Vietnam Pet Import Requirements (Travelling with Pets)

Planning to bring your dog or cat to Vietnam? That’s great! You can do it, but you’ll need to follow some key steps first.

Vietnam has rules to keep both people and animals safe from diseases like rabies. So, your pet must be healthy, fully vaccinated, and travel with the right papers.

In this guide, we show you what to do. You’ll learn about microchips, vaccines, flight rules, and vet checks. With the right steps, your pet will arrive safely in Vietnam. Let’s get started!

What is a Pet Passport?

A pet passport refers to the collection of documents that meet Vietnam’s import requirements for bringing a dog or cat into the country. This term does not refer to the official EU Pet Passport, but rather a set of documents that typically include:

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• A microchip certificate
• Proof of rabies and core vaccinations
• An international health certificate
• Export endorsement from a licensed veterinarian
• Import documents or prior notice (for certain airlines)

These documents are necessary to avoid delays or quarantine upon arrival in Vietnam.

Animals Eligible for Import

These requirements apply to domestic dogs and cats, including service and emotional support animals. Exotic animals, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and rodents, are subject to separate regulations.

Hybrid breeds (e.g., wolf-dog crosses, Savannah cats, or Bengal cats) may require additional permits or CITES clearance.

Find a Licensed Veterinarian

Ensure your veterinarian is licensed and authorized to issue international health certificates and vaccinations required for Vietnam. Only licensed professionals can issue valid export documentation.

Quarantine Rules in Vietnam

Vietnam does not routinely quarantine pets that meet all import requirements. However, pets with missing paperwork or signs of illness may be quarantined or denied entry.

Vietnam Pet Import Requirements: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Microchip

• ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip
• Implanted before vaccinations
• Microchip number must appear on all documents

Step 2: Rabies Vaccination

• Given at least 30 days before entry
• Must not be older than 12 months
• Valid for pets 3+ months old
• Must be inactivated or recombinant vaccine

Step 3: Rabies Titer Test (Optional)

Not required by Vietnam, but recommended if your pet:

• Is transiting through rabies-free countries
• Needs to meet airline or third-country regulations
• Is from a country with poor rabies control

Step 4: Other Vaccinations

Dogs: Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis

Cats: Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia

Step 5: Parasite Treatments

• Tick and tapeworm treatment within 7 days of flight
• Documented by vet on health certificate

Step 6: Veterinary Health Certificate

• Issued within 7 days before arrival
• Signed by licensed vet
• May need government endorsement (e.g., USDA, DEFRA)

Step 7: Airline and Import Paperwork

• Some airlines require advance notice or import declaration
• Use an IATA-compliant crate
• Carry 2-3 printed sets of documents

Step 8: Arrival in Vietnam

Enter via major international airports: Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), or Da Nang. Pets will be checked by quarantine officers.

Special Cases

Importing Puppies and Kittens

• Should be at least 3 months old
• Rabies vaccine given at 12 weeks, enter 30 days later
• Not ideal for very young animals due to travel stress

Banned Breeds

Vietnam does not have a published banned breed list. However, aggressive breeds or hybrids may be subject to additional scrutiny or airline restrictions.

Importing Other Animals

Birds, reptiles, rodents, rabbits, and exotic pets may require:

• Import permit
• Health certificate
• CITES clearance (if endangered)

Exporting Pets from Vietnam

• Health certificate from Vietnamese vet
• Valid rabies vaccination
• Possibly rabies titer test depending on destination

Conclusion for brining your pet to Vietnam

Bringing a dog or cat into Vietnam is relatively straightforward when all documents are in order. Failure to comply could result in quarantine or denial of entry. Plan ahead and consult with your vet early in the process.

FAQ: Traveling to Vietnam with a pet

About the Author

Ms. Thu is a Hanoi-based travel expert with 10+ years of experience. She specializes in helping visitors navigate Vietnam with local insight and up-to-date advice.

Source and Accuracy Statement

This guide is based on verified information and is regularly updated by Ms. Thu to reflect Vietnam’s latest pet import rules and travel procedures.