Essential Animal Information for Pets in Thailand

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Essential Animal Information for Pets in Thailand

Essential information and contacts on the following subjects is available below:

Owning a Pet in Bangkok

In Thailand a pet is classified as a domestic animal which means an animal raised and fed with food and water by humans.

Laws applying to pet ownership

At present there are two provisions in Thai legislation (Clauses 381 and 382) which mean that those found guilty of cruelty to animals may be fined 1,000 baht or imprisoned for one month or both. Although these laws are generally considered very weak and rarely enforced, they are the only existing laws regarding pet ownership in Thailand.

A draft law has been issued for the whole of Thailand but has not yet entered the law making process. At present it is only a draft and no date has been given for when it will become law.

• To download the draft from the Thai Animal Guardians Association: Click here

Bangkok-specific laws being introduced in 2007

Bangkok is in the process of introducing a range of new rules and regulations which the city is committed to applying by the end of 2007. For clarification or up-to-date information contact the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) or a local vet in Bangkok.

• Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)
  At: Bangkok City Hall, 1/173 Dinso Road, Bangkok 10200
  Tel: 02 221 2141
  Website

Housing requirements soon to be introduced in Bangkok

• Dogs must be housed in an area that is clean and has adequate space, light and is not too hot
• Dogs must be fed properly and someone has to take care of them when the owner is away
• They must not cause disturbance to neighbours
• Regulations by commercial buildings, housing developments and townhouse projects about the keeping of domestic animals as pets must be followed

Identification Requirements (from 4 July 2007)

All pet dogs and puppies over 120 days old must be implanted with an identification microchip and registered at the local district office from the 4 July, 2008. Any owner found with an unregistered dog after this date may be fined up to THB 5,000.

• A dog must be registered within 30 days of arriving in Bangkok or within 120 days of birth
• The owner is issued with a dog identity paper that must be carried at all times when the dog is outside of the home
• If the dog dies, or the owner moves, if the dog is lost or the dog becomes dangerous it is necessary to inform the same office where the dog was registered. This can be done by post, although the letter must be written in Thai

Appointments for microchip implanting and registration can be made at any BMA veterinary clinic or the BMA Rabies Control Division:

• BMA Rabies Control Division
  At: Mitmaitree Road, Din Daeng
• BMA veterinary clinics: in districts Bang Rak, Min Buri, Khlong Toei, Bang Khen, Bangkok Yai, Chom Thong, Bangkok Noi

Dogs may also be chipped at certified private veterinary clinics; the owner then registers the dog.

Registration

Take the following to the local district office:

• microchip-implant certificate
• copy of the owner's identification card
• copy of the Tabien Baan or house owners' ID card
• rabies-vaccination certificate for dogs less than one year old
• dog sterilisation certificate

Vaccination Requirements (from 4 July 2007)

Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and kept up to date with regular booster vaccinations. The following are recommended vaccines although a local vet will be able to advise owners further:

• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Leptospirosis
• Parvovirus

Restricted Breeds

There are currently no laws on restricted breeds. 

Restricted Breeds: limits soon to be introduced in Bangkok

The following "controlled dogs" have special rules applying to them. It is not comprehensive and any dogs with a "history of violence" are automatically included.

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Rottweiler
• Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Fighting Dog)

Rules applicable to "controlled dogs" in Bangkok

• Must be kept in a cage with clear sign that the dog is dangerous
• When outside of the cage the dog must be kept on a leash not more than 50cm from the owner. It must wear a muzzle and is not allowed to scare people or cause a disturbance
• Only those between ages 15 and 65, who are able to control the dog, should take the dog outside the cage

Dangerous or nuisance dogs

If dogs become a nuisance or are considered dangerous, complaints can be made to the local government office (Or Bor Tor or Thesaban) or, in Bangkok to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's (BMA) Dog Control Department.

• BMA Dog Control Department
  Tel: 02 328 7460

Restricted Areas

The only existing law for restricted areas applies to National Parks. A person is not allowed to enter a National Park with a domestic animal. However, a park ranger may give permission to enter the park depending on individual circumstances.

Certain buildings such as hospitals, commercial or private buildings may have individual rules. Parks in Thailand generally have signs indicating that dogs are not allowed inside.

