Moving to Indonesia with Pets: Practical Tips

Published on October 31, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Indonesia is an exciting adventure, but for pet owners, it can also bring specific concerns.

Bringing your four-legged companions to this fascinating country requires careful preparation to ensure their health and well-being during and after the journey.

Between mandatory vaccinations, quarantine regulations, and administrative formalities that cannot be overlooked, it’s crucial to have all the necessary information to make this transition a success.

This article provides practical tips and essential steps to ensure that settling in Indonesia with your pet goes as smoothly as possible, eliminating any unnecessary stress related to this relocation.

Administrative and Health Procedures for Importing Pets to Indonesia

To import pets into Indonesia, several administrative and health requirements must be met:

Document Requirements

• Pet Passport: Includes vaccinations, titer tests, and necessary licenses.
• Valid Health Certificates: Issued by a licensed veterinarian, with an issuance date within 10 days prior to departure.
• Microchip Registration Card: Standardized ISO number, proof of registration and implantation date.
• Copy of Owner’s Passport: For verification, including photo and validation page.
• Flight Information: Flight number, arrival date and time, transport details.

Quarantine Regulations

• Quarantine Duration: 14 days.
• Available Facilities: Pets are placed in quarantine facilities approved by Indonesian authorities.
• Release Rules: Pets must be healthy and all required documents must be valid.

Mandatory Vaccinations

• Rabies Vaccination: A rabies vaccination certificate is required, with a clear expiration date.
• Medical Documentation: Complete vaccination record, signed by a veterinarian.

Parasite Treatment Protocols and Health Checks

• Parasite Treatment: Certificate of parasite treatment, with application date and products used.
• Health Checks: Regular inspections to ensure the pet’s health before and after arrival.

Administrative Procedures

• Obtaining an Import Permit: Submitted to the Director of Animal Health at least one month in advance.
• Contact with Authorities: Coordination with Indonesia’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency to ensure compliance.

Practical Transport Tips

• Secure Transport: Use approved carriers to avoid risks during travel.
• Pet Comfort: Ensure a comfortable and calm environment for the pet during transport.

Document	Description
Pet Passport	Includes vaccinations and necessary licenses.
Health Certificate	Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days prior to departure.
Microchip Registration Card	Standardized ISO number, proof of registration and implantation date.

Useful Resources for updated information:

• Contact Indonesia’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency.
• Consult agencies specializing in pet transport for practical advice.

Best Practices for Safe Pet Transport

Transporting a pet when relocating to Indonesia requires careful preparation, both administratively and logistically. Here is a structured guide of best practices to follow to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being throughout the process.

Indonesian Legislation on Pet Importation

• Geographic Restrictions: Indonesia only allows the import of dogs and cats from certain rabies-free countries (Australia, New Zealand, some European countries). Bali, in particular, applies very strict rules and even temporary bans depending on the local health status.
• Import Permit: A permit issued by Indonesian authorities is mandatory. The application must be initiated at least one month before departure and include a recommendation letter from the provincial veterinary service.
• Designated Entry Points: Pets must transit through specific airports (Jakarta, Medan, Pekanbaru, Surabaya, Manado), where veterinary checks are conducted upon arrival.

Administrative Step	Recommended Timeline	Required Documents
Permit Application	1 month before	Owner’s passport, vaccination record, rabies serological test
Health Certificate	5 days before	Original veterinary certificate
Chip Registration	Before travel	Proof of electronic microchip implantation

Health Requirements and Vaccinations

• Mandatory Vaccinations: Up-to-date rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before departure); other vaccines depending on species (Distemper, Parvovirus for dogs; Feline Panleukopenia/Leukemia for cats).
• Rabies Serological Test: Antibody titer conducted in an OIE-approved laboratory after vaccination.
• International Health Certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 5 days prior to departure.

It is essential that all these documents are translated into English or Indonesian and legalized if necessary.

Choosing Specialized Carriers

Prefer airlines recognized for their experience in animal transport (e.g., Garuda Indonesia offers adapted services). Specialized providers can also handle all administrative and physical logistics of the journey.

Here are some criteria to check:

• Proven experience with Indonesia
• Compliance with IATA Live Animals Regulations
• Animal freight handling with personalized tracking

Pet Adaptation to the New Environment in Indonesia

Specific Challenges for Pet Adaptation in Indonesia

Tropical Climate

High temperatures year-round (often >30°C) and high humidity.

Risks: heatstroke, dehydration, breathing difficulties, skin infections, thermal stress.

Precautions to Take:

• Provide constant access to fresh water and shade
• Limit walks to cooler hours (morning/evening)
• Adjust bathing frequency to avoid skin problems related to humidity
• Use fans or air conditioning, especially during the day

Increased Parasite Presence

Common parasites: ticks, fleas, mosquitoes (vectors of diseases like heartworm), intestinal worms.

Precautions:

• Regular parasite treatment (collars, spot-ons, tablets)
• Up-to-date vaccinations, especially against rabies (endemic in some regions)
• Periodic veterinary check-ups

Dietary Adaptation

Difficulty finding certain imported pet food brands.

Risk of having to modify the diet (different local composition, presence of rice, fish, poultry).

