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Can I bring my dog or cat to Bali?

A Balinese Man, popular Canggu local Pak Ketut Widanta (known as Lelut), and pig farmer, who is riding a scooter surrounded by several different breeds of dogs. Lelut owns 20 dogs and is well known for taking his dogs for a ride.

Can I bring my dog or cat to Bali?

UPDATED MAY 2023

Pet Relocation to Bali

Legally, it is prohibited to transport dogs or cats to or from Bali, as a measure to manage the spread of rabies in Indonesia. Before undertaking such a journey, I would strongly recommend exploring alternative options. Bringing your pet to Bali can be a costly undertaking, and if you plan to leave Bali, the quarantine period necessary to enter your next destination can be a challenging experience for your pet.

How can I bring my dog or Cat to Bali?

That being said, while acknowledging the existence of a grey area, I have partnered with a highly reliable and certified pet relocation company with a proven track record of over a decade of successful transport to and from Bali.

Not only are they experts in handling the logistics within Indonesia, but I have personally met the on-the-ground team in Ubud numerous times and we talk on a weekly basis.

Depending on your location, the pet relocation company can provide door-to-door service to several countries, including the UK, Singapore, Amsterdam, Germany, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, and Australia.

There are two ways to organise transportation from your home to Jakarta; arriving or departing with owner on same flight as excess baggage or arriving as consigned cargo.

How long does it take to arrange pet transport to Bali?

To determine the timeline for relocating your dog or cat, it is recommended to count back 12-13 weeks from your intended arrival date in Bali. The first step is to microchip and vaccinate your pet against rabies using a special form provided by the relocation company. Thirty days later, a Rabies Blood Titre Test must be conducted, and once the results are received, the pet relocation company can apply for an Indonesian import permit, which may take 4-5 weeks to be issued. This entry permit is issued by the Director of Animal Health, Directorate General of Animal Husbandry in Indonesia.The permit is valid for three months. The sooner the tests are conducted, the faster the permit application process can be completed, and you can be in Bali with your pet.

Your pet will need to be flown to Jakarta, Indonesia, and then quarantined in a government facility close to the airport for seven days (this is non-negotiable, previously it used to be 2-3 weeks). You cannot visit your pet at the facility but will be provided with updates where possible. Following the quarantine period and a negative PCR test, from Jakarta, the pet relocation company will transport your pet to Bali via an air-conditioned van using the ferry transport service. Please note that this transportation may be shared with other pets being relocated unless you specifically request and pay for a private service. Communication is facilitated through a WhatsApp group chat for prompt and efficient updates. 

How much does it cost to relocate my pet?

The total Indonesian journey that includes quarantine in Jakarta and travel to Bali costs approximately 23 million IDR ($1,500 USD) – 36 million IDR ($2,400 USD) per pet. The company maintains a transparent and straightforward process, ensuring there are no hidden costs along the way. 

A young girl in school uniform holding a small dog. She is standing in front of an Indonesian man working a Bakso Soup Stand in a Balinese Villa
Our Daughter, Demi, holding our rescue dog, Gidget, waiting for Bakso Soup served by Adi, the Bakso Man from our Villa in the Umalas.

Quarantine Considerations for your Dog or Cat when leaving Bali

If you’re considering bringing your pet to Bali, it’s important to also consider the regulations of the receiving country if you plan to leave Bali and return home with your pet. For example, if you’re moving back to Australia, your animal must fly to Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore or another rabies-free country that accepts them. They’ll then need to stay in quarantine for 3 to 6 months, and these rules may change periodically.

The quarantine return can happen either in a kennel or a rental property. The pet doesnt necessarily need to be in a facility, but they must have spent a certain amount of time in a rabies-free country before entering Australia. Once in Australia, usually arriving in Sydney or Melbourne, the animal will need to undergo a second quarantine period. It’s understandable that this process can become quite expensive.

How can you help me relocate my pet to Bali?

If you would like to bring your pet to Bali, I offer my trusted pet relocation specialist as one of my key contacts in the Our Year in Bali Silver package. Once you become a client and sign up to my Silver package, I will introduce you directly to the pet relocation company, and get you to fill in the client quotation form. These forms typically asks for information such as the breed, age, measurements, photos, weight, vaccinations, and current location of your pet. 

If you are interested in learning more about how we can work together which includes relocation services such as visas and KITAS, transportation, healthcare, education, finding a home, cost of living, schooling, opening a business and so much more, click here to book a free 30 minute discovery call. 

Bali Dogs: Bali’s own Breed of Dog

When it comes to Bali dogs, did you know the ‘Bali dog’ is a breed, not just a dog that lives in Bali? These dogs are sacred and studies concluded that the Bali dog is the oldest breed of dog known to man. The threatened indigenous Bali dog is the purest breed in the world!

