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Importing Your Pet to Bangladesh: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, and I can tell you that Bangladesh has specific requirements that demand careful planning. Unlike some countries where you can wing it, Bangladesh requires an import permit, government approval, and a mandatory home quarantine period. This guide walks you through every step so you can bring your dog or cat into the country with confidence.
Can You Bring Your Pet to Bangladesh?
Yes — both dogs and cats are allowed to be imported to Bangladesh as personal pets, provided you meet all health and documentation requirements. However, Bangladesh is stricter than many countries: you'll need an import permit from the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), a government-endorsed health certificate, current rabies vaccination, and a microchip. You'll also face a mandatory 21-day home quarantine after arrival.
The good news? If you follow this timeline and complete all steps correctly, your pet can enter without additional quarantine delays. I learned this the hard way with Cooper during my move to Southeast Asia — getting ahead of the paperwork saves weeks of stress.
Your Preparation Timeline: Working Backwards from Departure
6 Months Before Departure
Schedule your pet's microchip appointment. Your dog or cat must have an ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit) microchip implanted before any vaccinations. This is a non-negotiable requirement for Bangladesh entry. If your pet already has a non-ISO microchip, you'll need to provide your own compatible scanner at the port of entry — not ideal, so get the standard microchip now.
5 Months Before Departure
Ensure rabies vaccination is current. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks (3 months) old to receive the rabies vaccine. The vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and must be current at the time of travel. If your pet has never been vaccinated, allow 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel — this is the mandatory waiting period. If your pet is already vaccinated, confirm the booster is up to date.
3 Months Before Departure
Contact Bangladesh's Department of Livestock Services (DLS) to apply for an import permit. This is critical: Bangladesh requires an import permit, and the typical lead time is 30 days. Start this process early. You'll need your pet's microchip number, vaccination records, and basic information about your pet. The NOC (No Objection Certificate) typically takes 5–6 days to process once submitted, but allow extra time for bureaucratic delays.
6–8 Weeks Before Departure
Book your veterinary health certificate appointment. Schedule your vet exam 5–7 days before your departure date. The health certificate is valid for only 10 days, so timing is critical. Your vet will examine your pet, confirm microchip details, verify rabies vaccination, and issue the certificate. This certificate must then be endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS if you're in the United States, APHA if in the UK, CFIA if in Canada). This endorsement step takes additional time — typically 3–5 business days — so don't delay.
2 Weeks Before Departure
Confirm your import permit has been approved and received. Check the status with DLS. You'll need the permit number for your airline and port documentation. If it hasn't arrived, follow up immediately — delays here can derail your entire move.
1 Week Before Departure
Finalize airline and cargo arrangements. If your pet is traveling in cabin, confirm pet-in-cabin policies with your airline. If traveling as cargo, book a pet-specific air cargo service immediately. Many airlines have limited pet slots, especially on routes to South Asia. Provide your airline with your import permit number, microchip details, and health certificate information.
5–7 Days Before Departure
Schedule your veterinary health certificate exam. Your vet will conduct a final health check, confirm your pet is fit to travel, and issue the health certificate. Ensure the certificate includes your pet's microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and your destination (Bangladesh). Have your vet sign and date it.
3–5 Days Before Departure
Submit the health certificate for government endorsement. Take the signed health certificate to your country's veterinary authority for official endorsement. This is a separate step from the vet exam and is mandatory for Bangladesh entry. Keep the original endorsed certificate with you — don't mail it separately.
Day of Departure
Carry all original documents in your carry-on bag. Never check your pet's documents. You'll need: the import permit, the government-endorsed health certificate, proof of microchip implantation, rabies vaccination records, and your pet's airline documentation. Have these ready for inspection at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka — the only approved port of entry for pets in Bangladesh.
