Pet Relocation to Indonesia: A Complete Guide to Bringing Your Furry Friends

Are you planning a trip or relocating to Bali with your pet? Let’s go over the key details for transporting your furry companions, including required documents, vaccinations, recommended agencies, and more.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that importing animals to Bali is officially forbidden. This restriction was implemented after a rabies outbreak among dogs in 2008, prompting provincial authorities to ban both the import and export of animals to and from the island. However, "forbidden" doesn’t necessarily mean impossible. Many pet owners still manage to bring their pets to Bali, but this is done through semi-legal means and, due to the risks involved, requires the involvement of a trusted agency.

Typically, pets can be brought from abroad legally through Jakarta, where animal imports are permitted. Note that importing pets to Jakarta is non-the-less a complex and costly process. From Jakarta, local agencies can then handle the transportation of pets to Bali.

Thus, the most crucial step in bringing pets to Bali is selecting a reliable and experienced agency to ensure the safe and compliant way of transporting of your pet within Indonesia.

Once you've selected an agency (or chosen to manage the process yourself), the next step is to gather the required documents and ensure that your pet meets the eligibility criteria. Important considerations include:

If you choose to import your pet with the help of an agency, they will guide you through the process and provide a complete list of required documents and vaccinations. However, if you plan to bring your pet to Jakarta on your own, make sure to have all the required documents on hand (see below). Begin gathering all required paperwork at least 2-3 months prior to your trip. It’s also advisable to purchase your ticket only after completing all procedures or opt for a refundable ticket. Missing documents or errors in the paperwork will result in your pet being denied entry into Indonesia.

Microchipping involves inserting a tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, under your pet's skin. This chip contains a unique identification number linked to a database with detailed information about your pet. The procedure is performed at a veterinary clinic using a sterile applicator.

In accordance with Indonesia's 2024 animal entry regulations, the microchip must meet ISO 11784/11785 standards, and your pet's details must be registered in an international database. Crucially, the microchip must be implanted before any vaccinations are administered. If your pet has already been vaccinated, the microchip will need to be implanted, and the vaccinations must be repeated to comply with entry regulations.

Once the microchip is implanted, you can proceed with the necessary vaccinations. Both the rabies vaccine and a set of basic vaccinations are required, and these must be recorded in an International Pet Passport. It's advisable to start this process at least three months before your planned travel date.

·   Rabies Vaccination: Your pet must be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days before traveling but no more than one year prior. After the rabies vaccine, a rabies titre test is required 30 days later. The test results, confirming a sufficient antibody level (at least 0.5 IU/ml), typically take 3 to 14 days to be processed. A faster, more expensive option can reduce the waiting time to 3-6 days. If the antibody level is too low, your pet will need to be revaccinated, and you'll need to wait another 30 days before retesting.

·   Basic Vaccinations: These vaccinations protect against other serious infectious diseases and must be administered between 21 days and one year before travel. For cats, required vaccines include those for feline calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and panleukopenia. For dogs, they cover distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus. It is recommended to use internationally approved vaccines such as Nobivac, Zoetis (Defensor), Rabisin, Biocan, and Purevax, as these are accepted for import into Indonesia. While not mandatory, a Bordetella vaccine is also advised to help prevent kennel cough during quarantine.

You'll also need a health certificate from the government veterinary service in your country of departure following a veterinary examination. This form must be issued within 1-5 days before travel and exchanged for Form F5a (International Health Certificate) at the airport or the relevant office in your country.

A COVID-19 test for your pet is optional but could reduce the quarantine period from 14 to 7 days if the result is negative. The test can be done before departure or upon arrival in Jakarta.

After completing the necessary steps and gathering all required documents, the next step is to obtain an Import Permit from Indonesia’s Directorate General of Animal Husbandry. The process typically takes 4-5 weeks, and the permit remains valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.

Documents Required for the Import Permit:

Once you receive the permit, you can proceed with booking flights and preparing for the journey.

Pets can either travel in the cabin or the cargo hold, depending on the airline's policies. Some airlines don’t allow animals at all, so it’s essential to check their requirements before purchasing tickets. Generally, pets up to 10 kg (including their carrier) can travel in the cabin. However, if other pets are already booked for the flight, your pet might not be accepted, even if it meets all the conditions. It’s a good idea to call the airline directly to confirm availability and regulations.

Recommended pet-friendly airlines include:

·  Alaska Airlines: Known for being one of the best options, Alaska Airlines allows small pets in the cabin for a relatively low fee. They even accommodate rabbits and birds, along with cats and dogs.

