) for wildlife/exotic species
MAQIS import permit, issued only after DVS approval and wildlife licensing
Valid CITES export documentation from the country of origin
Species must not be native Malaysian protected wildlife or otherwise prohibited
Veterinary health certificate from the exporting country
Marked not allowed because, for typical private owners, reptile import is effectively impractical: PERHILITAN confirms that wildlife, hybrids and exotic species need both a PERHILITAN licence/CITES certificate and a DVS approval letter before a MAQIS permit can be issued, and CITES trade is generally limited to approved captive-bred or propagated sources. Breaches under Act 686 / Act 716 carry heavy fines and imprisonment. Some captive-bred non-protected species may qualify with full licensing; confirm species-by-species with DVS and PERHILITAN.
Pet-type requirements researched and last updated June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the destination’s government authority before booking — regulations change frequently.
How much does it cost to ship a pet to Malaysia?
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