Bring Your Dog Along for a One-Month Stay in Malaysia

 

© Text & Photos by Yoo Yun



My sweet 16-month-old Yorkshire Terrier, Louie, didn’t just come to Malaysia for a one-month trip.
He’s actually been living with me here since I moved.

Have you ever dreamed of spending the colder months in a warm country—with your dog?
Many families plan a one-month stay in Malaysia for their children’s language development, but worry about leaving their pets behind.

Can you bring your dog?
Is it worth it?
How do you even prepare?

Let me help you with those questions.
Here’s why bringing your dog for a one-month stay in Malaysia is totally possible—and even wonderful.



🌴 Why Choose a One-Month Stay in Malaysia? Is It Hard with a Dog?

Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations.
It’s warm year-round and culturally diverse. But why choose Malaysia over other tropical countries?

✅ English-speaking environment and great international schools
✅ Lower cost of living
✅ Diverse and delicious food
✅ Safety

But yes, bringing a dog may seem difficult at first.

✈️ 1-week quarantine required
When you arrive, your dog is handed over to an agency at baggage claim for the quarantine process.

Many see this as a huge hurdle.
But here’s how I see it: what about the month your dog spends without you?

I once left Louie at a pet hotel for three weeks while I was in Malaysia, and it broke my heart.
Even though I got video updates and photos, it wasn’t the same.
So I now believe it’s better to bring your dog—even if you're staying for only three weeks.



🧳 How to Prepare to Bring Your Dog to Malaysia

🩺 Check entry requirements
Malaysia requires up-to-date vaccination records and a health certificate.
Talk to your vet early and gather all documents.

🛫 Check airline policies
Currently, only Korean Air allows dogs in-cabin to Kuala Lumpur.
The flight is about 6 hours, and there’s only one Prestige seat per flight that allows pets—so book early.

Try to keep total pet + carrier weight under 5kg.
Choose a light, airline-approved bag.

⚠️ Note: Malaysia Airlines only allows dogs in cargo.

🔍 Choose a local agency
You can handle all prep from Korea on your own, but once you arrive in Malaysia, you’ll need an agency.
If you’re not comfortable with English, pick a Korean-run agency.
Otherwise, local options are cheaper and quite reliable.

🏡 Book pet-friendly accommodations
I live in a condo in Kuala Lumpur, but if you’re staying temporarily, look for short-term rentals that allow pets.

🥣 Bring enough of your dog’s regular food
It's best to bring the brand your dog is used to.



🐕 Benefits of Bringing Your Dog to Malaysia

Worried about leaving your dog behind for your child’s one-month stay?
Then don’t. Bring your dog.

Some say it’s hard to raise a dog in a Muslim country.
But based on my experience living here long-term, things have changed—a lot.

✅ Pet salons and pet fairs are everywhere
✅ Vet clinics are common, even 24-hour hospitals
✅ Pet-friendly parks are increasing

Malaysia’s weather is ideal, especially for senior dogs.
Consider renting a car for a month and exploring the country with your furry friend.
Louie has loved it.



📉 Challenges of Bringing Your Dog to Malaysia

Like in Korea, not every place is pet-friendly.

But in expat-heavy areas like Mont Kiara, most condos allow dogs.
In pet-friendly districts like Desa ParkCity, dogs are welcome everywhere.

Traveling nearby?
Most hotels are not pet-friendly, so use Airbnb instead.
(I booked my first-ever Airbnb here in Malaysia!)

⚠️ But remember: your dog is family.
Spending every day together—even in quarantine—is more precious than time apart.



🐾 Bring Your Dog Along for a One-Month Stay in Malaysia

So—how do you feel?

When I traveled without Louie, I couldn’t enjoy a single day.
Worrying about him drained every moment.

Now I never want to leave him behind.
Dogs live short lives. One day, one week, one month—it’s all a lot for them.

If you’re considering a one-month stay in Malaysia, know that it’s absolutely doable with your dog.
With proper planning, it can be a beautiful and enriching experience—for both of you.



Original Post (Korean):
https://blog.naver.com/heartkeepers/223709625326

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