Bringing Pets to Vietnam 2026: Import & Customs Guide

What this guide covers

This guide maps the practical procedures for bringing pets into Vietnam as of 2026:

• Import requirements: Health certificates, vaccinations, documentation
• Quarantine rules: When it applies, duration, facilities
• Airline logistics: Booking pet transport, crate requirements, routing
• Upon arrival: Customs clearance, registration, local compliance

What it does not cover: exporting pets from Vietnam, commercial breeding/import, or wildlife/exotic species (which have separate, stricter regulations).

Sources: Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) Circular 13/2020/TT-BNNPTNT, Department of Animal Health import guidelines, airline pet transport policies as reported April 2026.

---

Who Can Import Pets

Foreigners relocating for work, returning Vietnamese citizens, and diplomats are legally permitted to import pets into Vietnam.

Eligible importers

• Foreigners relocating to Vietnam (work, retirement, family)
• Vietnamese citizens returning from abroad
• Diplomatic personnel

Pet eligibility

Quantity limits:

• Generally 1–2 pets per person without commercial import designation
• More requires justification and possible commercial import procedures

---

Pre-Departure Requirements

Begin preparations 3-4 months prior by obtaining an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, and official health certificate.

Timeline: Start 3–4 months before travel

Month 1: Microchip and vaccinations

Microchip:

• ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip
• Must be implanted before rabies vaccination
• Record chip number on all documents

Rabies vaccination:

• Must be administered after microchip implantation
• Minimum 30 days before travel (preferably 3–6 months)
• Valid for 1–3 years depending on vaccine type
• Must be valid (not expired) at time of travel

Other vaccinations (recommended):

• Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis (DHLPP)
• Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
• Optional: Kennel cough (Bordetella) for dogs

Month 2: Health certificates and blood tests

Health certificate (Veterinary Health Certificate for Export):

• Issued by licensed veterinarian in origin country
• Must be within 7–14 days of travel (varies by airline/country)
• Confirms pet healthy, free of contagious diseases
• Includes vaccination records, microchip number

Rabies titer test (FAVN test):

• Required for: Pets from countries with high rabies risk
• Optional but recommended: All pets (smooths entry process)
• Blood drawn by vet, sent to approved lab
• Results take 3–4 weeks
• Titers ≥0.5 IU/ml considered protective
• Valid for pet’s lifetime (if rabies vaccination kept current)

Month 3: Government endorsements

USDA/CFIA/DEFRA endorsement (or equivalent):

• Health certificate must be endorsed by national veterinary authority
• US: USDA APHIS Veterinary Services
• Canada: CFIA
• UK: DEFRA
• EU: Official veterinarian
• Australia: Department of Agriculture

Process:

• Vet completes health certificate
• Send to USDA/state office for endorsement
• Usually 3–5 business days
• Some offices require appointments

Week of travel

• Final health check (within 7 days)
• Confirm all documents in order
• Verify airline booking for pet
• Prepare travel crate
• Pre-travel fasting (as vet advises)

---

---

Airline Transport: Booking and Logistics

Select in-cabin transport for small pets or temperature-controlled manifest cargo for larger breeds following airline guidelines.

Cabin vs. Cargo vs. Checked Baggage

Vietnam arrival considerations:

• SGN (Tan Son Nhat) and HAN (Noi Bai) have animal quarantine facilities
• Direct flights preferred (less handling, shorter journey)
• Avoid connections in countries with stricter pet protocols if possible

Airline policies for Vietnam routes

Pet-friendly airlines (Vietnam routes):

• Korean Air (good for connections)
• Asiana
• Singapore Airlines (restrictions apply)
• EVA Air
• Cathay Pacific
• Vietnam Airlines (cargo only for pets)

Airlines that don’t accept pets (cargo restrictions):

• Many budget carriers (AirAsia, VietJet for international)
• Some suspend pet transport seasonally

Always verify:

• Current pet policy (changes frequently)
• Route-specific restrictions
• Temperature embargoes (summer heat limits)

Booking process

1. Book human ticket first
2. Call airline to add pet (cannot book online usually)
3. Confirm:
   • Space available (pet quotas per flight)
   • Crate size acceptable
   • Route allows pets
   • Connection time adequate for pet transfer
4. Get confirmation number for pet booking
5. Arrive early at airport (3+ hours for international)

---

Travel Crate Requirements

Crates must be IATA-compliant with rigid construction, 4-sided ventilation, secure latches, and room for the pet to turn comfortably.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards

