Thailand’s own steps were checked on 7 October 2026 against the DLD’s manuals, and the destination-authority claims on this route were checked on 23 August 2026. Export rules, issued permits and transport acceptance can change. Confirm the animal, species, purpose, mode, dates and ports with the responsible DLD AQS, destination authority and operating carrier before booking.
Terminal 3, Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (2011). Photo: Ramesh NG, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
The timeline — Thailand to India
Before bookingAQCS / DGFT where applicable
On AQCS’s confirmed clockAQCS online portal
2–3 days before the flightDLD animal quarantine station
In the confirmed certificate windowDLD AQS + vet
Before paymentAirline
Arrival in IndiaAQCS
Thai-side export documents
| Thai-side document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Export licence (R.9) and health certificate | Thailand’s side: see the DLD export steps. |
| Destination import rules | Attach the destination authority’s import requirements (NOC, import licence, SPSIC, etc.) so the Thai health certificate matches. |
| Identification, vaccinations and tests | Carry the records required by the destination and the responsible AQS. |
All of this sits on top of the Thai export process — the DLD health certificate and export permit — which your pet must clear on the way out. The two sets of paperwork have to agree.
Choose the Indian pathway before the airport
The India material describes baggage-rule entry for up to two dogs or cats when the traveller can evidence at least two years abroad and transfer of residence; re-import supported by the animal’s earlier official export from India; and short-visit or out-of-rule movement that may need a DGFT licence before AQCS processing. Do not substitute one pathway’s form or evidence for another.
For the checked personal baggage checklist, AQCS asks for microchip evidence, an official health certificate and rabies vaccination given more than one month but within 12 months before embarkation. That checklist does not state a rabies-antibody titer. Do not generalize that answer to DGFT, re-import, commercial or other pathways.
AQCS controls the notified arrival point and examines the animal and original documents there. Obtain the current port, appointment and handling instructions directly; this page does not maintain a permanent airport list.
The checked dog SOP annex states a ₹1,000 import-NOC processing fee through Bharatkosh. Verify the live payable item before payment; it is not an end-to-end relocation price.
Common mistakes
- Starting with Thailand only — destination import permits and tests are usually the long pole.
- Expired vaccinations — a lapsed rabies shot can void import clearance.
- Microchip mismatch across Thai export papers and destination import forms.
- Bringing your pet to the station too early — the health check is no more than 2–3 days before the flight, and the export licence (R.9) is valid 9 days (DLD Region 9 procedure).
- Wrong pathway — baggage, re-import and DGFT-licensed movement require different evidence.
- Choosing one conflicting filing clock — obtain the operative Advance NOC deadline from AQCS in writing.
- Promising release — AQCS decides clearance or quarantine after examining the animal and originals.
If you came the other way, see our guide to From India (import).
Departing from Pattaya — confirm the port and DLD sequence
U-Tapao is the nearest airport to Pattaya. It is in Ban Chang district, which the Chonburi animal quarantine station covers (DLD station areas), but the DLD’s list of stations names none at the airport (DLD station map). Get written confirmation from the Chonburi station before you plan a U-Tapao departure; otherwise plan the flight from Suvarnabhumi.
The station’s health check is no more than 2–3 days before the flight (DLD Region 9 procedure), normally at the station of your departure airport unless its vet agrees another place. From Pattaya that can mean the station visit and the flight are two separate trips, so book the visit and the transport together.
Using an agent is optional
An agent cannot change government or airline rules. If you request assistance, obtain an itemised scope and verify each regulated requirement directly with the authority. Pattaya Pets has not independently measured agents’ prices, error rates or outcomes.
Official sources
India sources: AQCS import/export of pets; AQCS baggage pathway; dog SOP (PDF); cat SOP (PDF). Import mirror: bringing a pet from India.
Official sources to verify against: DLD Region 9 export procedure; UK pet travel; CDC animal import (USA); EU pet movement; Japan MAFF Animal Quarantine; Singapore AVS; UAE MOCCAE pet import; Australia DAFF; New Zealand MPI; India AQCS; Philippines BAI; China GACC pet entry; South Africa DALRRD import; Canada CFIA; Switzerland FSVO.
Frequently asked
Does India require a rabies titer test for a pet from Thailand?
The checked personal baggage checklist states microchip and rabies-vaccination evidence, not a rabies titer. This page does not extend that answer to re-import, DGFT-licensed, commercial or other pathways; obtain the animal-specific AQCS list before veterinary work or booking.
Which authority handles pet import into India?
AQCS (Animal Quarantine and Certification Services). Apply for Advance NOC online and present the pet at the quarantine station at your arrival airport.
How far in advance should I apply for the Advance NOC?
The AQCS surfaces conflict between filing before embarkation and filing before arrival. Ask the responsible AQCS station which clock controls the actual pathway and keep the written reply. The checked dog SOP annex lists a ₹1,000 import-NOC processing fee; verify the live Bharatkosh item before paying.
Can I fly Bangkok to India with a pet in cabin?
This evidence does not confirm cabin, hold, cargo or a current direct service. Obtain written animal acceptance from every operating carrier for the exact itinerary before payment.
When should I apply for the Thai DLD export permit?
Start with the destination: its tests, waiting periods and permit set the long lead time. For Thailand’s side, apply on form R.1/1 once the destination papers are ready, and bring your pet for the station’s health check no more than 2–3 days before the flight (DLD Region 9 procedure). The export licence (R.9) is valid 9 days and takes up to 2 working days 4 hours from complete papers (DLD export licence manual), so file everything one to two weeks ahead and ask the station to issue it before your flight.
Can I fly my pet out of U-Tapao?
Only if the DLD confirms it in writing. U-Tapao is in Ban Chang district, which the Chonburi animal quarantine station covers (DLD station areas), but the DLD’s list of stations names none at the airport (DLD station map). Ask the Chonburi station in writing whether it can examine your pet and issue the export licence (R.9) for a U-Tapao departure; if not, plan the flight from Suvarnabhumi.
How should I plan the transfer to the departure airport?
Use a vehicle that accepts the animal and crate, confirm the airline’s check-in cut-off and leave route-specific contingency time.
Should I stay near the departure airport?
Decide from the confirmed examination appointment, airline check-in time and road conditions. This guide has no evidence for a universal recommendation.