Key Requirements at a Glance
Microchip
- ISO 11784/11785 standard (15-digit) is required
- Must be implanted before any vaccinations
- Must be registered with your pet's details
Rabies Vaccination
- Required and must be current
- Pet must be at least 12 weeks old at time of vaccination
- If primary vaccination, allow 21 days before travel
- Booster vaccinations are required to keep immunity current
Health Certificate
- Issued by a licensed veterinarian
- Valid for 10 days only — time your exam carefully
- Must be endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority
- Must include microchip number and rabies vaccination details
- Original endorsed certificate required at port of entry
Import Permit
- Required from Bangladesh's Department of Livestock Services (DLS)
- Typical processing time: 30 days (allow extra for delays)
- NOC takes 5–6 days once submitted
- Must be presented at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC)
Port of Entry
- Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka is the only approved port of entry for pets
- Veterinary inspection occurs at the port
Home Quarantine
- Mandatory 21-day home quarantine after arrival
- Your pet must remain at your residence during this period
- Plan your accommodation and pet care accordingly
Breed Restrictions
Bangladesh does not have breed restrictions for dogs or cats. All breeds are allowed, provided they meet the health and documentation requirements outlined above. This is one area where Bangladesh is straightforward — no banned breed lists to worry about.
Documents Checklist
- Import permit from Bangladesh Department of Livestock Services (DLS)
- Government-endorsed health certificate (original, valid for 10 days)
- Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip implantation
- Rabies vaccination certificate with date and veterinarian signature
- Airline pet documentation and booking confirmation
- Microchip registration details (number and registered owner)
- Your passport and visa for Bangladesh
- Pet's travel crate or carrier (airline-approved)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to apply for the import permit. Start 3 months ahead — bureaucratic delays are common, and you can't enter without it.
- Scheduling the health certificate exam too early. The 10-day validity window is tight. Schedule 5–7 days before departure, not earlier.
- Forgetting the government endorsement step. The health certificate alone isn't enough — it must be endorsed by your country's veterinary authority. This takes 3–5 days.
- Implanting the microchip after vaccination. The microchip must come first. If you vaccinate before microchipping, you'll have to start the vaccination timeline over.
- Not allowing the 21-day waiting period after primary rabies vaccination. If your pet has never been vaccinated, you must wait 21 days after the shot before travel. Plan accordingly.
- Checking documents with your luggage. Keep all original documents in your carry-on. Checked luggage can be delayed or lost, and you'll need these at the airport.
- Underestimating the 21-day home quarantine. Plan your housing and pet care before arrival. Your pet cannot leave your residence during this period.
- Using a non-ISO microchip without a scanner. If your pet has a non-ISO chip, you must provide your own compatible scanner at the port. Avoid this hassle — get the standard ISO chip.
Practical Tips from My Experience
When I moved Cooper to Southeast Asia, I learned that starting the import permit process early is non-negotiable. I also discovered that calling the DLS directly — rather than relying on email — speeds things up significantly. Bangladesh's bureaucracy moves at its own pace, so patience and persistence pay off.
For the health certificate, I scheduled Cooper's exam exactly 6 days before departure. This gave me a 4-day buffer to get the government endorsement and still have the certificate valid at arrival. I also carried three copies of every document — one for the airline, one for the port, and one as a backup.
Finally, plan your home quarantine space before arrival. Cooper needed a comfortable area with access to outdoor space (within your compound) for the 21 days. Arrange pet supplies, food, and veterinary contact information in advance. The quarantine period is mandatory but manageable if you're prepared.
Need Help?
Bangladesh's Department of Livestock Services (DLS) is the official authority for pet imports. Contact them early in your planning process. Your airline's pet services team can also provide guidance on documentation and cargo requirements.
For a personalized travel plan tailored to your pet's specific situation, get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo.
Note: This guide is based on verified data from official Bangladesh government sources and international pet travel standards. Requirements and procedures are subject to change. Always confirm current requirements with Bangladesh's Department of Livestock Services before finalizing your travel plans.
Auto-generated from verified government data · Last updated: April 23, 2026