Dog and Cat Relocation Indonesia: Bali Rules for Families

Dog and cat relocation Indonesia — what families moving to Bali need to know

You cannot import a family dog or cat into Bali. Provincial rules ban dogs, cats and other rabies-carrying animals from entering the island, whether they fly in from abroad or travel from elsewhere in Indonesia. For a side-by-side look at how the rules hit dogs versus cats, see our dog vs cat relocation Indonesia comparison. This page is the main guide for families weighing pet relocation and life in Bali with animals.

Can you bring a dog or cat to Bali?

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.

For a shorter direct answer, see can you bring a dog or cat to Bali.

Relocating a dog or cat elsewhere in Indonesia

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.

What families do instead

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. Keep children's distance from unfamiliar dogs — see Bali dog bites and rabies risk and what to do if a child is bitten.

The sections below cover housing, veterinary care and daily life for families who already live in Bali with a pet — usually one adopted locally.

Finding Pet-Friendly Housing

Housing Considerations

Pet policy variations:

• Villas: Generally more pet-friendly
• Apartments: Mixed policies, check carefully
• Guesthouses: Usually not suitable for pets
• Hotels: Very limited pet-friendly options

Questions to ask landlords:

• "Are pets allowed?"
• "Is there a pet deposit required?"
• "Are there size or breed restrictions?"
• "Is the property securely fenced?"
• "Are there any additional monthly fees for pets?"
• "What are the rules about pet noise?"

Pet-friendly housing features:

• Secure fencing: Prevents escapes
• Garden space: For exercise and bathroom needs
• Tile floors: Easier to clean than carpet
• Ground floor: Easier access for older pets
• Nearby veterinary clinics: Emergency access
• Pet-friendly neighborhood: Other pet owners nearby

Popular Pet-Friendly Areas

Canggu:

• Pros: Relaxed atmosphere, many expats with pets
• Cons: Can be busy, limited fencing
• Rental range: $800-3,000 USD/month for pet-friendly villas
• Veterinary services: Good availability

Ubud:

• Pros: Peaceful, natural environment
• Cons: Monkeys can be problematic
• Rental range: $600-2,500 USD/month
• Considerations: More traditional, may have restrictions

Sanur:

• Pros: Family-friendly, calmer than other areas
• Cons: More expensive, limited availability
• Rental range: $1,000-4,000 USD/month
• Benefits: Good veterinary services, expat community

Jimbaran:

• Pros: Spacious properties, good for larger dogs
• Cons: Can be hot, limited shade
• Rental range: $1,200-5,000 USD/month
• Features: Often larger gardens, better fencing

Additional Housing Costs

Pet deposits:

• Range: $200-1,000 USD
• Purpose: Cover potential damage
• Refundable: Usually returned if no damage
• Negotiable: Often can be reduced

Monthly pet fees:

• Range: $20-100 USD per month
• Varies by: Property type, pet size
• Covers: Additional cleaning, maintenance
• Negotiable: Especially for long-term leases

Veterinary Care in Bali

Recommended Veterinary Clinics

1. Bali Pet Crusaders - Canggu

• Services: Full-service clinic
• Languages: English, Indonesian
• Specialties: Emergency care, surgery
• Contact: +62 361 844 0404
• Hours: 24/7 emergency services
• Cost: $30-100 USD per visit

2. Sunset Vet - Seminyak

• Services: Routine care, vaccinations
• Staff: Western-trained veterinarians
• Facilities: Modern equipment
• Contact: +62 361 730 374
• Hours: Daily 8am-8pm
• Cost: $25-80 USD per visit

3. Animal Aid Unlimited - Ubud

• Focus: Rescue and treatment
• Services: Affordable care
• Philosophy: Animal welfare focused
• Contact: +62 361 971 313
• Donations: Supports local animal welfare

4. Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA)

• Services: Low-cost veterinary care
• Mission: Animal welfare and education
• Location: Multiple locations
• Contact: +62 361 489 587
• Services: Spay/neuter, vaccinations

Routine Veterinary Care

Annual vaccinations:

• Dogs: Rabies, DHPP, kennel cough
• Cats: Rabies, FVRCP
• Cost: $30-60 USD per vaccination
• Schedule: Follow international standards

Parasite prevention:

• Heartworm prevention: Monthly treatment
• Flea/tick control: Regular applications
• Deworming: Every 3-6 months
• Cost: $20-50 USD per month

Health monitoring:

• Annual checkups: General health assessment
• Blood tests: For older pets
• Dental care: Professional cleaning
• Weight management: Tropical climate considerations

Emergency Veterinary Care

Common tropical health issues:

• Heat stroke: Very common in Bali's climate
• Parasites: Higher risk in tropical environment
• Skin conditions: Humidity-related problems
• Injuries: From motorcycles, other animals
• Poisoning: Various toxic substances

Emergency procedures:

1. Call veterinary clinic: Explain situation
2. Transport safely: Secure pet during transport
3. Bring documentation: Vaccination records, health history
4. Payment: Emergency care requires immediate payment
5. Follow-up: Arrange continued care as needed

