How to Get an Endorsed Pet Health Certificate from US to MALAYSIA

Sources: USDA/APHIS, Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS).

Step 1  SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A USDA ACCREDITED VETERINARIAN.

1. At the appointment, the Veterinarian will fill out the approved USDA Health Certificate.  Find a USDA Accredited Veterinarian in your state at the USDA/APHIS Portal Here.

2. You may need more than one appointment for your pet such as boosters and 2nd dosage or to wait for a Rabies/Titer test result.

3. Your Veterinarian will ensure the following requirements are in the Health Certificate (A-E):
4. You can choose any USDA accredited Veterinarian! Choose one closest to your departure or home.

A.  Your Pet Must Have a Microchip

1. All Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets must have a microchip implanted. We recommend your pet have a microchip in the standard ISO compliant microchip format. Most country inspection services; veterinarians and animal shelters word-wide use the ISO standard.

2. The number and the date of implantation of both microchips must be documented on the Health Certificate.

3. When recording the “Date of implantation and/or reading [dd/mm/yyyy]” of the microchip/transponder on the health certificate, IT MUST BE ON OR BEFORE THE DATE OF THE PRIMARY RABIES VACCINATION. If your pet was vaccinated for rabies before the microchip was implanted, you pet must be revaccinated.

B. Rabies Vaccination is Mandatory

1. Pets must be vaccinated for Rabies more than 30 days and one (1) year before entry to Malaysia.  This information is included in the pet’s microchip. If your pet was vaccinated for rabies before the microchip was implanted, you pet must be revaccinated.  The Rabies vaccine MUST occur the same day or after the microchip implant.

2. The inactivated Rabies vaccination must be valid for 1 year is acceptable. The vaccination must be valid at the time of entry to Malaysia.

3. Some EU countries have exceptions for pets younger than 15 weeks. Malaysia is not one of those countries. Pets younger than 12 weeks will NOT be allowed entry into Malaysia.

C.  OTHER VACCINATIONS:

Vaccinations are recommended, including Distemper, Hepatitis, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHLPP).

D. PARASITE TREATMENT:

Pet dogs and cats must be treated for external and internal parasites between two and seven days of export. The internal parasite treatment must target both cestodes and nematodes, and the external treatment should exterminate all fleas and ticks from your pet.

E. The companion pet has resided in the United States during the six (6) months immediately preceding the date of the Health Certificate.

STEP 2 Submit Your Pet’s Documents to the APHIS Endorsement Office

Choose any office you want. Choose the closest to your state or where you will depart from via 1 of 3 Methods: Electronic, In-Person, Mail

1. SUBMIT ELECTRONICALLY:

Your Veterinarian will submit the Health Certificate for Endorsement (final approval).
or

2. SUBMIT IN PERSON BY APPOINTMENT to the nearest Endorsement Office.

A.  Find the nearest office at USDA/APHIS Endorsement Office locator.

B. Five or less pets traveling to Malaysia within 5 days of the owner or designated person, use the “Non-Commercial” Health Certificate. You can download the APHIS Health Certificate for DOGS. and APHIS Health Certificate for CATS.

C. USDA Health Certificate must be issued within 7 days of entry to Malaysia.

D. Once the Health Certificate is endorsed by USDA/APHIS, you must enter the APHIS-assigned Certificate Number in the “Animal Health Certificate Number” section of the Declaration.

or

3.  REGULAR/EXPEDITED MAIL

A. Find the nearest office at USDA/APHIS Endorsement office locator:

B. Include a POSTAGE-PAID, RETURN ENVELOPE. The USDA will not pay for your postage. Send it by FedEx, USPS, DHL UPS or other “overnight” delivery method to expedite. Most Offices process and return within 3 business days after they receive your documents.

C. Include Health Certificate, Import Permit, Pet Export Checklist, Vaccination Checklist And Other Test Results Required and Payment. Do not pay in Cash.

D. Once the Health Certificate is endorsed by USDA/APHIS, you must enter the APHIS-assigned Certificate Number in the “Animal Health Certificate Number” section of the Declaration. 

E.  The final page of the EU Health Certificate contains a Declaration of Non-Commercial transport.  Complete and sign before the pet travels to Malaysia.  The Declaration must accompany the pet and health certificate to Malaysia.

F.  Five or less pets traveling to Malaysia within 5 days of the owner or designated person, use the “Non-Commercial” Health Certificate.  You can download the APHIS Health Certificate for DOGS and APHIS Health Certificate for CATS.

G.  The completed health certificate must be endorsed (counter-signed and embossed/stamped) by USDA/APHIS within 10 days of arrival. 

H.  The Health Certificate is valid for 30 days after the USDA Accredited Veterinarian completes and signs it.

I. Your pet’s Health Certificate allows you to travel up to 4 months from the date it is issued by the USDA/APHIS Accredited Veterinarian as long as the rabies vaccine documented on it does not expire.

J.  USDA Health Certificate must be issued within 7 days of entry to Malaysia.

STEP 3  Does Your Pet Need an IMPORT PERMIT?

You must employ an agent registered with the Import License issued by the Director General of Veterinary Services or the Director of the State Veterinary Department.

The license can be applied for online by an agent who is registered in the system or in person by a licensed agent or representative of the owner. This document is issued within a day and is valid for 30 days from issuance.

Applications for import to the States of Sabah and Sarawak should be made to the respective states. Source: Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS).

BANNED AND RESTRICTED BREEDS

1. Malaysia has banned the entry of some aggressive and dangerous dog breeds. Before transporting your pet dog into Malaysia, make sure your dog is not the list of banned breeds. These dog breeds are on the no-import list and cannot travel to Malaysia.

2. Some dog breeds are on the restricted breed list and are allowed into the country, provided the dog meets specific import conditions (see below).

Restricted dog breeds are allowed entry into Malaysia only after the dog gets approval from the Director-General of Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services. You will have to request permission before applying for the import permit.

STEP 4  Mandatory Pet Quarantine

APHIS currently states there is a seven day (7) mandatory quarantine for all pets traveling to Malaysia from the United States. The quarantine is located at Quarantine at Kuala Lumpur Animal Quarantine Station. Costs for Quarantine vary significantly depending on species, breeds, age and size.

FAQ:

Timeframe: How long will it take to receive my USDA Health Certificate Endorsement?
Health Certificates submitted in VEHCS or as a hardcopy document may take upwards of 3 business days after receipt for endorsement. Source: USDA APHIS.

2. Cost: The fee will be $121-$173usd for the 1st Pet on the Certificate. Each additional pet on the same Certificate will cost $7-$14usd.

Keep copies of all your documents and tracking number if you mailed your documents to APHIS.

Pet Passport policies change.  Please check country-specific regulations before making travel arrangements: APHIS Travel with a Pets .