It is the exporter's responsibility to ensure that the animal meets the importing country requirements.

An import permit is required.

Contact the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services for information about the process required to import animals into Malaysia from Australia.

The requirements for the import of dogs and cats from Australia into Malaysia are located on the Department of Veterinary Services website​.

Email

pro@dvs.gov.my

Note

Where an importing country issues an import permit, the exporter must ensure the animal meets any requirements in the permit.

Health certificate
​As of 28 December 2024, the following health conditions apply.

For cats, vaccination within twelve (12) months prior to export against Chlamydia felis, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia and feline rhinotracheitis is recommended, but not required.

1. The dog(s)/cat(s) has not/have not been imported into Australia during the six (6) months prior to export. The dog(s)/cat(s) has/have been continuously resident in Australia for at least six (6) months or since birth and is free from any clinical signs of rabies.​
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2. No case of rabies has been reported to have occurred in Australia during the last two (2) years prior to export.​
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3. The dog(s)/cat(s) has/have been vaccinated against rabies using a rabies vaccine approved by the exporting country at least 28 days prior to export according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.​
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4. The dog(s)/cat(s) originated from an establishment or farm or premises where no case of Hendra virus has occurred during the last six (6) months prior to export.​
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5. The dog(s)/cat(s) has/have been tested for Hendra Virus using Serum Neutralization Test (SNT) at dilution 1 in 2 with negative results, within fourteen (14) days prior to export. See attached laboratory report.​
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6. The dog(s) was/were vaccinated, within twelve (12) months prior to export against canine adenovirus type 2, canine distemper, canine parainfluenza, and canine parvovirus for dogs. See attached vaccination certificate/s.​
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7. The cat(s) was/were vaccinated, within twelve (12) months prior to export against Chlamydia felis, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia and feline rhinotracheitis for cats. See attached vaccination certificate/s. Delete as appropriate​.​
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8. The animal(s) was/were treated with a product effective against external parasites (fleas and ticks) between 2 and 7 days prior to export (state active ingredient(s) and date of treatment).​
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9. The animal(s) was/were treated with a product effective against internal parasites (nematodes and cestodes) between 2 and 7 days prior to export (state active ingredient(s) and date of treatment).​
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10. The animal(s) has been/have been examined and found to be healthy and free from any clinical sign of infectious or contagious diseases within seven (7) days prior to export and certification, and showed no clinical signs of infectious or contagious diseases and was/were fit to travel on the day of shipment.​
    

List of dog breeds prohibited from import and restricted breeds of dogs

1. Restricted Breed dogs (including their crosses)
   
   
   1. Bull Mastiff
   2. Bull Terrier
   3. Doberman
   4. German Shepard/Alsatian including Belgian Shepard and East European Shepard
   5. Rottweiler
      
   6. Cane Corso
      


2. Banned Breed of Dogs (including their crosses)​
   
   
   1. Akita
   2. Dogo Argentino
      
   3. Fila Braziliero
      
   4. American Bulldog
      
   5. Tosa
   6. Neapolitan Mastiff
   7. Boerboel
   8. Perro de Presa Canario (also known as Canary Dog)​
   9. Pit Bull Terrier / Pit Bull (also known as American Pit Bull, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier)
      

Conditions for the Approval of Importation of Restricted Breed of Dogs

An approval to import restricted breeds of dogs shall be obtained in writing from the Director General of Malaysian Quarantine and Inspections Services Department (MAQIS) subject to the following conditions, prior to application of an import permit:

For working purposes:

1. Dogs must not be less than 9 months of age at the time of import.
   
   
2. Dogs must have a pedigree certificate issued by an approved organisation in the country of export (name and address of the organisation shall be specified).
   
   
3. Dogs should be identified using an ISO compliant microchip (Std 11784 & 11785) and the identification codes clearly recorded in the breed certificate.
   
   
4. Name and address of the importer who will be responsible for the care and handling of the dog must be clearly stated in the application for approval.
   
   
5. The premises or residence of the dog shall be inspected by the MAQIS Director to verify facilities regarding kennel, size of the compound, safety and control of the dog.​
   

For personal purposes:​​

1. Dogs must not be less than 9 months of age at the time of importation.


2. Dogs must have a pedigree certificate issued by an approved organisation in the country of export (name and address of the organisation shall be specified).


3. Dogs should be identified using an ISO compliant microchip (Std 11784 & 11785) and the identification codes clearly recorded in the pedigree certificate.


4. ​Name and address of the importer who will be responsible for the care and handling of the dog must be clearly stated in the application for approval.


5. The dog's premises or residence of the dog shall be inspected by the MAQIS Director to verify facilities regarding kennel, size of compound, safety and control of the dog.
   


6. The importer shall provide a written declaration that the dog:
   
   
   1. is licenced with proof of documents by local council
      
   2. is neutered
      
   3. is a personal pet and not intended for sale (importation of restricted breeds of dogs is allowed as a personal pet of the importer or for security purpose only)
   4. shall be kept secured within the compound at all times
   5. shall be kept on a leash and muzzled at all times in public areas
   6. shall be under the control of a trained and skilled handler at all times (for security dogs)

Transport requirements

The dogs/cats shall be carried by aircraft or other means of transportation direct to the prescribed landing place or any other airport in Malaysia​.

Pre and post arrival quarantine requirements

As of 28 December 2024, upon arrival the dogs/cats shall be placed in approved quarantine for a period of not less than 14 days.

Based on a health certificate agreed on 28 October 2024 and the protocol published on the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services website, revised 9 December 2024.

Entry last reviewed 28 May 2025.​