This guide covers the entry requirements, where to find pet-friendly accommodation, and how to access veterinary care in Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, Da Lat, and Nha Trang. It also covers the realities of moving around the country once you and your pet are on the ground.
Entry requirements: what Vietnam actually asks for
Vietnam's pet import rules are set by the Department of Animal Health under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The process is centralized and non-negotiable. There is no pet passport system like in the EU, and no way to bypass the permit requirement.
The documents you need:
- Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, 15 digits). The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination, not after.
- Rabies vaccination certificate. The vaccine must be administered at least 30 days before arrival and no more than 12 months before arrival. The certificate must list the microchip number.
- Health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin, issued within 7 days of departure.
- Import permit from Vietnam's Department of Animal Health. This is the critical document. Apply through a licensed import agent or directly via the department's offices in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The permit takes 7 to 15 working days to process and costs around 500,000 VND ($20) in official fees, though agent fees add 2,000,000 to 5,000,000 VND ($80 to $200).
The health certificate must be endorsed by the government veterinary authority of the exporting country. For the United States, that means USDA APHIS endorsement. For the UK, it is APHA. For Australia, it is the Department of Agriculture. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for this step alone.
Rabies titer test: Vietnam does not require a rabies neutralizing antibody titer test for pets arriving from rabies-free or well-regulated countries. However, some airlines and transit countries do. If transiting through the EU, Singapore, Japan, or Australia, expect to need a titer test. Check transit country rules carefully before booking flights.
Quarantine: Pets with complete, correct paperwork are typically released without quarantine. Pets with missing documents face 10 to 30 days of quarantine at the owner's expense, which runs about 100,000 VND ($4) per day at a government facility. In practice, quarantine is rare for properly documented pets.
Pro tip: Hire a licensed import agent. The paperwork is dense, and the Vietnamese bureaucracy responds faster to registered agents than to individual applicants. Expect to pay 3,000,000 to 8,000,000 VND ($120 to $320) for full service, including permit, airport clearance, and delivery.
Flying to Vietnam with a pet
No major international airline allows pets in the cabin on flights to Vietnam. This applies to Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and all foreign carriers operating into Hanoi (Noi Bai) or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat). Pets travel as checked cargo in the hold.
Vietnam Airlines accepts dogs and cats as checked baggage on international flights, with a combined weight limit of 32 kg (70 lbs) including the kennel. The fee is calculated at 1.5% of the one-way adult fare per kilogram. For a 10 kg pet on a $800 flight, that works out to about $120.
Vietjet Air does not accept pets on international routes. Bamboo Airways has suspended pet transport. For most travelers, the realistic options are Vietnam Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, or Singapore Airlines, all of which route through their hubs and transfer the pet to a Vietnam Airlines feeder flight.
Kennel requirements: IATA-compliant hard plastic kennels only. The kennel must allow the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. No soft-sided carriers for cargo hold travel.
Seasonal restrictions: Many airlines refuse pet transport when ground temperatures at transit airports exceed 29.5°C (85°F). This rules out summer travel through Dubai, Doha, or Singapore. The safest months for pet flights into Vietnam are November through February.
Warning: Book the pet as cargo directly with the airline, not through a freight forwarder. Freight forwarders sometimes route pets through third countries without proper documentation, which triggers quarantine on arrival.
Domestic travel with pets: cars, trains, and flights
Getting around Vietnam with a pet is the part most guides gloss over. The reality is that domestic flights are the easiest option, but they come with restrictions.
Domestic flights: Vietnam Airlines allows pets as checked baggage on domestic routes. The fee is 600,000 VND ($24) per pet per flight. Vietjet does not accept pets on domestic routes. Bamboo Airways has suspended the service. In practice, this means Vietnam Airlines is the only reliable domestic carrier for pets, and only between Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Trains: Vietnam Railways does not allow pets on passenger trains, including the Reunification Express. There is no pet carriage, no pet-friendly compartment, and no exception for service animals. If traveling by train, the pet must go by a separate freight service, which is impractical for most travelers.
Buses and sleeper buses: Standard tourist buses refuse pets. Sleeper buses, VIP cabin buses, and limousine vans also refuse pets. The only exception is a handful of private charter services, which cost 2 to 3 times the standard fare.
Grab Pet: Grab operates a "Grab Pet" service in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, available for an additional 20,000 to 50,000 VND ($0.80 to $2) on top of the standard fare. The driver is notified in advance that a pet is coming. This is the most practical way to move around cities.
Private car hire: For intercity travel, private car hire with a pet-friendly driver is the most reliable option. A one-way car from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay costs around 1,200,000 VND ($48). Hanoi to Ninh Binh runs 1,500,000 VND ($60). The driver should be informed about the pet when booking.
