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Pet Owners: Navigate Dhaka's Rabies Rules and Airport Quarantine Requirements
From mandatory rabies vaccinations to navigating quarantine at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, here's what you need to know about travelling with pets in the Bangladeshi capital.
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Bringing a pet into or out of Dhaka requires careful planning. The Bangladeshi authorities enforce strict biosecurity rules, reflecting the fact that rabies remains endemic in the country and the city's tropical climate and 20 million-plus population create unique challenges for animal care.
Entry and Exit: The Airport Quarantine Rule
All pets must enter or leave Bangladesh exclusively through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). On arrival, animals undergo immediate quarantine checks at the on-site Livestock Quarantine Station. Owners should also secure a No Objection Certificate from the Department of Livestock Services in Farm Gate, Dhaka-1215, to allow pets into the country.
Vaccination and Veterinary Care
Rabies is endemic in Bangladesh, making up-to-date vaccination essential for every pet. Dhaka offers a mix of affordable government veterinary facilities and specialised private clinics. The Central Veterinary Hospital at 48 Kazi Alauddin Road provides accessible, government-backed treatment, while private clinics in Gulshan and Banani handle complex surgeries and emergencies. Both approaches help pet owners manage the city's high-density, traffic-heavy environment where outdoor access for cats and small animals is often unsafe.
A Growing Pet-Friendly Culture
Affluent neighbourhoods such as Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara now support a fast-developing 'pet-friendly' culture. Pet owners can find modern clinics, dedicated accessory stores, and hotels that accept animals. The first pet hotel in the city, Furryghor, opened in 2022 near Mirpur, offers boarding options, reflecting rising demand for professional care while owners travel or work. Pet-friendly hotels also now accept guests with animals, making it easier to keep the family together during a stay.
As the city's pet-owning community expands, more services are appearing, but the fundamentals remain unchanged: strict airport quarantine, mandatory rabies vaccination, and careful consideration of the city's traffic, climate and limited green spaces.