Relocating a beloved pet from Vietnam to the Philippines involves a series of strict veterinary protocols, airline compliance measures, and government permits. Planning your budget early is key to a successful pet shipping to the Philippines experience.
To help pet owners prepare financially, we have compiled this comprehensive, transparent cost breakdown. The total cost ranges from $800 to $2,500+ depending on whether your pet travels as Checked Baggage (AVIH) or Manifest Cargo.
1. Pre-Departure Veterinary Costs in Vietnam
Before your pet can travel, they must undergo several medical treatments. These veterinary procedures are critical for biosecurity compliance and cost approximately $50 to $100 USD.
- Microchip Identification: An ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip must be implanted before any vaccinations ($15–$25 USD).
- Vaccinations: A valid rabies vaccine and mandatory core vaccines (DHPPI for dogs, FVRCP for cats) administered at least 30 days before departure ($20–$40 USD).
- Parasite Treatments: Certified internal and external parasite treatments administered by a licensed vet within 48 hours of flight ($15–$25 USD).
- Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC): Endorsement from the Department of Animal Health (DAH) in Vietnam ($10–$20 USD).
2. Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Import Permit (SPSIC)
The Philippines requires a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). This document is a non-negotiable requirement under Philippines pet import laws for legal entry.
- Official Portal Fee: The raw government application fee is relatively low, costing around 250 to 400 PHP ($5–$10 USD) per pet.
- Professional Agency Service: Navigating the online application portal and ensuring error-free documentation costs $150–$200 USD.
3. IATA-Compliant Travel Crate Sizing
Your pet’s travel crate is their temporary home during the flight. It must strictly comply with the international IATA Crate Requirements to ensure the airline does not reject your pet at check-in.
You must accurately Measure Your Pet to choose the correct size. The cost of a brand new IATA crate ranges from $30 USD for a small cat to $300+ USD for giant dog breeds.
4. Air Freight & Travel Methods (AVIH vs. Manifest Cargo)
The method of travel is the largest cost variable. You can choose between Checked Baggage (AVIH) or Manifest Cargo, depending on pet size and airline regulations.
- Checked Baggage (AVIH): The pet travels under the passenger ticket on the same flight. Available on Vietnam Airlines and Philippine Airlines, costing $150–$500 USD.
- Manifest Cargo: The pet travels unaccompanied under an Airway Bill (AWB). Mandatory for pets above 32kg, costing $500–$1,500 USD due to specialized warehouse fees.
5. Destination Customs Clearance & Port Fees
Upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) or Mactan-Cebu International Airport, your pet will undergo a strict veterinary inspection.
- BAI Inspection & Quarantine Fee: Standard veterinary inspection fee collected by port authorities ($10–$20 USD).
- Customs Brokerage & Handling: Processing customs declaration paperwork and securing the physical release of your pet ($50–$150 USD).
6. Real-World Case Studies: Estimated Totals
To give you a realistic picture, here are two common scenarios managed by Daisy Pet Transport.
- Scenario A (Small Cat via AVIH): Vet prep ($60) + SPSIC Permit ($180) + Cat Crate ($40) + AVIH Ticket ($200) + Manila Release ($70) → Total approx. $550–$600 USD.
- Scenario B (Medium Corgi via Manifest Cargo): Vet prep ($90) + SPSIC Permit ($180) + Corgi Crate ($120) + Cargo Freight ($850) + Manila Release ($110) → Total approx. $1,350–$1,450 USD.
7. Detailed Cost Breakdown Matrix
Below is the comprehensive cost matrix for pet relocation to the Philippines, broken down by line item.
| Expense Category | Estimated Range (USD) | Compliance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip & Vet Preparation | $50 – $100 | Mandatory (ISO Compliant) |
| BAI SPSIC Import Permit | $150 – $200 | Mandatory (Official & Agency) |
| IATA Travel Crate | $30 – $300 | Mandatory (Airlines Approved) |
| AVIH Air Freight (Direct Flights) | $150 – $500 | Optional (Under 32kg) |
| Manifest Cargo Freight (Unaccompanied) | $500 – $1,500 | Mandatory (Over 32kg) |
| Manila/Cebu Ground Clearance | $50 – $150 | Mandatory (Port Charges) |
8. DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Relocation Concierge
While applying for the SPSIC and booking AVIH on your own is possible, a single clerical error can lead to boarding rejection or immediate deportation of your pet at Manila airport.
At Daisy Pet Transport, we handle the entire logistics architecture — from booking Airlines For Pet Transport to customs clearance.
9. Expert Tips for a Cost-Effective Relocation
To minimize unnecessary expenses, we recommend following these expert guidelines.
- Book Direct Flights: Choose airlines with direct routes to Manila to avoid transit quarantine charges. Ensure you map this with your pet shipping timeline to the Philippines.
- Early Crate Training: Start training early so you do not have to buy a last-minute oversized crate due to boarding stress.
- Consolidate Documentation: Ensure all vaccine certificates clearly display the pet’s microchip number to avoid costly veterinary recertification.
Contact our specialized team today for a tailored, itemized quote with every step of your pet’s journey listed.
Last updated 18 Oct 2026
Compiled by our specialists from the regulations in force on the date above, for reference only. Rules may change after this date. Please verify with the competent authorities or contact us for the most accurate information.
Official sources cited in this guide
- Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)bai.gov.ph
