Can I Bring My Dog or cat To Bali?
UPDATED NOVEMBER 2022
Can I bring my dog or cat with me to Bali? Technically speaking it is illegal to bring dogs or cats in or out of Bali. These laws are in place towards controlling the rabies population in Indonesia.
Pet Relocation to Bali
However, there are trustworthy pet relocation companies that can definitely make it happen. It is a grey area though and I would strongly advise to consider other options before embarking on such a journey. Not only is it a very expensive exercise, but if you intend to move again outside of Bali the time taken in quarantine before in your next country can be an arduous process for your pet to go through.
How can I bring my dog or Cat to Bali?
To work out how long it takes to organise the relocation for your dog or cat, it is suggested to count back 12-13 weeks from when you want to arrive in Bali.
The very first thing to do is taking care of both microchipping and rabies vaccinations for your pet. You can do this with a special form that is given to your vet by the relocation company. 30 days later, you need to do a Rabies Blood Titre Test. Once the result comes back, it is only then that the pet relocation company can apply for an Indonesian import permit. This can then take 4-5 weeks to be issued. Once the Indonesian import permit has been issued it is valid for 3 months.
So, the quicker you get the tests done, the quicker the permit application process can be completed, and the sooner you can be in Bali with your pet.
If you would like to know more information on the process and all about relocation to Bali such as visas, transport, health, schools, and accommodation visit the contact us page and send your details.
How long does it take to arrange pet transport?
Your pet has to be flown to Jakarta (Indonesia) and from there they must be quarantined in a government facility for 7 days (this is non-negoitable – in fact it used to be 2-3 weeks). After this stay and negative PCR test has been completed, they then onboard by air-conditioned minivan and delivered safely to your villa in Bali which can take 1-3 days. Depending on where you live in the world, my pet relocation company can arrange a door to door service for the following countries: UK, Singapore, Amsterdam, Germany, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia , Thailand , Philippines, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand and Australia.


Quarantine Considerations for your Dog or Cat when leaving Bali
You will also have to consider the regulations of the receiving country if you decide to leave Bali and want to bring your pet back home. For example, when moving back to Australia, the animal needs to fly to Malaysia, Singapore or another rabies-free country that will accept them. They’ll then need to stay in quarantine for 2 to 3 months (sometimes longer, up to 6 months).
This quarantine can happen either in a kennel or some owners will rent a place to live with their pet. The pets don’t need to be in a facility per se but need to have spent a certain amount of time in a rabies-free country before entering Australia. Then once in Australia (usually the first port will be Sydney or Melbourne) the animal needs to quarantine for a second period of time. Understandably, this process becomes very costly.
If you still wish to explore bringing your pet to Bali, then I offer my trusted pet relocation specialist as part of my key contacts in my consulting packages. Click here to find out more on how we can work together.
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.


Stray Dogs & 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.
Romy
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 !
Shannon Len
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
Simone
Hi Shannon, Sure I can help with bringing your two cats and one dog to Bali from the US. I will email further information.
Matt
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
Simone
Hi Matt,
My relocation company can do a door-to-door service.
The days in quarrantine are mandatory. The Rabies vaccination is used all around the world and it’s safe.
Juli
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.
Simone
Pleasure. I will send you some more information about my relocation service and my pet relocation company can offer a door-to-door service from Spain to Bali.
Loredana
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.
Simone
Hi Lorenda, great to hear you are planning a move to Bali. It depends how long you want to stay as the implications to take your cat back to Holland will be time consuming and costly. I will email you details on how it is possible and help people all the time bring their cat to Bali. We can also do a 30 min free Zoom call together soon.
Kim hinton
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
Trent Collins
Thank you for your question. I will email you further information
DEANA ZELENKA
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!!
Simone
Hi Deana,
Lovely to hear from you. I will send you an email with all the details about bringing your dog to Bali and my consulting packages. Exciting times!
Diana Da Costa
Hello, I am looking for the same information
Simone
Hi Diana, I have sent you an email and I look forward to working with you soon.
Kyana Sandoval Vesel
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
Simone
Hi Kyana, great that she has had her rabies vaccine and in good health. You need to get a price from your US carrier to Jakarta and I can assist with the Jakarta to Bali journey.I will email you more information.
Todd Guzik
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!
Simone
Hi Todd, understand about the online stories! I can definitely give you my trusted solid pet relocation company that has been doing this for the last 14 years. I will also email provide you my consulting packages to assist with a successful move to Bali.
Bobby
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)
Simone
Hi Bobby, congratulations on the job in Bali. My company can do a door to door service from Spain to Bali. However I do recommend a move transporting your dog for longer than a year. Apart from the cost involved and quarantine to Bali, it is often triple the amount of time and cost on the return. I will send you lots of information in any case.
Rose
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!
Simone
Hi Rosie, it tales 2-3 months to obtain a permit. I will email you how I work.
Sara
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.
Simone
If you are looking at a return after 1 year exit from Bali to NZ you will have to go via Malaysia and your dog needs to stay for 6 month in KL before going back to NZ. As Indonesia is not an approved country to export animal life direct to NZ. Costs will depend on the breed etc I can assist with this and other relocation like villa rentals, schools and much more your family. I offer consulting packages and will send them now to you.
Anastasia
Hi!
We also want to relocate from Europe to Bali with cats. Can you please send me the info?
Simone
Depending on where in Europe (Germany, Amsterdam, Portugal and Spain) my pet relocation company can offer a door to door service. I will send you more information.
Verónica
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!
