Many travelers have Thailand as their must-go destination, even those with pets! Although it’s normal to see some travel with their small cats and young pups, you’re likely wondering — can I bring my dog to Thailand?
As long as your canine meets the Thai embassy’s requirements, you shouldn’t have issues bringing it to the country.
To make your next trip to Siam more convenient here’s all you need to know about traveling with a dog:
Can I Bring My Dog to Thailand?
If there’s no “special” announcement from the Thai embassy and your country’s aviation organizations regarding the prohibition of pet transportation, bringing your dog to Thailand is possible. And importing your furry friend to the country is a straightforward process if you prepare early.
You don’t need to pay a pricy pet transportation agent — you can DIY!
Regardless of the airport, the requirements for traveling with a dog are the same throughout the country. But if you’ll need to send your canine’s documents to a different place, varying arrival experiences across Thailand’s international airports.
Once you pass the airport, you should be able to travel with your dog throughout Siam without issues.
Although you can hire agents to do everything for you, they’re often expensive, costing thousands of dollars. So, even if you need to do immense research and planning, it can save you a LOT. Hence, it’s better to handle your dog’s transportation yourself.
What are the Requirements to Bring My Pet Dog to Thailand?
You can find the complete list of requirements for traveling with a dog or importing one to Thailand via the official Department of Livestock (DLD) site. But the main requirements for canine transportation that the embassy requires are the following:
- Your dog must be healthy and have no illnesses.
- Your four-legged friend should be vaccinated against leptospirosis for at least three weeks (21 days) before you arrive in the country. If not, have a negative leptospirosis test result within 30 days before arriving.
- Your pup must have vaccinations against hepatitis, distemper, and parvovirus at least three weeks before your departure to Siam.
- Your country of origin must be rabies-free. If not, your canine should be vaccinated against the fatal disease at least three weeks before arriving in Thailand.
Despite being a bureaucratic nation, bringing dogs to Thailand is simple. And all you must do is fill out a form provided by the local DLD and ensure your pup meets every requirement.
You need to apply for an import permit and get approval from the Thai DLD, where you can apply via their official website. Filling out the form should be simple, but before that, you need to get the following documents:
🔵 Health Certificates and Vaccinations
Health certifications and vaccinations are crucial to bringing your canine to Thailand. It must be in English and signed or endorsed by a credited and authorized vet approved by the exporting country’s government. And they should contain the following details:
- The number of dogs you’re bringing to Thailand.
- Your dog’s breed, sex, age, color, or other identifications.
- Your name and address or the canine’s kennel of origin.
Besides that, you must show certification that your dog hails from a place free from animal diseases or at least have them under control. And your pup must be healthy and not display signs of infectious or contagious diseases, including fleas, during export.
Also, here are the mandatory vaccinations your dog must have before getting approval to travel to Thailand:
✔️ Rabies
If you have lived in a rabies-free country for the last year, your dog won’t need a rabies vaccination to enter Siam. But since this country isn’t rabies-free, I recommend vaccinating your canine for this fatal disease before your departure. It’ll protect your pup and make it safer for both of you when returning home.
Meanwhile, if you’re traveling from a place that’s not rabies-free, your dog will need a vaccination at least three weeks and not over a year before your departure. And here, you’ll present your pet’s vaccination card displaying all the details, including the vaccination date, batch number, and expiry.
You’ll only need a vaccination card and won’t need a rabies titer test, regardless of your dog’s breed and country of origin.
✔️ Leptospirosis
Regardless of your dog’s breed or age, it will need to get vaccinated against leptospirosis to be able to get into Thailand. And like for rabies, you’ll need to have your four-legged friend vaccinated at least three weeks before departure.
Alternatively, you can have your pup take a leptospirosis test with a negative result at least 30 days before leaving your country of origin.
✔️ Other Vaccinations
The mandatory vaccinations for all dogs traveling to Thailand must be done three weeks before departure and include the following:
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Hepatitis
✔️ Parasite (Flea and Ticks) Treatment
The Thai DLD also mandates travelers with dogs to have their pets treated for internal and external parasites before departure. These include medication for fleas or ticks and internal parasite treatment against tapeworms or heartworm. You can ask your vet to prescribe these for your pup a week before your flight.
🔵 Import Permit
Once you’ve prepared all the health certificates and vaccinations your dog needs to go to Thailand, it’s time to fill out the import permit. You can download the Thai DLD’s official form here. And it should contain your name, address in Siam, passport details, and signature agreeing to the rules and conditions set by the DLD.
After filling up the firm, please email the Thai DLD and inform them you’re coming with your pup. And once received, they’ll issue an import permit valid for 45 days.
Here are the following details you need to send to the Thai DLD:
- A fully-filled import permit (Form r1-1).
- A copy of your passport’s picture page.
- Your history of vaccination.
- Country origin of address.
- Details of your dog (ex: breed, sex, color, etc.).
- The date of arrival to Siam.
- Your address in the country.
