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Pawhopper

Pet travel route

Dog or cat from the Dominican Republic to Malaysia

Possible. With nothing done yet, start at least 2 weeks ahead for a dog. The main steps: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination and core vaccinations within 12 months and 4 more.

Rules checked up to 12 October 2026From 9 official pages

In short

Limited official guidance. The authority for leaving the Dominican Republic publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. DIGEGA's page lists the steps and documents but gives no deadline before departure and doesn't say when the Dominican veterinary college (COLVET) stamp or the VUCE single-window process is needed. Start early and ask DIGEGA (809-535-9689, ext. 307) what applies to your destination.

Limited official guidance. The authority for entering Malaysia publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. DVS's regulations give no deadline for the import permit and no fees, MAQIS's pet guide dates from 2016, and two DVS documents disagree on quarantine length and on a rabies blood test (see the warning on the older document). Ask MAQIS (bq@maqis.gov.my, 03-8870 8000) to confirm the current rules for your route before you travel.

At a glance

How early to start (dogs)

2 weeks

whether or not your pet is already microchipped and vaccinated

Set by: Quarantine on arrival: book a space at an Animal Quarantine Station (book at least 14 days before the import date)

The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.

On this route (dogs)

  • No rabies blood test
  • Import permit needed
  • Quarantine on arrival

How early to start (cats)

2 weeks

whether or not your pet is already microchipped and vaccinated

Set by: Quarantine on arrival: book a space at an Animal Quarantine Station (book at least 14 days before the import date)

The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.

On this route (cats)

  • No rabies blood test
  • Import permit needed
  • Quarantine on arrival

Which rules apply to you

Malaysia puts the Dominican Republic in the group “Non-scheduled country”. See every group

Official name: Non-scheduled country: at least 7 days' quarantine on arrival

Prefer a feed reader? Dominican Republic rule changes · Malaysia rule changes

Dominican Republic → Malaysia

What your pet needs

In the order you do them. Each step says whether the Dominican Republic (leaving) or Malaysia (entering) asks for it.

Dogs

  1. Get ready

    1. Age ruleEntering Malaysia

      At least 3 months old when it arrives

      A dog or cat must be at least 3 months old when it is imported.

      Details and the official words

      “Anjing atau kucing tidak boleh berusia kurang daripada 3 bulan semasa pengimportan.”

    2. IdentificationEntering Malaysia

      ISO microchip

      Your pet must have a microchip that follows ISO standards 11784 and 11785, and the pet passport or certificate must describe and identify it.

      Details and the official words

      “Anjing atau kucing hendaklah dipasang dengan pengenalan mikrocip yang mematuhi standard ISO (std 11784 & 11785).”

      “The animal shall be identified using an ISO (Std 11784 & 11785) compliant microchip.”

    3. VaccinationEntering Malaysia

      Rabies vaccination

      The vet's certificate must state that your pet was vaccinated against rabies with an approved anti-rabies vaccine before export. DVS gives no minimum number of days between the vaccination and export in its current documents.

      Details and the official words

      An older DVS document (2016) asks for the vaccination at least 3 months before export plus a rabies blood test: see the warning on the older document.

      “The animal has been vaccinated against rabies using an approved anti-rabies vaccine, prior to export.”

      “The animal has been vaccinated against rabies using an approved anti-rabies vaccine, prior”

    4. VaccinationEntering Malaysia

      Core vaccinations within 12 months

      Your dog or cat must have had its other core vaccinations (full course, as recommended by a licensed vet) within the 12 months before export. For pets from Australia the certificate names the vaccines: for dogs adenovirus type 2, distemper, parainfluenza and parvovirus; for cats Chlamydia psittaci, calicivirus, panleukopenia and rhinotracheitis.

      Details and the official words

      “The animals shall be vaccinated within twelve (12) months prior to export with other core vaccine as recommended by license veterinarian.”

      “The animal was vaccinated, within twelve (12) months prior to export against canine adenovirus type 2, canine distemper, canine parainfluenza, and canine parvovirus (for dogs) and against Chlamydia psittaci, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia and feline rhinotracheitis (for cats).”

