Pet Transport from India to Malaysia
India is classified as a non-scheduled country by Malaysia's Department of Veterinary Services (DVS). That means dogs and cats travelling from India to Malaysia must go through the full titre test pathway, a 90-day wait, and a minimum …
The India to Malaysia pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
What your pet needs to enter Malaysia
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
What this route typically costs
Critical points to read before you book
India is a non-scheduled country for Malaysian DVS. The full titre test pathway with 3-month wait applies. There is no shortcut or exemption.
The 3-month wait begins from the date of a successful titre test result, not from the vaccination date. Drawing blood too early (less than 30 days after vaccination) invalidates the test.
Malaysia updated its quarantine rules in December 2024. Minimum quarantine is now 14 days for all non-scheduled countries. Confirm the current quarantine duration with DVS directly before booking.
Certain breeds are banned in Malaysia. A dog that meets the description of a banned breed may be refused entry at KLIA even with full documentation.
The MAQIS import permit must be secured before the pet is shipped. Arriving without a permit leads to detention and potential deportation of the animal.
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
The FAVN titre test pathway from India
Malaysia requires a FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation) titre test for pets from India. The test must show a minimum rabies antibody level of 0.5 IU/ml. Blood for the test can only be drawn at least 30 days after the primary rabies vaccination. Drawing blood earlier produces an invalid result that cannot be used for entry.
Once you have a passing result, a 90-day waiting period begins from the date that result is recorded. This cannot be shortened by boosters, additional tests, or any other means. The result stays valid for 12 months as long as rabies booster vaccinations are kept current during that period.
Use a lab approved by the Malaysian DVS or an OIE-accredited lab. Your agent or the DVS pre-approval office can confirm which labs in India are on the approved list. HSADL in Bhopal is one option; check the current approval list before submitting blood samples.
DVS pre-approval and quarantine at Kuala Lumpur
Before your pet travels, you need two permits: DVS pre-approval and a MAQIS (Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services) import permit. Both must be secured before the animal is shipped. Working with a Malaysian-based pet relocation agent who has an established DVS relationship speeds this process considerably.
On arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the pet goes directly to the government DVS quarantine station. As of December 2024, the minimum stay is 14 days. A DVS officer inspects the health certificate, titre test records, and permits on arrival. If anything is out of order, the quarantine period can be extended.
Quarantine costs approximately RM 400-800 for a 14-day stay. You can visit your pet during quarantine at specified times, depending on the facility’s current visiting policy. Confirm this directly with the KLIA quarantine station before travel.
Airlines and cargo booking from India to Malaysia
Air India and Malaysia Airlines (MASKargo) are the two carriers with established pet cargo services on India-Malaysia routes. Both operate direct services from Delhi Indira Gandhi International (DEL) and Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (BOM) to Kuala Lumpur (KLIA). Direct routing is preferable because it reduces transit stress and simplifies the paperwork chain.
For large dogs, contact the cargo division directly: Air India Cargo or MASKargo. Cabin options for small dogs exist on some flights, but the permit complexity for Malaysian entry means cargo handling through a licensed agent is the more reliable choice for this route. Book cargo space at least four to six weeks ahead; large crate slots fill quickly on popular routes.
Ensure the IATA-compliant crate meets the size and construction specifications. The crate must be large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down. Label it clearly with the pet’s name, your contact details, and the destination DVS permit numbers.
Common questions about India to Malaysia pet transport
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