This checklist was revised on 23 August 2026; each cited regulated claim retains its own evidence-ledger check date. Thai DLD procedures, destination-country requirements and airline policies can change without notice. Confirm the exact animal, purpose, route and dates with the responsible authorities and operating carrier before booking.
Before you book anything
- Read the full export guide.
- Identify your destination country's rules — see the country guides on the export hub or our pages for UK, EU, USA and Australia.
- Confirm your airline will carry your pet on your route — airline pet policies.
- Budget with our export cost guide.
Build the calendar from confirmed dates
Complete this with your veterinarian, destination authority and departure AQS. Record each rule and the event it is measured from, as well as the calendar date.
| Milestone | Record before committing |
|---|---|
| Destination eligibility | Accepted route and purpose; residence history or permission needed. |
| Testing and vaccination | Required sequence, eligible laboratory and earliest eligible next step. |
| Certificate | Correct model, issuer/endorser, appointment and validity endpoint. |
| Thai examination | Responsible AQS, confirmed appointment and original records to bring. |
| Carrier handover | Pet acceptance reference, check-in location and latest presentation time. |
| Arrival reception | Authority or facility booking when required, named receiver and collection process. |
When a date moves, ask each responsible party which dependent steps need rebooking or reissuing. Mark the old itinerary superseded so nobody works from it.
Start early (destination timing)
- Destination pathway — UK and EU routes can require a rabies titer and waiting period; Australia requires an approved country first, including at least 180 consecutive days in approved countries immediately before export (DAFF FAQ). Rabies and titer guide
- Check whether your pet already has a valid titer from before arrival in Thailand.
- Check whether the destination or checkpoint requires a recognised agent. Where help is optional, request an itemised scope and verify the rules directly.
The Thai export sequence
- Identification and vaccination records — meet the destination and AQS requirements and keep every identifier consistent.
- R1/1 export application — file as the responsible departure-port AQS directs; the reviewed procedure gives no universal email channel or 15-day deadline.
- Mandatory DLD health examination — attend no more than 2–3 days before travel. If compliant, the station issues R9 and the health certificate. Export process guide
- Destination documents and reservations — identify the exact certificate, declaration, permit or facility booking required for the actual pathway. These are different documents; not every country calls for an import permit.
Two weeks before departure
- Re-read every Thai and destination document against current rules.
- 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 Suvarnabhumi AQS export contacts from the export process guide.
On departure day
- Allow extra time at the airport for the Animal Quarantine Station export check.
- Keep the pet calm, hydrated and never leave the crate in a hot vehicle.
- Have destination import paperwork ready for landing.
Came the other way? See import checklist.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting with DLD only — the destination titer test and waiting period usually sets the calendar.
- Unusable prior records — ask the destination authority whether the test, laboratory and vaccination history meet its current pathway; do not infer acceptance from the presence of an old result.
- Assuming one R1/1 deadline or email applies everywhere — ask the responsible AQS.
- Missing the examination window — the mandatory DLD health examination is no more than 2–3 days before travel.
Frequently asked
How long before departure should I start?
Start with the destination authority. Do not copy the UK calendar onto the EU route: the current EU rule measures at least 90 days from sampling to certificate issue, subject to its exceptions. EU timing source. Australia’s standard route requires an approved country and at least 180 consecutive days there immediately before export. The reviewed Thai procedure does not publish a universal total duration.
Can I print this checklist?
Yes. Use your browser print function on this page. For travel, keep PDF copies of every official certificate and permit instead.
What is the single biggest timing mistake?
Starting the Thai export permit before confirming the destination pathway, including any residence, testing, waiting, certificate and arrival-booking requirements. Record the event each deadline is measured from; a waiting period before certificate issue is not the same as a waiting period before arrival.
Do I need to confirm my flight with the AQS?
Ask the responsible AQS what itinerary details it requires and how it schedules the final examination. The reviewed procedure states a mandatory examination no more than 2–3 days before travel, but not a separate universal three-day confirmation rule.
Should I use a relocation agent?
There is no universal answer: a destination checkpoint may require a recognised representative. Confirm the actual route first; where help is optional, ask for an itemised scope and verify every government and airline requirement directly.