The Bali dog is faithful, calm and respectful and has lived in unison with humans forever. They learn from a young age, from their parents, how to navigate the rice fields, roads and people. Plus, the Bali Dog is genetically unique, highly intelligent and of significance to science. 

A small dog sitting wearing a flower in its collar.
Our rescue dog, Gidget, at a café in Canggu.

Stray pets & Adoption in Bali

Bali already has a big problem with stray dogs and there is such a need and ongoing opportunity for expats to adopt and foster dogs. Just look every day on Bali Facebook groups and you will see expats asking people to find homes for cats and dogs they find. When it comes to vet visits, pet food and accessories, these are all a lot cheaper in Bali than back home. 

There are some wonderful non-profit organizations based in Bali that work to save, protect and improve the lives of these animals. Some awesome organisations include: Mission Pawsible , Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA), Bali Paws and the Instagram account @act4balidogs.

According to BAWA, each year, up to a thousand animals in the most severe conditions or life-threatening situations are brought into a BAWA facility or directly to a clinic and, at any given time, they have between 250-300 animals in care between their four adoption centres, clinics, and foster homes.

They successfully rehome approximately 500 animals each year. They also educate communities about animal welfare and rights, intervene in situations of animal abuse and neglect, and push for changes to laws and their enforcement to better protect the animals in Bali. Depending on where you live in Bali, BAWA is always looking for volunteers so check out their website.

You can also donate to these great causes from a distance and make a sustainable difference to the lives of these animals. Follow their accounts and see the great work they are doing every day. 

It also goes without saying, anyone coming into contact with animals in Bali should have anti-rabies vaccinations. It is best to get the rabies vaccination before your arrival as it is not always available should you need it in an emergency. Apart from stray dogs, people have been bitten by monkeys as well. For example, you can see wild monkeys at many temples, various beaches, mountains in Bedugul and the famous Monkey Forest in Ubud.

INTERESTED in Moving to Bali with Your Pet?

Our Year in Bali consults with anyone around the world who would like to move to Bali. If you are keen to move to Bali and want to bring your pet with you or want to know more about the costs of living and logistics, read about our consulting offers and request a free 30 minute initial consultation call.

Comments

  • Tina
    05/27/2023

    Hello. We are planning on moving with our 3 1/2 year old Boston terrier from Edmonton Alberta Canada to Bali . What would be our best options

    reply
  • 05/02/2023

    I am interested in moving to Bali (for a year, maybe more) with my family. I would like to take our cat with us. I would love to hear about costs and logistics from you. We will be coming from the US.

    reply
  • Holly D
    04/10/2023

    Hello! We are considering being two cats to Bali from Brunei. Is your company able to help from Brunei, or do we need to organise transport to Jakarta? Could you send me the info? Thank you!

    reply
  • Rossana Potier
    03/07/2023

    Hi Simone,
    I am planning to move from Brazil to Bali in december. I have a small dog that I want to take with me. I would like to receive more information about the procedures for this to happen. Thanks a lot.

    reply
    • Trent Collins
      03/11/2023

      Thanks very much for contacting me.
      I have forwarded information to your email. Thanks

      reply
      • georgiana
        03/31/2023

        hello
        soon I want to spend more time with my family, but we also have a pomeranian puppy that I can’t imagine not taking with me. I would like to know more information about the steps you will have to follow.
        thank you

        reply
  • Romy
    12/22/2022

    Hi Simone,
    Thank you for sharing this information.
    I am looking to move to Bali next year and I want to bring my 2 cats from Amsterdam.
    Would you be able to send over some information? Also about the process for when/if I return to Europe with them.
    And the quarantaine in Jakarta, would it be possible to stay with them during that process?

    Thanks so much !

    reply
  • Shannon Len
    11/18/2022

    Hi Simone,
    We are looking to move our two cats and one dog to Bali from CA, US. And was hoping you could please help us with this?
    Thank you
    Shannon

    reply
  • Matt
    10/31/2022

    Great information Simone ,
    I’ve spoken with a transport company and you have filled the gaps in for the Jakarta to Bali leg. I’d be interested in some more info and possibly book a time with you. The 2 main areas for us is the 7 day quarantine in Jakarta (our 10year old Viszla has separation anxiety) and my wife was worried about a rabies injection for him. How safe are they now?
    Thanks

    reply
      • Juli
        11/04/2022

        Hi!!!
        Thanks for all the information, it’s been a great help! I am planning to move to Bali next year with my cat and dog from Spain. I would appreciate it if you could send me more information.

        reply
  • Loredana
    10/18/2022

    Hi Danielle,
    Me and my partner plan to relocate to Bali from Amsterdam by the beginning of next year and we want to take our sweet baby cat with us. All the information I read online is making me rethink our move because we don’t want to leave her behind.

