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What are the requirements and processes for bringing an emotional support dog to Thailand?
emotional support dogsThailand pet travelThai customs regulationsanimal quarantineimporting pets to Thailandairline pet policiesanimal transportpet travel documentationBKK airport proceduresexpat advice in Thailand
Feb 7, 2024
2 years ago
Michael **************
ORIGINAL POSTERGood moring im looking into bringing my dog when i come back to thailand. She is an emotional support dog. Im told there are airlines where she can fly with me in coach question when i arrive in airport BKK do we just walk down to animal pickup and go thru custom. Also will it matter what time we land.
Thdnks everyone
Thdnks everyone
TLDR : Answer Summary
Traveling with an emotional support dog to Thailand involves several key steps and requirements. Upon arriving at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), pets must go through the animal quarantine office for inspection. This process can take time, sometimes up to an hour or more, depending on the number of pets arriving. It's crucial to have all necessary documentation, including health certificates, vaccination records, and import permits, prepared in advance. While some airlines allow emotional support animals, others may have specific regulations or limitations, so it’s essential to confirm these with the airline prior to travel. The time of landing may affect the waiting time at customs, as arriving during peak hours could lead to longer processing times. Additionally, travelers have reported mixed experiences with airline and customs officials, highlighting the importance of being well-prepared and possibly seeking assistance from professionals specializing in pet transport.
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Rj ******
Just did this 3 weeks ago
1, you need all your paper work from your country done,sealed, and ect.
2. You go to animal office at the airport i think next to luggage 2
3. You pay the 500 baht
4 then you go to customers declare your animal and they will give you a tax based on age. Mine was
If you leave the country and return with the pet you fo not have to pay it again.
Hope that helped
1, you need all your paper work from your country done,sealed, and ect.
2. You go to animal office at the airport i think next to luggage 2
3. You pay the 500 baht
4 then you go to customers declare your animal and they will give you a tax based on age. Mine was
*****
for 3 dogs. They not care if service,emotional or petIf you leave the country and return with the pet you fo not have to pay it again.
Hope that helped
Rj ******
Airlines in the usa no longer do esa pets, but do service animals,
I got mine upgraded online
I got mine upgraded online
Reply to
Rj ******
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Scott *********
They'll do a cavity search for drugs
Steve **********
Reply to
Steve **********
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Mal *****
I brought my dog with me from the uk with turkey air very cheap think it was only £60 and can take in the plane with you, when you arrive in bkk you take a paper work to animal vet at back of airport he gives you some more papers think I paid around 300 baht then you go through something to declare where you pay import tax 1000, only problems I had was getting a taxi from airport to hotel
Mal *****
Paperwork you will need export and import certificate. Paper from vet to say dog fit to fly. Microchip with paper with the code, and vaccine papers. Not need rabies vaccine can get that here much cheaper
Reply to
Mal *****
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Richard ********
Can I fly with my emotional support goat ?
Steve **********
@Richard *******
I took my emotional support Iguana...Immigration had me take ' lie detector ' to confirm I was vegan .Richard ********
@Steve *********
why ? They thought your iguana was your dinner ?Steve **********
Reply to
Steve **********
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Jesper **************
Are you a dog owner? Steve??
Steve **********
@Jesper *************
I was. But he died during a stressful trip I insisted upon him taking, due to my lack of condiderationfor him.
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Steve **********
Give her emotional support.
Don't subject her to a flight, caging, altitude, quarantine.
Find a soi dog
Don't subject her to a flight, caging, altitude, quarantine.
