Bringing a pet to Thailand
Pet import to Thailand checklist
Use this as a working checklist while you plan. Every step links to the full guide. Allow at least one to two months — longer if you may later move your pet to the UK, EU or Australia.
Last updated 30 May 2026
This guide was last reviewed on 30 May 2026 against the Thai embassy pet-import guidance (revised January 2025), DLD Animal Quarantine Station contacts and published export procedures. Thailand's Department of Livestock Development, airlines and origin-country authorities change their rules without notice. Treat this as orientation, then confirm every current requirement with the DLD, your airline and your origin-country authority before you book or travel.
May 2026 review
Cross-checked against the Thai embassy pet-import guide (revised January 2025) and DLD AQS guidance: import permit window (7–60 days before departure, valid 60 days once issued); form R1/1; dog vaccines including leptospirosis (or a negative test within 30 days if not vaccinated); 21-day wait after primary rabies; confirm arrival with the AQS at least three days before landing; 500 baht inspection fee on arrival. Always re-verify before you fly.
Before you book anything
- Read the full import guide.
- Confirm your airline will carry your pet on your route — see airline pet policies and snub-nosed breeds.
- Choose U-Tapao or Bangkok for arrival near Pattaya.
- Budget with our import cost guide.
The paperwork sequence (order matters)
- Microchip — ISO 11784/11785, implanted before the rabies shot. Microchip guide
- Rabies vaccination — at least 21 days before travel; dogs also need distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis (or a negative leptospirosis test within 30 days per current embassy guidance). Rabies and titer guide
- Rabies titer test (recommended even if Thailand does not require it) — essential if you may later export to the UK, EU or Australia. Start early.
- Health certificate — within the validity window; endorsed by your origin-country authority. Health certificate guide
- DLD import permit — apply in the 7–60 day window before departure (around 30 days ahead is sensible). Import permit guide
Two weeks before departure
- Confirm your exact arrival date with the AQS at least three days before landing.
- Re-read every document against the DLD and airline requirements.
- Confirm crate size meets IATA rules; book cargo or cabin slot if required.
- Carry copies of every certificate, permit and endorsement in hand luggage.
- Save Animal Quarantine Station contacts from the arrival guide.
- If you may leave Thailand again, read the export hub and export checklist early.
On arrival in Thailand
- Clear the Animal Quarantine Station inspection — see quarantine on arrival.
- Register the microchip locally when settled — microchipping in Pattaya.
- Find a vet for a post-arrival check — Pattaya vets directory or 24-hour hospitals.
Need an agent? See pet relocation agents.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Wrong order — rabies before microchip, or permit before the 21-day wait.
- Airline vs government — Thailand may allow permit-on-arrival in some cases, but your airline may refuse boarding without the permit email.
- Skipping the three-day AQS confirmation — always email your landing date once the permit is approved.
- No return-trip plan — if you may leave Thailand again, start the titer test before you arrive. See the export checklist.
Frequently asked
How long before travel should I start?
At least one to two months for a straightforward move. If you need a rabies titer test for a future export to the UK, EU or Australia, start several months earlier because of waiting periods after the blood sample.
Can I print this checklist?
Yes. Use your browser print function on this page. The step links stay useful on screen; for travel, keep PDF copies of every official certificate and permit instead.
What if my airline requires the permit before check-in?
Many carriers do. Even when the AQS can issue a permit on arrival in theory, apply early and carry the approval email so boarding is not refused.
Do cats need the same vaccines as dogs?
Cats need rabies and FVRCP; dogs need rabies plus DHPP and leptospirosis (or a negative leptospirosis test within 30 days). See our vaccination guide.
Which airport is best for Pattaya?
Most owners use Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or U-Tapao (UTP). See U-Tapao or Bangkok for the trade-offs.
Bring a pet to Thailand · DLD import permit · Airline pet policies · Relocation agents
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