Vietnam (VN)
Vietnam is a dynamic, rapidly developing Socialist Republic stretching 1,650km down the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula — a country of extraordinary geographical diversity, from the karst mountains of the north and the Red River Delta, through the stunning coastline of the Central region, to the vast Mekong Delta in the south.
Bringing Pets to Vietnam
Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.
Vaccinations
Restricted Breeds
Plus Airlines have separate breed restrictions for short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds — Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats — often prohibited in cargo holds. Confirm with your airline before booking.
💰 Costs
Total import costs: USD 300–1,500+ depending on origin country, airline, size of animal and quarantine duration. Breakdown: Health certificate (vet): USD 50–200. Import permit application: USD 30–100. Airline cargo/cabin fee: USD 100–500+. Quarantine facility: USD 50–300. Vietnamese vet inspection on arrival: USD 30–80. Relocation agent (recommended): USD 200–600. Note: pets from countries classified as rabies-affected must follow stricter protocols — confirm current classification of your origin country with Vietnam's Sub-Department of Animal Health.
📋 Relocation Process
Step 1: At least 3–6 months before travel — microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard, 15-digit chip). Administer rabies vaccination at least 30 days before import (first vaccination) or confirm booster is current. Step 2: Obtain official government-issued health certificate from an accredited veterinarian in your origin country — must be endorsed/countersigned by the official government veterinary authority. For many countries, this requires USDA (USA), APHA (UK), AQIS (Australia) or equivalent endorsement. Step 3: Import permit — no permit is required for 1–2 pets travelling with their owner. If importing 3 or more pets, apply for an import permit from MARD's Sub-Department of Animal Health (Bộ NN-PTNT) at least 7 days before travel; permit is valid for 10 days. Step 4: Arrange airline transport — call cargo or cabin pet booking 4–8 weeks in advance (cabin: typically <7–8kg including carrier; otherwise cargo). Step 5: On arrival, declare animal at Customs and present to veterinary quarantine inspection at airport. Animal placed in quarantine facility for designated period. Step 6: After quarantine clearance, obtain Vietnamese health certificate from district-level Sub-Department of Animal Health for residential registration.
Vietnam has a generally relaxed pet culture in cities — pets are welcomed at many serviced apartments and residential buildings, though many condominiums prohibit pets or restrict to cats/small dogs only. Always verify pet policy before signing a lease — get it in writing. Dogs need to be leashed on public streets. Rabies remains present in Vietnam — maintain rabies vaccinations annually and be cautious of stray dog contact. Cats and dogs used for meat consumption in some rural areas — a cultural reality that can be distressing for Western pet owners. Keep pets secure. For departure: export health certificate from Vietnamese vet + Sub-Department endorsement + receiving country's import requirements — plan 4–8 weeks ahead.