Moderator note: An updated version is now posted on the Expat Indo website here: https://www.expatindo.org/2017/01/26...ing-indonesia/
First let me start by saying that if at all possible, and especially if it is a short term visit, I recommend leaving your pets at your home country with someone who will care for them well. Bringing pets is a stressful event for both you and your pet, but I understand that for many they are family and leaving them is out of the question, no matter what.
If you do intent on bringing pets to Indonesia, please be aware of a few things:
Since the most common companion that people want to bring to Indonesia are dogs or cats, below is an outline of how to do it.
Additional info:
(This information last updated July 2016).
First let me start by saying that if at all possible, and especially if it is a short term visit, I recommend leaving your pets at your home country with someone who will care for them well. Bringing pets is a stressful event for both you and your pet, but I understand that for many they are family and leaving them is out of the question, no matter what.
If you do intent on bringing pets to Indonesia, please be aware of a few things:
[*=1]Being a predominantly Muslim country, dogs are seen as unclean and may not be welcome at your intended destination.
[*=1]Indonesia does not have many pet friendly facilities, such as dog parks.
[*=1]Taking your pets for a walk to go shopping or exercise is likely to draw a lot of attention.
[*=1]Expensive or exotic animals are sometimes targeted by thieves.
[*=1]A lot of cities in Indonesia are densely populated. Houses in urban areas are typically small and combined with the above issues, your pet may have to end up being stuck within the confines of your house.
[*=1]There are some areas of Indonesia currently dedicating resources to become rabies free. These areas are closed to importation of pets, even if manage to import your pet to Jakarta. These areas include Bali, Madura, the Nusa Tenggaras, Maluku, Irian Jaya, Kalimantan Barat, and of Sumatra. The status of these areas may change from time to time so you should double check what the current status is. Some agents may approach you with services to import your pet to these closed areas, and there are many success stories. There are also stories that do not end well. Almost certainly they are breaking the law.
[*=1]That being said there are definitely many areas where pets are welcome, and many services and clubs are dedicated to the happiness of both pet and owner.
Since the most common companion that people want to bring to Indonesia are dogs or cats, below is an outline of how to do it.
- It will take a lot of time to navigate the bureaucracy as well as to fulfill the requirements. Do not leave this to the last minute! In fact start at least 3-4 months ahead of time. It is common to engage an specialize agency to help you with the paper work. Groovy Pets and JakPetz are the commonly used ones, although other are available as well. I have heard good things about both agencies, but I make no endorsement for them.
- You will need to obtain a Health Certificate for Indonesia from your local governing agency. In the US, they are handled by the USDA, in Canada by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. For other countries, please inquire with the equivalent department. If you engage an agent, they will know.
- Indonesia doesn't require pet microchip, but it is a good idea to get it for 2 reasons: to identify your pet if somehow you become separated in transit, and you may require it to export the pet at a later date to another country, and obtaining them in Indonesia may not be easy.
- You will need an import license from the Directorate of Livestock and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture. This is probably where your agent can help the most. In order to get this permit, you will need health certificate from a regular vet. This is not the same as the Health Certificate for Indonesia mentioned earlier, which you will need within 5 days of travel.
- Proof of current rabies vaccination must be provided. This means no sooner than 30 days, and no later than 12 months. In practice you'll want it no sooner than at least 2 months because,
- You need to get a rabies titer test. At a minimum this needs to be done 30 days after the vaccination to ensure antibodies have built up. In practice since usually test results have to be sent over to a specialized lab you will want to allot more time.
- Contact airlines to find out their pet policy. Not all airlines are pet friendly, and the last thing you want to do is book tickets for you first, then find out later that they are not great with pets. From the EU, lots of people like KLM. If you are coming from the Asia Pacific region, Korean Air. Both allow small pets in carriers in-cabin. Make sure your pet-carrier complies with the airlines pet policy. Naturally try to get flights that are as direct as possible. Pets should enter Indonesia by air through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) only.
- Within 5 days of travel, go to an authorized vet at your country to endorse the Health Certificate obtained earlier. Also make sure you bring your vaccination records and the results of the rabies titer test, and all other documents.
- After arriving in Jakarta and clearing the airport, you can go see your pet at the quarantine area. A 14 day quarantine is mandatory. You can visit your pet during this time, and I'm sure you will want to.
Additional info:
- If during the quarantine period your pet needs additional testing, you will be responsible for the fees
- If found with the H3N2 virus, your pet will be euthanized
- Pets can not be pregnant or nursing
(This information last updated July 2016).
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