We understand how important your pet is to you and your family. Prior to being able to fly with your pet, traveling was a heartbreaking experience because you had to leave your favorite pet behind. However, many people currently travel with their pets wherever they go. Nepal is an amazing country to visit, but it can be difficult to travel with a dog. Because of the high risk of rabies, unknown import rules, and cultural variations in attitudes toward pets, few people bring their dogs to Nepal. It can be an eye-opening experience if you are ready to put in the effort and take the necessary safeguards. Nepal accepts pets such as cats, dogs, birds, and even fish and turtles at most of its sites. Its goal is to make traveling with pets a pleasant and safe experience for both the pet and the owner. The airlines understand that flying with a pet is difficult since you must prepare your pet for the flight. Before your pet takes off, you must plan carefully.
Requirements for getting your Pet in Nepal:
Rabies Vaccination:
The rabies vaccine is the most prevalent necessity for foreign travel. The vaccine must be given at least 30 days prior to going to Nepal, and it is only good for a year. In major boarders, you must have your vaccination certificate with you at all times.
International Health Certificate:
An international health certificate is a government-issued document that lists your dog’s rabies vaccination history as well as other pertinent immunizations. It also specifies that the dog is in good health and free of contagious diseases, making it suitable for international travel. You have 10 days to enter Nepal after receiving your health certificate, or you must obtain a new one. A licensed veterinarian must complete and provide the health certificate. From the time it is issued, your dog’s health certificate is valid for 30 days of travel. If you are staying in Nepal for more than 30 days, you will need a Nepalese health certificate to leave the country. The paperwork for animal transportation must be completed by a veterinarian in Kathmandu and certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Services of the Nepalese government. You have 10 days from the time the health certificate is granted to return to your home country.
Notify Animal Quarantine of Import:
At least 24 hours prior to your arrival at the Kathmandu airport, you must notify the Animal Quarantine Office. we recommend letting them know at least a week in advance. This guarantees that an Animal Quarantine Officer will be on hand to assist with import papers. Email is the best way to get in touch with them. Include your name, contact information, arrival date, arrival time, flight information, pet breed, and weight in your email. Multiple copies of your animal transportation documents should be brought. For their records, the Animal Quarantine Office will need to preserve copies.
Website: http://ktm.aqo.gov.np
Preferred email: ktmquarantine@gmail.com
Email: info@ktm.aqo.gov.np
Import Tax:
In comparison to other European countries, Nepal has a high import tariff on pets. The tax is paid at the Kathmandu airport’s customs department upon arrival. The value of your pet is determined by its breed, and the import tax is calculated as a proportion of that value, which is typically 25-40% of the “perceived value.” There are few credit card terminals at point-of-sale, and there is no ATM near customs. Most major currencies are accepted, so it’s wise to have cash on hand.
Airline Requirements:
You have two options for flying with your pet: in the cabin or in the cargo hold. Airlines have different requirements for international travel with your dog. It’s important to check with the specific airline you’ll be flying with. Pet policies are available on the websites of all major airlines. All airlines require that you make a reservation for your dog at least 24 hours prior to your departure. This is critical because the number of pets allowed on a single aircraft is limited. The airline will check the rabies vaccination certificate and the international health certificate before boarding. All pets must enter Nepal through Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport.
Carrier and Crate Requirements:
There are specific conditions for the pet and its carrier if you are allowed to bring your dog into the cabin. Typical examples include:
- The total weight of your pet and carrier must be under 20lbs or 8kg
- The dog must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in their carrier
- The carrier must be able to fit underneath the seat
Your pet will have to fly in the cargo hold if the airline does not allow cabin transportation or if it weighs too much. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements for certified carriers for pets in cargo are followed by the majority of airlines. The following are the requirements:
- The crate must be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- The container must be clean, leak-proof
- Absorbent bedding must be provided
- The container must be well constructed and be able to withstand other freight damaging it or causing the structure to buckle or bend.
- Separate food and water containers must be provided, either fixed inside the container or attached to it so that they are accessible.
- The container must be adequately ventilated on at least three sides, with the majority of the ventilation being provided on the upper half of the container.
Tips for Traveling with Your Dog in Nepal:
Utilize a dog harness with a handle:
When taking your dog out, we recommend using a harness with a robust handle. It’s convenient to be able to easily pick up your dog if he or she is tiny enough. A harness is useful for added control in stressful situations if you have a larger dog. To avoid chaffing or rubbing, use a harness that fits your dog appropriately if you plan on doing long-distance hiking in Nepal. Because every dog is made differently, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all harness.
Beware of stray dogs and livestock:
In Nepal, there are a lot of stray dogs, both in the city and on the trekking trails. The simple act of banging the stick on the ground deters most stray animals. If they become more aggressive, act as if you’re picking up a rock and throwing it. This is generally enough to scare them away. Locals are used to seeing stray dogs and frequently come to our aid to help us deter them. If you’re feeling threatened, it’s a good idea to draw attention to yourself! There’s also the issue of livestock. Cows walk freely in the streets of cities, and goats, yaks, and pony trains abound in the mountains. If there were only a few animals, waving a trekking stick and yelling worked. Of course, every dog reacts to animals differently, so be conscious of your dog’s behavior and limits!
Bring some dog food with you from home:
You should bring enough dog food for the duration of your trip, or to transition your dog to a different food, depending on the length of your stay. If you need to transition, we recommend carrying 1 to 2 weeks’ worth of food. Changing your dog’s diet all at once is not a good idea. Allow one week for the transition to ensure that your dog does not get an upset stomach or diarrhea. To make the transition easier, combine your dog’s old and new food. Over the course of seven days, gradually reduce the amount of current dog food while gradually increasing the amount of new dog food. Dog food is available at a few pet stores and occasionally in the grocery store. Drools, Pedigree, and Buddy are the three most popular dog food brands. Drools and Pedigree may be found in pet stores, whereas Buddy can be found in big supermarkets.
You can purchase poop bags at the plastics store:
There are “plastics stores” where you may buy bowls, containers, and other types of plastic bags. Simply ask where the nearest plastics store is when you need poop bags. The alternative is having your dog soil in the street, which is not the most environmentally friendly option. At the very least, using a poop bag prevents waste from entering the water system.
Inquire about the hotel’s pet policy if you plan to stay there:
There are no set pet policies in Nepal’s hotels, teahouses, or homestays. Respect the institutions, but it never hurts to ask if your dog is welcome to stay. There is no damage as long as your dog is amiable and does not disturb the surroundings.
Notice: As of January 2022, the advice in this article is correct. Laws and regulations can be altered at any time. This page is solely to be used as a source of information. Before going, please verify with your veterinarian and the appropriate government bodies to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.