Pets and Animals in Bangkok

Bangkok-specific laws on housing, identification and vaccination requirements and on restricted breeds, as well as information about Bangkok based animal associations...

Essential information about local animal organisations and on the new pet ownership laws to be introduced in Bangkok.

Bangkok-Specific Laws to be Introduced

Bangkok is in the process of introducing a range of new rules and regulations which the city was committed to applying by the end of 2007, but that have not yet been implemented. For clarification or up-to-date information contact the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) or a local vet in Bangkok. These new requirements will affect housing, identification, vaccination, restricted areas and restricted breeds or controlled dogs.

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

Housing requirements to be introduced

• 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 to be introduced

All pet dogs and puppies over 120 days old will have to be implanted with an identification microchip and registered at the local district office or face fines of 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 will have to 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.

Vaccination requirements to be introduced

Dogs will need to 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 rules to be introduced

The following "controlled dogs" will 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 that will be applicable to "controlled dogs"

• 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 in Bangkok, complaints can be made to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's (BMA) Dog Control Department.

• BMA Dog Control Department
  Tel: 02 328 7460

Restricted areas: rules 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

Lost and Found Animals

For pets lost or found in Bangkok, contact the BMA's Dog Control Department.

• BMA Dog Control Department
  Tel: 02 328 7460

How to Find a Veterinarian

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

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
  

• Thai Animal Guardians Association (Thai AGA) provides a limited animal rescue service in Bangkok:
  At: 45 Moo 4, Sukrapiban 3 Rd, Saphangsoong, Bangkok 10240
  Tel: 02 728 1658
  Fax: 02 373 2886
  e-mail