Moving a pet from the Philippines to Malaysia is a practical route for the many Filipinos and expats relocating between the two countries. The core requirements are a DVS import permit and a BAI-endorsed health certificate. However, there …
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785)
Responsible: BAI-accredited veterinarian
First step. Before vaccinations.
2
Rabies vaccination (and other required vaccinations)
Responsible: BAI-accredited veterinarian
After microchip. Vaccination must be current at time of travel.
3
Apply for DVS import permit from Malaysia
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
At least 30 days before travel.
4
Book cargo flight from Manila to Kuala Lumpur
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Once DVS permit is confirmed. Book 2-3 weeks in advance.
5
Obtain BAI-endorsed health certificate
Responsible: BAI-authorised official veterinarian + BAI
Within 14 days of travel. BAI endorsement takes 5-7 working days.
6
Travel day: pet travels as cargo. Plan for DVS quarantine on arrival in Kuala Lumpur.
Responsible: You + cargo agent
Arrive at cargo desk 2-3 hours before departure.
Requirements
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.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard (15-digit). Must be in place before vaccination records.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current vaccination administered after microchipping. Full vaccination history required on all documentation.
Rabies titre test
Not routinely required. However, as the Philippines is not classified as rabies-free, Malaysia's DVS may require additional health assurances. Confirm with DVS before travel.
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine on arrival. Dogs from the Philippines (a non-rabies-free country): typically 30 days at the DVS quarantine facility at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Cats: typically 14 days. DVS sets the period based on origin country rabies status.
Import permit
Required. Import permit from the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia (DVS). Apply at least 30 days before travel. The permit specifies the approved entry port.
Health certificate
Required. Official veterinary health certificate endorsed by BAI. Must be issued within 14 days of travel and must list microchip, vaccination history, and health status.
Export permit (Philippines)
{'required': False}
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: microchip, vaccinations, health certificate
BAI endorsement fee
DVS import permit application fee
Malaysian DVS quarantine facility fees (30 days for dogs, 14 days for cats)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended)
Critical points to read before you book
The Philippines is not classified as rabies-free by Malaysian DVS. Dogs typically face a 30-day quarantine on arrival in Kuala Lumpur. This is significantly longer than for pets from rabies-free countries.
DVS import permit must be in hand before travel. Without it, your pet will not be allowed to enter Malaysia.
Entry must be through an approved entry port. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the standard gateway.
BAI endorsement of the health certificate takes 5-7 working days. Do not leave this until the last moment.
Always verify current DVS requirements directly with the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia before travel.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
PHILIPPINE
Philippine Airlines
Small pets in cabin on some domestic and regional routes. For Kuala Lumpur routes: pets transported as cargo or excess baggage depending on size. Confirm current PAL policies on PH-KUL routes directly.
Cabin and Cargo
CEBU PACIFIC
Cebu Pacific
Cebu Pacific does not currently accept pets in cabin or as cargo on international routes. Confirm current policy before booking.
No Pets
MALAYSIA
Malaysia Airlines
Cargo: Malaysia Airlines operates direct flights from Manila (MNL) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Pet cargo available through Malaysia Airlines Cargo. Familiarity with DVS import requirements.
Cargo Only
AIRASIA
AirAsia
AirAsia does not accept pets on most international routes. Confirm current policy on Manila-KUL routes directly with AirAsia.
No Pets
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Singapore Airlines Cargo via Singapore (SIN) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Short final leg. Temperature-controlled hold.
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo via Dubai (DXB). Longer routing but reliable cargo service. Brachycephalic restrictions apply.
Cargo Only
Malaysian DVS requirements for Philippine pets
The Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia (DVS) classifies pets based on the rabies status of their country of origin. Because the Philippines is not classified as rabies-free by Malaysia, the quarantine period is longer than for pets arriving from rabies-free countries.
Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 standard, 15-digit. Must be implanted and recorded before vaccinations.
Rabies vaccination: current and valid. Full vaccination history must be documented.
Import permit: mandatory. Apply to DVS at least 30 days before travel. The permit specifies the approved entry port (KLIA) and conditions. Without a permit, your pet will not be permitted to enter Malaysia.
Health certificate: official BAI-endorsed veterinary health certificate covering microchip, vaccinations, and health status, issued within 14 days of travel.
Quarantine: dogs from the Philippines typically face 30 days at the DVS quarantine facility at KLIA. Cats typically 14 days. This is a firm requirement based on origin country rabies status and cannot be reduced by documentation alone.
Airlines and flight options from Manila to Kuala Lumpur
Manila (MNL) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) is a well-served route. Malaysia Airlines operates direct flights and their cargo agents are familiar with DVS import requirements.
Singapore Airlines via Singapore is another strong option. The Singapore hub is well-run for cargo, and the final leg from SIN to KUL is very short – under an hour – which keeps your pet’s total transit time manageable.
Philippine Airlines may be able to handle pet cargo or excess baggage on this route for smaller animals. Cebu Pacific and AirAsia do not generally accept pets on international routes – confirm current policies before booking.
Direct routings are preferable to avoid multiple cargo transfers. Manila to KUL directly (via Malaysia Airlines or PAL) is the simplest option.
FAQ
Common questions about Philippines to Malaysia pet transport
Dogs from the Philippines typically face 30 days in quarantine at the DVS facility at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. This is because the Philippines is classified as a non-rabies-free country by Malaysian DVS. Cats typically face 14 days. The quarantine period is set by DVS based on the origin country’s rabies classification and cannot be reduced by additional documentation.
A standard titre test is not routinely required for this route. However, DVS can request additional health assurances for pets from non-rabies-free countries. Confirm current DVS requirements before finalising your veterinary preparation. Your pet transport agent can advise on whether a titre test is being required at the time of your planned travel.
Applications go directly to the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia. You will need your pet’s microchip number, vaccination records, and basic details. Allow at least 30 days for processing. IPATA-registered agents who regularly handle Philippines-to-Malaysia pet transport can submit applications on your behalf and track progress.
Malaysia Airlines is often the first choice because they fly direct between Manila and Kuala Lumpur and their cargo team is familiar with DVS documentation requirements. Philippine Airlines is another option for smaller pets. Singapore Airlines via Singapore is a reliable alternative. Avoid airlines that do not accept pets (Cebu Pacific, AirAsia) on this route.
This depends on the DVS quarantine facility’s current visiting policy. Policies vary, and some facilities allow supervised visits during quarantine. Contact the DVS quarantine station at KLIA directly to confirm current visitor arrangements.