Official Import Rules
Nepal requires a current rabies vaccination, a government-endorsed veterinary health certificate, and an import permit from the Department of Livestock Services. Microchip recommended. Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Requirements can be inconsistently enforced — bring comprehensive documentation. Arrival through Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) Kathmandu.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your dog's step-by-step planCabin/cargo call, breed check, crate size and paperwork timing.Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip fitted before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match every certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be valid before travel. Most routes require at least 21 days after a primary vaccination.
Health certificate or pet passport
Use an EU pet passport where accepted, or a government-endorsed animal health certificate for this route.
Rabies titer test
Build in the approved-lab antibody test and any mandatory waiting period before booking the flight.
Travel day
Carry originals, confirm airline pet acceptance, and keep the official authority page saved offline.
Breed & Public-Space Rules
No major national breed ban found
Still check airline policies, local rules, insurance requirements and any transit-country restrictions before booking.
Flying In: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None if documentation complete
City & Housing Notes
Kathmandu and Pokhara are the main destinations. Nepal has a growing pet culture, especially among the urban middle class. Vet care is basic but available in Kathmandu. Very affordable living.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Basic veterinary care in Kathmandu. A few clinics cater to expats. Outside the capital, vet care is very limited. Rabies is endemic in Nepal — this is critical. Keep dogs indoors and vaccinations current.
Leaving Nepal With Your Dog
Exit requires a health certificate from a licensed vet. Processing varies — allow 2–3 working days.
Videos & Route Walkthroughs
Use videos as lived-experience context, not as legal authority. Search for recent dog-owner route reports, airport collection walkthroughs, crate-loading examples and relocation-agent explainers, then verify every rule against the official source above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nepal safe for dogs?
Keep dogs indoors. Rabies is a serious concern in Nepal, with stray dogs and monkeys being common carriers. Indoor dogs do fine in Kathmandu apartments.
Will altitude affect my dog?
Kathmandu sits at 1,400m, which shouldn't cause problems. Higher-altitude areas like Pokhara (820m) are fine. True high altitude (>3,000m) is not recommended for dogs.
Is vet care available?
Basic care in Kathmandu. For serious medical issues, Delhi (India) is the nearest city with advanced veterinary facilities.
Community Tips & Nearby Routes
Community reports are useful for practical details such as which cargo desk answers the phone, how long collection took, or whether a landlord asked for insurance. Treat them as tips, then verify rules with the authority and airline.