2023 Guide: Relocating Pets From East To West Malaysia

Are you currently planning to relocate your pet from east to west Malaysia? 

At Oyen, we’d gotten in touch with numerous pet owners who relocated their pets, for instance from Sabah to KL.

What is the process of relocating pets from east to west Malaysia? Is it, in fact, difficult? What are the procedures and costs? In this article, we share all the needed documents, the planning involved, and the whole process of relocating pets by flight. 

P.S: If you need tips to travel by flight with your pets, you can also read this article.

All else, let’s get into it! 

Step-by-step guide to relocate your pet

Now, as the owner, what should you do before relocating your pets? 

Here is a step-by-step guide on what you need to do (when not using the MASKargo services):

1. To get an import permit from KL

• Fill out a form at the Department of Veterinary Services, KL
• Pay processing fee of RM10
• Provide pet pictures standing up and front and side views
• The permit is a one-time use, so import your pet within 30 days of the permit issuance date
• Submit application
• You will be notified when the import permit is ready to be collected

2. To get an export permit from Sabah

• Can be applied online from the Department of Veterinary Services Sabah
• Provide the import permit number from KL
• Fax a copy
• Fill in relevant information
• Pay processing fee of RM5 at the office at Wisma Pertanian, Kota Kinabalu
• You will be notified when the export permit is ready to be collected

3. Obtain your pet’s health certificate from DVS

• Buy a microchip (for dogs) and get it injected
• Pay processing fee of RM30
• You will be notified when the health certificate is ready to be collected

4. Buy your MAS flight from Sabah

• Pets are considered as check-in luggage
• The usual rate is RM15/kg
• Pets should be checked in at the oversized luggage counter

5. When you’re at KLIA 

• The Quarantine Officer (QO) collects all 3 original documents (Import permit, export permit, and health certificate) and keep them
• Prepare copies (just in case)
• Clearance fee of RM40
• The QO verifies the microchip’s registration number (for dogs) against the numbers in the permits

6. The overall relocation duration

• Prior to relocation (6-9 days)
• Import permit (2-3 days)
• Export permit (2-3 days)
• Health certificate (2-3 days)
• Relocation flight (1 day)
  

If there are no problems at all, you can complete relocating your pet in around 10 full days. However, there might be slight delays in getting the permits and certificate, so expect around 14 days to complete everything prior to flying.

What you should not do

While you are planning to relocate with your pets, make sure you avoid these from happening at all costs. This is because it could jeopardize you and your pet’s comfortable relocation experience.

1. Last-minute travel preparation

You should start managing your pet’s travel documentation at least 2 weeks earlier. You can even do it a month earlier, but be reminded that the import permit expires after 30 days, so act fast.

2. Insert hard toys inside crate

Hard toys could cause injury in-flight. Providing your pet with soft toys should help it relax and calm a bit. This can also help your pet be occupied without you by its side.

3. Feed right before a trip

You can feed your pet, but never a big meal. Just some light snacks. This should help your pet from feeling sick or throwing up in-flight. You can also give it some medication if advised by the vet.

We have covered the dos and the don’ts. Now, we should move on to the cost. Besides, the cost is always the main thing to consider first.

The cost of relocating pets from East to West Malaysia

Pet relocation within Malaysia needs some costs to be covered. No matter how much you plan, you still need to prepare extra cash in case of emergencies. 

Besides, we never know what will happen mid flight or after arriving at the relocation destination. Nevertheless, here are some ideas on the costs you need to cover:

1. Flight ticket

The flight ticket depends on the weight and the destination you’re traveling to.

For example:

Traveling with a dog weighed 11.5kg  from Sabah to KL

Your ticket + excess luggage (dog’s weight of 11.5kg) 

=RM300++

2. Documentation

Based on the step-by-step guided shared above, expect overall documentation fees of around RM85

Import permit + Export permit + Health certificate + Clearance fee

= RM10 + RM5 + RM30 + RM40

= RM85

However, you are encouraged to prepare extra money in case of emergencies and unexpected situations. Besides, it’s always better to be prepared than to face letdown.

Top 3 pet relocation services in Malaysia

If you don’t want to cause yourself a headache relocating pets from east to west Malaysia, why don’t you try reaching out to these pet relocation Malaysia services? 

You might need to pay more, but they complete everything for you. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight and let the pet relocation service Malaysia settle your matters. 

Please be reminded that these service providers are valid at the time this article is written. For further information and exact quotation, you can visit their websites:

1. PetAir: provides pet relocation, veterinary, documentation and permits, and departure and arrival services for your pet
2. MASKargo: provides relocation of live animals such as domestic pets (cats, rabbits, dogs), domestic animals (sheep, cattle), and feathered animals (chickens, ducklings)
3. G Pet Hotel: provides relocation services including breeds under import control and import/export permit

Can banned breeds be relocated?

The answer is no. It’s sad but breeds like pit bull, akita, American bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Filo Braziliero, Mastiff, and Japanese Tosa are not allowed to be relocated through MASKargo

Conclusion

In conclusion, as good as traveling sounds, you must make sure your pets are well taken care of. Traveling with your pet onboard might get a little overwhelming, especially for your pets. Hence, make sure you practice all the dos, don’ts, and the tips for a calmer mind. 

Finally, have fun traveling and stay composed while you’re relocating with your beloved pets!

Also, if you haven't already known, Oyen Pet Insurance serves as a solution if you have any concern by covering vet and surgical fees with a value of up to RM 8,000. 

Check if your pet is eligible for pet insurance here.