Official Import Rules
Vietnam requires an ISO microchip (recommended but not strictly enforced), current rabies vaccination, and a veterinary health certificate endorsed by the origin country's competent authority. An import permit from the Department of Animal Health (DAH) is required — apply at least 2 weeks before travel. Vietnam also requires a certificate of origin for the dog. Inspection occurs on arrival at the designated quarantine checkpoint.
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.
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
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hanoi, and Da Nang have growing expat communities with improving vet care. Vietnam is becoming more pet-friendly as the middle class grows. Many serviced apartments and villas accept dogs.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Improving rapidly in major cities. HCMC and Hanoi have international-standard vet clinics. Outside major cities, vet care is basic. Rabies is endemic — vaccination essential. Many expat-oriented clinics have English-speaking staff.
Leaving Vietnam With Your Dog
Exit requires a health certificate from a DAH-approved vet and an export permit from the local sub-department of animal health. Processing takes 3–5 working days. Documents may need to be in Vietnamese or accompanied by a certified translation.
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 Vietnam good for dogs?
Increasingly yes. Major cities have good vet care and a growing pet culture. However, be aware that attitudes toward animals vary, and dogs should ideally be kept indoors.
Is there quarantine?
No mandatory quarantine if all documents are in order. Non-compliant animals may be returned or quarantined at the owner's expense.
Is vet care affordable?
Very affordable by Western standards. A routine vet visit in HCMC costs VND 200,000–500,000 (~$8–20). Quality international clinics are slightly more expensive.
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.