Importing Your Pet into Vietnam | ExpatWoman.com
 

Importing Your Pet into Vietnam

Pets are considered part your family, so it's normal you'll want to bring them with you. Here's what you should know.

Posted on

18 May 2014

Last updated on 16 August 2017
Importing Your Pet into Vietnam

Importing your pet to Vietnam is surprisingly simple and far cheaper to do on your own than to hire a pet transport agency. The procedure before your pet can fly is relatively simple and can be done in time, if you are aware of your relocation 6weeks before you travel.

It is important for you to find an airline that is pet friendly and one that can fly direct to Vietnam, or the shortest route possible. You will also need to find out the requirements of the airline for your pet to travel. Once you have booked your and your pet’s ticket to Vietnam there are just a few simple steps that you will need to complete in order to relocate successfully.

Your cat or dog should be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before the flight but not more than a year before travel.

Other animals such as reptiles, birds and rodents have a different set of requirements and may not include the rabies requirement at all. They should have a health certificate in order to be admitted into Vietnam. We advise pet owners to seek advice from the Vietnamese embassy before arranging for the relocation of animals other than cats and dogs as these regulations change frequently.

All dogs and cats must be given a clean bill of health by a licensed veterinarian immediately (not more than 10 days) before travel. The vet should fill out a veterinary certificate and the owner should have it with him/her during travel.

The pet should also have an inoculation record that mentions all the vaccinations they have received and the date.
Dog: Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus and Para Influenza.
Cat: Distemper, Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Leukemia, and Rabies.

Upon arrival in Vietnam all the documents should be presented to the immigration officer after you have collected your pets. If your pet does not look healthy to the officer an accredited veterinarian may be brought in to check on their health (at your expense).
There is no quarantine period in Vietnam so you will be able to take your pets home from the airport.

Notes

  • Your pets will fly in a crate with no food or water during the flight. It is recommended that you obtain a similar crate and crate your pets in it every day fo a while. This will help them acclimatize to the crate and feel a little bit more comfortable to them when they travel.
  • Your pets will receive no food or water for the duration of the flight. Cut their meal in half the day prior to the flight and feed them half a portion just before the flight. Also ensure that they have plenty of water right before the flight.
  • Your pets will be scared when they fly, however it is not recommended to sedate them before the flight. Sedatives reduce the heart rate and their heart rate might also be reduced by the flight. This could be dangerous for your pet.