·  Turkish Airlines: This airline allows pets in both the cabin and cargo hold and is highly accommodating of different types of animals, including cats, dogs, and small birds.

·  Lufthansa: Pets such as cats, dogs, and rabbits are welcome in the cabin and cargo hold, depending on their size, and the airline offers affordable pet transportation options.

·  KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: KLM is known for its pet-friendly policies, allowing pets to travel in the cabin or cargo based on size and offering personalized booking services.

·  Etihad Airways: Etihad allows small pets like cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on certain routes, provided they meet specific size and weight limits. Larger pets or those on longer flights may need to be transported in the cargo hold. Etihad is known for its premium services, which also extend to pet travel, ensuring comfort and safety.

·  Uzbekistan Airways: Pets are allowed to travel either in the cabin or the cargo hold, depending on their size and weight. Small pets (up to 8 kg, including the carrier) can travel in the cabin, while larger pets are placed in the cargo hold. Uzbekistan Airways prioritizes the safe and comfortable transportation of animals.

The size of the carrier must comply with the airline’s regulations. It should be large enough for your pet to comfortably stand, turn around, and lie down. For cabin travel, the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and should have a water bowl attached to ensure your pet stays hydrated during the flight.

1.  Get your pet accustomed to the carrier: Introduce your pet to the carrier well in advance, allowing them to gradually get used to it. Start with short sessions, then slowly extend the time they spend inside. Rewarding them with treats can make the process more positive and stress-free.

2.  Consult your vet about calming options: Speak to your vet about suitable calming medications for your pet, and if necessary, start administering them a few days or even a week before the flight. Be sure not to give your pet sleeping pills, as they can cause health complications during air travel.

3.   Avoid feeding and watering your pet right before the flight: To prevent discomfort, avoid giving your pet food or water too close to the flight time. A full stomach or bladder can lead to stress and potential health problems during the journey.

Arrive at the airport a few hours before your flight to account for possible delays or queues. Once there, ensure you exchange your health certificate from the government veterinary service in your home country for Form F5a (International Health Certificate).

If you’ve opted for assistance from a pet relocation agency, an agent will meet you upon your arrival in Jakarta to escort your pet to quarantine. During this period, you should expect regular updates in the form of photos and videos, which should be arranged with the agency in advance. It's important to discuss any specific needs your pet may have, such as special food or medications, to ensure they receive the proper care throughout their stay in quarantine.

Both Indonesian and international agencies, offer pet relocation services in Indonesia. They vary in cost, range of services, and overall quality. The best way to make a decision about which agency to choose is by reading reviews. Since pet relocation is a niche service, any significant issues are usually quickly shared through online reviews, making it easier to research reliable options.

The cost of relocation depends on factors like the animal’s weight, breed, and the type of transport—whether group or individual. For example, relocating a 6 kg Jack Russell Terrier costs around $2,000. Some of the most well-regarded (and often most expensive) agencies include Groovy Pet Transport and Seven Heaven Pet Express.

International agencies typically offer comprehensive support throughout the entire process. They guide you on how to properly prepare all necessary paperwork, assist in obtaining the import permit (official authorization to bring an animal into Indonesia), help you choose a suitable carrier, advise on airline selection (especially crucial for breeds with restrictions like brachycephalic breeds), and book the pet's flight.

In contrast, Indonesian agencies begin working on the import permit only after you have submitted all required documents. Once that is done, a representative will pick up your pet and take them to quarantine in Jakarta. However, arranging your and your pet’s travel to Jakarta, selecting a carrier, and booking flights are not services they typically provide.

Agencies handle all arrangements for your pet’s quarantine in advance. The quarantine typically lasts 7-14 days, and unfortunately, you won’t be able to visit your pet during this time. Cats and dogs are housed in separate buildings during the quarantine period.

International agencies tend to offer comprehensive support during this time—they prepare the quarantine room (e.g., buying litter boxes for cats), advise owners on what items to bring (like bedding or special food), and stay in constant communication with the owner, providing daily updates with photos and videos of the activities your pet undertakes whilst in quarantine (usually they report on feeding behaviour and pet’s health).

In contrast, Indonesian agencies typically provide updates only three times over the 7-day period. According to various reviews, the quarantine room setups can often be lacking necessities, with some pets being confined to a single spot for the entire duration of the quarantine.  

