We love pets and animals, and so do many people. While it is okay to part with your pets for a week during your holiday in Thailand, you can’t do the same if you are away for a long time. If you are planning to move, work remotely or become a digital nomad in Thailand for 3 months to 1 year+, certainly you want to move your pets with you as well. In this article, we will be exploring the process and considerations of bringing pets into Thailand.
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Is bringing pets into Thailand allowed?
If you are looking to bring cats and dogs into Thailand, then the answer is yes – as long as your pets are at least 4 months old. The regulation for other animals would be more complicated.
There is of course some preparation work for you to do before flying in order to ensure a smooth process for you and your pet.
In general, the easiest way is for you to fly together with your pets in the same flight. Otherwise additional process and documentation will be required.
Requirements for bringing pets into Thailand
The process can be broken down into:
- Fill in a form from Department of Livestock Development: the form requires basic information such as your details, contact, travel itinerary and information about your pet
- Prepare and email the form together with additional information: email the form in #1 to qsap_bkk@dld.go.th , together with
- Copy of owner’s passport
- Proof of vaccination
- Vaccinated against Rabies not less than 21 days prior to the departure. Pets from free-of-Rabies certified country do not need a Rabies vaccination
- Vaccinated against Leptospirosis not less than 21 days prior to the departure. The negative result of Leptospirosis test during 30 days prior to the departure can also fulfill the requirement
- Picture of the pet: make sure the picture clearly shows face of the pet and is in color
- Additional information such as pet species, pet details like breed/sex/color, home address, address of accommodation in Thailand, travel date port of departure and entry
- Call the animal quarantine station (contact info below) to ensure that your application is received and is being processed
Suvarnabhumi Airport Animal Quarantine, Free Zone Area, Custom Export Building
Tel: +66 2134 0731; Fax. +66 2134 3640
E-mail:qsap_bkk@dld.go.th
Business Hours: Monday – Friday / 08:30 – 12.00 and 13.00 – 16.30 (closed on Thailand’s holidays) - Receive and print your import permit: this is only valid for 60 days
- Obtain an official health certificate from your local, certified veterinarian. For example, if you are flying from the U.S. then you must seek out a USDA accredited veterinarian
Additional things to look out for
Please make sure to read the official procedure and guideline provided by the Department of Livestock Development. If you are still unsure about the process, we highly recommend that you reach out to your local consulate (for example the Thai consulate in LA has a clear guideline on their website) or contact the Department of Livestock Development in Thailand.
Other than that, please check with your airline if they have specific requirements about flying with pets. The application process could take up to 7 business days so do not leave things to the last minute.
Procedure upon arrival at the airport
First, you go through the immigration and pick up your luggage. Then, you pick up your pet at the oversized baggage area and you bring them to the quarantine inspection area. Pay a fee of about 500 to 1,000 THB and then receive your import license. This whole process can take up to 60 minutes.
Pet friendly hotel Thailand: what are the options?
Our guess is you are most likely looking to stay in Thailand for a medium to long term if you are bringing your pets. You have several options for pet friendly hotel or other accommodation in Thailand, which include hotel/service apartment, AirBnb or entering into rental contract. Check our other post about medium to long term rental in Thailand.
Thailand has a reasonable range of pet-friendly hotels, service apartments and condominiums for rent. Some examples below:
Another option for you to consider is to rent a landed property which will give your pet more space. However, carefully choose a well-fenced property for the safety of yourself and your pet.
There are a good number of pet friendly hotels in Thailand. Each have their own restriction, for example Novotel Hua Hin allow pets under 10 kg.
Is it difficult to move to Thailand along with your pets?
There are some procedures and preparations that you will need to do before bringing your pets into Thailand. However, the process is relatively simple and there are many expats who have done so in the past. So it’s a manageable task!
It is not that complicated to find a way to live with your pets in Thailand. Thailand has a good range of pet friendly hotels, service apartments, and if you want to have more space for your pets, you can also choose landed property.
Looking for a companion for your pet? check out our adoption posts here:
- How to adopt a dog from Thailand: how you can save a life
- Stray cats in Thailand: situation / how to make a difference
Other interest posts about Thailand:
What If I travel to Thailand by car? Self drive from Malaysia to Thailand, cross the border. Still need those document for pets? Or these documents is needed when taking a flight?
Hello! this list is primarily made for travel by flight, however we expect some of these documents by still be required. If you are driving from Malaysia then it might be a good idea to contact animal quarantine centers at Songkhla or Narathiwat ahead of your travel.
Songkhla Animal Quarantine Station
Tel. 66-7425-2503 / Fax. 66-7525-1218 (qssg_sgk@dld.go.th)
Narathiwat Animal Quarantine Station
Tel. 66-7364-6586 / Fax. 66-7364-6586 (qsna_naw@dld.go.th)