🔵 An Airline-Approved Pet (Dog) Crate
When flying with your dog to Thailand, you’ll need to prepare a universal airline-approved pet crate. I recommend selecting IATA-approved boxes as these meet the requirements of most international airlines and airports. Not to mention, it’s safe, sturdy, and comfortable, allowing your canine to travel in peace.
Also, remember to stick a “LIVE ANIMAL” sticker on top of the crate to let staff know to handle it carefully. And you need to install a water bottle filled to the brim to ensure your dog is hydrated. Most airlines don’t require to give animals food, even those bound for a long-haul flight.
Consider sedation under your vet’s recommendations and instructions if your dog is prone to separation anxiety and stress. But generally, most pups are fine with flights, even extended ones.
🔵 Additional Information
In case you encounter an issue when arranging the requirements needed to let your dog travel to Thailand, here are more details about the DLD:
- Address: Phaya Thai Road
- Contact information: +66 (0) 213-40731 or +66 (0) 265-34425
- Email address: qsap_bkk@dld.go.th
Before booking your flight, ensure you have all these requirements to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey for YOU and fido. And always inform your airline about your “special” case to ensure they have the proper facilities to cater to your dog.
Also, if you have a layover or need to transfer airlines, find out each airport’s and airline’s policy for traveling with dogs.
How to Send My Dog to Thailand?
You can bring your dog to Thailand via flight or relocation services. And if you’re struggling to decide to choose between the two, here’s a brief overview of how your canine will travel to Siam:
Sending Your Dog by Plane
Since flying is the most convenient way to bring your dog to Thailand, consider this first. Generally, international airlines let you have canines as either excess baggage or cabin luggage if your four-legged friend is small enough. And some scenarios, some airlines can treat fido as cargo.
But beware, some refuse particular breeds, often those with breathing issues. So, always ask the airline in advance if it’s possible to travel with your dog via plane to Siam.
Baggage vs. Cargo
The most convenient way to let your dog travel with you during a flight is by bringing it as excess baggage. With this, you’ll only need to check in with your pet and show the staff confirmation, and you can have them go together with your luggage.
But if you want to arrive in Thailand first and have your dog come after, you’ll need to transport it as cargo. And you’ll need to have a professional cargo specialist handle this to ensure your pet’s safety. Although your pup will travel differently, it’ll still need the same paperwork mentioned earlier.
Once you’ve booked the transportation, their staff will pick up your dog and bring it to the cargo terminal. Then they or their local partners in Siam will inform you once your four-legged friend arrives. And once it does, you’ll be able to get fido at the cargo terminal or have it delivered to your home.
Arriving with Your Dog at the Airport
If you traveled via plane with your dog, you’d need to go through several stops to retrieve your pet. After disembarking from the plane, you must go through Thai immigration, get your luggage at the carrousel then proceed to the “Oversized Baggage Claim Area.”
You’ll need to check with animal customs before you can exit the airport with your canine. And due to the past pandemic, Thailand airports have mandated travelers with pets to go to the quarantine inspection area.
Although the law requires a 30-day quarantine for ALL imported animals, you should be cleared as long as your dog is healthy and shows no signs of illness. And once the officers stamp your papers, you need to pay an import license that costs approximately 1000 baht ($30).
Once paid, return to the animal custom and show the officer your stamped document, take fido, and leave the airport.
However, note that it’s still left to the quarantine officer’s discretion if they’ll detain or quarantine your dog. They’ll determine if your pet needs further inspection or tests upon arrival. And with this, your canine might have to be in quarantine for a month! So, be careful when talking with Thai airport officials.
Moving Your Dog via a Land Border
If you hail from one of Thailand’s neighboring nations, consider moving your dog by land. Although the requirements remain, the land border procedure will differ. And whether you have an easy or hard time getting in is up to the local customs and immigration officers.
After all, some may not even give your dog a second look, while others take advantage of the time to ask for hefty fees. Regardless, always have fido’s vaccination records and health certificates with you.
Professional Pet Relocation Services
If you have money to spare and wish for a smooth journey for your dog to Thailand, consider investing in pet relocation services. They’ll handle the paperwork for you, but you’ll still need to go to the vet yourself. But some offer exclusive handling of ALL processes, including flight reservations, crates, vet services, and dog delivery.
The more years they’ve been in the industry, the better, as it’ll assure you that they know how to deal with dogs. And usually, well-established relocation agencies have a worldwide network, ensuring accessible communication.
When transporting your dog to Thailand, the pet relocation service will pick it up from the airline and bring it to meet the airport vet, clear animal customs, and deliver it to you.
If you need help finding a reliable firm, check with the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association to see which can bring fido to Siam without issues.
But before using a pet service, ensure they have representatives in Thailand. After all, how else will your dog reach the country?
Additional Tips to Remember When Traveling to Thailand with Your Dog
🐕 Pick a Pet-Friendly Airline
As cute and cuddly as your dog might be, not all airlines will welcome it. And some may offer to fly them as cargo for a high fee, while others prohibit them altogether. So, before you waste money on plane tickets, check which airline bound for Thailand will accommodate your dog.
Traveling with smaller dogs (under 16 pounds) will be easier since many airlines allow them to fly with you in-cabin.
