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Traveling the world with a companion is easy. All you need is a passport, sometimes a visa, and you’re good to go. Unless, of course, your traveling companion happens to be one of your furry friends.
If you’re planning on being away for a long time, you need to consider plans for your pets. Are they staying at home or going on a new adventure with you to Asia?
This article was written by Miranda LaSala.
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Overseas animal transport can be a complicated process and should not be done on a whim. There are a lot of things to consider in moving with pets. Different countries in Asia have different rules and regulations related to animal transport. Some pet owners opt to hire a pet relocation service or pet courier to make the necessary arrangements.
But even if you do choose to use a relocation service, it pays to know what you’re getting yourself into. To be more prepared for the impending move, read on to find out what you need to remember and consider when making the big jump with your beloved pets.
Pet Movers and Shakers
The best option for transporting pets overseas is the same as it is for humans: by plane. You can choose a pet-friendly airline that would accommodate you and your companion at the cheapest cost. PurringPal provides a list of airlines that have the best accommodations for animals.
Policies differ slightly from airline to airline. A general requirement among most air carriers is to have the necessary health certificates and vaccination records. You’ll also need to make sure your airline pet carrier has measurements that adhere to the airline’s rules.
Some airlines allow animals to travel in the cabin with you while others require animals to be kept in the cargo hold. Check with your airline before trying to bring your St. Bernard into coach.
Make sure to visit the vet before you fly. They are an essential part of preparing to travel with pets. Veterinarians are the ones who can release documents such as vaccination records and health certificates. Some vets are also quite knowledgeable about door to door pet transportation policies in different countries.
Moving Within or Moving Back to the U.S.
Transporting pets is much easier if you’re only moving within the US. As long as your pet is healthy and has no signs of disease, all you need is a Fit to Fly Health Certificate, also known as the APHIS 7001 form. Note that the certificate is only good for 30 days after issue. Make sure to account for timing when making your pet’s travel plans.
Proof of a rabies shot is also recommended at least 30 days before the target departure.
If your pet doesn’t have a rabies shot or if you have no proof of vaccination, your pet must be vaccinated within four days after arrival at the target destination. And no more than 10 days after arrival at the port of entry. After that, your pet should remain in quarantine for at least 30 days.
Bring Your Pet to Countries in Asia
If you’re planning to bring your pet to a country in Asia, there are a lot more factors and laws to take into consideration. Each country has its own international pet transport policies and requirements. Preparation time varies from country to country, from 30 days all the way up to 6 months.
Here are a few general policies for some Asian countries when it comes to transporting pets. Make sure to check with the country’s consulate as well as any international pet relocation services for any recent official requirements or changes.
Cambodia
You’ll need an original copy of the Rabies Certificate and a Veterinarian Health Certificate if you want to bring your pet into the country. If your pet has a microchip the microchip number, date of vaccination, and its validity should be seen on the Rabies Certificate.
Having an import permit is also required for pets entering Cambodia unaccompanied as air cargo.
Thailand
Thai authorities require all pets entering the country to have a microchip that is implanted before the rabies vaccine. You also need to have an import permit from the Bangkok Animal Quarantine Station before you can enter Thailand. This permit is valid for 45 days.
Your pet should be at least four months old. Cats and dogs aren’t vaccinated for rabies until they reach 3 months.
China
China is a bit stricter when it comes to transporting pets in and out of the country. It largely depends on your point of origin and your target destination within China.
Only one pet is allowed per person entering China. In general, China does not ban the import of any dog breeds. However, if ever you are entering Shanghai and Beijing.you may want to check the list of banned breeds
There is a minimum seven-day government quarantine followed by twenty-three days of in-home quarantine if you are entering through Shanghai.
Beijing requires either a seven or 30-day quarantine depending on your point of origin.
Hong Kong
Hongkong is a bit stricter than most, being a rabies-free country. Your pet should be equipped with a 9 or 15 digit microchip to enter Hongkong. You’ll also need a special Import Permit.
Quarantine is not required for countries in Groups 1 and 2. If you’re coming from a Group 3 country, there is a four-month quarantine period. You can check out Hong Kong’s AFCD site to check out the country grouping.
Certain dog breeds, specifically those that could be used in dogfighting, are banned from Hong Kong. Crossbreeds are also prohibited. The banned breeds are the Pit Bull Terrier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino, and the Fila Braziliero. Staffordshire Bull Terriers require a statutory declaration at the time of application to be accepted.
Singapore
Singapore is another rabies-free country that requires pet microchips. For this one, you need a non-encrypted, ISO-compliant pet microchip.
The requirements also vary depending on where your pet has lived in the last six months.
- Category 1 (vaccination is not required): Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom
- Category 2 (vaccination is not less than 30 days and not more than 12 months before entry): Cayman Islands, Denmark, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, United States of America (Guam & Hawaii only)
- Category 3 (vaccination should be more than 3 months prior to import): Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain, United States of America (except Guam & Hawaii)
- Category 4 (vaccinated for rabies at least 6 months prior): All other countries that aren’t mentioned
Take note that if you and your pet came from categories 2-4, you need to have a blood test. If you came from a Category 1 country and has completed the requirements needed, quarantine is not necessary. A pet coming from a Category 3 country is subjected to a 10-day quarantine while Category 4 countries need to have a 30-day quarantine.
