This article was written by Jennifer Dawson.

Relocating your pet to another country is never easy. But if you’re planning on settling in Malaysia, you can take comfort in the fact that your home-to-be is generally a pet-friendly one. Dogs are among the most popular pets in Malaysia, where it’s not unusual to see several pet owners walking their dogs in the evening. And with organizations like PAWS and SPCA encouraging pet adoption, the number of pet-owning households in Malaysia is increasing every year. However, it has to be noted there are certain state bylaws in place that prohibit pets in high rise buildings such as condos and flats.

How To Bring Your Dog To Malaysia

First of all, you have to check if your dog is one of the prohibited breeds in Malaysia. Certain dog breeds (like the American Pit Bull and Pit Bull Terrier) aren’t allowed in the country, so double-check before starting the process. To bring your dog to Malaysia, you’ll need to get your pet microchipped, dewormed, and vaccinated. You’ll also need an import permit, which you can get online or through an agent. It is highly recommended you go through a well-experienced agency like PetAir Malaysia.

And unless you’re travelling from the UK, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Brunei, or Singapore, your pet will also need to be quarantined for a minimum of seven days. The Kuala Lumpur quarantine facility is clean and safe, but do check in on your pet during the quarantine period’s visiting hours.

Flying With Your Pooch

Not all airlines will allow dogs to fly in cargo, so make sure to double check with the airline before booking your ticket. Try to look for airlines that allow dogs in the cabin, as this will make the experience much more pleasant for you and your dog. Consider getting natural calming aids that will help your dog relax and prevent your pet from acting out during the flight.

On Dogs And Malaysian Culture

Plenty of Malaysians love dogs. Malaysia has dog-friendly condos, dog parks, dog cafes, and more. The country even has dog psychologists and acupuncture specialists! But it’s also important to note that Malaysia has a large Muslim population, and because traditional Islamic teachings discourage keeping dogs as pets, dogs aren’t allowed in many public areas. Today, many Malaysian Muslims keep dogs as pets in Malaysia, but it’s still better to err on the side of caution and be sensitive to the local culture.

When looking for a place to stay, look for somewhere that’s close to a dog-friendly park, or one with a garden your dog can access. Make sure to check if a place is dog-friendly before bringing your pet, especially if you’re in a predominantly Muslim community. If you want to be able to move around more freely with your pet, consider moving to a predominantly Chinese area, where you’re more likely to find more dog-friendly establishments.

If you’re a new graduate who’s still uncertain about your professional life, your dog can even help you build your network. Just look for community activities like puppy play dates, which won’t just let your pup socialize with other dogs, but help you meet people in the area. Moving to a new country can be daunting, so having your pup by your side can make a world of a difference.