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Moving to Malaysia with your pet? Malaysia is a country with a growing appreciation for animal companionship, but importing pets involves a carefully regulated process overseen by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS). With specific import permit requirements, microchipping, vaccination records, and health certificate standards to meet, early planning is critical to ensuring a smooth and stress-free move. Below is a general overview of what's required when transporting pets to Malaysia from the United States.
Like many countries, Malaysia does not allow the import of certain breeds of dogs and there are restrictions on others.
Bull Mastiff
Bull Terrier
Doberman
German Shepard/Alsatian (including Belgian Shepard and East European Shepard)
Perro de Presa Canario (also known as Canary Dog)
Rottweiler
Akita
American Bulldog
Dogo Argentino
Fila Braziliero
Japanese Tosa
Neapolitan Mastiff
Pit Bull Terrier / Pit Bull (also known as American Pit Bull, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier)
In order to import a restricted breed, you'll need a written approval from the Director General of Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS). The dog must meet the following conditions in order to apply for the import permit:
Must be at least 3 months old at the time of import.
Must have a pedigree certificate issued by an approved organization in the country of export (including the name and address of the organization).
Must have an ISO (Std 11784 & 11785) compliant microchip - this must also be recorded in the pedigree certificate.
Name and address of the importer who will be responsible for the care and handling of the dog.
The residence of the dog must be inspected and approved by the Director.
The importer must provide a written declaration that the dog: is a personal pet not intended for sale; will be kept secured within the compound/residence at all times; will be kept on a leash and muzzled at all times in public areas; and will be under the control of a trained and skilled handler at all times (security dogs).
Your pet must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip before receiving the rabies vaccine. If your pet already has a microchip, confirm that it is ISO-compliant before completing additional treatments.
Rabies
Cats and dogs must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 - 365 days of arrival to Malaysia.
The Rabies certificate must be signed by the vet in original ink and the original document must travel with your pet.
Cat Vaccines
FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, panleukopenia) - Must be completed between 14 and 365 days prior to travel.
Dog Vaccines
DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus) - Must be completed between 14 and 365 days prior to travel.
Bordetella (kennel cough) - Strongly recommended
CIV (canine influenza virus) - Strongly recommended
The International Health Certificate must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 7 days prior to departure. This document must also be endorsed by the USDA and the original must travel with your pet. If your pet is also transiting in the EU, they will also require a Commercial EU Veterinary Certificate completed 2 days prior to departure .
It is best to apply for the import permit 30 days in advance to book in the space for 7-day quarantine. In order to apply for the permit, all veterinary documents must be in order.
Cats and dogs must spend 7 days in quarantine upon arrival to Malaysia. The sooner you can apply for the import permit and quarantine space the better as the rooms with air conditioning go first and quickly!
Our Malaysia pet shipping services include:
We will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and we will update you as your pet travels to Malaysia.
For more detailed information on life in Malaysia with your pet, please refer to our comprehensive Malaysia Country guide.
Relocating a pet from Malaysia to another country requires careful coordination between veterinarians, airlines, and international regulations. Whether you’re moving back to the United States or relocating elsewhere in the world, Starwood Pet Travel manages every step of the process to ensure your pet travels safely and comfortably.
Our experienced team understands the specific export requirements for pets leaving Malaysia and works closely with local veterinarians and authorities to prepare the necessary documentation and travel arrangements.
Before your pet departs Malaysia, we will provide a full itinerary and keep you updated throughout the journey so you always know where your pet is during travel.
Whether your pet is returning to the United States after time abroad or relocating from Malaysia permanently, there are several important import requirements that must be completed before arrival.
Malaysia is considered a high-risk rabies country, so dogs entering the United States must still meet specific documentation and travel requirements set by the CDC, USDA, and airlines. Missing paperwork or incorrect preparation can delay your pet’s entry or create complications upon arrival.
Starwood Pet Travel helps simplify the process by coordinating the logistics, documentation, and customs clearance so your pet can arrive safely and smoothly.
After submitting your quote request and completing the invoice payment, a dedicated booking specialist will be assigned to manage your pet’s import into the United States.
Your specialist will coordinate all necessary arrangements, including collecting required documentation and confirming travel details. They will also guide you through the specific requirements for pets traveling from Malaysia to the United States.
On the day of arrival, your specialist will monitor the clearance process and provide updates to ensure your pet’s entry proceeds as smoothly as possible.
Please note:
| Number of pets | Starting cost* |
|---|---|
| 1 | $4,650 |
| 2 | $5,630 |
| 3 | $7,000 |
| 4 | $13,175 |
| 5 | $16,095 |
| 6+ | Contact Us |
* This does not serve as our official quotation. For an exact quote and detailed proposal, please request a free quote.
It's smart to map both at once. Your long-stay visa and arrival date shape when your pet should ideally travel, and your pet's import steps have their own timeline, so the two are far easier to coordinate when you've planned your move in the right order. Our partner EasyFranceNow walks American applicants through the long-stay visa process step by step.
Yes. French law generally protects a tenant's right to keep a pet, so a landlord usually can't refuse a standard dog or cat. As a foreign applicant, you'll want a strong rental file and often a guarantor to land a lease. Our partner EasyFranceNow has a step-by-step playbook for renting in France as an American, including the guarantor workaround.
France is genuinely pet-friendly, with dogs welcome in many cafés, shops, and on public transport, so it really comes down to the lifestyle you want. Americans often look to the South, like the Côte d'Azur, Provence, and Occitanie, for the climate and outdoor space, or to a walkable city neighborhood for easy daily life. Our partner EasyFranceNow compares the best places for Americans to settle.
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