Just like humans, pets also have their very own passports. However, unlike ours, a pet passport isn’t just a document that proves nationality and identity, it also contains vaccination records, health status, and the owner’s information.

So, does that mean everyone who owns a pet should get one? Let’s take a closer look at what a pet passport is, what it’s for, and how much it costs if you plan to get one for your furry friend.

What exactly is a pet passport?

In 2010, the Malaysian government introduced the Malaysian Animal Traceability System (MATs), which established an animal identification database to help control the transmission of animal diseases. During its trial phase, a total of 63 animals were successfully registered.

While the primary focus of the passport is on pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses, owners of other types of pets are also welcome to register them for a passport.

Pet passports improve a pet’s traceability

Image Credit: Facebook

Aside from proudly calling your beloved pet a certified Malaysian, registering your furry friend for a passport comes with several other benefits.

For owners, having a pet passport significantly improves a pet’s traceability, as microchipping is a mandatory requirement for registration. In short, if your pet goes missing, anyone who finds them can scan the microchip and retrieve their identity within seconds.

The microchip also allows you, as the owner, to confirm and prove that the pet belongs to you.

Additionally, a pet passport makes your pet’s information more accessible to relevant authorities. For example, if you plan to travel with your furry friend, immigration officers can easily refer to the passport for all necessary records.

In fact, several countries such as Iceland, Norway, Germany, Spain, and Sweden require pets to have a passport if you plan to travel there.

Requirements for a pet passport

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of owning a pet passport, let’s take a look at the required criteria before applying for one, and how much each requirement may cost.

Here’s what your pet needs before applying for a passport:

Image Credit: Oyen

• Microchipping: RM20–RM30
• Deworming: RM5–RM12 (depending on several factors)
• Rabies vaccination: RM100–RM250
• Parasite treatment: Cost depends on the size of the pet

Do note that not all pets’ vaccinations cost the same, as some may require additional vaccines. It’s best to contact the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) directly for accurate and up-to-date information to ensure a smoother process.

You can also check out DVS’s official website for more details.

Registering for a pet passport

Image Credit: DVS Selangor

Once your furry friend has fulfilled all the necessary requirements, the next step is simple — visit any Department of Veterinary Services office or veterinarian facility appointed by the DVS to apply for the passport.

If you live in the Klang Valley, here are some places where you can apply for a pet passport:

• DVS WP Kuala Lumpur
• IPPV, Putrajaya
• DVS Selangor
• Good Shepherd Veterinary Centre Sdn. Bhd, Bangsar
• Dhillon’s Animal Clinic & Surgery, Petaling Jaya
• Lynn Veterinary Clinic, TTDI
• Mutiara Animal Clinic, Kuala Lumpur
• Bandar Puteri Vet Clinic & Surgery, Puchong
• City Pets Veterinary Clinic Sdn. Bhd, Seri Kembangan
• Gasing Veterinary Hospital, Petaling Jaya
• Hands N Paws Veterinary Clinic & Pet Corner, Petaling Jaya
• Subang Jaya Animal Clinic
• KM Animal Clinic & Surgery, Batu Caves

You can check here for more locations where you can apply for your pet passport.

As for the registration fee, it varies depending on the type of pet. For cats, dogs, and rabbits, the registration costs RM7, while horse owners will need to pay RM9.

Image Credit: Facebook

During the process, your pet’s medical history, official passport photo, and identification details will be recorded in a single document.

Do note that it may take up to a week for the department to process the information before issuing the pet passport.

Fun fact: If you’re wondering whether a pet passport expires like ours, fret not, pet passports do not have an expiration date. However, owners must ensure their pets’ vaccinations are always kept up to date to maintain the passport’s validity.

Featured Image Credit: Reddit, Petair