The Thai DLD departure sequence 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.
The timeline — Thailand to the UAE
The titer sequence can make this route longer than a simple permit application. Calculate it from the animal’s actual rabies record and do not promise a total duration before MOCCAE confirms the case.
| When | Step | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Before any booking | Check the full current prohibited-breed list, the personal annual cap and the permitted transport/arrival channel | MOCCAE |
| Rabies and sample sequence | Match the permanent microchip across records. After a first or lapsed rabies vaccination, wait at least 21 days before the antibody sample; the checked service permits immediate sampling after an in-validity booster | Thai vet + accepted laboratory |
| Before permit application | Obtain a rabies-antibody result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The checked service describes the test certificate as valid for 365 days only while rabies vaccination remains valid | MOCCAE + laboratory |
| Within permit validity | Apply online for the MOCCAE import permit; the checked service states 90-day validity | MOCCAE portal |
| As the responsible AQS directs | File Thai DLD form R1/1 with the destination requirements as the responsible AQS directs; the reviewed procedure gives no universal 15-day deadline | DLD AQS |
| Within 14 days before shipment | Complete the required internal and external parasite treatment and record it for the attested health certificate | Veterinarian / exporting competent authority |
| No more than 2–3 days before travel | Attend the DLD examination; obtain R9 and the health certificate if compliant | DLD AQS |
| Before payment | Obtain written carrier acceptance under the current MOCCAE/IATA conditions. If transiting, confirm the required separation from other animals | Operating carrier + MOCCAE |
| UAE arrival | Use the MOCCAE service channel approved for the booking; present the permit, attested certificate and matching animal records, and pay the applicable release fee | MOCCAE |
What MOCCAE requires from Thailand
Per MOCCAE’s published import service (verify current detail on moccae.gov.ae):
- Prior import permit, valid 90 days under the checked service.
- Personal annual cap: two dogs, two cats, or one of each, subject to the service’s returning-resident exception.
- Permanent microchip — chip number must match the health certificate exactly
- High-risk rabies titer: at least 0.5 IU/ml under the vaccine/sample timing above.
- Age: primary rabies from at least 12 weeks; a high-risk-origin animal must be at least 15 weeks old.
- Dogs: rabies plus distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis and leptospirosis
- Cats: rabies, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus
- Internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days before shipment
- Attested veterinary health certificate from the exporting country’s competent authority
- Shipment under current MOCCAE/IATA conditions; direct from the exporting country, or transit without contact with other animals
Prohibited breeds: use MOCCAE’s complete current list. A partial example list can omit a controlled breed and is not safe for booking.
Checked service fees: AED 200 per-animal permit, plus release fees of AED 500 per dog or AED 250 per cat. Verify the live amount at payment; laboratory, veterinary, DLD, carrier and agent costs are separate.
The Thai export side (DLD)
MOCCAE approval does not replace Thailand’s export process:
| Thai-side document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Export application (form R1/1) | Ask the responsible departure-port AQS how and when to file. The reviewed current procedure establishes no universal email channel or 15-day deadline. |
| 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. |
| Mandatory health examination | DLD requires examination no more than 2–3 days before travel. If compliant, the station issues R9 and the health certificate. DLD source. |
See export process and export costs.
Common mistakes on this corridor
- 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.
- Missing the final DLD examination — it must occur no more than 2–3 days before travel.
- Skipping the titer — Thailand falls under the checked high-risk-origin rule.
- Expired MOCCAE import permit — the permit is valid for a fixed period (90 days per current guidance); a delayed flight can void it.
- Using a partial breed list — confirm eligibility against MOCCAE’s complete current list before payment.
- Missing pre-shipment treatments within MOCCAE’s required window.
If you came the other way, see our guide to From the UAE (import).
Departing from Pattaya — confirm the port and DLD sequence
Ask the AQS responsible for the departure port how and when to file R1/1. The reviewed DLD procedure does not establish a universal email intake, 15-day deadline or separate three-day flight-confirmation rule. It requires the animal’s health examination no more than 2–3 days before travel; if compliant, the station issues R9 and the health certificate. DLD procedure. The reviewed DLD map does not list a U-Tapao/Rayong airport AQS, so obtain written DLD confirmation before routing there. DLD AQS map.
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. PattayaPets has not independently measured agents’ prices, error rates or outcomes.
Official sources
UAE sources: MOCCAE pet-import service (Arabic); Ministerial Resolution No. 109 of 2021 (English PDF). The service-detail summary requires bilingual confirmation. Import mirror: bringing a pet from the UAE.
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 the UAE require a rabies titer test from Thailand?
Yes. Thailand is outside the checked low-risk list, so the high-risk-origin rule applies. MOCCAE requires a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. After a first or lapsed rabies vaccination, wait at least 21 days before sampling; confirm the live rule and record with MOCCAE.
How long is the MOCCAE import permit valid?
MOCCAE's online service states the import permit is valid for 90 days from issuance. Do not travel with an expired permit — apply again if your plans slip.
Can my pet fly in the cabin to Dubai?
The checked MOCCAE evidence does not establish a universal cabin, hold or manifested-cargo rule. Confirm the exact mode with MOCCAE and every operating carrier before payment.
Which UAE entry point will I use?
Use the live MOCCAE service-channel list for the actual booking. The checked list includes Dubai Cargo Village/free-zone, Zayed International Airport, Jebel Ali, Khalifa, Ras Al Khaimah airport and land ports; it does not establish passenger-terminal hours.
What if I originally brought my pet from the UAE?
The checked service describes a returning-resident exception to the personal annual cap. Do not assume it removes the permit, titer, vaccination, certificate or transport controls; obtain the animal-specific MOCCAE result.
Can I fly my pet out of U-Tapao?
The reviewed DLD map does not list a U-Tapao/Rayong airport AQS. That is a verification gap, not proof that no later service exists; obtain written DLD confirmation before booking.
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.