Dogs in Malaysia: rules, tax and travel
Dogs aged over 3 months need an annual licence from the local council. Microchips are not yet compulsory nationally, and imports need a DVS permit.
Licensing and leash rules are set by each local council, and Sarawak and Sabah have their own import and rabies rules.
Breed rules
| Where | Rule | Breeds and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole country | Import banned | Akita, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, American Bulldog, Tosa, Neapolitan Mastiff, Boerboel, Presa Canario, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, crosses of the above Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia: these breeds and their crosses are banned from import (as published on the Australian government MICoR page for Malaysia). [1] |
| Whole country | Restricted | Bullmastiff, Bull Terrier, Dobermann, German Shepherd Dog, Belgian Shepherd, East European Shepherd, Rottweiler, Cane Corso, crosses of the above Restricted breeds may be imported only with prior written approval of the MAQIS Director General before the DVS import permit. [1] |
Registration and microchip
Dogs over 3 months old are licensed by the local council or municipality, usually renewed each year to 31 December, with a metal badge on the collar. Councils often ask for ID and proof of vaccination.[2]
Not compulsory nationally. The government plans to require microchipping before councils issue licences, after a pilot, with no date given. Sarawak already requires dogs to be licensed and microchipped.[3]
Dog tax and licence
No dog tax found. The yearly council licence fee is generally about RM10 to RM50, for example RM10 in many councils and RM20 for an intact dog in Subang Jaya.[4]
typical 10 MYR, 10 to 50 MYR a year
A council dog licence is the only licence found; no owner competence test was found.[2]
Other rules
Sarawak requires annual rabies vaccination of all pet dogs, with a fine of up to RM2,500, and fines up to RM5,000 for no licence.[5]
Banned and restricted breeds can affect whether a council will license a dog; see the breed file.[4]
Travelling to Malaysia with a dog
An import licence from the Director General of Veterinary Services is needed first, then an ISO 15 digit chip, a rabies vaccine 30 days to 12 months before travel and a veterinary certificate within 7 days of import, endorsed by the national authority. Pets must be at least 3 months old.[6]
Same permit, microchip, vaccine and certificate rules apply from any country. No quarantine if the pet lived 6 months in Brunei, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore or the UK, otherwise at least 7 days.[6]
Not required, regardless of origin.[6]
At least 7 days (10 from Australia), extendable up to 6 months, unless the pet qualifies for the no-quarantine countries. Entry is through KLIA, Penang airport or Padang Besar.[6]
Not confirmed yet: Liability insurance, Leash and muzzle, Tapeworm treatment. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- micor.agriculture.gov.au/live-animals/malaysia/dog (official)
- mnawf.org.my/Resources/Local Council & Dog Licensing/ (secondary source)
- codeblue.galencentre.org/2026/02/government-plans-mandatory-dog-microchipping-before-local (secondary source)
- malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/09/28/what-it-can-cost-to-responsibly-raise-a-furkid-in-m (secondary source)
- malaymail.com/amp/news/malaysia/2025/01/22/sarawak-enforces-mandatory-anti-rabies-vaccinat (secondary source)
- pettravel.com/immigration/Malaysia.cfm (secondary source)