    5. PermitEntering Malaysia

      MAQIS import permit (through an import agent)

      Every pet needs a valid import permit from MAQIS. You appoint a registered import agent, who applies for it in the e-Permit system (with the quarantine booking number if your pet is quarantined). MAQIS approves or rejects it, and the agent prints it once it is paid. Bring the original permit, the veterinary health certificate and an updated vaccination record to the entry point for inspection.

      Details and the official words

      The documents give no processing time for the permit.

      “Pengimportan hendaklah disertakan dengan permit import yang sah yang dikeluarkan oleh Jabatan Perkhidmatan Kuarantin dan Pemeriksaan Malaysia (MAQIS).”

      “Lantik ejen mengimport untuk memohon permit import kucing atau anjing bagi pihak pemohon.”

      “Sediakan rekod vaksinasi yang telah dikemaskini bersama-sama dengan salinan asal Permit Import dan Sijil Kesihatan Veterinar untuk pemeriksaan oleh Pegawai MAQIS sebaik tiba di pintu masuk.”

  2. In the days before you travel

    1. Vet examLeaving the Dominican Republic

      Health certificate from a vet, with an up-to-date vaccination record

      Take your pet to a vet for a health certificate. Bring an up-to-date vaccination record with a current rabies vaccination and a current parasite treatment, a microchip where your destination requires one, and any extra document your destination asks for (such as a rabies blood test). Get the Dominican veterinary college (COLVET) signature and stamp when it is required.

      Details and the official words

      “Certificado de salud emitido por médico veterinario.”

      “Récord o tarjeta de vacunación actualizado.”

      “Vacuna antirrábica vigente.”

      “Documentación adicional exigida por el país de destino (Serología vacuna de Rabia).”

      “Obtener firma/sello del COLVET cuando sea requerido.”

    2. PaperworkThe Dominican Republic and Malaysia

      Veterinary health certificate from the exporting country's vet authority

      A Veterinary Health Certificate from the exporting country's government veterinary authority must come with the pet, and the pet must be exported within 7 days of the date the certificate was issued. The pet is examined within 7 days before export and again fit to travel on the day of shipment.

      Details and the official words

      DIGEGA validates the documents; official inspection at the port of exit: Present the documents to DIGEGA (Ciudad Ganadera, Santo Domingo, Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm) to be signed and stamped (RD$ 500), and complete the VUCE single-window process where it applies. DIGEGA answers within 1 to 24 hours. Then go to the port of exit, where an official vet inspects your pet and issues the zoosanitary certificate.

      “Pengimportan hendaklah disertakan dengan Sijil Kesihatan Veterinar yang dikeluarkan oleh Pihak Berkuasa Veterinar Negara Pengeksport. Pengeksportan hendaklah dilakukan dalam tempoh 7 hari dari tarikh SKV dikeluarkan.”

      “The animal have been examined and found to be healthy and free from any clinical sign of rabies and infectious or contagious diseases of dog/cat, within seven (7) days immediately prior to export and showed no any clinical signs on the day of shipment.”

      “Presentar la documentación ante DIGEGA para validación (Firma y sellado).”

      “Realizar el proceso correspondiente en VUCE cuando aplique.”

      “Dirigirse al puerto de salida para la inspección veterinaria oficial y emisión del certificado zoosanitario correspondiente.”

      “Lunes a Viernes de 8:00 am – 4:00 pm”

      “1-24 Horas”

      “RD$ 500.00 pesos según el protocolo específico publicado por DIGEGA; conviene validar si existen costos adicionales asociados al trámite/VUCE o al destino.”

  3. Travel day and arrival

    1. QuarantineEntering Malaysia

      Quarantine on arrival: book a space at an Animal Quarantine Station

      Pets from non-scheduled countries are quarantined for at least 7 days at an Animal Quarantine Station on arrival (pets from Australia: at least 10 clear days); it can be extended up to 6 months after a risk assessment. MAQIS says to book the space 14 days before the import date (form MK1, with a non-refundable deposit). Pets from scheduled countries skip this.

      The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.

