You might wanna bring your cat/kitten back home?here goes!

I received a note from aidanarina.blogspot.com/ ( hello Aida!:))..asking for the procedures on bringing Luvie, my cat to Malaysia recently. Really its kinda easy, provided you have all the documents and time sorted out.

Step 1. Thorough medical check up and Rabies vaccination. This vaccination is valid for a year from the day the cat got it done. You will get the international passport with this step 1.

Step 2. Compulsory to get it microchip-ed. It does not cost a bomb, probably around RM100 the most.

Step 3. With all the documents documented in the passport, get it scanned and please download a FORM A from the jabatan haiwan malaysia website. Fill in the form. Email all these details to your relative/friend in Malaysia, the one who will be going on your behalf to the jabatan haiwan to obtain the Import Permit.

Now, the import permit part is quite tricky. My first application was rejected by the jabatan haiwan in Wisma Tani Putrajaya. Reason being: They need a HEALTH CERTIFICATE from an authorized government veterinary clinic, to state that the so and so cat is healthy and fit to travel.

( this is Step 4 in case you don't have a health cert for your cat. )

As of Russia, the health cert needed for Step 3 will only be issued 3 days before you arrival date in KLIA. In my case, i had to call the veterinary doctor in Putrajaya, followed by few emails to convince them that that's the Russian regulation for animal exportation.

Finally they agreed and with the help of one kind doctor in Jab.Haiwan Putrajaya, she released my Import Permit just on time.

Step 5. Make sure you email all the details- the passport with all its content being scanned clearly to your chosen airline company. They normally need at least 72 hours to confirm your booking for your cat. The cat can either go in as a hand carry (into the cabin with you) or into the cargo. As for now, the only airline that i know which is able to carry pets on board is Thai Airways.

Also, email them about the breed of your cat together with the weight (INCLUDING the carrier and the cat itself). They will charge according to the excess luggage tariff.

Step 6. Please make sure that you have the very last document ready- the health certificate that is valid for only 3 days upon arrival.

Step 7. Be ready at the airport earlier than usual. You need to go to the airport veterinary counter for them to do some last minute check up on your cat. ( was very easy in Moscow,Domodedovo Airport).

As for the quarantine, some countries might need them, some might not. Please email me if you have any further question and i can help you to get in touch with the nice lady vet in Putrajaya main office.

Well, hope this helps.:)