[HANOI] Residents living in Vietnam’s rapidly expanding apartment complexes and general housing — including both Vietnamese citizens and foreign tenants — are facing tougher pet regulations after changes rolled out in late 2025 and early 2026 increased fines and sharpened enforcement of existing rules governing animals in residential buildings.
While Vietnam does not prohibit household pets, a combination of national law and building-specific regulations is creating a more complex compliance environment for anyone keeping animals in urban housing, particularly in high-density apartment developments.
Higher penalties under updated rules
Under Decree 144/2021/NĐ-CP — which has been updated in recent months — baseline penalties for common pet-related violations have been raised. Letting dogs or cats roam freely in shared spaces such as hallways, elevators, etc can result in warnings or fines.
Authorities have signaled that typical fines for these infractions now range from VND 500,000 to VND 1 million ($19–$38), with repeat offenses potentially drawing higher penalties. In some cases, total fines can reach up to VND 3 million ($114) depending on the circumstances.
The government has also reinforced longstanding requirements that dogs must be leashed — and in many cases muzzled — in public spaces, and that pets, particularly dogs, must be vaccinated against rabies.
Livestock bans remain strict
Keeping livestock or poultry inside apartment buildings is subject to fines. Officials say the rule is intended to protect public health, sanitation, and safety in densely populated residential complexes.
At the same time, penalties for animal neglect or abuse within households have become more severe, with fines of up to VND 20 million ($760) possible in serious cases.
Building rules add another layer
Beyond national law, many apartment management boards enforce their own pet policies, which can be just as impactful in practice. These often include mandatory pet deposits, monthly fees — commonly around VND 200,000 — size or breed restrictions, and designated pet areas within the complex.
What residents should do
Authorities recommend several practical steps for pet owners in Vietnam’s apartment buildings:
- Review building rules in advance, including any pet-related fees or restrictions.
- Keep dogs leashed and muzzled in public and shared spaces.
- Clean up immediately after pets in all residential or public areas.
- Maintain up-to-date vaccinations, particularly for rabies.
As Vietnam’s urban population continues to grow, policymakers appear focused on balancing pet ownership with public hygiene and safety, making compliance an increasingly important part of apartment living nationwide.