If you want to export your pet from Singapore, you need an export permit from Singapore’s Agri-Food and Veterinarian Authority
Philippines
The Philipines is a bit less strict than others when it comes to pets. Your pet will need to have an ISO microchip and a Veterinary Quarantine Clearance to Import from the Bureau of Animal Industry in advance of your pet’s arrival, as well as an import permit and Rabies and Health Certificate that are endorsed by the USDA.
Flying the Friendly Furry Skies
Pets are an important member of the family. Taking them along on your new adventure in Asia is a great way to keep your family together and experience a new part of the world.
The paperwork may be a hassle and the fees may be painful but nothing can replace a good pet. Don’t let your pets stop you from exploring the world, bring them with you and experience the world together!
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Disclaimer
Please note that animal transport rules can change at any time for any country. This article was written in February 2019. Be sure to check the government websites of countries you are going to with your pet for the most up to date information.
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Have you ever traveled with your pet? Have you thought about it? Share about your experience in the comments!
Layla says
So much good info here! I don’t have a pet but it’s so interesting to see how certain countries require the microchip etc. That cat backpack is crazy cool too haha. Thanks for a good read!
Jennifer Joslin says
Thanks for reading, Layla! Haha that is a cute cat backpack 😀
Kathleen says
This is great to know. We travel with a dog, but have only gone around the United States and Canada, which were very easy with the right paperwork. We’ve been looking into Asia a little, but have only been without a pet in the past. This will get us a good starting point.
Jennifer Joslin says
Glad it’s helpful, Kathleen!
Nicole says
Oh I would love to travel with my cat but I never knew what I needed to do. I”m just not sure if the cost would be worth it or too stressful on him.
Jennifer Joslin says
That’s a good point. It can be quite costly to transport pets and difficult for them as well.
Elaine Masters says
I feel for pet owners who are gone for long periods of time but it’s so tricky getting your fur babies across borders and back. I’m petless for many of those reasons. Just not home enough. Great post though. It’s not impossible.
Jennifer Joslin says
We’re petless for the same reasons. We are gone too much so it wouldn’t be fair to a pet.
Indrani says
Good guide for pet owners. I cannot think of traveling around with a pet, too torturous for them I feel.
But I see some laws and facilities are pet friendly and that is good.
Miranda L. says
Hey Indrani!
Thank you so much for the positive words :). Yeah, I think traveling with pets is not for everybody. If you’re really up for the adventure, you need to be ready for the hassle in preparing for the trip.
And yes, some pet traveling laws have become friendlier, making it bearable to go through the process :).
Cheers.
Miranda
Danik says
Great advice for those in Asia. I dont have any pets to transport to this region (or in Europe) but I wonder what are the strangest animals to be transported in a plane. I heard that there were chickens on a Russian and Chinese flights before in a cage with passengers. I wonder if that was true.
Jennifer Joslin says
Haha that would be a new experience! We’ve been on plenty of buses with chickens, but breathing recycled chicken air on a plane sounds miserable. 😂
Linda (LD Holland) says
We do not have any pets. But our son has a beloved dog and he has often talked about traveling with the dog. This is a blog post I forwarded to him. Good to know that each country may have different rules. I guess the other thing to consider is what is required to bring the pet back home. In our case, to Canada.
Jennifer Joslin says
Thanks for your comment, LD! Hope this article can help your son travel with his dog.
Harvey (H-Bomb's Worldwide Karaoke) says
It’s one thing to RELOCATE with a pet, but I don’t think it’s very practical to take one along for long-term travellers. If you’re going to be a nomad you have to give up some of the aspects of a domesticated life, and I think one of those is having an animal companion. Also, I would never allow a pet to be shipped in the cargo hold of a plane – I’ve heard too many horror stories.
Jennifer Joslin says
Thanks for your comment, Harvey! Totally agree, having a pet and nomad life don’t really go together. This info is probably more useful for people moving abroad to Asia.
We love animals but haven’t ever had a pet since we’ve been abroad for the past 8 years and love our freedom. That said, we’ve just signed up with Trusted Housesitters where you can housesit (almost always it’s a pet sit) and stay in someone’s home. It’s a great way to enjoy domesticated life for a while and spend time with some furry friends, then get back to nomadic life 🙂
Jenn and Ed Coleman says
Is the USA a category 2 or 3 country for Singapore? Our fur babies are the longest link in a chain of events that keeps us from going location independent. We tried to have our special needs kitty vaccinated but the reaction almost killed her. We did travel by air from San Diego to Orlando, which was so much nicer than driving. It helped that the airlines let our cats stay together in the same carrier so they had friends on the plane.
Jennifer Joslin says
Oh my goodness how scary. Glad she was okay! I’m not sure about the specifics on Singapore, and rules can change at any time. I found this US Government article specific to bringing pets to Singapore, which might help: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/pettravel-singapore
Stephen says
I’ve always wondered about traveling for pets. This article is great.
The laws for Shanghai are insane!! Do you have to pay for the quarantine? If so how does it cost?
Jennifer Joslin says
Thanks, Stephen! That’s a great question. I would imagine that you do have to pay! Not sure how much it would cost. I found this article specific to bringing your pet to China if you’re interested: https://www.bringfido.com/travel/international/china/
Miranda L. says
Hey Stephen!
Thanks for the wonderful comment; glad you liked the article :). By the way, you can also check this out, https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/china.cfm, for other important details when traveling with pets to Shanghai :).