Q: "How do I bring my family's dog/cat to Bali? What are the requirements and costs for pet relocation?"

Moving your beloved family pets to Bali requires careful planning, patience, and proper documentation. Here's everything you need to know about bringing dogs and cats to Indonesia safely and legally.

Quick Requirements Overview

Essential requirements for dogs/cats:

Valid health certificate (from government vet)
Rabies vaccination (21 days to 1 year old)
RNATT blood test (rabies antibody test)
Import permit from Indonesian authorities
Microchip identification
Flight arrangements with pet-friendly airlines
Quarantine period (minimum 14 days in Indonesia)

Timeline: Start 4-6 months before travel

Documentation takes 2-4 months
Blood test results take 2-4 weeks
Import permits take 4-8 weeks
Flight bookings need advance planning

Estimated costs: $3,000-8,000 USD total

Veterinary procedures: $500-1,500
Flight costs: $1,500-4,000
Quarantine fees: $500-1,500
Professional services: $500-2,000

Indonesian Import Requirements

Ministry of Agriculture Permits

Import Recommendation (Rekomendasi Impor):

Required from: Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture
Processing time: 4-8 weeks
Cost: $200-500 USD (including agent fees)
Validity: 3 months from issue date
Required documents: Health certificates, vaccination records

Import License (Izin Masuk):

Issued by: Port Authority upon arrival
Requirements: Valid import recommendation
Processing: At airport/port of entry
Cost: $100-200 USD
Inspection: Physical examination of pet

Health Certificate Requirements

Official government veterinary certificate must include:

Pet identification: Name, breed, age, microchip number
Owner details: Name and destination address
Health declaration: Examined and found healthy
Vaccination history: Rabies and other required vaccines
Parasite treatment: Internal and external parasite control
Flight details: Airline, flight number, arrival date

Timing requirements:

Issue date: Within 14 days of departure
Rabies vaccination: 21 days to 1 year before travel
RNATT test: After rabies vaccination, results valid 1 year
Endorsement: Must be endorsed by government authority

Required Vaccinations

Dogs minimum requirements:

Rabies: Mandatory, current within 1 year
DHPP: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza
Parasite treatment: Completed within 14 days
Health examination: Within 14 days of travel

Cats minimum requirements:

Rabies: Mandatory, current within 1 year
FVRCP: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia
Parasite treatment: Internal and external
Health examination: Within 14 days of travel

RNATT Blood Test:

What it is: Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titration Test
When required: After rabies vaccination
Result needed: ≥0.5 IU/ml antibody level
Processing time: 2-4 weeks
Cost: $150-300 USD
Validity: 1 year from test date

Pre-Departure Preparation

Choosing a Pet Relocation Service

Benefits of professional services:

Expert knowledge of requirements
Handle permit applications
Coordinate with airlines
Provide travel crates
Arrange quarantine facilities
Manage documentation

Recommended pet relocation companies:

1. Ferndale Kennels (Australia/Asia)

Experience: 40+ years in Asia
Services: Full-service relocation
Cost: $2,500-5,000 USD
Contact: +61 3 9706 3322
Strengths: Excellent reputation, comprehensive service

2. Animal Transportation Worldwide

Global coverage: Worldwide service
IATA certified: Professional standards
Cost: $2,000-4,000 USD
Services: Door-to-door service

3. PetAir (UK-based)

Specialization: International pet travel
DEFRA approved: Government recognized
Services: Full documentation support
Cost: $1,800-3,500 USD

DIY vs Professional Service:

DIY savings: $1,000-2,000 USD
Risk factor: Higher chance of delays/errors
Time investment: 40-80 hours of work
Stress level: Significantly higher
Recommendation: Use professionals for first-time moves

Flight Arrangements

Pet-friendly airlines to Indonesia:

1. Singapore Airlines

Pet policy: Cabin (small pets) and cargo
Routes: Many connections to Denpasar
Costs: $300-800 USD for cabin, $800-2,000 USD cargo
Restrictions: Temperature, breed, size limits

2. Cathay Pacific

Services: Excellent pet handling
Routes: Via Hong Kong
Costs: $400-1,200 USD cabin, $1,000-2,500 USD cargo
Benefits: Climate-controlled facilities

3. Emirates

Pet services: Professional handling
Routes: Via Dubai
Costs: $500-1,500 USD cargo only
Facilities: Temperature-controlled holds

4. Garuda Indonesia

Direct flights: From major cities
Pet policy: Cargo compartment only
Costs: $600-1,800 USD
Documentation: Must be complete before booking

Travel crate requirements:

Size: Pet can stand, turn around, lie down
Material: Hard-sided, airline approved
Ventilation: Adequate airflow on all sides
Water/Food: Attached containers
Identification: Contact details, health certificates
Cost: $200-800 USD depending on size

Arrival & Quarantine Process

Ngurah Rai Airport Procedures

Upon arrival:

Document check: Import permits and health certificates
Physical examination: Veterinary inspection
Quarantine decision: Usually mandatory minimum 14 days
Transport arrangement: To approved quarantine facility
Payment: Quarantine fees and processing costs

Required documents at arrival:

Import recommendation: Original document
Health certificate: Government endorsed
Vaccination records: Complete history
RNATT test results: Original lab report
Flight documentation: Airline health certificate
Owner identification: Passport, visa, address in Bali

Quarantine Facilities

Government quarantine stations:

1. Denpasar Quarantine Station

Location: Near airport
Capacity: Dogs and cats
Facilities: Basic but adequate
Cost: $30-50 USD per day
Visits: Limited visiting hours
Duration: Minimum 14 days

2. Private quarantine facilities:

Better conditions: More comfortable for pets
Higher cost: $80-150 USD per day
Additional services: Exercise, grooming, veterinary care
Visiting: More flexible arrangements
Location: Various locations in Bali

Quarantine conditions:

Individual kennels: Separate accommodation
Daily care: Feeding, cleaning, basic exercise
Veterinary monitoring: Regular health checks
Documentation: Daily health records
Release: After completion of quarantine period

Post-Quarantine Procedures

Release requirements:

Health clearance: Final veterinary examination
Documentation: Quarantine completion certificate
Payment: All outstanding fees
Transport: Arrangement for pickup
Local registration: May be required by local authorities

Immediate needs after release:

Veterinary checkup: Local vet examination
Vaccinations: Update local vaccination schedule
Registration: With local veterinary authority
Microchip: Ensure details are updated
Pet insurance: Consider local coverage

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:

Call veterinary clinic: Explain situation
Transport safely: Secure pet during transport
Bring documentation: Vaccination records, health history
Payment: Emergency care requires immediate payment
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.

Moving Pets to Bali: Complete Relocation Guide for Dogs & Cats (2025)