I’m sure many of pets lovers don’t know how to send their beloved dogs / cats to other places when they’re moving. For me, I’m sending my cat - Meow Meow, from KL to Sandakan, Sabah because I’ll be going back to Sandakan end of this year.
So, the guide here is basically about sending a cat / dog from KL to Sabah. If you wish to know more, you may contact the respective Jabatan Perkhidmatan Haiwan at your area.
Documents Needed
In order to transfer your pets (especially from West Malaysia to East Malaysia, or vice versa), you need to apply a couple of documents before hand.
- First, you need to apply an import permit from the JPH of the area you wish to send to. For my case, I need to apply import permit from Jabatan Perkhidmatan Haiwan dan Perusahaan Ternak, Sabah. The cost of import permit is RM 11.00.
- Next, apply export permit from the JPH of the area of origin. For me, I have to apply export permit from JPH. There is also a government veterinary clinic which accepts application of import / export permit. Please check the website for contact details.
- Finally, bring your pets to a veterinary clinic for medical check up then apply a health certificate from JPH or the government veterinary clinic mentioned above. Of course, your pets must be vaccinated and treated for worms or other diseases before hand.
Please take note that both import and export permit has a validity of 30 days, where as the health certificate is valid for 7 days only. So plan properly.
Sending Pets
There are basically two ways to send your pets, either travel with or without you.
You may send your pets via MASkargo. In this case, your pets are not traveling with you. You may fetch your pets at MASkargo terminals of the destination yourself or appointed person (you may need to state the person’s details while reserving).
If you wish to travel with your pets, you may make a special reservation while you purchase your tickets at MAS agency (online reservation is not applicable). Your pets will be checked in as excess baggage and will be charged according to their weights. For more information, click this link and type in “pets” as search keyword. Then click the “Special Assistance - Traveling with Pets” link.
Please take note that all dogs / cats transporting from West Malaysia to East Malaysia will be quarantined for a period of time which stated by respective JPH of the area. The reason is that East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) is free of Rabies. So, quarantine of your pets is compulsory.
A doctor from JPHPT Sabah told me that my Meow Meow need to stay at the quarantine station (Kota Kinabalu) for 30 days to ensure that it’s free from Rabies. There’s an exception of 7-day quarantine for microchipped cats. After a week at the quarantine station, you may apply for “home quarantine” from the officer on duty.
Another special notes: don’t ever ask whether AirAsia accepts shipment of pets. AirAsia flights claim to be passenger flights, so they don’t ship live animals.
Also, contact the respective JPH for more information before hand for proper planning. Well, there is also alternative if you think these processes are tedious. You may pay extra to let agents or some vets to arrange these things for you. But I tell you, it’s expensive (may costs you nearly RM 1000). Please don’t ask me which agents or vets offer these services because I really don’t know.
You’re welcomed to ask questions and make comments here. I’ll try my best to answer your questions.
Some useful Links:
- Pet Import and Export
- “Import N Export of Cats/Pets” at Cat Forum