| Dog relocation to Indonesia | Cat relocation to Indonesia | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry into Bali | Not allowed. Dogs can't be imported into Bali, either through Ngurah Rai airport or by road and ferry from Java. | Not allowed. Cats fall under the same rabies rules as dogs, so a small cat in a cabin carrier is still refused. |
| Going through Jakarta first | A dog can be imported legally into Jakarta with a permit, microchip, rabies vaccine and titer test, but that clearance stops at Jakarta. It does not cover onward travel to Bali. | Same for cats. Clearing a cat into Jakarta is possible, but moving it on to Bali is still blocked. |
| Exceptions | There is no general exemption for families. Any exception needs written approval from Bali's animal quarantine office and the provincial veterinary service before travel, and this is very rarely granted. | The same applies to cats. Don't book anything on the strength of a verbal promise from an agent. |
| Risk of trying anyway | A dog brought in without approval can be seized and may be put down. Owners can face fines and, for foreigners, deportation. | The same penalties apply to cats. Ferry ports and the airport check for animals. |
| What families do instead | Leave the dog with family or friends at home, or live somewhere in Indonesia that allows imports, such as Jakarta. Many families adopt a rescue dog once they arrive in Bali. | Rehome the cat with someone you trust at home, or adopt one of Bali's many rescue cats once you've settled in. |
| Leaving Bali later | Taking a dog out of Bali also needs written permission, so a dog adopted here may not be able to follow you if you move on. Factor that in before you adopt. | The same exit rules apply to cats adopted in Bali. Plan for where the pet will live if your family leaves. |
Choose Dog relocation to Indonesia if…
Don't plan to bring your dog to Bali, because it is not allowed. Rehome it with people you trust, or choose Jakarta or another region that accepts imports if keeping the dog matters most.
Choose Cat relocation to Indonesia if…
Cats are refused the same way dogs are. Leave your cat with someone you trust at home and consider adopting a rescue cat once you're living in Bali.
Still weighing it up for your family?
Ask the Knowmads family guide