Currently, dogs and cats do not require a PCR test for COVID-19 to enter the country, and quarantine rules have been updated. Pets arriving in Indonesia (specifically Jakarta) undergo quarantine for 7 to 14 days, depending on various factors like health checks, but the COVID-19 test requirement has largely been dropped for most pets​.

Indonesian agencies typically organize group transport for pets once a week. If your pet completes quarantine outside of this schedule, you will need to wait until the next available trip. To prepare for the journey from Jakarta to Bali, you will need to provide details such as your pet’s weight and the size of its carrier. This ensures that the transport vehicle can accommodate your pet properly, especially since multiple animals may be traveling together. It’s common for multiple animals to travel together, with dogs and cats often sharing the same vehicle—sometimes as many as ten at a time. This group transport method, while cost-effective, can take several days, up to five, as the animals are dropped off at various stops through Java. Another issue with some Indonesian agencies is that they occasionally stop providing updates during transportation, which can leave pet owners feeling anxious and uncertain about the safety and well-being of their pets. Clear and consistent communication is essential to maintaining peace of mind throughout the relocation process.

In contrast, international agencies typically offer more personalized transportation services, with only one or two other animals sharing the same vehicle. Cats and dogs are kept separate unless they belong to the same owner. The journey usually takes about 24 hours, depending on traffic conditions. To provide pet owners with peace of mind, these agencies often allow the use of pet trackers, enabling real-time monitoring of the pet’s location. Additionally, international agencies take extra precautions for pets' comfort and safety, such as purchasing cooling blankets for brachycephalic breeds and ensuring air-conditioned transport. Throughout the trip, geo-tags and videos of the pet during scheduled breaks are shared with owners to keep them updated.

After transportation from Jakarta, you'll finally be reunited with your pet in Bali, marking the successful completion of their relocation!

Choosing the right agency is critical, as they will assist with document preparation, travel arrangements, and ensuring your pet’s safe arrival in Indonesia.

Important Questions to Ask Your Agency: Before finalizing arrangements with your agency, be sure to ask key questions regarding the number of animals transported together, the length of the journey, video updates, and tracking options for your pet.

If you decide to manage the process yourself, thorough preparation and research are essential to navigate regulations and logistical challenges.

Eligibility Criteria: Your pet must be at least 6 months old, and the breed must be approved for both entry into Indonesia and air travel.

Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, such as vaccination records, health certificates, and an Import Permit from Indonesia's Directorate General of Animal Husbandry. Ensure your pet’s vaccinations, including rabies, are up-to-date, and microchip implantation is completed before any vaccinations.

Schedule a veterinary appointment to conduct a full examination of your pet. Your vet will administer required vaccinations and provide a health certificate that will be needed for travel and quarantine arrangements.

Your pet must be microchipped according to ISO standards, and rabies vaccinations must be administered at least 30 days prior to travel. After the rabies vaccination, a titer test is required to confirm adequate immunity.

Pet-Friendly Airlines: Some airlines are more accommodating when it comes to pet travel. Recommended airlines include Etihad Airways and KLM, which both allow pets in the cabin and the cargo hold, depending on weight and breed restrictions. Typically, pets up to 10 kg, including their carrier, are allowed in the cabin. It's essential to confirm with the airline beforehand, as some may limit the number of pets allowed on a flight. Be sure to double-check the airline’s pet policies and make a reservation well in advance.

Arrive at the airport well in advance to handle document exchanges and confirm that all paperwork is correctly prepared. Even if you're working with an agency, it's essential to personally verify your pet’s documentation at each step to prevent any last-minute complications.

Upon arrival in Jakarta, your pet will be placed in quarantine. Depending on the quarantine conditions and whether a COVID-19 PCR test is required, quarantine may last 7 to 14 days. Make sure to arrange for any special dietary or medical needs your pet may have during this time.

After quarantine, agencies often provide group transport to Bali, which may involve multiple stops and could take up to five days. Verify transport details with your agency in advance, such as how many animals will be in the vehicle and whether you can track your pet’s journey.

Group Transport: Typically more cost-effective, but your pet may share the vehicle with several other animals. Group transport can take longer, and you may receive fewer updates during the journey. 

Individual Transport: Though more expensive, this option ensures personalized care and attention, with fewer animals transported at once, and regular updates are provided throughout the trip.

In summary, thorough preparation, choosing a reliable agency, selecting the right airline, and ensuring compliance with all travel and health regulations will help make the relocation of your pet to Indonesia a smooth and safe process.