Find a soi dog
Bella **************
Can anybody recommend a pet carrier from Australia? We are toying with the idea of moving to Thailand but we simply couldn’t leave our dog behind in Australia…
Harris **********
@Bella *************
I used AeroPets but I won't recommend them couldn't get updated about my dog which was on the same flight as me ,got to BKK 4.20 afternoon didn't get my dog till 10 pm and had to fork out another 7000 baht after paying almost 4 k AUD just for them to make the booking I did all the vaccinations and that paperwork myself plus supply the airline approved crate, never again to put it simplyBella **************
@Harris *********
oh, I can imagine! These companies ‘have it all worked out’! It’s all about squeezing customers any way they can!Harris **********
@Bella *************
your quite welcome to send me a pm if you want no problems mate ok 👌Reply to
Harris **********
Reply
Bella **************
@Harris *********
I hear you!Harris **********
@Bella *************
word of advice and I showed around no Airline will let you book the flight yourself, they want a so-called accredited pet transporter which is bullshit to put it bluntly ok , im just saying it how it is . Good luck makeReply to
Harris **********
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Harris **********
I flew my dog from Australia last July had a pet carrier do everything except for getting my dog vaccinations which i got, landed in bkk 4 20 in the afternoon and didn't get my dog until 10pm that night complete stuff up and 7000 baht out of pocket never again
Michael *********
Don't take Facebook advice contact TSL & Associates out of Bangkok. For a reasonable fee their attorneys will help file everything for you. We had everything done before we arrived, had paperwork ready, two hours after landing we had our pup. Why fight all of these issues especially considering the thought of them not letting your dog in. I live by the mantra of, it's not what it costs but what its worth. My dog is too valuable of a family member to skimp on her.
James *********
@Michael ********
I think I'll take your advice and not take your advice 😁Peter ********
@Michael ********
I normally subscribe to this theory. But I don’t quite understand. Most of the bureaucracy is in the US getting the USDA and other documents done. I can’t see how a BKK attorney helps that.Reply to
Peter ********
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Ernesto ********
What is an emotional support dog?
Detlef ***********
@Ernesto *******
good question !? I would like to know also the definition " support dog"?? It appears to me to be just one of those yuppy bs fads concocted by another deranged , emotive , "over" educated fairy !!! What next ? Elephants , canaries , cats etc ??Peter ********
@Ernesto *******
I assume you are Italian. It’s a very American concept. If you can’t cope with plane travel you take your dog with you and he calms you down. And he goes for free. Lots of people suddenly needed support. I have 30 dogs. Recently I was talking to American Airlines Platinum desk about something else. I asked if I could have 30 dogs for free as I need a lot of support. She said “Peter you have been traveling with us since 1981 and are one of our most loyal customers. And the answer is ‘no’ but I could put you on to our charter department”. Laughter at both ends.Ernesto ********
@Peter *******
another scam I guess.Peter ********
@Ernesto *******
Not always as some people do need this. But in the main “of course”.Reply to
Peter ********
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Steve **********
@Ernesto *******
excuse to do something others are banned from doing. Tramp had an emotional bone spur to avoid Nam, but golf shoes.
Reply to
Steve **********
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Peter ********
I don’t know about support dogs. But I would have thought the paperwork is the same as other imported dogs. In which case you are in for a shock. There is extensive paperwork that you need. It’s simple but it’s gotta be right. You need to start checking immediately.
จอนห์ *******
*************************************************************************
Peter ********
@จอนห์ ******
Thanks for your helpful advice. It’s a pity that half of Falang travelers are too incompetent to google for this.จอนห์ *******
Reply to
จอนห์ *******
Reply
Steve ********
We brought our small dog with us from The USA in the plane on Korean Airlines which was one of the few airlines which still allows a small dog to fly in the cabin. Lots of paperwork but if everything is done properly it was very straightforward and easy. Thai animal control both prior to the flight as well as at the airport were very friendly, professional and helpful. Much better than the service I received from my own country. We arrived after midnight which was a peak time so we did have slight delay. Two dogs ahead of us crapped all over the floor in the inspection office. The dog owners didn’t even offer to clean it up which was unbelievable. My wife helped the Inspector clean up the mess. He was very appreciative. I can understand why some inspectors may be up tight. Treat people nice and they usually will treat you nice.
