Bringing a pet to Thailand · By country
Bringing a pet to Thailand from Japan
Japan is a well-organised origin for pet export. The Thai import steps are standard; the part worth planning early is what Japan will require if you ever bring your pet back.
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 Japanese side of the paperwork
Follow the standard steps — microchip, rabies and the other vaccinations, the health certificate and the DLD import permit. For export from Japan, your vet works through the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) — the export health certificate, vaccination records and any pre-export inspection the route requires. Japan’s process is thorough; use a vet experienced in export work and allow plenty of lead time for AQS appointments.
Planning the return to Japan
If there is any chance of returning your pet to Japan, research the re-entry rules before you leave. Japan applies strict rabies controls to pets arriving from most countries, including a rabies titer test, advance notification to AQS and a waiting period from the blood sample before the pet may enter. The timeline is measured in months, not weeks — confirm the current detail with AQS and your vet.
See our guide to To Japan (export) for the full export 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
Is Japan's export process complicated?
It is thorough rather than chaotic. The AQS sets clear steps, and an experienced export vet makes the difference. Start early, especially if you need AQS inspection appointments close to your travel date.
What will Japan require for the return?
Strict rabies controls for most origin countries: microchip, rabies vaccination, a rabies titer test, advance notification to AQS and a waiting period from the sample date. Confirm the current rules with AQS before you travel.