Pro tip: For trips to Ha Long Bay, book a private car rather than a shared shuttle. The shared shuttles do not accept pets, and the high-speed boat from Hai Phong has a strict no-pet policy.
Pet-friendly hotels in Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, Da Lat, and Nha Trang
The hotel situation has improved significantly since 2020. Most mid-range and upscale hotels in major cities now accept pets, though almost all charge a fee and require a damage deposit.
Hanoi: The Tay Ho (West Lake) district has the highest concentration of pet-friendly hotels. The Hanoi Pearl Hotel and the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake both accept pets under 15 kg with a 500,000 VND ($20) per night fee. The Apricot Hotel in the Old Quarter accepts pets under 10 kg in select rooms. For budget travelers, the Hanoi Old Centre Hotel allows pets with no extra fee but limits pets to the ground floor.
Da Nang: My An beach area, near the Da Nang beaches, has several pet-friendly resorts. The Premier Village Danang Resort accepts pets up to 25 kg with a 1,000,000 VND ($40) per night fee. The Muong Thanh Luxury Da Nang allows pets under 10 kg at no extra charge. For a cheaper option, the Sea Phoenix Hotel in My Khe accepts pets with a 200,000 VND ($8) per night fee.
Hoi An: Cam Chau is the pet-friendly neighborhood, with several homestays and boutique hotels. The Hoi An Ancient House Village Resort accepts pets with a 300,000 VND ($12) per night fee. The Anantara Hoi An Resort allows pets under 10 kg in garden rooms. For budget stays, most Cam Chau homestays accept pets free of charge, but confirm directly before booking.
Da Lat: The cool climate makes Da Lat a popular destination for pet owners. The Da Lat TTC Premium Hotel accepts pets under 10 kg. The Ana Mandara Villas Dalat allows pets in villa rooms with a 500,000 VND ($20) fee. Many of the homestays around Xuan Huong Lake accept pets with no fee.
Nha Trang: The Nha Trang beachfront has fewer pet-friendly options. The InterContinental Nha Trang accepts pets under 15 kg with a 750,000 VND ($30) per night fee. The Liberty Central Nha Trang allows pets in deluxe rooms. For budget options, most hotels on Nguyen Thien Thuat Street accept pets at no extra charge.
| City | Pet-friendly area | Average pet fee per night | Best budget option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Tay Ho (West Lake) | 300,000-500,000 VND ($12-20) | Hanoi Old Centre Hotel |
| Da Nang | My An beach | 200,000-1,000,000 VND ($8-40) | Sea Phoenix Hotel |
| Hoi An | Cam Chau | 0-300,000 VND ($0-12) | Cam Chau homestays |
| Da Lat | Around Xuan Huong Lake | 0-500,000 VND ($0-20) | Lakeside homestays |
| Nha Trang | Nguyen Thien Thuat Street | 0-750,000 VND ($0-30) | Nguyen Thien Thuat hotels |
Warning: Always confirm pet policy by email before booking. Many hotels list "pet friendly" on booking platforms but impose weight limits or breed restrictions on arrival. Get the confirmation in writing.
Vets in Vietnam's major cities
Veterinary care in Vietnam's major cities is better than most travelers expect. The clinics below have English-speaking staff, modern equipment, and experience with international clients.
Hanoi: Vets for Pets Hanoi (83 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho) is the most established international clinic. They handle vaccinations, microchipping, surgery, and emergency care. Consultations cost 300,000 to 500,000 VND ($12 to $20). PetHealth Hanoi (52 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho) is a solid alternative with similar pricing. For emergency care outside business hours, Vets for Pets has a 24-hour hotline.
Da Nang: PetHealth Da Nang (21 An Thuong 2, My An) is the main international clinic in the city. They offer full services including dental care and orthopedic surgery. Consultations run 250,000 to 400,000 VND ($10 to $16). The Da Nang Veterinary Hospital (268 Nguyen Tri Phuong) is a local option with lower prices but limited English.
Hoi An: Hoi An has no dedicated international vet clinic. The nearest reliable option is PetHealth Da Nang, a 40-minute drive. For basic needs, the Hoi An Veterinary Station (18 Ly Thai To) handles vaccinations and minor treatments at very low cost, around 100,000 VND ($4) per consultation. For anything serious, budget for a trip to Da Nang.
Da Lat: The Da Lat Veterinary Clinic (4 Phan Dinh Phung) provides basic care with limited English. For international-standard care, the nearest options are in Ho Chi Minh City, a 6-hour drive. Most pet owners in Da Lat rely on the local clinic for routine matters and plan for emergencies in advance.
Nha Trang: PetHealth Nha Trang (14 Nguyen Thien Thuat) opened in 2024 and provides consultations, vaccinations, and surgery. Consultations cost 250,000 to 400,000 VND ($10 to $16). The Nha Trang Veterinary Station (118 Nguyen Trai) is a cheaper local option.
