How can I bring my pets from France to Thailand while on a retirement visa?

Jun 20, 2023
a year ago
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
We are thinking of staying in Thailand on a retirement visa for 6-8 months a year, but we are looking at taking our small dog and possibly cat with us.

Does anyone know how hard (or easy) it is to import/expert our animals from France/Europe?
3,915
views
5
likes
94
all likes
35
replies
4
images
18
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
Bringing pets from France to Thailand is generally manageable, provided you have the necessary vaccinations, a microchip, and a rabies titer test completed within the correct time frame. While importing pets is relatively straightforward, exporting them back can be complicated due to potential quarantine requirements in EU countries. It's advisable to maintain up-to-date vaccination records and potentially utilize services like Relo4Paws for assistance. Ensure to check accommodations for pet policies as well.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
จอนห์ *******
Contact; FB; 'Relo Paws' or 'Action For Dogs' sure someone there will be able to provide solid information on how and what to do.
Mandy *****
It's very easy. I brought mine in from Holand. No issue at all. Just follow the listed instruction in the posted site above. Good luck and great you are taking your animals with you.
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mandy ****
that is fantastic. As I am of Dutch origin I might fly back to the Netherlands then of that is easier.
Chapathan *************
There you go, straight from Thai gov’s website
*************************************************************************************************************************
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chapathan ************
thank you, I did find that, but I really was looking for experiences, as sometimes a procedure looks doable, but then it is not that easy in reality
Heinrieke *****
It's easy to bring dogs & cats to Thailand as long as it is not a banned breed.

As said above to return to Europe your dog will require a rabies titre test that can take up to 8 weeks to be processed along with all mandatory jabs. If vaccinations are kept up to date to the letter some (if not all) EU countries will not require a new titre test with each entry. It's best to do the titre test a month (not earlier) after the rabies vaccination to have higher titre count.

Sorry, can't help with cat but would think it's similar.

Good luck!
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Heinrieke ****
that makes sense, thank you
Tulip ********
hard
Paul ********
Just remember that only a small percentage of available rental condos and villas permit pets. There ARE some available but your selection will be severely restricted compared to someone with no pets.
Jae *******
I'd say it's just far too hard... Bringing them to Thailand should be easy but not returning to France, I assume at the least your pet's will require quarantine every time.
Mark *********
Not difficult to bring them. Taking the back to France may be the tricky part.
Michael ********
Check relo4paws
Preeda ****************
I travel with my pugs in and out of Thailand.

Leaving France, you will need an inspection by a veterinarian and then the French Government will provide the export papers. I did have difficulty with the Government office in Paris. Had to go back to the veterinarian and back to the Government office. Plan a few days in advance in case something is needed.

Vaccines must be kept up to date, microchip and a Rabies Titer test to leave Thailand and return to the EU. Be mindful of the dates. The titer test must be done after 90 days from last rabies vaccine and 90 days before travel. (I'm fairly certain of those dates, but please check)

Timing of the titer/vaccine did result in me cancelling flight plans.

I recommend using Relo4Paws for export and import permit to and from Thailand. I could do it myself, I prefer to use them as requirements do change and I don't risk making a mistake.
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Preeda ***************
this is so helpful. Thank you
Preeda ****************
Nigel ***********
Too hot for dogs in thailand.
Nigel ***********
I think your dog is a cat.ha .kojak that me.no hair.ha.
Nigel ***********
I dont think so. I seen dogs in thailand they suffer. Great if your air con is on all the time. Dogs have fur.
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel **********
not my dog. She has less hair than kojak 🤣
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel **********
my dog hates cold and rain, she is fine with hot. If she is too hot, she will move inside.
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Mica Inturkey I am not sure what you mean. Should I go to Thailand via the UK? Is that easier?
James *****
@Nigel **********
lives in udon doesn’t mind the heat
Henrik **************
@Nigel **********
they even go sunbathing when it's "cold", 30 degrees celsius.
Henrik **************
@Nigel **********
my dogs beg to differ, they love it in Thailand and we live in Isaan where it's hotter than touristy shitholes lol
Steve ********
Soi dogs will eat him…
Steve ********
Just be careful. Soi dogs are like hardened criminals. They feast on soft western dogs.
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
hahaha, she is quite used to dealing with large dogs, unfortunately she is now left on her own, as the big one died.

She can hold her own, but pretty sure she won't see many soi dogs
Francois ********
Hello

Here it’s the

E-mail :

******************


+66 21 34 07 32 this is the number of the quarantine airport animals

Dog need :

Microchip ✅

Vaccination update ✅

Titer rabies ✅

Call them directly, they will send to you the form and everything you need .
Brandon ************
Getting your animals into Thailand isn't that difficult. But if you're only planning on being in Thailand for part of the year, it's very difficult to get your animals out of Thailand. Some countries impose long quarantine times on animals coming from Thailand. Make sure you keep the shots up to date and keep your records in good order to get them out.
Lynnette *******
@Brandon ***********
but going to UK is best to land in eu, then travel over to UK. Because the fee at airport to take dog off plane and process it is hundreds of pounds.
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
we will be in France
Lynnette *******
@Sonja ******
rabies titre testing for return to eu takes time too. Just check those details.
Lynnette *******
@Sonja ******
eu had no quarantine. But you'll need animal import and export documents each trip. Be sure to check with one of the vets in your country that has experience of this. Or ask one of the pet travel people like Relo4Paws in Bangkok.
Lynnette *******
@Brandon ***********
no quarantine in Europe, UK or USA.
Francois ********
@Brandon ***********
ho really ?, cos to leaving Thailand and going to Europe very easy , I did 4 times already.

If all the documents are okay , they give you certificates exportation then you can leave for sure . ✅
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else