By aussiematesvietnam 
Traveling with Pets in Vietnam: What You Need to Know
G’day fellow Aussies! Aussie Mates here with my better half Tracy. After calling Vietnam home for nearly two decades, we’ve learned a thing or two about navigating this beautiful country with our four-legged companions. When Tracy and I first moved to Vietnam back in the early 2000s, we had no idea how we’d manage with our beloved Kelpie, Digger. Fast forward 20 years, and we’ve become somewhat experts on the ins and outs of pet travel in this fascinating country.
Whether you’re planning a short visit or considering a sea change like we did, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about bringing pets to Vietnam and traveling around with them. It’s not always straightforward, but with the right preparation, your furry mate can join your Vietnamese adventure!
[IMAGE:australian-kelpie-dog]
Entry Requirements and Paperwork
Let’s start with the boring but essential stuff – paperwork. Trust me, mates, you’ll want to get this sorted well in advance.
Vietnam has tightened its pet import regulations over the years. Currently, you’ll need:
- An International Health Certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
- Up-to-date vaccination records (especially rabies, administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry)
- Microchip identification
- Import permit from Vietnam’s Department of Animal Health
When Tracy and I brought our second dog, a rescue named Saigon Sally, back from a trip to Australia, we learned the hard way that regulations can change without much notice. I recommend double-checking with both the Vietnamese embassy in Australia and your airline about current requirements at least 3 months before travel.
Most major airlines flying from Australia to Vietnam allow pets, either in the cabin (for small pets) or in the cargo hold. Vietnam Airlines, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines all have pet policies, but expect to pay between $200-500 AUD depending on your pet’s size and the airline’s specific rules.
[IMAGE:pet-travel-documents]
Quarantine Considerations
Here’s the good news, cobbers – Vietnam doesn’t typically require quarantine for pets arriving from Australia, provided all paperwork is in order. However, there’s always the possibility that officials might impose a quarantine if they have concerns about your pet’s health or documentation.
Tracy and I recommend arriving during weekday business hours when the full customs staff is available. We once arrived at 11 PM on a Sunday, and poor Digger had to spend an extra night at the airport because the proper veterinary inspector wasn’t available until the next morning. Not ideal after a long flight!
Pet-Friendly Accommodation in Vietnam
Finding pet-friendly digs in Vietnam has become much easier over the past decade. Back when we first arrived, it was a real struggle, but now many hotels and serviced apartments, particularly in expat-heavy areas like District 2 in Ho Chi Minh City or Tay Ho in Hanoi, welcome pets.
Some of our favorite pet-friendly accommodation options include:
- Somerset serviced apartments (multiple locations)
- Victoria Hotels & Resorts (particularly in Hoi An and Phan Thiet)
- Airbnb properties (always message hosts before booking)
Be prepared to pay a pet deposit ranging from $50-150 USD at most places. Always call ahead, even if a booking site says “pet-friendly,” as policies can change or have specific restrictions on breed or size.
Tracy has a brilliant tip here: bring a small portable vacuum. Vietnamese housekeeping staff aren’t always used to dealing with pet hair, and giving the room a quick once-over before checkout has saved us from extra cleaning fees more than once!
[IMAGE:pet-friendly-hotel]
Getting Around Vietnam with Pets
Now for the tricky bit – transportation within Vietnam. I won’t sugar-coat it: this can be challenging.
Taxis and ride-share services like Grab are hit-or-miss with pets. In our experience, about 50% of drivers will accept small pets in carriers, but larger dogs are almost always rejected. Your best bet is having your hotel call a taxi company they work with regularly and request a pet-friendly driver.
For longer journeys, domestic flights allow pets in the cargo hold (Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways), but trains and buses generally prohibit animals unless they’re service animals. If you’re planning to explore multiple regions, consider:
- Hiring a private car with driver (more affordable than you might think at $50-100 USD per day)
- Renting a car (though driving in Vietnam can be an adventure in itself!)
- Breaking up longer journeys into segments with pet-friendly transport options
One memorable adventure had Tracy and me traveling from Ho Chi Minh to Dalat with our two dogs. After being rejected by three bus companies, we ended up hiring a local driver who was absolutely brilliant. He even helped us find pet-friendly stops along the way, turning a potentially stressful journey into an impromptu road trip!
[IMAGE:dog-in-car-vietnam]
Veterinary Care in Vietnam
Good news on this front! Veterinary care has improved dramatically in Vietnam’s major cities. When we first arrived, finding a qualified vet was like finding a meat pie at a vegetarian buffet. Now, there are several international-standard veterinary clinics, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
We recommend:
- Saigon Pet Clinic (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Animal Doctors International (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City)
- AZ Pet Hospital (Da Nang)
Costs are generally lower than in Australia – a standard check-up might run you $20-30 USD, while more complex procedures might be 30-50% cheaper than back home. Many vets speak English, especially in the international clinics, but it’s helpful to have a Vietnamese-speaking friend for visits to local clinics outside major cities.
After Digger had a run-in with a street dog in Hoi An, we were impressed with the care he received. The antibiotics cost a fraction of Australian prices, and the vet even made a house call to our hotel for follow-up care!
Cultural Considerations
Here’s something to keep in mind: Vietnamese attitudes toward pets differ from Australian norms. While younger Vietnamese in urban areas often embrace the Western concept of pets as family members, more traditional or rural areas might view dogs and cats primarily as working animals or even food (though this is becoming less common).
Tracy and I have found that keeping dogs leashed in public, respecting local customs about where animals are welcome, and being extra cautious around food markets and temples goes a long way toward positive interactions.
On the plus side, we’ve had countless lovely experiences where local Vietnamese have doted on our pets, offered treats, and been wonderfully accommodating. Some of our best local friendships started with conversations about our dogs!
[IMAGE:vietnamese-street-scene]
Practical Tips from Two Decades of Experience
After nearly 20 years of living in Vietnam with various pets, Tracy and I have accumulated some wisdom worth sharing:
- Bring any specialty pet foods from Australia, as selection is limited (though improving)
- Carry a portable water bowl – especially during Vietnam’s scorching hot seasons
- Consider pet-safe mosquito repellent, as heartworm is common
- Keep pets away from street food and garbage to avoid stomach issues
- Have your vet’s contact details and your pet’s medical history accessible on your