Emergency contacts:

• Bali Pet Crusaders: +62 361 844 0404 (24/7)
• Sunset Vet: +62 361 730 374 (daytime)
• Animal Aid: +62 361 971 313 (rescue/emergency)
• BAWA: +62 361 489 587 (emergency advice)

Daily Life with Pets in Bali

Exercise & Recreation

Dog-friendly beaches:

• Berawa Beach: Early morning before crowds
• Batu Bolong Beach: Good for running
• Sanur Beach: Calmer waves, morning walks
• Echo Beach: Popular with expat dog owners

Beach safety:

• Early hours: 6-8am before heat and crowds
• Fresh water: Rinse salt water after swimming
• Shade: Provide adequate shelter
• Paw protection: Hot sand can burn pads

Dog parks and exercise areas:

• Canggu Dog Park: Fenced area for off-leash play
• Rice paddies: Good for leashed walks (with permission)
• Villa gardens: Private exercise space
• Quiet streets: Early morning neighborhood walks

Nutrition & Food

Pet food availability:

• Imported brands: Available but expensive
• Local options: Limited quality brands
• Online ordering: Tokopedia, Shopee delivery
• Specialty stores: Pet shops in major areas

Recommended pet food stores:

• Pets Kingdom: Multiple locations
• Pet Lovers Centre: Imported brands
• Ace Hardware: Basic pet supplies
• Online: Wider selection, delivery available

Food costs:

• Premium imported: $30-60 USD per month
• Local brands: $15-30 USD per month
• Fresh food: Raw diets possible but risky
• Treats: $5-15 USD per month

Grooming & Maintenance

Professional grooming:

• Pet salons: Available in tourist areas
• Mobile grooming: Some services offer home visits
• Cost: $20-50 USD per session
• Frequency: Every 4-8 weeks depending on breed

Home grooming needs:

• Regular brushing: Daily in humid climate
• Bathing: Weekly or as needed
• Nail trimming: Every 2-3 weeks
• Ear cleaning: Weekly in humid conditions
• Dental care: Daily brushing recommended

Pet Insurance & Healthcare Costs

Local pet insurance:

• Limited options: Few providers in Indonesia
• International coverage: May not apply in Indonesia
• Self-insurance: Set aside emergency fund
• Recommended fund: $2,000-5,000 USD emergency reserve

Annual healthcare budget:

• Routine veterinary care: $300-800 USD
• Vaccinations: $100-200 USD
• Parasite prevention: $240-600 USD
• Emergency fund: $1,000-3,000 USD
• Total: $1,640-4,600 USD per year

Special Considerations

Climate Adaptation

Heat management:

• Air conditioning: Essential during hottest parts of day
• Shade: Provide constant access to cool areas
• Hydration: Fresh water always available
• Exercise timing: Early morning and evening only
• Cooling mats: Helpful for hot weather relief

Humidity effects:

• Skin conditions: More frequent bathing may be needed
• Ear infections: Regular cleaning prevents problems
• Fungal issues: Keep pets dry, monitor for infections
• Coat care: More frequent grooming required

Local Wildlife Concerns

Potential dangers:

• Monkeys: Can be aggressive, carry diseases
• Snakes: Some venomous species present
• Stray dogs: Disease transmission risk
• Poisonous plants: Many toxic plants in tropical gardens
• Insects: Mosquitoes, ticks, other parasites

Prevention strategies:

• Secure fencing: Prevent escapes and wildlife entry
• Supervised outdoor time: Don't leave pets unattended
• Vaccination current: Protect against local diseases
• Parasite prevention: Regular treatments essential
• Emergency planning: Know nearest veterinary clinic

Travel with Pets within Indonesia

Domestic flights:

• Limited airlines: Accept pets in cabin or cargo
• Documentation: Health certificates may be required
• Advance booking: Pet spaces limited
• Costs: $100-300 USD per flight

Road travel:

• Car rentals: Check pet policies
• Private drivers: Discuss pet transport in advance
• Safety: Proper restraints for pets during travel
• Breaks: Regular stops for exercise and water

Accommodation:

• Hotels: Very limited pet-friendly options
• Villas: Private rentals usually better choice
• Advance planning: Confirm pet policies before booking
• Additional fees: Often charged for pets

Leaving Bali with Pets

Export requirements:

• Health certificate: From Indonesian government vet
• Vaccination updates: Current rabies and other vaccines
• RNATT test: May be required for destination country
• Import permits: For destination country
• Quarantine: Destination country requirements vary

Timeline for leaving:

• Start planning: 3-4 months before departure
• Documentation: Allow 2-3 months for processing
• Flight bookings: Book well in advance
• Quarantine arrangements: Organize at destination

Costs for export:

• Veterinary procedures: $300-800 USD
• Government certificates: $200-500 USD
• Flight costs: $800-2,500 USD
• Professional services: $500-1,500 USD
• Total: $1,800-5,300 USD

Remember: Moving pets internationally is complex and stressful for both pets and families. Plan early, budget adequately, and consider professional assistance to ensure your furry family members arrive safely and legally in their new home.