How difficult is it to bring pets into Thailand?

May 24, 2024
6 months ago
Dave *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Everything else, has anyone taken a pet out to Thailand, if so how difficult was it?.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Bringing pets into Thailand appears to be a relatively straightforward process compared to many other countries, although it requires significant preparation and adherence to health regulations. Key steps include obtaining necessary vaccinations, health certificates, and import permits, followed by coordinating travel with an airline that accommodates pets. Experiences shared by others highlight the importance of choosing the right airline, as some may have restrictions, particularly for snub-nosed breeds. Many pet owners recommend using specialized pet travel agencies to navigate the complexities of paperwork and logistics. Overall, while the process can be stressful and time-consuming, successful relocations have been reported with meticulous planning.
Nikolai ****
Contact the soi dog foundation
Michael *********
Hi Sunny I just sent you a PM about this. Thanks
James ********
I just took my old Lab from UK to Thailand …. Mostly it’s a paper work thing …. And a put your hand in your pocket thing …. Other than that surprisingly easy ….

After 2 month my dog is adjusting to the heat .. adjusting to the food and love and attention took no time at all
Jules *******************
I took two dogs back to the UK, they had to do 6 months quarantine. But every country is different, check the destination country’s rules x

Leaving Thailand an agent did all the paperwork for us x we chose an airline like BA who are approved for transportation and it was much easier when arriving to the UK x good luck 🤞
Peter ********
A good 15 years ago. BKK to SFO. Easier than the reverse
Michael ****
Just brought my mini doxie from US. Coordinated everything myself except the vet exam and USDA cert that was done by
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easy to get the Thai import certificate and they were happy with phone call to confirm they had received the docs. Korean air added her to our flight as extra baggage. Total cost about $900 usd. Hardest part was finding transportation in taxi after we arrived.
David ***************
I brought 2 soi dogs found at the side of the road and had #actionfordogs deal with everything to get them here. I would highly recommend them
Jeffrey *******
@Dave ******
Check out Bangkok Pet Bangkok Pet Lovers. You will find all the helpful info that you are looking for. Be sure to say what country is your destination - that is critical info to answer your questions, and also provide what country your pet got their Rabies vaccination.
Robert *****
Plenty of available dogs just outside 7-11.
Dennis *********
@Robert ****
I have noticed that too!

They lay there waiting for customers to go in and out to get the benefits of the AirCon!
Ron *******
I've took my two French Bulldogs (snub nose) from USA to Thailand last year (2023),

You will need to get a livestock import permit for each pet and a health certificate for each pets stating they have the required vaccines. Also, the certificates must be dated no more than 30 days from your arrival (maybe less).

The next hardest part is finding an airline that will take you pet. I had business class on Qatar but they would not accept snub nose in cabin or in the hold. I had to switch to Turkish Airways which allowed snub nose dogs. The hardest part is timing as Thailand will only accept the original health certificate and the date on the certificate has to be with a certain timeframe.

You will have to go to the livestock quarantine station with all your paperwork. I flew into Suvarnabhumi and the station was behind baggage check 3 I think.

The hardest part for me was the initial check-in at Miami. I had no less than 5 different people ask of my paperwork. Just have multiple copies of everything and keep all your originals for when you arrive in Thailand.

Good luck.
Ozzy **********
Jordi ********
@Ron ******
lots of airlines stopped doing the snub nose and I do thing that is for a reason.
Laurie ***************
Moving from OKC in October. Using Airpets International out of Dallas. Not cheap, but we are transporting a pug & 2 Aussies. They’ve told us exactly what to do-vet requirements & timeline, schedule the flights, crates sizes, get them thru immigration in BKK. Give them a call. Good luck-see you in Thailand!!!
Even *****
By comparison to many countries, it's straightforward and pretty affordable to bring a dog into Thailand, as there is no quarantine period. It does require a fair bit of preparation and paperwork, which will take you a couple months minimum to jump through all the hoops if your dog isn't already chipped and current on rabies vax as others have mentioned. For a dog the size of a cocker spaniel, the most affordable way to transport it is not by a cargo shipment, but as excess baggage in an approved pet carrier under the plane with you (or a friend or family member or trustworthy volunteer). That will run something like US $500 or even less for the travel part, whereas a separate pet cargo shipment tends to run upward of US 2,000+++. Figuring out which flights will accept pets and booking space for the dog is a bit complicated, especially due to the long flight path over. Still, the whole process is stressful. I had help from an experienced pet travel agent when I did this (not from US or I'd send a rec!) Definitely worth looking into international pet relocation experts in your area to help get this done smoothly.
Markus **********
Took the dog in the checked in bag. Pretty hassle free
Sunny *******
I’ve brought my dog out of Thailand to Canada and my dog and cat back into Thailand from Canada.

I used an agency leaving Thailand and it was all done for me, from transfers to shipping, I just picked her up on the other end.

I applied for the import permits myself coming back to Thailand and it was fine, took a while but it was Covid so everything was backed up.

Both have all their vaccines, microchips and required vet approval to fly along with documents confirming vaccine history and health history.

I checked them into my flight with me (I used EVA air) and off we went. They were pre booked which you have to call cargo on airlines to book pets and you pay at the gate. It has to be the same airline not “operated by” flights or multiple airlines on one booking to do the journey.

I layed over in Tokyo both times and their quarantine station was amazing, they kept me up to date on feeding, toilet use and overall well being. I can’t remember exactly but it was 12-15 hours we were layed over to give them plenty of time to chill out, decide to eat, digest and go to the toilet before catching the next flight. They both arrived in Bangkok with clean crates and no accidents which I was surprised and grateful for.
Sunny *******
For Export side you get an approved vet to fill out this form:

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023_eng.pdf

And submit it to the Canadian Food Inspection Authority in your jurisdiction
Sunny *******
For Thailand import side you need to submit this a couple weeks in advance along with some other documentation including copy of your passport, pet vaccine records, photo of pet, & microchip certificate… also proof of flight into Thailand.

I flew into Bangkok so I submitted my documents to the BKK airport and their email address is:
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John **********
@Sunny ******
Air Canada you can bring small pets on board and they have direct flights in the winters

I'm just trying to figure out where to ho to get a agriculture release letter ... it says we need it to enter Thailand

AGRICULTURE in Canada has nothing to do with pets
Sunny *******
@John *********
it’s from the Canadian food inspection agency on the export side and the import side was the Animal Quarantine Station Thailand.
Donna **********
Try here. Animal Travelers they have great advice.
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