Pro tip: Carry a copy of your pet's vaccination records and import permit at all times. Police checks on pets are rare, but they do happen, especially in tourist areas. The documents are also required if your pet needs vet treatment.
Practical concerns: heat, food, and daily costs
The tropical climate is the biggest challenge for pets in Vietnam. From May to September, daytime temperatures in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City regularly exceed 35°C (95°F). Pavement temperatures can reach 60°C (140°F), which burns paw pads. Walk dogs only in the early morning or after sunset, and carry water at all times.
Pet food availability varies by city. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have international pet stores with premium brands like Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, and Orijen. Da Nang and Nha Trang have smaller selections. Hoi An and Da Lat have limited options, mostly local brands. If your pet eats a specialized diet, bring enough from home or order online from Pet Mart Vietnam, which delivers nationwide.
Daily budget for a pet in Vietnam:
- Pet food: 100,000 to 300,000 VND ($4 to $12) per day depending on brand and size
- Hotel pet fees: 0 to 750,000 VND ($0 to $30) per night
- Grab Pet rides: 20,000 to 50,000 VND ($0.80 to $2) per trip
- Emergency vet fund: budget 2,000,000 VND ($80) as a reserve
The heat and humidity affect pets more than owners. Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, Persian cats) struggle with the climate and should avoid travel during the hot season. Long-haired breeds need regular grooming, which costs 200,000 to 400,000 VND ($8 to $16) per session in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Regional travel with a pet: what works and what doesn't
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay: Private car is the only practical option. The journey takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Most cruise boats in Ha Long Bay do not accept pets, though a few private charters do. Book the charter directly with the operator and confirm the pet policy in writing.
Da Nang to Hoi An: The 45-minute drive is easy by private car or Grab Pet. Hoi An is walkable with a pet, especially in the old town, though the lantern-lit streets get crowded in the evening.
Da Nang to Da Lat: No direct flights with pets. The options are a private car (10 to 12 hours) or a Vietnam Airlines flight via Ho Chi Minh City, which adds a connection. The private car is easier on the pet.
Nha Trang: The Nha Trang beaches are largely pet-friendly, though some resort beaches restrict pets to designated areas. The nearby islands require a boat ride, and most boat operators refuse pets.
Da Lat to Nha Trang: A 4-hour drive by private car. The route climbs over the Ngoan Muc Pass, which has sharp curves. Motion sickness is common in pets on this route, so plan stops every hour.
Pro tip: For surfing trips to Mui Ne or beach days in Da Nang, keep pets on a leash. Vietnamese beaches have no formal pet regulations, but local authorities occasionally crack down on loose animals.
The bottom line
Traveling with a pet in Vietnam requires planning, paperwork, and a realistic budget. The entry process takes 4 to 6 weeks from start to finish. The flight is stressful but manageable. Once on the ground, the major cities have adequate veterinary care and a growing number of pet-friendly hotels.
The hardest part is intercity travel. Domestic flights are limited to Vietnam Airlines. Trains and buses refuse pets. Private car hire is the default, which adds cost but also flexibility.
For travelers willing to work around these constraints, Vietnam rewards with pet-friendly beaches, cool mountain towns like Da Lat, and a culture that generally tolerates well-behaved animals. Just avoid the hot season, carry water, and keep the paperwork within reach.
FAQ
Q: Can pets fly in the cabin on domestic flights in Vietnam? No. Vietnam Airlines, the only carrier accepting pets on domestic routes, requires pets to travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. There is no cabin option.
Q: How long does the import permit take to process? The official processing time is 7 to 15 working days. With an agent, the process is often faster. Plan for 3 to 4 weeks total from application to approval.
Q: Are there any breed restrictions for entering Vietnam? No breed-specific restrictions exist at the national level. However, some airlines impose their own restrictions on brachycephalic breeds, especially during warm months.
Q: What happens if my pet arrives without an import permit? The pet is held at a government quarantine facility until the permit is processed or the pet is returned to the country of origin. The cost is about 100,000 VND ($4) per day, plus any fines.
Q: Can I take my pet to a beach in Da Nang? Public beaches in Da Nang have no formal pet ban, but enforcement varies. The My Khe beach area is generally tolerant of leashed pets in the early morning. Resort beaches are stricter, so check with the hotel.
Q: Is it safe to leave a pet in a hotel room while sightseeing? Most pet-friendly hotels allow it, but some require the pet to be crated. Never leave a pet unattended in a room with the air conditioning off, as temperatures rise quickly in the afternoon.
Q: What is the best time of year to travel to Vietnam with a pet? November through February. Temperatures are cooler, humidity is lower, and the risk of heatstroke drops significantly. The rainy season in central Vietnam, September to November, brings flooding that complicates travel.