    reply
  • Kim hinton
    08/22/2022

    Hello!
    I have a 10lb malting looking to relocate to Bali for a year and come back home. I’m coming from the USA. I would hate to have you leave him behind. I’m not looking to move until I do more research soo next year or so. Any help I appreciate thank you

    reply
    • Trent Collins
      08/22/2022

      Thank you for your question. I will email you further information

      reply
  • DEANA ZELENKA
    08/03/2022

    Hi. Moving from the US to Bali and would be interested in learning how to bring my two dogs and your relocation packages. Thank you!!

    reply
      • Diana Da Costa
        09/09/2022

        Hello, I am looking for the same information

        reply
  • Kyana Sandoval Vesel
    07/27/2022

    Hi Simone,
    I am looking to move to Bali by the end of the year with my 14 year old 15lb Lhasa Apso. She has her rabies vaccine and is in good health. I will be moving from the USA and plan to carry her in the plane with me since she is small enough. I would love some more information and approximate cost to get her from the US to Bali.
    Thank you in advance!
    -Kyana

    reply
      • Todd Guzik
        08/01/2022

        Hi Simone,
        I’m interested in taking my dog to Bali to live there some time next year. I’m coming from USA. Any help would be amazing. I’m a dog trainer and can’t just leave my dog in the states. It’s really a make or break for me to be able to move to Bali. I’ve read the horror stories, so I’m hoping it’s more reasonable than it seems online. Thanks!

        reply
  • Bobby
    07/24/2022

    I am looking into bringing my Belgian Malinois to Bali since i am moving there for a year as part of my job. And i would like to hear more about this service (We currently live in Spain)

    reply
  • Rose
    07/18/2022

    Hello! I plan on traveling to Bali with my 10 pound shih-tzu in a few months. We’re coming from the U.S. Can you please send me an email with recommendations on how to do so? Thanks!

    reply
  • Sara
    07/17/2022

    Hi there, I am in a similar situation. Would love to know the reccommendations and also potential costs involved. Also if we were to exit Bali with a dog after 1 year do you know the process to return to NZ with dog. Also any home rental companies in Bali with great schools (5 and 8 years) would be appreciated.

    reply
  • Anastasia
    07/16/2022

    Hi!

    We also want to relocate from Europe to Bali with cats. Can you please send me the info?

    reply
  • Verónica
    07/15/2022

    Thank you so much for this information! My partner and I are currently thinking about relocating to Bali, and we’d like more detailed information about bringing our two cats with us. I’m reading from other commenters that there’s a quarantine period in Jakarta, so I’m wondering whether we could stop in Jakarta with the cats, then bring them to Bali with us. I’m also concerned about the length of the trip itself, since it would be a really long flight from the US East Coast.

    Thank you so much for your time and help! Have a lovely weekend!

    reply
  • Olivia
    07/15/2022

    Hi Simone, thank you so much for this article. This has been helpful! I’m planning to move to Bali in around October 2022 with my pet Cat from Switzerland. I was wondering if you can share more information on the process of moving and also the costs? Would really appreciate any information/ help I can get 🙂

    reply
      • 09/29/2022

        Hi Simone, I have the same question as Olivia. I am moving with my cat from Sydney to Bali. I am already in contact with various pet agencies but no one has any information on Jakarta to Bali. Your article has been very helpful!

        reply
  • Maria Sihombing
    07/10/2022

    Hi Simone,

    I am planning to move to Bali from Melbourne and would love to take my dog with me. Would you be able to share the process and cost and which company is best to go with?

    Many thanks.

    reply
  • Sahida
    07/08/2022

    Hi Simone, It’s a relief to find out that there’s a possibility for me to bring my cat to Bali. We’re planning to move to Bali by the end of this year. Can you provide me with more information of what steps to take? Thank you

    reply
  • Winter Phoenix
    07/06/2022

    Hi, We are interested in moving to Bali later this year with our two dogs (Shiba Inus) from Australia. Can you please email the extra information.

    reply
  • Pitri
    07/05/2022

    Hello Simone,
    I am relocating soon to Bali from Dubai, and we are gonna bring our two cats with us. Can you help with information of pet relocating companies from Jakarta to Bali. Thanks

    reply
  • Mallory Leblanc
    07/05/2022

    Hi there! Looking into the new digital nomad visa for Bali. My dog is 12 years old, microchipped and has her rabies vaccine. Would love any information about how to get her into Bali.

    reply
  • Dardan
    07/04/2022

    Hi, I read the article but I’m a bit confused – I found a few websites that say you can’t import your dog with you, also asked a pet travel agency and they confirmed it.
    So my question is: is there a way to import my dog into Bali?
    For context: I thinking of moving to Bali next year (around March).

    reply
  • Josh magee
    06/28/2022

    Hi i am relocateing to Lombok and want to bring my dog what is my easiest options and what will i need to do and how much will it cost ??

    reply
  • Tommy D'Agostino
    06/22/2022

    Hello Simone,

    I am interested in what companies are able to transport pets to Bali, I am going to be moving to Batam island from USA and I believe Batam has the same type of restrictions that Bali has concerning pets. We have 2 cats that we cannot leave behind. Can I request additional information on what companies can help with this relocation?

