Louie, my 16-month-old Yorkshire Terrier, did not come to Malaysia just for a short stay. He is part of my family, and we live here together. Still, many people search for information about living in Malaysia for a month with a dog, especially while escaping colder seasons in Korea.
I often see families planning a one-month stay in Malaysia for their children’s English education, but hesitating because of their dog. Questions usually follow: Can I bring my dog? Is it realistic? Is it worth it? This post is meant to share what it’s actually like to do Malaysia month-long living with a dog, based on real experience.
1. Why Malaysia Can Be a Good Choice for Dogs
Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations. The climate is consistently warm, cultures are diverse, and daily life is relatively convenient.
Key reasons people choose Malaysia include:
Widespread English usage and international schools
Reasonable living costs
Diverse food options
A generally safe environment
For dogs, the warm climate can be especially beneficial, particularly for senior dogs who struggle in cold weather.
That said, bringing a dog is not without challenges.
2. Quarantine and Emotional Reality
Malaysia requires one week of quarantine for imported dogs. Upon arrival, pets are handed over to an agency after baggage claim.
Many people see quarantine as the biggest obstacle. From personal experience, I found one week of quarantine with daily visits emotionally easier than leaving Louie behind for three weeks in boarding. Watching through cameras or receiving photos did not ease the worry.
For stays longer than three weeks, I believe bringing your dog is often the better choice.
3. Entry Requirements and Preparation
Pet import regulations
Malaysia requires up-to-date vaccination records and a health certificate. If you are planning a month-long stay, consult your veterinarian early to prepare documents properly.
Airline policies
At present, dogs can enter Kuala Lumpur in-cabin only through Korean Air. The flight time is approximately six hours.
Prestige class allows only one pet per flight, so schedule flexibility may be necessary. Keeping the total weight (dog + carrier) under 5 kg is strongly recommended, which means preparing a lightweight carrier in advance.
Malaysia Airlines currently allows pets cargo-only.
Local agency selection
While document preparation in Korea can be handled independently, a Malaysian agent is mandatory for the arrival process. If English is difficult, using a Korean-run agency may be more comfortable. Otherwise, reputable local agencies are available at lower cost.
Accommodation
You must secure pet-friendly housing. Short-term stays usually mean serviced apartments or Airbnb, and pet policies must be confirmed in advance.
Dog food
Bring enough of your regular dog food. Availability and brand consistency can vary.
4. Daily Life With a Dog in Malaysia
Some believe that dogs are not welcome in Muslim-majority countries. However, Malaysia has changed significantly.
There are:
Numerous pet grooming salons
Regular pet fairs
Veterinary clinics, including 24-hour hospitals
Dedicated pet-friendly parks
Areas such as Mont Kiara and Desa ParkCity are particularly dog-friendly. Renting a car for a month allows easy access to parks and daily outings.
Malaysia’s climate remains warm year-round, which can be ideal for older dogs.
5. Limitations and Downsides
Not all places allow dogs, just as in Korea.
Hotels rarely accept pets, so travel outside Kuala Lumpur usually requires Airbnb accommodations.
While this can feel restrictive, for many families the trade-off is worth it. Time spent together with a dog is often more valuable than convenience.
Reflections
Spending time apart from Louie made me realize how long even a week feels for a dog. Their lives are not long, and every day matters.
For those considering living in Malaysia for a month with a dog, I believe it is entirely possible with proper preparation. Beyond warm weather, the experience offers a deeper sense of family continuity and emotional stability.
With planning and realistic expectations, a month in Malaysia with your dog can be not only manageable, but genuinely rewarding.