Autumn *******
@Steve *******
the other dog owner is so entitled! I hate people like them who give bad name for the majority of us who are not like them. 😤Reply to
Autumn *******
Reply
Steve ********
Emotional support dogs get no permission to fly in cabin
Michael **************
ORIGINAL POSTERKorean Air will accept service and emotional support animals (ESAs) on their flights according to their regulations. Just need a slip from the doctor
Steve **********
Steve ********
@Michael *************
again just check what would happen if a service dog is booked after your dog. Your dog has no rights in law and a service dog doesMichael **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve *******
thank youMichael **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve *******
i will check everything. Because she is old but in good shape and i do not want anything to happen to her.Reply to
Michael **************
Reply
Michael **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve *******
don’t know where you got your info but they do. Several airlinesSteve ********
@Michael *************
service dogs do, emotional support dogs don’tMichael **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve *******
i checking now and it looks like korea and qatar do. But i willcall to make sureKanthira *************
Korean Airlines are not allow emotional support in the coach. I called them last month 😞 They said dogs are over 7 kgs has to be under the cabin.
Steve ********
@Michael *************
just check as well that the booking for the dog is guaranteed. There are no laws protecting es dogs now. And only 2 dogs are allowed in any cabin. Service dogs are considered medical equipment and if they are booked they can cancel in cabin pets, which is how es dogs are considered now in law.Reply to
Steve ********
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Laurence **********
Be prepared for anything at this office. If you don't pay a bribe they will threathen to destroy your dog. And they can if they feel like it. Not animal lovers. They are only interested in the money. Customs aren't interested in anything but the paper you get off these creepy people. Brought my Thai dog back and they played all kinds of games to get the money. 🤑 Never trust them in or out in BKK. If you are exporting from CNX it's better because the paperwork is done there. Over the years I have heard many horror stories. Travelling with your emotional support dog to Thailand, a place that just laughs at that as well as treats animals only slightly better than the Philippines. You people are so naive.
Nick *******
@Laurence *********
what a load of bullshit. People like you shouldn't even be in Thailand.Stay bac home in your Wales dump.
Laurence **********
@Nick ******
looked at your photo. Yes definitely angry 😡Laurence **********
@Nick ******
Wow so many angry frustrated people. You're wasting your time on me. 😁Reply to
Laurence **********
Reply
Paulo ****
@Laurence *********
with that kinda attitude no wonder they crapped on you. Never had an issue with any Thai official over the last 35 years I've been in/out of country. Yes sometimes I have to pay a little more but it's only money
Steve **********
Sarah ******
@Laurence *********
if you truly believe that other countries airports/ pet transporters arent equally interested in the money side of things then it would seem you are naive too. Absolutely everything nowadays is about money making - it's just that some countries are more explicit about it than others. :(Peter ********
@Sarah *****
True. You should have seen the US vet bills for the paperwork to bring my dogs here.Sarah ******
@Peter *******
I can well imagine! In the UK owning a pet is such a costly affair. Vets charge through the nose for everything even when it comes to having to make the decision of putting your pet down, they want hundreds of pounds to do that. It's such a sorry state of affairs really.Peter ********
@Sarah *****
I never know what my vet in Thailand charges. Sometimes it’s 50b - just over a pound. I think she charges me less for strays. Mind you they are all strays but after a while they become high class! The throughput of animals at the vet is amazing. They get incredible experience for sure. The ICU for 24 hour admission with a doctor and nurses in it is from about 350b and up. 350 is for strays if you are nice. What’s it in the UK? Americans tell me horror stories.Sarah ******
I had two dogs in Thailand. A pug and a shitzu poodle mix. The shitzu was going to be abandoned so we took him on. Costs at the vets in Thailand made it easy to do so. We then moved back to the UK with our pets and my gosh what a shock to the system. Just a groom costs £35 . Consultation only with a vet £65-70! 2 weeks of antibiotics £100! It's crazy. They prey on people's emotional connection to the pet
Peter ********
Omg!
