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.