Simone
There is a 7 day quarantine period and negative PCR test that is required in Jakarta before onboarding to Bali. You can’t stay with your dog in quarantine or visit as they are in a government facility, a good standard like Singapore or Malaysia. It is then a 1-2 day transfer to Bali (1 day express). You would have to speak to the US carrier from the US to Jakarta.
Olivia
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 🙂
Simone
Hi Olivia, I am glad the article has assisted. I can give you more information and costs for Jakarta to Bali, you would have to arrange transport from Switzerland to Jakarta. I will email you now.
Joanna
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!
Simone
Hi Joanna. I have the right company for you to do door to door service for you pet, or just the Jakarta to Bali portion.
I will email through my services to you now. Thanks
Maria Sihombing
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.
Simone
Hi Maria, I email you more information and approx cost from Melbourne to Balu for your dogs transport.
Sahida
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
Simone
Hi Sahida, pleasure, I will send you more information on how you can bring your cat to Bali.
Winter Phoenix
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.
Simone
Hi Winter, yes I can send you information and approx costs currently from Sydney and Melbourne to Bali door to door.
Pitri
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
Simone
Hi Pitri, yes I can provide information for the Jakarta to Bali route for your two cats. I will email you.
Mallory Leblanc
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.
Simone
Great to hear Mallory. I will send you some more information. My pet relocation does a door to door service for UK, Singapore , Amsterdam, Germany, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia , Thailand , Phillipines, Spain, Portugal, NZ and Australia. Or if you are not in those countries you can arrange excess cargo on your airline and they can do the Indonesian journey – Jakarta to Bali door to door.
Dardan
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).
Simone
Thanks Dardan, yes it is possible but you wont find information online. I will email you. That is plenty of time.
Josh magee
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 ??
Simone
Hi Joshua, I have an excellent pet relocation company that can assist a move to Lombok but it is far more expensive because your dog has to enter Bali first and then to Lombok which is also very restrictive but still possible. I will email you further information.
Tommy D'Agostino
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
Simone
Hi Tommy, I have a great company that can transport your two cats to Batam Island. I will email you.
Dimi
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
Simone
Hi Dimi, Qantas is the current carrier who can do the move from Australia to Indonesia. I have excellent pet relocation companies to offer in my consulting packages. I will email you more information.
Melinda
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
Simone
Hi Melinda, you can bring your pugs, they just need to pass an additional Braccy test. I will send you more information now.
Muriel Lofranco
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.
Simone
Hi Muriel, unless you are relocating to Bali for long period of time, this is a costly exercise. I will send you an email about pet travel and more. Thanks so much.
Maliks
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!!
Simone
Hi Maliks,
Yes there are just a few and you have plenty of time to get a quote and understand the requirements. I will send you an email about that and my general relocation services.
Mo
Hello! Thinking of moving our small dog from thailand to bali and would very much appreciate any help and resources you can provide. Thanks!
Simone
I can assist you with regards to moving your dog from Thailand to Bali and everything else related to moving and settling into Bali expat life. I will email you more information.
Trent
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
Simone
Hi Trent, I do know the pet relocation companies I use dont move parrots but can do dogs and cats. They will have more insight into the different breeds. I will send you more information about all thing relocating to Bali.
Alison
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 ??
Simone
Hi Alison! yes there is definitely a way to move your two dogs from South Africa to Bali. I will email you more information and we can chat further.
Nakita
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.
Simone
Hi Nakita,
Thank you for your message. I will email you more information on pet transportation regarding your cat going to Bali.
Mariah
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! 🙂
Simone
Hi Mariah, i can provide you with up to date pet relocation companies that service the Jarkarta to Bali route. You would organise pet cargo via Qantas from Australia to Jakarta. I will email you information about what I can offer.
Ryan
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!
Simone
Hi Ryan,
Absoutely, it takes 2-3 months to arrange. I will email you some information about moving your pet to Bali. Simone
Erika Williams
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.
Simone
At the moment there is 7 days quarrantine in Jarkata and various other health certificated and test reqiurments that need to be arranged with your vet prior to arriving as well. Your cats can also relocate to Bali if you wish. I am helping someone currently from the USA to bring her two dogs to Bali. I will email you more information Erika.
Simone
You need to organise the USA to Jarkarta route and my pet relocation contacts can do a door to door service Jakarta to Bali. There are various health certificate and tests that are required when applying and call can be explained. I will email you more information. Cats or dogs not a problem.
Peter Parkins
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.
Simone
HI Peter, thanks for your message. Yes I do have two pet relocation companies to assist the move from Sydney to Bali for your cat. I will send you an email.
Kathleen Smith
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.
Simone
Hi Kathleen,
Great to hear from you. I have two recommended pet relocation companies that assist in the move from Jakarta (7 day quarantine) straight to your villa in Bali 1-2 day turn around. I will email you more information.
Tessa Aulmann
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?
Simone
Great to hear from you Tessa, I have two recommended pet relocation companies. I have emailed you further information.
Elisa
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?
Simone
That is exciting news! There is alot to consider for such a relocation (costs, regulations, expectations for pet ownership in Bali, the commute, paperwork etc) and I can share more information and some good contacts. I will email you now. Many thanks Simone
Abby
Hello Simone,
My partner and I are looking to move to Bali from the united states, do you recommend any pet relocation companies?
Simone
Hello, thanks for your comment. I have sent you an email about pet relocation companies.
Tracey Howard Muston
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?
Simone
Great to hear from you Tracey, I will send you an email with more details.
Danielle
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 🙏🏽
Simone
Hi Danielle,
Thanks for reaching out. It can be hard to find and I can recommend a good pet relocation company that will take your cats from Jakarta to Bali. I will email you more information.