• Rigid plastic or wooden crate
• Proper ventilation on all sides
• Secure locking mechanism (not twist-lock only)
• Absorbent bedding (no straw, hay)
• Food/water bowls attached inside (refillable from outside)
• “Live Animal” stickers and arrows
• Pet identification on crate

Size requirements

• Pet can stand up without touching top
• Can turn around comfortably
• Can lie down in natural position
• Snub-nosed breeds need larger crates (50% larger recommended)

Crate training (essential)

• Start 2–4 weeks before travel
• Make crate positive space (treats, meals inside)
• Gradual increase in time inside
• Practice car rides in crate
• Never use crate as punishment

---

Arrival in Vietnam: Customs and Quarantine

Present import permits and health documents to animal quarantine officers at SGN or HAN airport for immediate inspection.

At the airport (SGN/HAN)

Process:

1. Human clears immigration first
2. Go to baggage claim
3. Collect pet at oversized baggage/ animal handling area
4. Proceed to Animal Quarantine checkpoint

Animal Quarantine inspection:

• Officer checks:
  • Microchip (scanned)
  • Health certificate (original)
  • Vaccination records
  • Rabies titer results (if applicable)
  • Your passport/visa

If all documents valid:

• Pet released immediately (no quarantine for most countries)
• You receive quarantine clearance document
• Keep this document

If documents incomplete:

• Pet held at quarantine facility
• You may need to complete paperwork
• Possible fines
• Extended quarantine (up to 30 days in worst cases)

Quarantine scenarios

Current Vietnam policy (2026):

• Pets from most developed countries: No quarantine with proper documentation
• Pets from high-risk countries: 30-day facility quarantine
• Rabies titer test reduces quarantine requirements

---

Post-Arrival Requirements

Schedule a local vet checkup within 48 hours and register your pet with building management upon moving into your apartment.

Registration (not mandatory but recommended)

Local veterinary registration:

• Not legally required nationally
• Some provinces require local pet registration
• Saigon Pet Clinic, International Pet Hospital can advise

Ongoing compliance

• Keep rabies vaccination current (annual boosters)
• Maintain health records
• Consider local pet insurance (Vietnam Pet Care, PVI)

Pet-friendly housing considerations

Challenge: Many rentals don’t allow pets or have restrictions Solutions:

• Disclose upfront in rental applications
• Offer pet deposit (1 month rent common)
• Provide pet resume (vaccination records, training certificates)
• Consider serviced apartments (often more pet-friendly)
• Districts 2, 7, and Binh Thanh have more pet-friendly options

---

Costs Summary

Budget for import permits ($50-100), airline fees ($200-800), vet certifications ($100-300), and potential building deposits.

Pre-departure costs (USD)

Arrival costs (USD)

---

One-Page Control List

4 months before travel [ ] Verify pet species/breed allowed in Vietnam [ ] Confirm personal eligibility to import [ ] Research airline options and book pet transport [ ] Schedule vet appointment for microchip 3 months before travel [ ] Microchip implanted (ISO compliant) [ ] R…

---

Vietnam Pet Resources

International standard veterinary clinics Ho Chi Minh City: Saigon Pet Clinic (Thao Dien) English speaking International Pet Hospital (District 7) FV Hospital Pet Clinic (District 7) VetCare (Multiple locations) Hanoi: Animal Doctors International Hanoi Pet Clinic Internationa…

International-standard veterinary clinics

Ho Chi Minh City:

• Saigon Pet Clinic (Thao Dien) - English-speaking
• International Pet Hospital (District 7)
• FV Hospital Pet Clinic (District 7)
• VetCare (Multiple locations)

Hanoi:

• Animal Doctors International
• Hanoi Pet Clinic
• International Vet Clinic Hanoi

Pet supply stores

• Pet Mart (chain, multiple locations)
• Pet City
• Online: Lazada, Shopee (pet sections)
• Specialty: Western pet foods available at international markets

Pet transport services

• Professional pet relocation companies (PetRelocation, Starwood)
• Local agents can handle customs clearance
• Cost: $300–800 for full service

---

Emergency Protocols

If pet stopped at entry 1. Stay calm Most issues are solvable 2. Contact airline They have animal handlers 3.

