Are you planning to relocate to Thailand and don’t want to leave your furry friend behind? Well, good news! Bringing pets to Thailand is not only possible, but also an exciting adventure for both you and your four-legged companion.
Thailand has become increasingly pet-friendly, with many accommodations, parks, and even restaurants welcoming our beloved pets. Whether you have a dog, cat, or any other pet, there are specific guidelines and requirements that need to be followed for a smooth travel experience.
Before embarking on this exciting journey, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the regulations and procedures for bringing your pets into Thailand. This includes obtaining the necessary documentation such as health certificates, vaccinations records, and microchipping.
Once all the paperwork is in order, you can start planning the logistics of your pet’s travel. From choosing the right airline that allows pet transportation to ensuring they have a suitable flight crate for the journey – every detail counts in ensuring their safety and well-being.
So don’t let the thought of leaving your pet behind hold you back from experiencing all that Thailand has to offer. With proper preparation and following the guidelines set by the authorities, bringing your pets along on this incredible journey will create memories that will last a lifetime!
Pets (dogs and cats) traveling to Thailand, need to be microchipped. This is mandatory, no matter where you are coming from.
Microchipping is a simple and painless procedure where a small chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under your pet’s skin. This chip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by authorized personnel.
If you’re planning on bringing your dog to Thailand, be prepared to go through some procedures.
Unless your furry friend is from a rabies-free country (zero rabies incidents in the past 12 months), it will need a rabies shot. You should ensure it’s done at least 21 days before arrival, but not more than 12 months in advance.
Additionally, dogs must also be vaccinated against DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Parvovirus). This should be done at least 21 days before entering Thailand.
If your dog isn’t vaccinated against Leptospirosis, you could get your dog tested for Leptospirosis with a negative test result within 30 days of your dog’s arrival.
Cats traveling to Thailand should be vaccinated against rabies and Feline Panleukopenia. Both vaccines should be administered at least 21 days before entering Thailand and not more than 12 months before arrival.
Assuming that your dog or cat is up to date with their annual vaccinations, you can rest assured that they have received all the necessary standard vaccines.
An English health certificate is required to enter Thailand with dogs/cats.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your arrival and it should be endorsed by your local government vet.
An import permit (R1/1) is required for pets traveling into Thailand.
Import permits are valid for 60 days and it usually takes a couple of working days to issue.
The Department of Livestock Development divided the importation of dogs/cats into 2 categories:
If your pet is traveling to Thailand as manifest cargo through Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), you’ll need to obtain an import permit in advance by submitting the relevant documents at least 7 working days before your pet’s importation.
If your pet is traveling to Thailand in-cabin or as checked baggage, you have 2 options: to apply in advance for the permit or to apply for it upon arrival.
We recommend you issue the permit in advance so that the local authorities could advise if all of your pet’s documents are in order. You don’t want any surprises once you land in Bangkok!
Pets can enter Thailand in-cabin, as checked baggage or as manifest cargo (unaccompanied freight).
There are 3 entry points:
If you would like to know how much it costs to send a pet to Thailand, we recommend you check out the following article: How much does it costs to fly a dog?
Here are some frequently asked questions about importing a pet into Thailand:
Question #1: Is the rabies titer test required for pets traveling to Thailand?
No, the rabies titer test isn’t required. However, we highly recommend you get this done before you travel with your pet, as it could be needed for your future travels.
Question #2: Do Thailand have banned dog breeds?
No, all dog breeds are accepted in Thailand.
Question #3: Will my pet be quarantined once I enter Thailand?
There is no quarantine requirement for pets entering Thailand.
Please note that if your pet won’t meet all the import requirements, you’ll be fined, your pet will be placed in quarantine for at least 30 days or your pet will be returned to the country of origin.
Question #4: Do I need to get my dog/cat treated against internal and external parasites?
If you would like to travel with your pet to Thailand, we recommend you treat them against internal and external parasites (ticks and tapeworm). This isn’t mandatory, but again, we recommend you get this done before traveling to Thailand.
Question #5: I have a puppy. When should I vaccinate him against rabies if I would like to take him to Thailand?
You should wait until your puppy is 12 weeks old before you can vaccinate him against rabies.
Once the vaccine is given, you’ll need to wait at least 21 days for the vaccine to be “valid” for travel.
Planning to bring your furry friends to Thailand? We’ve got you covered!
Navigating the pet import process can be rough, but worry not! Our team of experts is here to make it a paw-some experience for you and your precious fur babies.
From paperwork to vaccinations, we know all the ins and outs of bringing pets to Thailand.
Contact us for a personalized consultation tailored to your specific needs. Let’s make your pet’s journey as smooth as their silky fur!
We would love to hear from you!
