Bringing a pet to Thailand · By country

Bringing a pet to Thailand from China

Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing have direct Bangkok routes, which makes China a common origin for Pattaya relocations. Export is city-specific under Chinese customs; the Thai import side is the standard DLD permit.

Last updated 30 May 2026

The timeline — China export and DLD import

Procedures vary by departure city (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shenzhen, etc.). Use an export vet or relocation agent who knows your airport.

Thai-side steps: Follow the standard steps — microchip, rabies and the other vaccinations, the health certificate and the DLD import permit.

Documents the DLD expects

With complete paperwork, pets normally clear the AQS the same day — an inspection, not multi-week quarantine. Email the AQS to confirm your arrival date at least three days before landing. See pet quarantine in Thailand.

The Chinese export side

Pet export from China requires coordination between your veterinarian, the local animal health supervision authority and customs export inspection at your departure airport. Each major city (Shanghai PVG, Guangzhou CAN, Beijing PEK/PKX, etc.) has its own appointment system and document checklist — do not copy another city’s process.

Typically you need: microchip proof, vaccination records, owner passport copy, flight booking, Thailand’s import requirements (DLD permit), and the pet presented for export inspection. An experienced pet relocation agent is worth using on this corridor.

If you may return to China

Under GACC Announcement No. 5 (2019), Thailand is a non-designated origin. Returning to China typically requires:

• One pet per person per entry.
• ISO 11784/11785 microchip.
• Two rabies vaccinations (at least 30 days apart).
• Rabies antibody test from a GACC-recognised laboratory (≥ 0.5 IU/ml) after the second vaccination.
• Official health certificate within 14 days of arrival.
• Declaration to customs on arrival; entry through a port with quarantine facilities if waiver conditions are not met.

Without meeting waiver conditions, expect 30 days quarantine at a designated facility. See exporting a pet to China for the full Thailand-to-China pathway.

Common mistakes on this corridor

• DLD permit too early or expired — valid only 60 days from issue; apply inside the 7–60 day window.
• Microchip after rabies vaccination — invalidates the vaccination record for import.
• Health certificate outside the validity window — usually 7–10 days before departure; confirm with the AQS.
• Assuming return will be easy — rabies-free origins (Japan, Singapore, NZ) have strict re-entry rules from Thailand.

• Assuming all Chinese airports work the same — Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing have different export offices.
• No export inspection appointment — customs export clearance is not walk-in at most airports.
• Ignoring GACC return rules — the titer test and two-vaccination schedule need months of lead time.

After clearance — reaching Pattaya from the airport

Once the Animal Quarantine Station clears your pet, the practical question is the drive to Pattaya. From Suvarnabhumi, most owners use a pre-booked pet-friendly taxi, Grab with a crate (confirm with the driver), or a relocation transfer. From U-Tapao, the hop is shorter — one reason some Pattaya-bound owners choose UTP when the airline and route allow pets.

Have water, a spare towel and your pet’s usual food accessible after a long flight. Do not assume your condo or hotel accepts pets on arrival day — confirm pet-friendly housing in writing before you land. Schedule a local vet check within the first week for parasite prevention suited to Pattaya’s year-round climate.

Register and update microchip contact details to your Thai phone number, and read dog registration and rabies law for dogs. If you may leave Thailand later, plan the rabies titer test before or soon after arrival — the waiting period cannot be rushed when you export to the UK, EU or Australia.

Settling in Pattaya — first-month checklist

Beyond paperwork, new arrivals should tackle:

• Heat management — hot-climate pet care and cool-hour walks.
• Parasites — year-round flea, tick and heartworm prevention; see ticks & fleas.
• Street animals — walking safely around soi dogs.
• Emergency contacts — save a 24-hour vet before you need one.
• Food supply — where to buy pet food and a two-week buffer stock.

Thailand does not usually quarantine pets that arrive with complete documents — see pet quarantine in Thailand for when inspection becomes detention. Keep every stamped form the AQS gives you; you may need them for export later.

Official sources

China sources: GACC Announcement No. 5 (2019) — pet entry (English reference); original Chinese announcement. Export mirror: taking a pet to China.

Official sources to verify against: Thai embassy pet import guide (revised January 2025); DLD import application form R1/1 (via the embassy guide or DLD Animal Quarantine stations); Suvarnabhumi AQS import: [email protected].

Frequently asked