Bringing a pet to Thailand · By country
Bringing a pet to Thailand from China
Direct flights from Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing and other Chinese cities to Bangkok are common, which makes China a frequent origin for relocations to Pattaya. The Thai import steps are standard; the Chinese side is handled through local animal health and customs export procedures.
Last updated 30 May 2026
This guide was last reviewed in May 2026. 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.
The Chinese export side
Follow the standard steps — microchip, rabies and the other vaccinations, the health certificate and the DLD import permit. For export from China, your veterinarian works with the local animal health authority and customs export inspection to issue the health certificate and any export endorsement required. Procedures vary by city and departure airport — use an experienced export vet or relocation agent and confirm the current requirements for your departure point before you book.
Many routes fly directly to Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok, which simplifies the Pattaya end of the journey. Still confirm cabin, checked-baggage and cargo options with your airline early — see airline pet policies.
If you may leave Thailand again
China applies strict re-entry rules for pets arriving from most countries, including rabies controls and advance notification. If you might return to China with your pet, research the current import rules before you leave and plan the rabies titer test with plenty of lead time. See our guide to exporting a pet to China for the full return paperwork.
Official sources
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
Does Thailand treat China differently for pet import?
Thailand's core requirements are the same: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate and DLD import permit. China is not on Thailand's simplified rabies-free list, so follow the standard import route and confirm every document with the DLD before you fly.
Which Chinese authority handles pet export?
Export involves your accredited veterinarian, local animal health supervision, and customs export inspection at your departure airport. An experienced export vet or relocation agent will guide the current process for your city.