But if you’re traveling with a big dog, you’ll have no choice but to place your pet on cargo transport. It’s a risky move that may jeopardize your canine’s health, so check each airline’s process for pet travels beforehand.
🐕 Book a Flight Reservation with Fido ASAP
Once you’ve found a good airline, confirm your flight and add “dog traveler” to the reservation ASAP. That’s because many airlines have a limit as to how many animals they’ll carry on board. And some only allow up to 2 pets, regardless of their size, to fly in the cabin.
Dog travel fees can cost you between $95 and $200, depending on how far your destination will be. And for Thailand, expect to pay at least $300 for your pup if you hail from the USA. Airport staff will collect this fee either during your counter check-in or time of booking.
🐕 Buy the Right Pet Carrier
Buying the appropriate pet carrier for your dog will ensure a safe and comfortable journey to Thailand and make it easier for airlines to approve. Choosing the wrong crate won’t only be uncomfortable and get you in trouble with the airline, but it can also be life-threatening to your pup.
Generally, airline-approved dog carriers are 46 x 28 x 28. But note that different companies still have varying requirements for the crate, so double-check with their websites for the exact dimensions needed for onboard approval.
Besides that, some airlines impose a combined weight allowance for carriers and your dog, often at 20 lbs.
🐕 Tire Your Dog Out Before the Long Flight to Thailand
You can guarantee your dog a smoother and more peaceful journey by tiring it out before the flight. It’ll make it less stressful for your pup and YOU. But you don’t need to force your pet to run long marathons or do anything extreme to deplete its energy.
Even something simple as 15 to 20 minutes of playtime before the flight should do.
🐕 Go to the Airport EARLY
Arriving a few hours before your flight with your dog to Thailand is ideal. It lets you prepare your dog and yourself better, allowing for potty breaks and last-minute chow downs.
Also, you would want to avoid issues like bringing an unacceptable dog carrier last minute! Going to the airport at least two hours before departure will help you resolve these problems without jeopardizing your flight.
🐕 Always Be Prepared for Accidents Before Departure, During the Flight, and on Arrival
No matter how well-trained and behave your dog is, accidents are bound to arise during a flight. So, whether it’s bringing doggy diapers or having a second crate prepared nearby, always think two steps ahead.
🐕 Ensure Your Dog Isn’t Restricted in Thailand
Thailand prohibits the entry of certain dog breeds like the American Staffordshire Terrier and Pit Bull. The latter includes the American Pit Bull Terrier, Bully, and Bulldog. Aside from that, many airlines are banning flights for short-nosed dogs like the Boston Terrier.
It’s because of the breed’s short snouts, making breathing difficult. And the long flight and cramped conditions may cause issues during the journey, which often proves fatal to the dog.
🐕 Request to Board Early
Flying with your dog lets you board early and get settled in to ensure your and your pet’s safety. And this is crucial as it gives you two times to settle in and avoid inconveniencing other passengers. Plus, it’ll give you and your four-legged friend time to stay calm.
🐕 Talk with Your Vet
Talking with your dog’s vet is crucial to ensure its safety during the long-haul flight. And you’d want to guarantee its health and whether it’s fit to fly through cargo or in-cabin. I recommend bringing your four-legged friend weeks before and a day before the flight.
You can also ask your local airline or state vet to see what documents you’ll need to bring your dog to Thailand. At most, you can expect them to require a health certificate given within ten days of your departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Thailand a pet- or dog-friendly country?
A: Thailand isn’t the most welcoming when it comes to dogs. After all, many public (mainly indoor) spaces prohibit our four-legged friends from entering. Hence, you’ll likely find it difficult to roam around with fido outside your accommodation. And you’ll probably struggle to find places to stay that welcome and allow canines to remain.
Q: Can I bring my dog to Thailand with me?
A: As long as you prepare the necessary paperwork and your dog is of age (at least four months), you’ll be able to bring it with you during your flight to Thailand. But be wary of announcements about pet travel from the Thai embassy, as rules can change over time.
Q: How to travel with my dog to Thailand?
A: Prepare the form given by the Thai embassy, health certificates, and vaccinations alongside your passport. Doing all these will make your travel to Siam more seamless and more enjoyable for you and your dog. You can also avail yourself of professional pet transportation services to bring your canine to Thailand.
Q: Will my dog undergo quarantine at Thailand’s Airport?
A: If your dog is healthy and doesn’t show any symptoms of illnesses or diseases, it won’t need to be quarantined. And as long as you provide the airport officials with the proper health certificates and vaccinations, you should be able to bring fido to Siam without issues.
Q: Is bringing my dog to Siam going to be difficult?
A: Paperwork will be tedious if you want to bring fido to Thailand as it’ll need a health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited vet alongside proof of vaccinations. And you’ll need to have your four-legged friend vaccinated against rabies, leptospirosis, parvovirus, etc.
Final Words
Can I bring my dog to Thailand? Traveling with your beloved pet to Siam shouldn’t be an issue if your pup is at least four months old and has all the necessary vaccinations and health certificates. So, plan your trip, and have all the paperwork needed for a smoother and more enjoyable journey for you and fido.