How do you bring a pet to Vietnam in 2026?

Plan ISO microchip identification before rabies vaccination where rules require that sequence. Rabies vaccination must fall inside the published window before travel, and the health certificate must come from an official government veterinarian close to departure. Dogs and cats from many origins also need an import permit from Vietnam's Department of Animal Health (DAH, the national animal-health authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development).

Origin-country guidance from USDA APHIS or the UK export certificate route shows the endorsement chain your certificate needs. Do not assume a private vet letter alone satisfies DAH without the import permit file.

Present the animal, microchip, vaccination book, health certificate, and import approval at the veterinary checkpoint for your international airport. Officers verify identity and disease risk. If paperwork fails, the animal may be held, returned, or refused entry depending on the case.

Airline cabin weight limits, cargo hold booking, and summer heat embargoes are separate from Vietnamese import law. Confirm both before you buy a one-way ticket to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.

Landlord and building rules still decide daily life: Is Vietnam dog-friendly?. Many towers ban dogs or cap weight. Heat, traffic, and stray-dog exposure on streets mean planning vet access, indoor cooling, and private transport before you sign a lease.

Register your address through the host's tạm trú process so immigration records match where the animal actually lives: Register temporary residence.