Moving to Da Nang with Your Dog: What You Need to Know (2026)

Yes, you can move to Da Nang with your dog, but real safety risks exist: street poison, dog theft, and loose aggressive dogs. The key rule: never let your dog off-leash or unsupervised. With proper precautions like leashed walks, muzzles to prevent eating from the ground, and living in gated communities, many expat dogs thrive in Da Nang. Here is everything you need to know.

The Honest Truth: Real Risks

Let's not sugarcoat it - the stories you've heard are partially true. According to expats living in Da Nang:

• Poison on the streets: Some streets have rat poison (and occasionally poison meant for dogs). It's often disguised as candy or treats. Dogs can die instantly if they ingest it.
• Dog theft and dog meat trade: Dog theft does happen, particularly in rainy seasons. Motorbike teams sometimes catch strays for the dog meat trade.
• Loose aggressive dogs: Packs of loose, unvaccinated dogs can be dangerous, and there have been incidents of attacks.
• Limited acceptance: Many places don't accept dogs. Dogs are often viewed as guard dogs or food sources rather than pets.

Safety Precautions That Work

Most important rule: Never let your dog off-leash or unsupervised.

• Keep your dog in sight at all times - This is non-negotiable. Dogs can eat poison, get stolen, or get into fights.
• Walk your dog on a leash - Every single time, even in your neighborhood.
• Watch what they eat - Don't let them eat anything from the ground. Be especially vigilant in rainy season.
• Use a muzzle - Some expat dogs wear muzzles to prevent eating poison or street food.
• Consider a GPS tracker - If your dog escapes, a tracker can help recover them (though it doesn't work everywhere).
• Live in a gated community - If possible, choose a gated community with a secure yard. This dramatically reduces risks.
• Build community - Get to know your neighbors. They can watch out for your dog and alert you to dangers.

The Flip Side: It's Not All Bad News

Here's what expat dog owners also report:

• Most locals love dogs - 99% of people think dogs are adorable and will be friendly to your pet.
• Many dogs thrive here - With proper precautions, many dogs live long, happy lives in Da Nang.
• Neighbors can be protective - When locals get to know your dog, they often become protective of it.
• Beaches are available (with restrictions) - Dogs aren't allowed on all beaches, but some areas permit them.
• Veterinary care is available - Da Nang has good vets who understand pet care.

Before You Move: Logistics

Getting your dog to Vietnam:

• Health certificates - Get a health certificate from your vet 10 days before travel (required by Vietnam).
• Import documents - Obtain an import health certificate from the Vietnamese authorities.
• Pet shippers - Consider using a professional pet shipper (costs can be $20,000+). It takes about 4 days for delivery.
• Quarantine - Be prepared for potential quarantine requirements.
• Flight stress - Your dog may be stressed from the journey, but they typically adjust within a few weeks.

What Da Nang Lacks

• No dog parks - There are no enclosed, safe dog parks where your dog can run freely off-leash.
• Limited pet-friendly businesses - Many restaurants, hotels, and shops don't accept pets.
• No beach access for dogs - Dogs are generally not allowed on beaches.
• Dog meat restaurants - There are approximately 15 dog meat restaurants in the city (though this is changing with younger generations).

Real Expat Experiences

Success stories:

• Court Johnson moved with two dogs (shepherd lab mix and chiweenie) a year and a half ago with zero problems. They walk the dogs three times daily, and neighbors constantly ask about them.
• Borneo Bill has two dachshunds in Da Nang for 5 years with no incidents. He's never seen poison on the streets and hasn't experienced any kicking.
• Richard Brown brought a black lab to Da Nang 20 years ago. She lived a full life, was loved by the neighborhood, and became a beach companion.

Cautionary tales:

• Joanna Intara moved with two dogs and emphasizes: poison kills dogs instantly, dog theft happens, and there are no dog parks. She keeps her dogs in a gated house with a secure yard.
• Olga Eletskaya reported finding poison three times while walking her dog in Hoi An. Four dogs were stolen from her street in just a few months.
• Nicola Stevens felt the risk was too high and wouldn't bring a dog - citing heartbreaking posts of missing pets.

The Bottom Line

You CAN successfully move to Da Nang with your dog, but it requires:

• Constant supervision
• Secure housing (ideally gated)
• Vigilance about food on the streets
• Building community relationships
• Accepting that your dog's freedom will be limited compared to many Western countries

If your dog is independent, loves roaming freely, or has a tendency to eat things off the ground, Da Nang might be challenging. But if you're willing to keep your dog on a leash, supervise constantly, and take precautions, many dogs live wonderful lives here.

Final Thoughts

The expat community in Da Nang loves dogs and will support your journey. Connect with other dog owners, ask for advice, and don't let fear paralyze you - but do take the warnings seriously. Your dog's safety depends on your vigilance and preparation.

Welcome to the Da Nang dog parent community! 🐕

Related Da Nang Guides

• Explore Da Nang on ExpatsList
• Vet Services in Da Nang
• Pet-Friendly Housing in Da Nang

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