      Details and the official words

      MAQIS's pet guide (2016) books the quarantine space first and needs the booking number for the permit, but MAQIS's FAQ says to apply for quarantine after you get the permit. Ask MAQIS which order to follow.

      “Upon arrival the animal shall be placed in quarantine and may be vaccinated with approved anti-rabies vaccine and detained in quarantine for compulsory period of not less than seven (7) days.”

      “Upon arrival the dogs/cats shall be placed in approved quarantine for a period of not less than 10 clear days”

      “Tempahan ruang kuarantin hendaklah dibuat 14 hari sebelum tarikh pengimportan haiwan kesayangan.”

      “Pemohon akan diberikan satu Nombor Tempahan Ruang Kuarantin yang merupakan syarat untuk kelulusan permit import kucing atau anjing.”

Good to know

  • An older DVS document that is still online (revised 19 December 2016) is stricter than the current one for non-scheduled countries: it asks for a rabies vaccination at least 3 months before export, a rabies antibody blood test (at least 0.5 IU) taken at least a month after the vaccination and within 6 months of export, and at least 14 days' quarantine instead of 7. The current document (republished with a notice dated 11 December 2025) doesn't ask for the blood test. We show the current rules; confirm with MAQIS which applies to your pet.
  • Which countries count as 'scheduled' (no quarantine) changed: DVS's notice of 11 December 2025 added Greece, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Malta, Slovenia, Estonia, Bahrain, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, Montenegro, Bulgaria and Lithuania to the United Kingdom, Eire, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden and Brunei. MAQIS's FAQ also names Singapore.
  • Banned dog breeds (including their crosses): Akita, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Neapolitan Mastiff and Pit Bull-type dogs (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier).
  • Restricted breeds (Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Doberman, German Shepherd/Alsatian including Belgian and East European Shepherds, Perro de Presa Canario, Rottweiler): you need the MAQIS Director General's written approval before you apply for the import permit. They may only come as a personal pet or for security, with a pedigree certificate, an ISO microchip, an inspection of your premises and a written declaration.
  • The animal must travel directly by aircraft (or other transport) to the prescribed landing place or another airport in Malaysia.
  • The vet's certificate states that no case of rabies was reported in the country in the 6 months before the certificate date and that the animal was not imported into that country in those 6 months.
  • Meeting DIGEGA's requirements doesn't replace your destination's entry requirements: check them before you start, as some countries ask for a microchip, a rabies blood test or other certificates. DIGEGA recommends starting well ahead of your travel date.

Cats

  1. Get ready

    1. Age ruleEntering Malaysia

      At least 3 months old when it arrives

      A dog or cat must be at least 3 months old when it is imported.

      Details and the official words

      “Anjing atau kucing tidak boleh berusia kurang daripada 3 bulan semasa pengimportan.”

    2. IdentificationEntering Malaysia

      ISO microchip

      Your pet must have a microchip that follows ISO standards 11784 and 11785, and the pet passport or certificate must describe and identify it.

      Details and the official words

      “Anjing atau kucing hendaklah dipasang dengan pengenalan mikrocip yang mematuhi standard ISO (std 11784 & 11785).”

      “The animal shall be identified using an ISO (Std 11784 & 11785) compliant microchip.”

    3. VaccinationEntering Malaysia

      Rabies vaccination

      The vet's certificate must state that your pet was vaccinated against rabies with an approved anti-rabies vaccine before export. DVS gives no minimum number of days between the vaccination and export in its current documents.

      Details and the official words

      An older DVS document (2016) asks for the vaccination at least 3 months before export plus a rabies blood test: see the warning on the older document.

      “The animal has been vaccinated against rabies using an approved anti-rabies vaccine, prior to export.”

      “The animal has been vaccinated against rabies using an approved anti-rabies vaccine, prior”

    4. VaccinationEntering Malaysia

      Core vaccinations within 12 months

      Your dog or cat must have had its other core vaccinations (full course, as recommended by a licensed vet) within the 12 months before export. For pets from Australia the certificate names the vaccines: for dogs adenovirus type 2, distemper, parainfluenza and parvovirus; for cats Chlamydia psittaci, calicivirus, panleukopenia and rhinotracheitis.

