Rules for Transporting Pets to Thailand in 2024
Before purchasing property in Thailand, potential buyers with pets may have questions such as how to bring their pet to Thailand, how to prepare a dog or cat for the move, and what documents are needed for the flight. A common myth is that there are restrictions on bringing pets into Thailand. In reality, the only restriction applies to unvaccinated animals. In this post, we will address some frequently asked questions.
CONTENT:
- Specifics of Moving to Thailand with Pets
- About Vaccinations
- Microchipping
- Pet Passport
- Certificate
- Airport Procedures
- Arrival at the Airport in Thailand: What to Expect When Bringing Pets?
- Conclusion
Specifics of Moving to Thailand with Pets
If you decide to buy an apartment in Thailand and have already sorted out the details of purchasing real estate and moving, consulted with lawyers and real estate agents, and made a checklist for next steps, you might wonder what to do with your pets.
Planning to move with a dog or cat, which you cannot leave behind, requires you to follow the necessary procedures and prepare the proper documents for bringing pets into Thailand. We recommend creating a separate checklist as this process involves several tasks, but they are all manageable.
Foreigners should start preparing for pet transportation at least one month before departure. It’s important to prepare both your pet and the necessary entry documents.
The most crucial step is ensuring vaccinations are up to date, as Thailand's 2024 pet entry rules do not allow the transport of unvaccinated animals. The required documents include:
- The passport of the person who owns the pet (or the person meeting the pet if it travels on a cargo plane);
- Pet passport;
- Vaccination records and chip number;
- Veterinary health certificate (such as an international veterinary certificate for cats);
- Transportation permit confirming the pet's health.
These documents will be required on the day of departure, with some needing to be arranged in advance, particularly the vaccination certificate. We will provide more details on specific vaccination requirements for different pets in a separate section.
Once your pet’s vaccinations and microchip are in order, you must submit an application to the Thai Ministry of Livestock Development to receive permission for pet transportation. You will need:
- Form R1/1 (for animal transportation);
- A photo of the pet;
- Vaccination certificate in English;
- Microchip certificate;
- Copy of the owner’s passport.
An entry permit will be sent via email within 3 working days. If additional information is needed, the ministry will contact you within this time frame.
About Vaccinations
The required vaccinations depend on the type of pet. However, all vaccinations must be administered at least 21 days before departure.
For dogs, the following vaccinations are mandatory:
- Rabies;
- Leptospirosis (an infectious disease that can affect multiple organs);
- Canine distemper;
- Hepatitis;
- Parvovirus and adenovirus infections.
For cats, the 2024 regulations for entering Thailand require these vaccinations:
- Rabies;
- Calicivirus (a virus that affects the respiratory tract and mouth);
- Viral rhinotracheitis (a respiratory disease);
- Panleukopenia (which affects the stomach, intestines, and bone marrow).
Note: Rabies vaccinations must be given only after microchipping.
Chipping
Microchipping is mandatory to cross the border. The chip contains all information about the pet and must be certified. The procedure is painless, and your pet will not feel discomfort. In fact, the chip can be beneficial, for example, if your pet gets lost, it can be found using the chip.
Tip: After microchipping, ask the vet to scan the chip several times, preferably with different devices, to ensure it works properly.
If the chip cannot be read during the move, and your pet is not allowed into Thailand, you would have to repeat the procedure.
Pet Passport
Thailand's 2024 regulations require a pet passport. This document is issued by a veterinary clinic after all procedures are completed. The passport must include a special sticker with the clinic’s seal, confirming that the pet is fit for transport.
Certificate
An export certificate for transporting pets to Thailand is issued by the Veterinary Control office in the country of departure. This document confirms that the pet meets the entry requirements for Thailand.
The certificate must be translated into English and is based on chip verification. You can get the certificate either at the veterinary control office at the airport or at a border veterinary control point. With this certificate, transporting a cat or dog to Thailand is as simple as transporting them to other countries.
Airport
What you need to know about flying with pets to Thailand:
Each airline has its own rules for transporting pets, including restrictions based on weight, size, or specific breeds.
- Check whether your dog can be transported in the cabin or only in the cargo hold. Note that brachycephalic breeds (such as pugs or bulldogs) cannot travel in the cargo hold and should fly in the cabin.
- Clarify if you need a pet carrier or can purchase an adjacent seat for your pet.
- Choose a sturdy and reliable carrier, especially for cargo transport, to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort.
Arrival at the Airport in Thailand: What to Expect?
Upon arrival in Thailand, you may spend extra time at the airport as the Department of Animal Husbandry Development will check all the documents for your pet. This process takes at least 30 minutes.
If all documents are in order, you’ll pay a $32 fee, after which you can clear customs. If you have previously brought a pet into Thailand, keep your customs receipt to avoid paying an additional $9 customs fee upon future arrivals.
Summing Up
Can you bring your dog to Thailand? Yes, you can, just like a cat. The rules for importing dogs and other pets into Thailand do not impose any bans. However, foreigners must provide a set of documents for their pets. While it may seem that buying a villa in Thailand is easier than completing the paperwork for your pet, if you follow our tips, you can handle this process smoothly.
Additionally, most veterinary clinics are familiar with the specifics of transporting cats and dogs to different countries and can assist owners in determining which documents are necessary for moving to Thailand. The key is not to leave this task until the last minute—allow yourself enough time to meet the deadlines required by Thai law.
If you need help finding an apartment or villa, feel free to contact our specialists. We will help you find the perfect home for you and your pet. Our real estate platform offers the latest property listings from trusted developers and private owners.
If you’re not planning to purchase property just yet, you can also find rental apartments.