Moving to Vietnam with your pet

traveling pet

If you are planning to move to Vietnam and you intend to bring a pet, there are a number of formalities that have to be completed prior to your departure as well as on your arrival in Vietnam. Key areas to focus on are your pets medical records and your passport.

Requirements are subject to change and it is recommended that you check the import requirements for animals with the Vietnamese authorities as well as the travel conditions with your carrier.

Procedures

Your pet will have to undergo a complete medical examination and obtain a health certificate from a recognized veterinarian. It should also be vaccinated against rabies and receive treatment against parasites. This vaccination should be done at least one month prior to arrival in Vietnam, but no more than one year ago.The documents to be submitted to the Vietnamese authorities before the trip are your pet’s medical certificate and health record, its certificate of vaccination against rabies, as well as a photocopy of your passport. Fees apply.

Good to know:

You must be in possession of these documents upon your arrival in Vietnam. Local authorities otherwise can refuse your pet’s entry into the country.

Transport

Pets such as dogs, cats, and birds can be transported in an aircraft bunker. Other types of pets will be transported by freight. Your request must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled time of departure. You will have to produce the animal’s passport and health record, its certificate of vaccination against rabies, and its authorization of entry as well as any other document required by the Vietnamese authorities.

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Boarding will be denied to any sick or pregnant animal.

On your arrival

Your pet may be quarantined upon its arrival in the country. He will also have to undergo another medical examination by a Vietnamese veterinarian who is recognized and approved by local authorities. If you are bringing more than two pets into the country, you will need to present an import permit to customs officers.

On pets in Vietnam

Having a pet in Vietnam has not been as integral as it is in Western countries. However in recent years the quantity, as well as quality of pet ownership, has dramatically increased in the country. This increase can be attributed to economics ‘ an increase in disposable income in the emerging middle class, an increase in urbanisation, the standard of living, and the interest in having a pet as a member of a modern family.

Good to know:

Good vets are few and far between in the country. Be sure that support will be available for your pet if you are bringing them to your new place of living. If you are considering getting a pet once already in the country, ensure that you are getting them from an accredited breeder who has cared for the animals. Or better yet, adopt.

Useful link:

Vietnam Airlines

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