Bringing a pet to Thailand · Step 1

The microchip your pet needs

Every dog or cat entering Thailand must be identifiable by microchip — and the chip has to go in before the rabies shot. This is the first thing to get right.

Last updated 30 May 2026

Which microchip counts

Thailand requires a microchip that meets ISO standard 11784/11785 — the 15-digit chip read by standard scanners worldwide. This is the same chip standard used across the UK, EU and most of the world, so a pet chipped in those places is usually already compliant.

If your pet has a non-ISO chip (some older US chips are 9 or 10 digit, or 125 kHz AVID/Home Again chips), you have two options: have an ISO chip implanted as well, or travel with your own compatible scanner. An extra ISO chip is the simpler fix.

Why the order matters

The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. The reason is simple: the rabies certificate and every other record must quote the microchip number, so officials can confirm the vaccinated animal is the animal in front of them. A rabies shot given before the chip does not count, and would have to be repeated.

So the correct sequence is: microchip first, then rabies vaccination, then everything else.

Get it documented

Ask your vet to record the microchip number, the date implanted and the chip’s standard on your pet’s records. That number will appear on the rabies certificate, the health certificate and the import permit application, so it needs to be consistent everywhere.

Common mistakes

• Rabies before chip — the most frequent sequencing error; the rabies shot must be redone after implantation.
• Non-ISO chip without a plan — older US chips may not scan at the AQS; add an ISO chip or bring a compatible reader.
• Typos across documents — one wrong digit on the permit vs the health certificate vs the airline booking stops clearance.
• Assuming a tattoo counts — Thailand expects a scannable ISO microchip for modern imports.

What comes next

Once the chip is in and documented, move on to the rabies vaccination and titer test. After arrival, register the chip locally — see microchipping your pet.

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

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