Tips:

• Prefer a gradual dietary transition to avoid digestive issues
• Consult local veterinarians about available brands and their compositions
• Supplement if needed with appropriate vitamins/minerals

Dietary Challenge	Possible Solutions	Available Local Resources
Lack of usual foods	Gradual transition, veterinary advice	Local brands, adapted homemade food
Allergies/intolerances	Monitoring reactions, food testing	Imported hypoallergenic products (rare)

Housing and Outdoor Environment

Indoors: importance of securing windows and balconies against heat and falls, use of mosquito nets.

Outdoor Spaces:

• Limited access in some urban areas, need to monitor local wildlife (snakes, monitor lizards, monkeys)
• Local rules: dogs sometimes prohibited in certain public spaces, or required to be leashed/muzzled
• Preference for enclosed and shaded areas, avoid hot surfaces

Local Wildlife and Safety

Risks of aggression by stray animals (dogs, cats), disease transmission.

Precautions:

• Never leave the pet unsupervised outside
• Avoid contact with wildlife and stray animals
• Vaccinations and sterilization to limit risks

Expatriate Testimonials and Advice

• Many emphasize the need to properly prepare the pet for the climate before departure, anticipate access to veterinary care, and choose suitable housing
• Some recommend establishing a routine upon arrival, prioritizing early morning walks, and always carrying water when out
• For food, several expatriates report having to order specific kibble online or from specialized importers

Local Veterinary Recommendations

• Check-up visit upon arrival to establish a local health record
• Vaccinations against rabies and vector-borne diseases
• Advice on managing stress related to transport and acclimatization
• Prompt care in case of unusual symptoms (fever, lethargy, itching)

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize prevention (vaccines, parasite control, hydration)
• Adapt pace and habits to tropical life
• Regularly consult a local veterinarian to anticipate risks from the climate and Indonesian wildlife
• Inform yourself about import and animal movement rules according to the Indonesian region (strict prohibitions in Bali for example)

List of Essential Precautions:

• Veterinary consultation before departure and upon arrival
• First aid kit adapted to the tropical climate
• Identification via microchip and tag
• Increased supervision during outdoor outings
• Strict compliance with local regulations

Tips for Finding Suitable Pet Services On Site

To find and identify reliable pet services in Indonesia, it’s recommended to adopt a structured approach and use multiple information channels to ensure your pets’ safety and well-being.

Selection Criteria for Evaluating Local Veterinarians and Boarding Facilities:

• Online Reputation:
  • Check reviews on Google Maps and specialized sites to identify the highest-rated establishments.
  • Prefer clinics that show positive and regular feedback, and demonstrate transparency about pricing and services.
• Certifications and Experience:
  • Ask to see official certifications, particularly those issued by the Ministry of Agriculture or recognized organizations.
  • Verify the clinic or boarding facility’s longevity, as well as the veterinarians’ professional backgrounds.
• Cleanliness and Facilities:
  • During your visit, pay particular attention to general hygiene, facility safety, and the well-being of present animals.
• Services Offered:
  • Check if the establishment offers a complete range of services (consultations, emergencies, hospitalization, preventive care, etc.) suited to your needs.

Comparison Table of Main Criteria:

Criterion	Description	Why It’s Important
Reputation	Online reviews, expatriate recommendations	Reliability and satisfaction
Certification	Diplomas, official approvals	Competence guarantee
Cleanliness	Facility hygiene, modern equipment	Animal health
Experience	Years in operation, staff background	Situation mastery
Available Services	Diversity of care and accommodation	Adaptability to your needs
Languages Spoken	English, French, Indonesian	Communication ease

Using Online Expatriate Groups:

• Join Facebook groups or forums dedicated to expatriation in Indonesia and living with pets.
• Ask questions about recommended veterinarians and boarding facilities, request concrete feedback.
• Don’t hesitate to consult discussion archives to obtain address lists and detailed reviews.

Importance of Visiting Establishments in Person:

• Schedule an initial no-obligation visit to observe the facilities and ask all your questions.
• Meet the staff, verify communication, and ask to see animal areas.
• Evaluate the level of attention given to each animal and staff availability for emergencies.

Language Challenges and Solutions:

• Many veterinarians and boarding facilities only speak Indonesian; this can complicate communication for expatriates.
• Look for establishments where staff master English or French (often mentioned in reviews or on websites).
• Use translation apps when making appointments or explaining specific symptoms.
• Prepare a written sheet in English and Indonesian summarizing your pet’s health status and specific needs.

List of Practical Tips to Secure Your Choice:

• Verify diplomas and certifications displayed in the establishment.
• Request a detailed quote before any service.
• Prefer facilities recommended by expatriates or local associations.
• Ensure the establishment complies with current health standards.
• Prepare a list of questions to ask during the visit (emergency procedures, insurance, post-procedure follow-up, etc.).
• Inquire about the procedure for registering veterinary treatments to ensure product legality.

Additional Recommendations:

• Favor partnerships with clinics associated with international organizations or expatriate veterinarians.
• In case of doubt, seek advice from a local animal protection association or recognized shelter.
• For specialized care, turn to centers that collaborate with foreign veterinarians or regularly host international experts.

By taking the time to compare, ask for reviews, visit, and verify certifications, you maximize the chances of providing your pet with quality and secure service in Indonesia.