Understanding Vietnam's Pet Import Rules: The Legal Basis
Bringing a pet to Vietnam is legally possible, but the process involves multiple government agencies, strict timelines, and documents that must be issued before you depart your home country. The core rules are set by Circular 25/2016/TT-BNNPTNT and Circular 01/2026/TT-BNNMT, which govern animal quarantine and import procedures.
Under Article 10 of Circular 25/2016, a foreign national entering Vietnam may bring up to two animals as household pets, provided they are not on the list of animals prohibited from import. For three or more pets, an import permit is required from Vietnam's Department of Animal Health (DAH).
Required Documents for Bringing Pets to Vietnam
Before departure, assemble these documents. Missing even one can result in your pet being held at the border or refused entry.
- Export Health Certificate — issued by the competent veterinary authority of your home country, certifying the pet is healthy and free of diseases communicable to humans. For US pets, this is APHIS Form 7001. The certificate is typically valid for 7 to 10 days before departure.
- Rabies Vaccination Certificate — showing the vaccination date, vaccine type, batch number, and validity period. The rabies vaccine must have been administered at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before your intended date of entry into Vietnam.
- Pet Passport or Vaccination Record — documenting your pet's full vaccination history, deworming, and other health information.
- Microchip Number — while not mandatory under Vietnamese law, most airlines and many exporting countries require an ISO 11784/11785-compliant 15-digit microchip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination, and the number must appear on all health documents.
- Pet Owner's Passport Copy — the passport of the person accompanying the pet or named on the transport documents.
Step-by-Step Procedure: From Home Country to Vietnam
Step 1: Register Your Pet for Quarantine Before Departure
Before your pet arrives in Vietnam, you must submit an application for animal quarantine registration to the Department of Animal Health (DAH). The application dossier includes:
- Written request for animal quarantine instructions (Form No. 19, Appendix V of Circular 25)
- Animal quarantine declaration
- Copies of the pet's health documents, including vaccination and veterinary certificates
Submission channels: National Single Window Portal (https://vnsw.gov.vn), by post to DAH at No.15/78 Giải Phóng Street, Kim Liên Ward, Hà Nội, or via the Public Service Portal.
Processing time: Within 5 working days of receiving a complete dossier, the DAH issues written approval and quarantine instructions. If not approved, DAH must provide a written response explaining the reason.
Step 2: Submit Quarantine Declaration Before Arrival
After receiving DAH approval, and before your pet arrives at the import border gate, you (or the consignor) must submit a quarantine declaration dossier to the border animal quarantine agency. This can be done via the National Single Window Portal, Public Service Portal, email, fax, or in person.
Processing time: Within 1 working day of receiving a complete and valid declaration, the border quarantine agency confirms the declaration and notifies you of the location and time for quarantine inspection.
Step 3: Quarantine Inspection at the Border
Upon arrival at the Vietnamese airport or land border, the border animal quarantine agency will:
- Inspect the export health certificate from your home country
- Conduct a clinical examination of your pet
- Administer vaccines if your pet has not been vaccinated against dangerous infectious diseases
- Collect samples for testing if the animal shows signs of suspected infectious disease
If all quarantine requirements are met, the border authority issues a Veterinary Certificate allowing your pet to enter Vietnam.
Step 4: Quarantine Isolation (If Required)
In some cases, your pet may be subject to quarantine isolation at a designated facility. The quarantine monitoring period is appropriate for each animal species and disease, but does not exceed 45 days from the start of isolation.
Copyable Request Letter for Animal Quarantine Instructions
Use this template when submitting your written request for quarantine instructions to the DAH. Replace bracketed placeholders with your information.
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY] To: Department of Animal Health (Cục Chăn nuôi và Thú y)
No.15/78 Giải Phóng Street, Kim Liên Ward, Hà Nội RE: Request for Animal Quarantine Instructions – Pet Import Dear Sir/Madam, I, [Owner Full Name], holder of passport number [Passport Number], nationality [Nationality], currently residing at [Address in Vietnam or Home Country], hereby request written approval and quarantine instructions for importing my pet into Vietnam. Pet Information:
- Species: [Dog / Cat]
- Breed: [Breed]
- Name: [Pet Name]
- Age: [Age]
- Sex: [Male / Female]
- Microchip Number: [15-digit Microchip Number]
- Color: [Color]
- Weight: [Weight] Travel Information:
- Expected Arrival Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Port of Entry: [Airport / Land Border Name]
- Flight/Transport Number: [Flight Number or Vehicle Details]
- Accompanied by Owner: [Yes / No] Health Documentation:
- Rabies Vaccination Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Vaccine Type and Batch Number: [Details]
- Export Health Certificate Number: [Certificate Number]
- Issuing Veterinary Authority: [Authority Name] I enclose copies of the pet's vaccination record, export health certificate, and my passport for your review. I respectfully request the Department of Animal Health to review and grant approval for the import and quarantine of my pet. Sincerely,
[Owner Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays or Rejection
1. Rabies Vaccination Timing
The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 30 days before entry and no more than 12 months before entry. Vietnam does not recognize 3-year rabies vaccines — only vaccines with shorter validity periods are accepted. If your pet received a 3-year rabies vaccine, it may not satisfy Vietnamese requirements.
2. Missing Microchip Before Vaccination
The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination, and the microchip number must appear on all health documents. A microchip implanted after vaccination may cause documentation inconsistencies.
3. Not Registering with DAH in Advance
Many pet owners assume they can handle quarantine procedures upon arrival. This is incorrect. You must register with DAH before departure and receive written approval. Arriving without prior registration causes delays and potential refusal.
4. Untranslated Documents
All health documents must be translated into English or Vietnamese. Documents in other languages without translation will not be accepted by border authorities.
5. Assuming No Quarantine Always
While many pets clear quarantine quickly, isolation of up to 45 days may be required depending on the animal's health status and disease situation. Plan accordingly and confirm with DAH during registration.
6. Ignoring Airline Requirements
Airlines have their own policies for pet transport, including carrier specifications, advance booking requirements, and microchip mandates. Contact your airline well in advance to confirm requirements. Vietnam's law may allow entry, but the airline can still refuse boarding if its rules are not met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an import permit to bring my pet to Vietnam?
No import permit is required if you are bringing two or fewer pets as household companions. For three or more pets, an import permit from the Department of Animal Health (DAH) is required.
What vaccinations does my pet need before entering Vietnam?
Rabies vaccination is mandatory and must be administered at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before entry. Vietnam does not recognize 3-year rabies vaccines. Other vaccinations are recommended based on your veterinarian's advice.
Is a microchip required for pets entering Vietnam?
Microchipping is not mandatory under Vietnamese law, but most airlines and many exporting countries require an ISO 11784/11785-compliant 15-digit microchip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination, and its number must appear on all health documents.
How long does the DAH quarantine registration take?
Within 5 working days of receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Department of Animal Health will issue written approval and quarantine instructions. If not approved, DAH will provide a written response explaining the reason.
Will my pet be quarantined upon arrival in Vietnam?
Most pets clear quarantine upon arrival if all requirements are met. However, quarantine isolation of up to 45 days may be required in some cases, depending on the animal's health status and the disease situation in the exporting country. Confirm with DAH during registration.