Bali closed itself to dogs, cats and other animals that can carry rabies after the disease reached the island in 2008. The ban covers international arrivals at Ngurah Rai airport and animals moved in from other Indonesian islands by plane, road or ferry. Cats are treated the same as dogs. There is no general exemption for families who are relocating. Any exception needs written approval from Bali's animal quarantine office and the provincial veterinary service before the animal travels, and this is very rarely granted.
Indonesia as a whole still accepts imported pets in other regions, such as Jakarta, with an import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, an antibody titer test and a government health certificate. Families sometimes hear that they can import a pet through Jakarta and then fly it on to Bali. That is not how it works. A pet cleared into Jakarta still needs Bali's own approval before it can continue, so if you get a promise from an agent, ask for it in writing from the Bali authorities before you book. Pets brought in without approval can be seized and put down, and owners risk fines and deportation.
Most families who move to Bali leave their pet with relatives or friends at home, or choose to live in another part of Indonesia that allows imports. Many adopt a rescue dog or cat after they arrive, since the island has plenty of animals that need a home. Taking an animal out of Bali also needs written permission, so think about where a Bali pet would live if your family moves on. Whatever you decide, keep kids' distance from unfamiliar dogs, because Bali dog bites carry a real rabies risk worth knowing first aid for, and know what to do if a child is bitten by a dog or monkey in Bali.
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