Importing a pet to Cambodia — dog, cat

In 3 bullets

• Current rabies vaccine + ISO 11784/85 microchip + veterinary export certificate: non-negotiable trio.
• No quarantine on arrival if the file is compliant. Health inspection at Phnom Penh airport by a GDAHP agent (General Directorate of Animal Health).
• Prepare 2 to 6 months in advance — especially for the rabies vaccine (≥ 30 days before departure) and the import permit for unaccompanied trips (cargo).

Eligibility

Any dog or cat over 3 months old can enter Cambodia from France or another country subject to meeting health requirements:

• Identification by ISO 11784/85 microchip (15 digits) implanted before the rabies vaccine.
• Rabies vaccine primary injection ≥ 30 days before arrival, vaccine in current validity (the GDAHP does not accept “multi-year” boosters > 12 months).
• Complementary vaccinations:
  • Dogs: distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis ≥ 21 days before arrival.
  • Cats: typhus, coryza, leucosis ≥ 21 days before arrival.
• Veterinary export health certificate issued by an accredited vet in the country of origin, endorsed by official veterinary services (DDPP in France) within 10 days before travel.
• Animal in apparent good health at check time.

Import permit (only unaccompanied cargo)

If the animal travels alone in cargo hold (without an accompanying passenger on the same flight): prior import permit issued by the GDAHP (MAFF). Request to be made 2-3 weeks before travel via a local agent or directly at the ministry.

For an accompanied animal (cabin or hold on the same plane as the owner): no import permit, just the health documents.

Cost and duration

Veterinary costs in France (before departure)

Air transport

Costs on arrival in Phnom Penh

• GDAHP veterinary inspection at the airport: ~ 30-50 USD (service fees, to confirm).
• Import permit (if cargo): 50-150 USD.
• Local forwarder fees (if file entrusted): 200-500 USD.

Lead times

• Minimum total preparation: 6 weeks (chip + rabies vaccine + 30-day wait + visits).
• Ideal preparation: 3-6 months for peace of mind, especially if vaccines to update.
• Import permit (cargo): 2-3 weeks before departure.
• Arrival inspection: 30 min to 2h depending on volume.

How to import your pet

1. In cabin (cat / dog < 8 kg)

The simplest if the animal is small. Airlines recommended by expats:

• Air France (direct PP / Hong Kong / Singapore flight with connection).
• Singapore Airlines (Singapore connection).
• Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong connection).

Procedure:

1. Reservation at ticket purchase (cabin slots limited to ~ 4-6 per plane).
2. Approved bag under the front seat.
3. Documents presented at check-in: European pet passport, endorsed veterinary certificate, vaccination proof.

2. Accompanied hold (medium dog)

For a 8-32 kg dog in good health (excluding brachycephalic breeds often refused in hold by heat):

1. Size-appropriate IATA crate.
2. Animal hold reservation with the airline.
3. Animal check-in 2-3h before flight (airport veterinary procedures).
4. Pickup on arrival in PP at the cargo terminal or at baggage claim depending on flight.

3. Unaccompanied cargo (big dog, special breed)

When direct flight isn’t possible or you need a specialised forwarder:

1. Choose a forwarder (PetRelocation, Animal Express, Asia Pet, etc.).
2. GDAHP import permit requested by the forwarder.
3. IATA crate, FR airport transport → cargo flight → PP airport.
4. Pickup at PNH cargo terminal after inspection.

Total cost: 1,500-2,500 USD typical (flight + forwarder + customs).

Required documents

To provide on travel day and present on arrival:

• European pet passport (EU blue booklet, where vaccines are stuck).
• Recent veterinary export health certificate (≤ 10 days) endorsed by DDPP.
• Complete vaccination booklet.
• Microchip certificate (ISO number).
• GDAHP import permit if unaccompanied cargo.
• Regulation IATA crate (large enough, ventilation, absorbent bottom).
• For the owner: passport, visa, ticket.

On arrival in Phnom Penh

1. Pickup of the crate at baggage claim (cabin / hold) or cargo terminal (cargo flight).
2. Health inspection by a GDAHP agent (document check, animal general state).
3. Service fee (~ 30-50 USD, payable in USD or KHR cash).
4. Validation stamp on the certificate → the animal is free to enter Cambodia.

No quarantine if the file is compliant. If the animal shows signs of illness or a document is missing: observation hold or even refusal of entry (at the owner’s expense).

Recommended vets in Phnom Penh

Several clinics run by French- / English-speaking vets:

• Agrovet (Phnom Penh Animal Hospital) — international team, emergencies.
• The Animal Mama — Australian vet, daily care and surgery.
• Toulouse Vet — French vet, BKK1.
• PVMC (Phnom Penh Veterinary Medical Centre) — Khmer + international team.

Indicative rates: 15-40 USD consultation, 50-150 USD cat/dog sterilisation, 30-80 USD vaccines.

Common pitfalls

FAQ

Is there really zero quarantine in Cambodia?

No mandatory quarantine if the file is compliant. The GDAHP may place the animal in observation for 1-3 days if there’s a doubt (general state, missing document). Very rare in practice for animals from France perfectly prepared.

Does my FR vet know Cambodian requirements?

Not always. Bring them the official list (consult agriculture.gouv.fr or ask the Cambodian Embassy in France for a model letter). The DDPP service of your department knows the procedure for the official endorsement.

And for other animals (birds, exotic pets)?

Much more complex procedure, subject to CITES authorisation if protected species + specific GDAHP permit. Count 4-6 months and a specialised forwarder. Reptiles, parrots, ferrets: case by case.

How much does food cost for a medium dog in Cambodia?

Premium kibble (Royal Canin, Pro Plan) available at Aeon Mall, Vet Choice, Lucky Mart: 40-80 USD the 15 kg bag (a bit more expensive than in France). Local kibble: 20-40 USD the bag. Home cooking (rice + chicken) very common among Cambodians.

Boarding / pet-sitter during travel?

Several options in PP:

• Private boarding: 5-15 USD/day per service level.
• Home pet-sitter (French / Khmer / Filipino): 15-30 USD/day.
• Veterinary clinics: boarding at 8-20 USD/day, on-site vet.

What to do in case of bite / scratch (rabies suspected)?

Go immediately to the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (pasteur-kh.org) to assess the need for post-exposure treatment (serum + vaccines). Canine rabies remains present in Cambodia: caution with stray dogs.