      Details and the official words

      “The animals shall be vaccinated within twelve (12) months prior to export with other core vaccine as recommended by license veterinarian.”

      “The animal was vaccinated, within twelve (12) months prior to export against canine adenovirus type 2, canine distemper, canine parainfluenza, and canine parvovirus (for dogs) and against Chlamydia psittaci, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia and feline rhinotracheitis (for cats).”

    5. PermitEntering Malaysia

      MAQIS import permit (through an import agent)

      Every pet needs a valid import permit from MAQIS. You appoint a registered import agent, who applies for it in the e-Permit system (with the quarantine booking number if your pet is quarantined). MAQIS approves or rejects it, and the agent prints it once it is paid. Bring the original permit, the veterinary health certificate and an updated vaccination record to the entry point for inspection.

      Details and the official words

      The documents give no processing time for the permit.

      “Pengimportan hendaklah disertakan dengan permit import yang sah yang dikeluarkan oleh Jabatan Perkhidmatan Kuarantin dan Pemeriksaan Malaysia (MAQIS).”

      “Lantik ejen mengimport untuk memohon permit import kucing atau anjing bagi pihak pemohon.”

      “Sediakan rekod vaksinasi yang telah dikemaskini bersama-sama dengan salinan asal Permit Import dan Sijil Kesihatan Veterinar untuk pemeriksaan oleh Pegawai MAQIS sebaik tiba di pintu masuk.”

  2. In the days before you travel

    1. Vet examLeaving the Dominican Republic

      Health certificate from a vet, with an up-to-date vaccination record

      Take your pet to a vet for a health certificate. Bring an up-to-date vaccination record with a current rabies vaccination and a current parasite treatment, a microchip where your destination requires one, and any extra document your destination asks for (such as a rabies blood test). Get the Dominican veterinary college (COLVET) signature and stamp when it is required.

      Details and the official words

      “Certificado de salud emitido por médico veterinario.”

      “Récord o tarjeta de vacunación actualizado.”

      “Vacuna antirrábica vigente.”

      “Documentación adicional exigida por el país de destino (Serología vacuna de Rabia).”

      “Obtener firma/sello del COLVET cuando sea requerido.”

    2. PaperworkThe Dominican Republic and Malaysia

      Veterinary health certificate from the exporting country's vet authority

      A Veterinary Health Certificate from the exporting country's government veterinary authority must come with the pet, and the pet must be exported within 7 days of the date the certificate was issued. The pet is examined within 7 days before export and again fit to travel on the day of shipment.

      Details and the official words

      DIGEGA validates the documents; official inspection at the port of exit: Present the documents to DIGEGA (Ciudad Ganadera, Santo Domingo, Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm) to be signed and stamped (RD$ 500), and complete the VUCE single-window process where it applies. DIGEGA answers within 1 to 24 hours. Then go to the port of exit, where an official vet inspects your pet and issues the zoosanitary certificate.

      “Pengimportan hendaklah disertakan dengan Sijil Kesihatan Veterinar yang dikeluarkan oleh Pihak Berkuasa Veterinar Negara Pengeksport. Pengeksportan hendaklah dilakukan dalam tempoh 7 hari dari tarikh SKV dikeluarkan.”

      “The animal have been examined and found to be healthy and free from any clinical sign of rabies and infectious or contagious diseases of dog/cat, within seven (7) days immediately prior to export and showed no any clinical signs on the day of shipment.”

      “Presentar la documentación ante DIGEGA para validación (Firma y sellado).”

      “Realizar el proceso correspondiente en VUCE cuando aplique.”

      “Dirigirse al puerto de salida para la inspección veterinaria oficial y emisión del certificado zoosanitario correspondiente.”

      “Lunes a Viernes de 8:00 am – 4:00 pm”

      “1-24 Horas”

      “RD$ 500.00 pesos según el protocolo específico publicado por DIGEGA; conviene validar si existen costos adicionales asociados al trámite/VUCE o al destino.”

