Importing Your Dog or Cat to Cambodia: Complete Guide

Importing dogs and cats is allowed for anyone residing in Cambodia, provided health conditions are met. The following criteria apply:

• Animal: dog or cat only (other species upon request).
• Age: at least 3 months for the rabies vaccine.
• Owner: any expat, retiree, or digital nomad with a valid visa (EG, ER, K, etc.).
• Origin: all countries, but restrictions may apply in case of an epidemic.
• Documents: pet passport, international veterinary certificate, up-to-date vaccination record.

Import procedures have been simplified in recent years. Here are the main changes:

Follow these steps to import your pet to Cambodia smoothly:

1. Step 1: Check mandatory vaccines. Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies (at least 30 days before arrival) and common diseases (distemper for dogs, feline typhus and leukemia for cats).
2. Step 2: Obtain an international veterinary certificate. Have an approved veterinarian issue a health certificate conforming to the OIE model, dated less than 10 days before departure.
3. Step 3: Apply for an import permit. Contact the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture (via a local veterinarian or agent) to obtain authorization. Allow 3-5 business days.
4. Step 4: Book transport. Choose an airline that accepts pets in the hold or cabin (depending on weight). Check transport conditions.
5. Step 5: Prepare for arrival. At Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airport, present documents to the veterinary service. A 30-day quarantine will be imposed (often at home if your accommodation is suitable).
6. Step 6: Find pet-friendly housing. Contact local specialized real estate agencies or search on expat Facebook groups in Siem Reap.
7. Step 7: Acclimate your pet to the tropical climate. Ensure access to fresh water, shade, and avoid walks during the hottest hours.

• Veterinarians in Siem Reap are competent and speak English (clinics like Angkor Veterinary Clinic).
• Pet-friendly housing is rarer than in Phnom Penh; prioritize individual houses with a garden.
• The hot and humid climate can cause heatstroke; plan an air-conditioned space for your pet.
• Public parks (e.g., Royal Independence Garden) accept leashed dogs.
• Veterinary fees are affordable: basic consultation between 10 and 30 USD.

Here are the most frequent pitfalls when importing a pet to Cambodia:

• Mistake 1 — Rabies vaccine too recent. The vaccine must be given at least 30 days before arrival. If done too late, your pet will be placed in strict quarantine.
• Mistake 2 — Non-compliant veterinary certificate. Use the OIE model strictly. A national certificate may be rejected.
• Mistake 3 — Neglecting quarantine. Even if often at home, you must report to the veterinary service within 24 hours of arrival. Penalties apply otherwise.
• Mistake 4 — Unprepared housing. Do not sign a lease before verifying that the landlord accepts pets. Some contracts explicitly forbid them.
• Mistake 5 — Underestimating the climate. Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, Persians) suffer particularly from heat. Consult a veterinarian before travel.