Can You Take an Adopted Bali Dog Overseas?

Yes, but count the time in months, not weeks. Indonesia is on the US CDC list of high-risk countries for dog rabies (updated 15 April 2026), is not an approved country of origin for Australia, and is "unlisted" for Great Britain. That means a dog adopted in Bali needs a microchip, a rabies vaccine, an antibody titre test and then a waiting period before it can fly. All requirements below were checked in October 2026.

Before you fall in love: why a Bali dog cannot just fly home with you

Bali was declared rabies-infected in late 2008. The provincial government then issued Governor Regulation No. 88 of 2008 on temporarily closing the entry and exit of dogs, cats, monkeys and similar animals, followed by Bali Regional Regulation No. 15 of 2009 on rabies control and Governor Regulation No. 19 of 2010 on procedures for moving rabies-carrying animals. These documents are still posted on the Bali Agriculture and Food Agency website, and we found no record of them being revoked.

Nationally, every animal leaving Indonesia must go through quarantine procedures by the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin). The office serving Bali is the Bali Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine Centre (BBKHIT Bali). Some owners report that their dogs were flown out via Jakarta rather than directly from Ngurah Rai. We found no official document explaining that route, so get written confirmation from BBKHIT Bali before booking anything.

Step 1: check the destination country first

The destination decides how long this takes.

• Australia: according to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), a dog must have lived at least 180 days in an approved country before export to Australia, counted from when the titre (RNATT) sample reaches the laboratory. The DAFF FAQ says the direct import pathway from non-approved countries is no longer available. In practice a Bali dog must first move to and live in an approved third country. This is the longest and most expensive route.
• Great Britain: Indonesia is not on the gov.uk list of "listed" countries. The dog needs a microchip, a rabies vaccine, a rabies blood test at least 30 days after vaccination at an EU-approved laboratory with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, then a 3-month wait from the date the blood was drawn. Dogs also need tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before arrival.
• United States: Indonesia is on the CDC high-risk list. Dogs must be at least 6 months old on arrival, microchipped, and the owner completes the CDC Dog Import Form. Dogs vaccinated outside the US need a vaccination certification form endorsed by a government veterinarian and must arrive at an airport with a CDC-registered animal care facility; without a valid titre, there is a 28-day quarantine.
• New Zealand and others: check that country's biosecurity authority directly. Many treat Indonesia the way Australia does, requiring the dog to live in an approved country first.

Step 2: microchip first, then vaccinate

Almost every country requires an ISO-standard microchip to be implanted before the rabies vaccine. A vaccine given before the chip may be treated as invalid and has to be repeated. Keep proof of the chip number, implant date and the vet's vaccination booklet.

Step 3: titre test at an approved laboratory

The blood sample is usually sent to an overseas laboratory approved by the destination country, because the result must come from a lab it recognises. The waiting period (3 months for Britain, 180 days for Australia via a third country) starts from the date the destination country specifies. If the titre is below the threshold, the vaccine is repeated and the clock restarts.

Step 4: export papers from quarantine and the airline

• A health certificate from a vet and an export quarantine certificate from Barantin, in the format the destination country requires.
• An airline booking. Many airlines only accept dogs as manifest cargo, not baggage, on international routes. The crate must meet IATA standards.
• An import permit from the destination country where required (Australia and New Zealand require one).

What about rescue groups like BAWA?

The Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) in Ubud runs an adoption programme; its adoption form mentions a two-week trial period and that animals are vaccinated and sterilised when old enough. We found no official BAWA programme for sending dogs abroad. Ask them directly whether they can recommend a pet relocation agent. Professional agents usually handle the microchip, titre, quarantine and cargo as one package.

How much does it cost?

We found no official, checkable price list, so we are not publishing a figure. The components are: vet and vaccines in Bali, shipping the sample and the titre test abroad, Indonesian quarantine fees, air cargo, the import permit, quarantine in the destination country and, for Australia, the dog's living costs for 180 days in a third country. Ask at least two agents for a written quote itemised by component. Owner stories published on fundraising pages describe the Australia process taking around nine months.

One honest note

For Australia the process is long and costly, so some rescuers suggest supporting the dog in Bali instead, for example through sponsorship or a donation to a shelter, if you are not ready to wait almost a year. For Britain and the US the route is shorter and realistic in 4 to 6 months if the paperwork is in order. Rules for bringing animals into Bali are covered in travelling to Bali with a pet. If you spend time with street or shelter dogs, also know what to do if you are bitten.