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Which Airlines Are Best For Traveling With Pets To Vietnam?

Traveling with pets to Vietnam requires more preparation than booking a regular flight. Whether you're relocating, planning an extended holiday, or moving with your furry companion, understanding Vietnam's import regulations and choosing the right airline are essential for a smooth journey. Travelers from European countries should prepare the necessary health documents well in advance and select an airline with reliable pet transport services. This guide explains Vietnam's pet entry requirements, compares the best airlines for traveling with pets to Vietnam and outlines what you need to know before leaving Vietnam with your pet.

I. Rules and requirements for bringing pets to Vietnam

Before choosing one of the best airlines for traveling with pets to Vietnam, make sure your pet meets Vietnam's import requirements. It is recommended to begin preparing 4 to 6 weeks before departure, giving you enough time to arrange vaccinations, veterinary documents, and your airline reservation.

1. Prepare your pet's travel documents

To enter Vietnam, your pet must have several important documents ready before departure. These typically include:

• A veterinary health certificate issued by the official veterinary authority in your country within 7 to 10 days before travel, confirming that your pet is healthy and fit to fly.

• A valid rabies vaccination certificate. The rabies vaccine should generally be administered at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before arriving in Vietnam.

• Your pet's vaccination record or pet passport, showing its medical history and routine vaccinations.

• An ISO-compliant microchip is strongly recommended. Although it is not legally required by Vietnam, many airlines and countries require one, and the microchip number should match all health documents.

• Your own passport or identification documents if you are traveling with your pet.

To avoid delays during inspection, keep both printed and digital copies of all documents. If they are not issued in English or Vietnamese, consider having them translated before traveling.

2. Apply for import quarantine approval

Before your flight, you should register your pet with Vietnam's Department of Animal Health (DAH). The application includes your pet's health documents and quarantine declaration. Once approved, the DAH will notify both you and the animal quarantine office at your arrival airport.

3. Complete inspection upon arrival

After landing in Vietnam, collect your pet and proceed to the airport's animal quarantine office. Veterinary officers will check your pet's identity, review the documents, and perform a basic health inspection.

If everything is in order, your pet will be allowed to complete the required quarantine procedures. Depending on the health assessment and disease risk, additional quarantine or observation may be required before your pet is officially cleared to enter Vietnam.

II. Which airline should you choose?

Choosing the right airline is just as important as preparing your paperwork. If you are flying from European country, consider not only the ticket price but also the airline's pet policy, transit conditions, and customer experience.

*Emirates: Pets are transported via Emirates SkyCargo only. Checked baggage transport is not available.

**Etihad Airways: Pets may travel in the cabin on eligible flights to or from Abu Dhabi or via Etihad Cargo's LiveAnimals service. Standard checked baggage transport is not offered.

1. Vietnam Airlines

Among the best airlines for traveling with pets to Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines is a popular choice thanks to its direct and connecting flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin if they meet the airline's weight requirements, while larger pets are accepted as checked baggage or cargo.

Regarding fees for traveling with pets to Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines charges separately for pet transport. International pet travel typically starts from around €90-180 for cabin transport, while larger pets transported as checked baggage or cargo are charged at higher rates depending on the route and the size of the carrier.

2. Air France

For French travelers, traveling with pets on Air France is a popular option thanks to the airline's extensive international network. Small cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin on many routes, while larger pets travel safely in the climate-controlled cargo hold.

Pet transport fees vary depending on the destination and travel method. For flights departing from Europe, in-cabin pets generally cost from €70, while pets transported in the hold are typically charged from €200. As fees vary by route and destination, it is advisable to check the latest prices with Air France before booking your flight to Vietnam.

3. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is one of the airlines for traveling with pets to Vietnam, offering convenient connections from Paris to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City via Doha. Small falcons are the only animals permitted in the passenger cabin on most routes, while cats and dogs travel as checked baggage or cargo under IATA standards.

Pet transport fees depend on the combined weight of the pet and carrier. For most international routes outside Qatar, the fee is USD 350 (around €300) for pets weighing up to 32 kg, and USD 450 (around €385) for pets weighing between 32 and 75 kg. Pets over 75 kg must travel as cargo. With its extensive long-haul network and professional animal handling services, Qatar Airways is a reliable choice for travelers flying from France to Vietnam.

4. Emirates

For travelers planning pet travel to Vietnam, Emirates is a reliable option with convenient connections through Dubai. While cats and dogs generally travel as cargo rather than in the passenger cabin, the airline offers dedicated animal handling facilities designed for long-haul international transport. Pet transport fees are calculated individually based on the route, the combined weight of the pet and carrier, and the dimensions of the travel crate.

5. Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is another excellent choice among the airlines for traveling with pets to Vietnam, especially for passengers connecting through Abu Dhabi. Depending on the route and aircraft, pets may travel in the cabin or as cargo. Transport fees are quoted on a case-by-case basis, so travelers should contact Etihad before booking to confirm availability and obtain an accurate price.

6. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines is popular with European travelers thanks to its extensive route network via Istanbul. Small cats and dogs may travel in the cabin if they meet the airline's weight restrictions, while larger pets are accepted as checked baggage or cargo. Compared with many Middle Eastern carriers, Turkish Airlines offers more flexibility for cabin pet travel, although fees vary depending on the destination and your pet's size.

7. Thai Airways

If your journey includes a stop in Bangkok, Thai Airways can also be considered for pet travel to Vietnam. The airline accepts pets on selected international routes, either as checked baggage or cargo, subject to destination regulations. Transport charges depend on the route and the total weight of the pet and carrier, so it is advisable to request a quotation before booking.

III. Leaving Vietnam with your pet

1. Obtain an export health certificate

Before leaving Vietnam, your pet will usually need a veterinary health certificate issued by the competent Vietnamese authorities. This document confirms that your pet is healthy and fit to travel.

Some destination countries require the certificate to be issued within a specific period before departure, so verify the timing carefully.

2. Check your destination country's import requirements

Every country has its own pet import regulations.

For example, if you are returning to France or another EU member state, your pet may need:

• A valid ISO-compliant microchip
• A current rabies vaccination
• An official health certificate
• Additional documentation depending on the country of origin and travel history

Requirements may change, so always consult the official veterinary authorities of your destination before booking your flight.

3. Confirm your airline reservation again

Even if your pet traveled with you to Vietnam, do not assume the return booking is automatic.

Contact your airline several weeks before departure to reconfirm your pet's reservation, verify the carrier dimensions, and ensure that all required documents are complete. Pet quotas are limited, especially during busy travel periods.

4. Arrive early at the airport

International pet travel usually requires additional document verification and check-in procedures.

Plan to arrive at least three to four hours before departure to allow enough time for veterinary inspections, document checks, and airline processing.

Traveling with pets to Vietnam can be a smooth and rewarding experience when you prepare in advance. Understanding Vietnam's import requirements, selecting a reliable airline, and keeping your pet healthy throughout the trip will help avoid unnecessary stress for both you and your companion. With careful planning and the right documentation, bringing a pet to Vietnam becomes much easier, allowing you and your pet to enjoy your adventure together with confidence.

If you're planning a trip to Vietnam with you dog, consider working with Autour Asia, a travel agency in Saigon, to design a pet-friendly itinerary that makes traveling across the country more comfortable for both you and your furry companion.