Pet Travel & Moving to Thailand with animals

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Pet Travel & Moving to Thailand with animals

In Thailand a pet is classified as a domestic animal which means an animal raised and fed with food and water by humans. Pet travel laws can be affected by exceptional outbreaks of diseases. Recent examples are Avian Influenza (the H5N1 strain of bird flu) and Foot and Mouth Disease.

The Department of Livestock Development in Bangkok is the official contact for the import and export of animals and the website should be checked for up-to-date requirements.

• Department of Livestock Development, Bureau of Disease Control and Veterinary Services
  At: Phayathai Road, Ratchtavee, Bangkok, 10400
  Tel: 02 653 4550
  e-mail
  Website
• Comprehensive information on the requirements for entering Thailand with a dog or cat: Click here

Contact a local vet for advice on all requirements for pets to travel to Thailand as well as any export requirements in the home country.

Entering Thailand with a Pet

There are two ways of entering Thailand by air with a pet: 

• As excess baggage
• Via a commercial pet carrier

Excess baggage is the cheaper option but the owner has to arrange all the paperwork.

On arrival in Bangkok it is necessary to collect the pet - sometimes it arrives on the baggage carousel. Take the pet to the Animal Import desk at the airport where the necessary paperwork must be completed. The officer will decide whether the pet needs to go into quarantine. Fees may need to be paid in order to complete the application process.

Paperwork required for pets entering Thailand

• Export certificate from country of origin arranged either by the pet carrier or vet
• Import permit obtained on arrival at airport in Thailand from the Animal Import desk
• Identity and health certificate in English signed by a registered veterinary surgeon in the country of origin describing the:
• age
• breed, sex, colour and markings
• name and address of owner or kennel

Note: Animals must be resident in the country of export for at least six months before export.

Vaccination requirements

The following vaccinations are currently required, along with certificates. Check with a vet to make sure the vaccination requirements have not changed:

• Approved rabies vaccine at least 15 days prior to the departure unless the country has been free from rabies for at least the past twelve months
• Vaccine against Leptospirosis at least 21 days prior to departure
• Animals should also be vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus at least 21 days prior to departure
• If the dog is staying in kennels it should be vaccinated against kennel cough
• Cats should also be vaccinated against Feline Enteritis and Feline Flu

Quarantine requirements

Thai regulations state that animals must be placed in quarantine for at least 30 days at approved premises at the owner's expense. However, the Royal Thai Consulate in Hull, England explains on its website that "Feedback which we have received from other travellers indicates that pet dogs and cats are not usually quarantined".

• For details: Click here (Select PDF Taking Pets to Thailand)

Transiting through Thailand: restrictions and requirements

The Department of Livestock Development in Bangkok lists the requirements for the transit of live animals from one country to another through Thailand. An application has to be made to a veterinary official at the International Animal Quarantine Station.

• For details: Click here

Leaving the Country with a Pet

The Department of Livestock Development in Bangkok lists the requirements for the exportation of live animals.

• For details: Click here

As requirements for importing animals vary greatly between countries, it is advisable to obtain all the necessary details from the authorities of the destination country. Many countries may require a lengthy period of quarantine or may not allow the pet to enter directly from Thailand. If the country has an Embassy or High Commission in Thailand, all necessary information may be obtained there.

Details of the requirements of some countries for importing pets can be found below.

• United Kingdom: the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) provides information for bringing pets to the United Kingdom.
• For details: Click here
• USA: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide information on the requirements for bringing animals into the USA.
• For details: Click here
• European Countries: The European Pet Passport allows qualifying domestic animals to freely cross borders within Europe. The Europa website provides information on the requirements for bringing animals into the EU.
• For details: Click here
• Australia: the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service has information on bringing cats, dogs and other pets to Australia.
• For details: Click here
• New Zealand: Biosecurity New Zealand provides information on the requirements for bringing animals into New Zealand.
• For details: Click here

Pet Carriers

It is essential to ensure that the pet is eligible to travel not only to or from Thailand but also any other countries it may pass through.

If the animal is travelling on the same plane as its owner, try to send it as excess baggage rather than as cargo. This is generally much cheaper. The animal must travel in an approved container, which must be big enough for the animal to stand, sit and turn during the journey. The container must allow adequate ventilation. If the journey is longer than a few hours, food and drink may need to be supplied. Consult the appropriate airline or carrier for details as not all airlines will carry caged animals across borders. Enquire about the airline's services and requirements well ahead of time and if possible get agreement in writing.

Allow plenty of time to check in as the authorities will go through all documents before allowing travel.

Further Information

• Department of Livestock Development
  At: Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10400 Thailand
  Tel: 02 653 4444
  Fax: 02 653 4925
  e-mail
  Website
• The Royal Thai Consulate at Hull (United Kingdom)
  At: Priory Court, Saxon Way, Priory Park West, Hessle, Hull HU13 9PB United Kingdom
  Tel: +44 148 258 1668
  Fax: +44 148 262 8877
  e-mail
  Website
• Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
  At: Customer Contact Unit, Eastbury House, 30-34 Albert Embankment,
  London SE1 7TL United Kingdom
  Tel: +44 207 238 6951
  Fax: +44 207 238 2188
  e-mail
  Website