How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Dog in Malaysia?

Shipping a dog — whether you're moving between Malaysian states, adopting from another region, or relocating internationally — involves more complexity than simply buying a plane ticket. Dogs require health certificates, vaccinations, travel crates, and may face quarantine depending on the destination. Large breeds may be restricted by certain airlines or countries. This guide breaks down all the costs of shipping a dog from or within Malaysia.

The average cost of shipping a dog in Malaysia is RM200 to RM27,000+, depending on distance, size, and service type.

Dog Shipping Cost by Method

Shipping Method	Cost (RM)	Duration	Best For
Local pet taxi (same city)	100–400	Same day	Vet visits, short trips
Ground transport (cross-state)	500–3,500	1–5 days	Peninsular Malaysia moves
Air cargo (Peninsular ↔ Sabah/Sarawak)	300–1,200	Same day–overnight	East Malaysia moves
In-cabin flight (small dogs only)	200–600	Same day	Dogs under 8 kg
International relocation (DIY)	2,000–12,000	2–4 weeks	Experienced pet owners
Full-service international relocation	8,000–27,000+	2–6 weeks	Hands-off, complex destinations

Dog Shipping Cost by Size

Dog Size	Ground Transport	Air Cargo (Domestic)	International Air Cargo
Small (under 10 kg)	500–1,500	200–500	1,500–4,000
Medium (10–25 kg)	800–2,000	300–700	2,000–6,000
Large (25–40 kg)	1,000–2,500	400–900	3,000–8,000
Extra large (40+ kg)	1,500–3,500	500–1,200	4,000–10,000

Additional Required Costs

Component	Cost (RM)	Required?	Notes
Health certificate (DVS vet)	100–400	Yes — for air/international	Within 7–10 days of travel
Rabies vaccination	40–80	Yes — for international	At least 30 days before travel
DHPPiL vaccination update	60–120	Yes — if not current	Core vaccine for dogs
IATA travel crate	150–600	Yes — for air transport	Size based on dog dimensions
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)	50–150	Yes — for international	Must be implanted before rabies vaccine
DVS export permit	50–200	Yes — for export from Malaysia	Apply 7+ working days before departure
Import permit (destination)	50–500	Varies by country	Some countries require advance application
Quarantine fees	0–9,000+	Varies by country	Australia, NZ, Japan, Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a dog domestically within Malaysia?

Shipping a dog domestically within Malaysia costs RM200–RM3,500 depending on method and distance. Ground transport between Peninsular states costs RM500–RM3,500 (1–5 days). Air cargo between Peninsular and Sabah/Sarawak costs RM300–RM1,200 (same day to overnight). Local pet taxi within the same city costs RM100–RM400. In-cabin flights for small dogs (under 8 kg) cost RM200–RM600. Additional costs include a DVS health certificate (RM100–RM400) and IATA crate (RM150–RM600).

Can I ship my dog as cargo on Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia?

Malaysia Airlines accepts dogs as cargo on most domestic and international routes. Booking fees range from RM200–RM800 depending on route and dog size. AirAsia accepts pets as cargo on selected routes only, with fees of RM150–RM500. Both require an IATA-compliant travel crate, health certificate from a DVS-accredited vet, and advance booking. Cargo space is limited and must be reserved early, especially during school holidays and festive seasons.

Are there breed restrictions for shipping dogs from Malaysia?

Yes. Malaysia bans the import and ownership of certain breeds: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Akita, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. These breeds cannot be imported into Malaysia and some cannot be exported to certain countries. Additionally, some airlines have breed restrictions for brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers due to breathing risks during air transport. Always check airline policies and destination country restrictions before booking.

How much does it cost to relocate a dog internationally from Malaysia?

International dog relocation from Malaysia costs RM2,000–RM27,000+ depending on destination and service level. DIY to nearby countries (Singapore, Thailand) costs RM2,000–RM6,000. DIY to Australia/NZ costs RM4,500–RM12,000. Full-service relocation companies charge RM8,000–RM27,000+ for door-to-door service. The largest cost components are air cargo (RM1,500–RM8,000), relocation company fees (RM1,500–RM5,000), and quarantine fees (RM0–RM9,000+ for strict countries).