🔄 Last updated: 17 July 2026
You can bring your pet — but the order is everything
Bringing a dog or cat to Vietnam is entirely doable. With the right paperwork, pets usually clear customs within 1–2 hours and avoid long quarantine.
But this isn't a "just gather the documents" task. The whole process turns on ORDER and TIMING — and there's one mistake that forces people to start over.
⛓️ THE MICROCHIP MUST BE IMPLANTED BEFORE THE RABIES VACCINATION. If you vaccinate first and microchip after, that shot doesn't count — you re-vaccinate and wait all over again.
This is the most expensive and time-consuming mistake. So read the steps below in order.
⏳ THE COUNTDOWN — IN THE RIGHT ORDER
Step 1 — Microchip (DO THIS FIRST)
Implant a 15-digit ISO (11784/11785) microchip. This must come first, because every later document is tied to this chip number.
Step 2 — Rabies vaccination (AFTER the microchip)
- Only vaccinate after the chip is in
- It must be given at least 30 days before your flight
- And within 12 months of the travel date
- ⚠️ Vietnam does NOT recognise a "3-year" rabies vaccine if the dose was given more than 12 months ago — you'll need a booster (then wait 30 days again)
Step 3 — (Optional) RNATT rabies titre test
Vietnam does NOT require an RNATT to enter. But if you may later move your pet to a rabies-free country (Australia, Japan, EU, Singapore…), do the RNATT BEFORE arriving in Vietnam — it helps avoid a long quarantine wait later.
Step 4 — Health certificate
Get a health certificate from an accredited vet in your origin country, usually within 7–10 days of travel, confirming your pet is healthy and fit to fly. Many countries require a government veterinary endorsement.
Step 5 — Import quarantine declaration
File the import quarantine declaration and notify the quarantine station at your arrival airport (Tan Son Nhat – SGN in HCMC, or Noi Bai – HAN in Hanoi) before you land.
🛂 ON ARRIVAL: QUARANTINE AND CLEARANCE
- Quarantine officers check the documents and microchip
- If everything is in order, clearance is usually done within 1–2 hours, with no long quarantine
- ⚠️ Wrong/missing papers → risk of quarantine or refused entry. This is why you prepare early, in the right order
🐾 Legal basis: pet import is governed by Circular 25/2016/TT-BNNPTNT (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development). The rules apply equally to dogs and cats.
📋 A FEW MORE THINGS TO KNOW
Import permit
- Personal pets (usually up to 2): an import permit is generally NOT required
- More than 2, or commercial: a permit is required — allow extra time
Minimum age
- Pets usually must be at least 16 weeks (4 months) on arrival (to fit the rabies shot + 30-day wait)
Breeds & airlines
- Vietnam does not publish a banned-breed list. But AIRLINES may restrict some breeds (aggressive, hybrid, or snub-nosed/brachycephalic breeds for respiratory risk) — check your airline's policy first
Transport
- Checked baggage (same flight, some airlines/small pets) · Manifest cargo (a separate, climate-controlled stream) · or a pet-relocation company handling it end to end
- Use an IATA-compliant crate
🏠 Don't forget: does your home accept pets?
Many apartments and buildings in Vietnam have their own pet rules. Before you sign a lease, ask — and get it written into the contract.
→ Renting as a foreigner: 5 traps to avoid
🔔 And while caring for your pet, don't forget your own visa
👉 Turn on free visa reminders with Visa Tracker — enter the date on your ENTRY STAMP, get alerts at 30 / 21 / 15 / 7 days. Free, no account needed.
⚠️ Common misconceptions
❌ "Rabies shot first, microchip after — either way is fine." → NO. The microchip must come before the rabies shot. Wrong order = the shot doesn't count, re-vaccinate.
❌ "My 3-year rabies vaccine is still valid, so I'm covered." → Careful. Vietnam doesn't recognise the 3-year dose if it's more than 12 months old. You may need a booster.
❌ "Quarantine will sort the paperwork at the airport." → NO. You must declare and notify the quarantine station in advance.
❌ "Vietnam bans my dog's breed." → Vietnam publishes no banned-breed list — but your airline may restrict it. Check the airline.
❌ "Every pet faces long quarantine in Vietnam." → Usually NOT, if papers are complete and correct. Wrong/missing papers cause quarantine/refusal.
❌ "I can do it close to the flight date." → NO. Just "chip first → rabies after → wait 30 days" already needs over a month. Start early.
Sources
- Circular 25/2016/TT-BNNPTNT — Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, animal import quarantine rules (apply to dogs and cats)
- Pet import process (microchip, rabies 30 days–12 months, health certificate, quarantine declaration) — compiled from international pet-relocation sources (2025–2026); indicative, varies by origin country and airline
- Main entry gateways: Tan Son Nhat (SGN), Noi Bai (HAN)
Note: This article compiles publicly available information as of the update date and is not veterinary or legal advice. Rules can change and vary by origin country — verify with Vietnam's veterinary/quarantine authority, your vet, and your airline before planning.
ViEntry is a technology platform connecting foreigners with independent service operators. ViEntry is NOT a quarantine authority and does NOT provide pet transport. All information is for reference.
Bringing a pet as you move to Vietnam? Message us — we'll help with the visa, residence and housing side so the whole family (four-legged boss included) settles in.
🔗 Need a pet-friendly home? Renting as a foreigner 🔗 Bringing lots of stuff as you move? What to bring into Vietnam 🔗 Not sure what you need? Free Advisor tool
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