If pet stopped at entry

1. Stay calm - Most issues are solvable
2. Contact airline - They have animal handlers
3. Request translator - Immigration has English speakers
4. Call Vietnamese embassy in origin country - They can liaise
5. Have local contact ready - Pet transport agent or vet

If documents rejected

• Don’t argue with officers
• Ask for written explanation of deficiency
• Determine if issue is fixable on-site or requires delay
• Consider emergency quarantine (better than return journey)

24-hour emergency vets

HCMC:

• Saigon Pet Clinic: 028-3519-4015
• FV Hospital Pet Clinic: 028-3520-3333

Hanoi:

• Animal Doctors International: 024-3719-1919

---

2026 Policy Watch Items

Rabies free status lobbying: Vietnam working toward international rabies free certification (affects import rules) Digital pet passports: Some countries piloting digital systems (may streamline process) Airline policy changes: Post pandemic, some airlines resuming or expanding…

• Rabies-free status lobbying: Vietnam working toward international rabies-free certification (affects import rules)
• Digital pet passports: Some countries piloting digital systems (may streamline process)
• Airline policy changes: Post-pandemic, some airlines resuming or expanding pet transport
• Quarantine facility improvements: SGN and HAN upgrading animal holding facilities
• Local pet regulations: Some Vietnamese provinces tightening pet ownership rules (registration, breeding)

---

Verified Rental Properties & Managed Residences

When navigating rental contracts and landlord negotiations in Vietnam, securing a vetted property with verified title deeds and institutional management significantly mitigates risk. Explore these verified listings matching expat quality standards:

• Starlake Tây Hồ Tây 3BR Luxury Condo (Tay Ho, Hanoi): Vetted title, standard bilingual lease agreement, and full temporary residence (tạm trú) support.
• Ciputra International Village 4BR Villa (Tay Ho, Hanoi): Vetted title, standard bilingual lease agreement, and full temporary residence (tạm trú) support.
• West Lake 3BR Luxury Penthouse (Tay Ho, Hanoi): Vetted title, standard bilingual lease agreement, and full temporary residence (tạm trú) support.

For comprehensive property inspections, corporate lease structuring, or personalized relocation tours across Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, consult our verified Property Directory or reach out through our Relocation Advisory Service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pets legally allowed in Vietnamese condominiums and apartment buildings?

The 2023 Housing Law restricts livestock in condos, but domestic pets (dogs, cats) depend on individual building management regulations (Nội quy tòa nhà). Always ensure a written pet addendum is explicitly signed by the landlord.

Do landlords require an extra pet deposit in Vietnam?

Most pet-friendly landlords require an additional 0.5 to 1-month security deposit or a designated non-refundable deep-cleaning fee upon lease termination to cover upholstery and floor disinfection.

Where are the best veterinary clinics and pet services in major cities?

Major hubs like Thao Dien, District 7 (HCMC), and Tay Ho (Hanoi) host international veterinary clinics (e.g., Sasaki, PetPro, Animal Doctors International) with 24/7 emergency response and vaccination certification.

Pet Clauses to Negotiate in Your Lease

Once your pet clears customs, your next hurdle is the lease. Disclose the pet upfront, offer a modest pet deposit, and get pet permission written into the contract — a verbal “yes” from a landlord is not enough in Vietnam, where the Vietnamese contract text governs.

Housing is where many pet relocations hit friction, because a large share of HCMC condos restrict or ban animals. Protect yourself at the signing stage:

• Written permission: Add an explicit clause allowing your specific pet (type, breed, weight). A verbal agreement offers zero protection if management objects later.
• Pet deposit vs pet damage: One month’s rent as a refundable pet deposit is common. Define what counts as “pet damage” versus normal wear to avoid deposit disputes at move-out.
• Building rules: Confirm the building management committee (BQL) permits pets in common areas and lifts — some Vinhomes and Masteri towers allow pets under size and leash rules, while boutique buildings often prohibit them entirely.
• Ground-floor and townhouse options: Townhouses and villas in Districts 2, 7, and Binh Thanh give pet owners the most freedom and private outdoor space.

Cross-check the pet clause against our rental contract red flags guide before you pay any deposit.

• Pet Friendly Luxury Apartments: For curated top luxury choices, see our Top 5 Pet-Friendly Luxury Apartments in HCMC.

Related Reading & Listings

• Thủ Thiêm Luxury Apartment 3BR | Empire City with River View
• Phú Mỹ Hưng 3BR Townhouse For Rent | Starlight Bridge…
• Setting Up Utilities in Vietnam 2026: Electricity…

Pet-Friendly Properties

Explore our curated pet-friendly listings including Thảo Điền townhouses with gardens and An Phú compound villas.