  3. Travel day and arrival

    1. QuarantineEntering Malaysia

      Quarantine on arrival: book a space at an Animal Quarantine Station

      Pets from non-scheduled countries are quarantined for at least 7 days at an Animal Quarantine Station on arrival (pets from Australia: at least 10 clear days); it can be extended up to 6 months after a risk assessment. MAQIS says to book the space 14 days before the import date (form MK1, with a non-refundable deposit). Pets from scheduled countries skip this.

      The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.

      Details and the official words

      MAQIS's pet guide (2016) books the quarantine space first and needs the booking number for the permit, but MAQIS's FAQ says to apply for quarantine after you get the permit. Ask MAQIS which order to follow.

      “Upon arrival the animal shall be placed in quarantine and may be vaccinated with approved anti-rabies vaccine and detained in quarantine for compulsory period of not less than seven (7) days.”

      “Upon arrival the dogs/cats shall be placed in approved quarantine for a period of not less than 10 clear days”

      “Tempahan ruang kuarantin hendaklah dibuat 14 hari sebelum tarikh pengimportan haiwan kesayangan.”

      “Pemohon akan diberikan satu Nombor Tempahan Ruang Kuarantin yang merupakan syarat untuk kelulusan permit import kucing atau anjing.”

Good to know

  • An older DVS document that is still online (revised 19 December 2016) is stricter than the current one for non-scheduled countries: it asks for a rabies vaccination at least 3 months before export, a rabies antibody blood test (at least 0.5 IU) taken at least a month after the vaccination and within 6 months of export, and at least 14 days' quarantine instead of 7. The current document (republished with a notice dated 11 December 2025) doesn't ask for the blood test. We show the current rules; confirm with MAQIS which applies to your pet.
  • Which countries count as 'scheduled' (no quarantine) changed: DVS's notice of 11 December 2025 added Greece, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Malta, Slovenia, Estonia, Bahrain, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, Montenegro, Bulgaria and Lithuania to the United Kingdom, Eire, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden and Brunei. MAQIS's FAQ also names Singapore.
  • The animal must travel directly by aircraft (or other transport) to the prescribed landing place or another airport in Malaysia.
  • The vet's certificate states that no case of rabies was reported in the country in the 6 months before the certificate date and that the animal was not imported into that country in those 6 months.
  • Meeting DIGEGA's requirements doesn't replace your destination's entry requirements: check them before you start, as some countries ask for a microchip, a rabies blood test or other certificates. DIGEGA recommends starting well ahead of your travel date.

Money

What it costs

Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in the Dominican Republic publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.

Government fees on this route

Government fees in total: 500 DOP + 40 MYR (each currency separately)

7 more fees may apply, depending on your case

What vets and labs charge Not official figures

We have no published vet or lab prices for the Dominican Republic yet.

Prices that businesses publish on their own pages, quoted as we read them; yours can differ. Ranges are the lowest to highest of these examples, never our estimate. How we collect prices

Airline fees aren’t included: check your airline’s pet page.

Round trip

Coming back to the Dominican Republic

Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves the Dominican Republic.

The trip back asks for 5 steps: vet examination within 72 hours before departure, internal and external parasite treatment before the vet examination, rabies vaccination (inactivated vaccine) from 90 days old, at least 30 days before departure and rabies vaccination within the 12 months before departure and more.

Every step from Malaysia to the Dominican Republic

Nearby routes

Other routes

Where this comes from

Official sources

Questions owners ask

Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from the Dominican Republic to Malaysia?

No. The official rules we have verified for this route don't ask for a rabies blood test.

Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into Malaysia?

Yes: Every pet needs a valid import permit from MAQIS.

Will my dog or cat be quarantined in Malaysia?

It can be: Pets from non-scheduled countries are quarantined for at least 7 days at an Animal Quarantine Station on arrival (pets from Australia: at least 10 clear days); it can be extended up to 6 months after a risk assessment.

How early should I start preparing my pet for the Dominican Republic to Malaysia?

With nothing done yet, start at least 2 weeks ahead for a dog. The main steps: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination and core vaccinations within 12 months and 4 more.

Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake

Read next

Turn this into dates for your pet

Where from, where to, when. You get every step with its deadline and the official page it comes from.

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