    Thank you,

    -Tommy

    reply
  • Dimi
    06/16/2022

    Hi Simone,

    Could I also please have this information as we are looking at relocating g from Mackay with 2 dogs.

    Many thanks in advance.

    Kind regards,
    Dimi

    reply
  • Melinda
    06/10/2022

    Hi, I am looking for more information on bringing my x2 pugs from Australia to Bali – do you know if this breed is able to fly with the transportation companies? Any further information would be fantastic! Thanks

    reply
  • Muriel Lofranco
    06/09/2022

    Hello, I’m planning on traveling to bali from Houston Texas USA and would like to take my Pomeranian. I’d like more information regarding pet travel.

    reply
  • Maliks
    06/04/2022

    Hi – planning on moving to Bali from Melbourne, Australia with my gorgeous dog next year. Would really appreciate any advice. Don’t want to risk his safety so I’m hoping there are son reputable companies. Thank you!!

    reply
  • Mo
    06/04/2022

    Hello! Thinking of moving our small dog from thailand to bali and would very much appreciate any help and resources you can provide. Thanks!

    reply
  • Trent
    05/28/2022

    Hi, my partner and I are thinking about re locating to Bali sometime this year, we have a number of pets we would like more info about getting them from Australia to Bali. We have 3 dogs (American staffy x, French Bulldog, Labrador) 1 cat and 1 parrot.

    Thank You

    reply
  • Alison
    05/25/2022

    Hi, I would love to move to Bali from South Africa with my two dogs , have heard it’s impossible , but reading this now it seems there may be a way ??

    reply
  • Nakita
    05/24/2022

    Hello Simone,

    I tried sending an email with questions regarding transporting a cat to Bali but kept getting an error on the contact page.

    Can you please email me your contact information?

    Thank you! And thank you for providing this information.

    reply
  • Mariah
    05/21/2022

    Hello, I am looking at moving to Bali and I’m struggling to find up to date information on relocating my dog here from Australia. Could you please provide all the information you have along with suggested relocation companies for transportation? Thank you very much! 🙂

    reply
  • Ryan
    05/21/2022

    Hi Simone,
    Can you send me an email so I can ask a few questions on this topic. Expecting to move in September this year.
    Thanks!

    reply
  • Erika Williams
    05/20/2022

    Hi is there a quarantine in Jakarta? The article says there is not if your pets tests negative for rabies. I want to bring my tiny yorkie from the US to Bali and I thought I could fly to Jakarta first and hire a transport company from there to Bali. I also have 4 cats but might leave them behind in the States with a friend.

    reply
  • Peter Parkins
    05/15/2022

    Hi Simone, I am also relocating permanently to Bali in February 2023 & would appreciate your recommendation on pet relocation companies with bringing my cat from Sydney.

    reply
  • Kathleen Smith
    05/11/2022

    Dear Simone. I am currently living between Jakarta and Australia. We are relocating to Bali at the end of the year and we would like to bring our three Old English Sheepdogs who are currently in Australia but will be relocating to Jakarta in preparation for our move to Bali. We don’t want to bring them to Jakarta if we can’t get them into Bali. Finding a pet relocation company from Jakarta to Bali is proving difficult. Any help would be much appreciated.

    reply
  • Tessa Aulmann
    05/04/2022

    Dear Simone,

    Thank you for posting this article.
    My partner and I are planning on relocating this year from Sydney to Bali for work and want to bring our dog. Could you send us some information about this topic. Also about what would happen if we had to relocate again to another country?

    reply
  • Elisa
    04/23/2022

    Dear Simone, I am planning to relocate to Bali with my dog by the end of the year from Europe. Do you have any recommendations for me?

    reply
    • Abby
      06/17/2022

      Hello Simone,
      My partner and I are looking to move to Bali from the united states, do you recommend any pet relocation companies?

      reply
  • Tracey Howard Muston
    04/13/2022

    Hi I have a Villa in Sanur and I am looking at moving to Bali in October with my two dogs can you please recommend a trustworthy company for relocation?

    reply
  • Danielle
    04/11/2022

    Hi there Simone,
    My partner and I are relocating to Bali for work and have two cats that we plan to take with us from Sydney. I am finding it difficult to find out much information on relocating pets to Bali. I have called Jetpets and they will only get the cats to Jakarta. Do you know of any companies that can safely and carefully take my cats into Bali?
    Kind regards,
    Danielle ??

    reply

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