Restricted areas in Bangkok: rules soon to be introduced

• Dogs are not allowed on public transport although dogs can be carried on trains in non air-conditioned carriages
• Dogs are not allowed in any parks in Bangkok
• Dogs are not allowed in private or commercial buildings that have signs indicating that no dogs are allowed
• Dogs are not allowed in hospitals
• All dog mess must be disposed of in a clean and hygienic manner
• Once registration is introduced, owners must carry the identity papers and keep the dog on a lead at all times. It is possible to remove the lead for training purposes if the dog is kept under control

Buying & Selling a Pet

When buying or selling a dog the new owner must register the dog within 30 days. If they can no longer take care of the dog it must be returned to the local government office who will charge a fee.

Lost and Found Animals

For pets lost or found outside of Bangkok, contact the local government district office (Or Bor Tor or in an urban area the local Thesaban). In Bangkok contact the BMA's Dog Control Department.

• BMA Dog Control Department
  Tel: 02 328 7460

The Thai Animal Guardians Association (Thai AGA) provides a limited animal rescue service in Bangkok:

• Thai AGA
  At: 45 Moo 4, Sukrapiban 3 Rd, Saphangsoong, Bangkok 10240
  Tel: 02 728 1658
  Fax: 02 373 2886
  e-mail
  Website

How to Find a Veterinarian

Use the local pet organisations listed below to contact a vet or

• See The AngloFILE Dogs, Cats, Pets & Animals

Pet Threats

Snakes, scorpions, centipedes and spiders are the main threats to pets in Thailand.

• More information from Outdoor Survival: Dangerous insects and arachnids
• More information from Outdoor Survival: Poisonous Snakes

National Animal Organisations

• The Thai Animal Guardians Association (Thai AGA) is a non-profit organisation concerned directly with animal rights and animal welfare in Thailand
  At: 45 Moo 4, Sukrapiban 3 Road, Saphansoong, Bangkok 10240
  Tel: 02 728 1658
  Fax: 02 373 2886
  e-mail
  Website
• Thai Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA)
  At: 120 Kasemkij Building, Room 301, Silom Rd, Bangkok 10500
  Tel: 02 236 2176
  Fax: 02 266 5104
  e-mail
  Website
• The Wildlife Friends of Thailand rescues maltreated or neglected wild animals and cares from them in a sanctuary
  At: Moo 6,Tambon Thamairuak, Amphoe Thayang, Petchaburi 76130
  Tel: 03 245 8135
  e-mail
  Website

Local Animal Organisations

Bangkok

• SCAD (previously Soi Dog Rescue) aims to improve the lives of Bangkok's street dogs and, in so doing, create a healthier environment
  At: 120/197 Thana City, Bang Phli, Samut Prakarn 10540
  Tel: 08 1611 2865
  Website

Chiang Mai

• Care for Dogs runs a shelter for stray dogs in Chiang Mai
  At: 12 Moo 11, Wiang Dong, Nam Prae, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai 50230
  Tel: 08 1907 3260
  e-mail
  Website

PhaNgan

• PhaNgan Animal Care (PAC) is the sole provider of veterinary care for the animals of Koh PhaNgan – a small island in the Gulf of Thailand
  At: PO Box 70, Thong Sala, Koh PhaNgan, Suratthani 84280
  Tel: 07 723 8375
  e-mail
  Website

Phuket

• The Phuket Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has the objective of reducing the stray dog and cat populations in Phuket and helping to educate the local population in effective and humane animal management
  At: 13/7 Moo 3, Kwaang Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket 83000
  Tel: 07 626 4504
  e-mail
  Website
• The Soi Dog Foundation is a volunteer and not-for-profit organisation with the aim of improving the lives of stray dogs in Thailand, currently focused on the island of Phuket
  At: John Dalley, 57/61 Laguna Homes, Moo 4, Cherngtalay, Talang, Phuket 83110
  Tel: 08 7050 8688
  e-mail
  Website
• The Atigaro Project is a capture-neuter-release scheme in conjunction with education programmes in animal respect and responsible pet ownership
  At: PO Box 146 Phuket 83000
  Tel: 07 638 1379
  e-mail
  Website

Samui

• The Dog Rescue Center Samui provides a rescue service for both dogs and cats on the island of Koh Samui in the south of Thailand
  At: 112 / 35 Moo 6, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320
  Tel: 07 741 3490
  e-mail
  Website

Further Information

• Department of Livestock Development
  At: Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10400
  Tel: 02 653 4444
  Fax: 02 653 4925
  e-mail
  Website
• AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Pet Travel & Moving to Thailand with Animals