Pet Import Requirements — Thailand

Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip implanted BEFORE the rabies vaccination. If your pet's chip is a non-ISO type (common in the US), bring your own scanner or get a compliant chip implanted. Thai customs officers use ISO scanners. The microchip number must match exactly on all documents — health certificate, vaccination records, and import permit. Cost: $50–75 USD at most vets. Get it done at least 30 days before travel.

Rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days but no more than 12 months before arrival in Thailand. Puppies/kittens must be at least 12 weeks old for vaccination. The vaccine must be an inactivated (killed) or recombinant type. Keep the original vaccination certificate with batch number, manufacturer, and expiry date. If your pet's rabies vaccination has lapsed, you must restart the 21-day waiting period. A rabies titer test is NOT required for Thailand but is recommended if re-exporting to EU/Australia later.

For US residents: your APHIS-accredited vet must complete USDA Form 7001 within 10 days of departure. The form is then endorsed by your USDA APHIS VS office — allow 2–5 business days (or pay $150 for rush processing). The certificate must state your pet is healthy, free of infectious diseases, and current on rabies vaccination. Cost: vet exam $50–150 + USDA endorsement $38 per certificate. Book your vet appointment 7–10 days before departure for optimal timing.

UK residents need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an Official Veterinarian (OV). Book through your vet practice's OV at least 10 days before travel. The AHC covers identity (microchip), rabies vaccination, clinical examination, and tapeworm treatment (if applicable). Cost: £100–200 depending on the vet. The certificate is valid for 10 days for entry into Thailand. APHA does not need to endorse for Thailand travel specifically, but the OV stamp is required.

You must obtain an import permit from Thailand's Department of Livestock Development (DLD) before arrival. Apply online at dld.go.th or email: [email protected] at least 15 days before arrival. Required documents: health certificate copy, vaccination records, microchip number, flight itinerary, and your passport copy. The permit is free and valid for 30 days. Without it, your pet may be quarantined at the airport for up to 30 days at your expense (200–500 THB/day).

Day 60: Verify microchip, schedule rabies vaccine if needed. Day 45: Apply for Thailand import permit. Day 30: Rabies 21-day waiting period begins (if newly vaccinated). Day 10: Vet exam and health certificate issued. Day 7: USDA/APHA endorsement of health certificate. Day 3: Confirm airline pet booking, prepare carrier. Day 1: Travel with all original documents. This timeline has buffer — minimum possible is about 30 days if rabies is already current.

Thai Airways: pets in cargo only, max 32 kg including crate, book 48 hours ahead, 5,000–15,000 THB depending on route. Emirates: cargo only, no snub-nosed breeds. Qatar Airways: cargo only, well-regarded for pet handling. EVA Air: cabin for pets under 7 kg (including carrier), 4,000–6,000 THB. Korean Air: cabin under 7 kg. Singapore Airlines: cargo only. Budget airlines (AirAsia, Nok Air): NO pets at all. Always reconfirm pet booking 48 hours before departure.

IATA-compliant crate required for cargo: hard-sided, ventilated on 3+ sides, large enough for pet to stand/turn/lie down, leak-proof bottom, secure locks (no padlocks — use cable ties). Attach food and water dishes inside. Label with 'LIVE ANIMAL' stickers, your contact info, and destination. For cabin travel: soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat (typically 43x30x20 cm max). Buy airline-approved carriers on Lazada/Amazon: 1,500–5,000 THB for cabin, 3,000–15,000 THB for cargo crates.

Thailand does not have a formal banned breed list like the UK, but Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and wolf hybrids may face additional scrutiny or denial at customs. Some condos in Pattaya restrict breeds and sizes. Airlines individually ban brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds from cargo: Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, and similar breeds due to breathing risks during flight. Check your specific airline's restricted breed list before booking.

Microchip: $50–75 (if needed). Rabies vaccine: $20–40. Vet health exam: $50–150. USDA endorsement: $38 (US) / APHA cert: £100–200 (UK). Airline cargo fee: $200–600 depending on route and size. IATA crate: $100–400. Thailand import permit: free. Customs clearance at Suvarnabhumi: 100–300 THB. Total estimate: $500–1,200 USD for the entire process. Larger dogs cost more due to bigger crates and higher cargo fees.

Arrive at the Animal Quarantine Station (located in the cargo area, Building CE-3, Suvarnabhumi Airport). Present: import permit, health certificate, vaccination records, and your passport. A DLD officer inspects your pet and documents. Processing takes 30–90 minutes. Fee: 100–300 THB. Quarantine is NOT required if all documents are in order. If documents are missing or incorrect, expect 5–30 days quarantine at the airport facility. The quarantine station is open 8:30 AM–4:30 PM — after-hours arrivals may face delays.

Within 30 days of arrival, register your pet at a local vet and DLD office. Recommended Pattaya vets with English-speaking staff: Pattaya Animal Hospital (Soi Khao Noi, consultation 300–500 THB), Dr. Siri Pet Clinic (Jomtien, 400–600 THB), and Thonglor Pet Hospital (Central Pattaya, 500–800 THB). Get a Thai pet ID card and update microchip registration to a Thai contact number. Annual rabies boosters are required by Thai law (100–300 THB at local vets).