Laurence **********
@Sarah *****
Very true indeed!Reply to
Laurence **********
Reply
Zoe ******
@Laurence *********
I moved to Thailand with my dog 6 months ago. We had a very smooth transition with customs, no bribe or threat from anyone, we did have to wait awhile, and saw other people also take their pets without any issues. There are many animal lovers in Thailand, soi dogs and cats are still an issue but many many rescue groups work really hard to take care of the street dogs, they also help with surgeries and adoptions. The vets here are just as well trained and qualified as the US. My dog has lived in 3 different countries with me and he seems to love it here. Sounds like you had a terrible experience with your dog in Thailand, but I don't agree that Thailand is a place where all people treat animals poorly.Peter ********
@Zoe *****
Well said. But the problem is that no one really deals with the stray problem in total.Reply to
Peter ********
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Laurence *********
what a disgusting way to talk about Thai people.Peter ********
@Lynnette ******
It was one of the nastiest most racist posts I have ever read. It’s untrue too. They were so helpful when I brought 4 dogs. My apologies to any Thai people reading that shit. Remember these Falang are nasty at home as well. It’s probably why they left.Lynnette *******
@Peter *******
it was so offensive.Peter ********
@Lynnette ******
It was disgusting. I reported it as hate speech. They won’t do anything. All they care about is clicks.Jason *******
@Peter *******
reporting it as hate speech is just as lame as his post. Both of you are complete tards 😂🤣.Peter ********
@Jason ******
I guess you would know old son. Nice photos of Taos by the way. One of my favorite places.Reply to
Peter ********
Reply
Laurence **********
@Lynnette ******
Really! You'll figure it out one day. Or maybe you can live in your bubble forever. 😁Peter ********
@Laurence *********
Just go home son if you have one. And learn some manners. And get a life.Laurence **********
@Peter *******
You are hilarious. I am home. 23 years living in Thailand. Rescued many dogs. Set up feeding at several Wats. Worked with others to stop the abuse of animals at the airport. I live in the real world, not the fantasy Thailand you live in. I love living here, have a nice house with mostly great Thai neighbours. Get along with people. The difference is I know what Thai people really think of weak people like you. It did take me a few years to see reality. Insult all you want. Doesn't bother me. One day you'll fall through the cracks and find out the truth. My opinions and experiences are quite normal for people in business here and long time residents. I don't even know why I bother to explain because I realize you just don't get it. 😁 I frankly I don't care. Just want the guy to get his dog here and it all works out for both of them. As far as cleaning up the shit. They don't do that the cleaners do. Please learn the culture.Peter ********
@Laurence *********
so the truth is I nearly pulled my comment when I read that you rescue dogs. So do I. And believe me that I am not naive. At all. But it was kind of nasty wording mate. From both of us. What did you do with the rescued dogs. I rescued these four puppies two days ago. Their mum was mowed down by a car that likely increased its speed rather than slow down. Oh yes I know what goes on. I’m not stupid. Well I am actually. I have too many dogs. What happens when I go Gaga or die? I need to figure that out. They’d die of shock at a temple. These four instantly adapted from living in filth and covered in fleas to air conditioning with caviar and Moët on tap. They are currently on 28 days of Doxycycline for blood parasites. If you can talk to your experiences like this I will forgive you and you can forgive me. My Mum would say that we both have big mouths. She was always right. 555Laurence **********
@Peter *******
You are a good one. Yes we are!Peter ********
@Laurence *********
typos corrected.Peter ********
@Laurence *********
I guess that I am incompetent as I can’t get people to adopt. Well that’s not quite true. My vet’s in-laws adopted another one the other day. First ever. I guess she won the lottery.Laurence **********
@Peter *******
It can be very difficult to find people who commit to the animal forever. Unfortunately there is a huge amount of animals in western countries that have been abandoned after covid. Yes it is a problem.Peter ********
@Laurence *********
Terrible.Reply to
Peter ********
Reply
Pui *****
@Laurence *********
that's strange to hear. My personal experience and that of every other post I've seen from pet owners is how professional and easy it is. Did you follow all the regulations and requirements before coming? Otherwise, you can't blame officers for imposing fines or following the rules for animal importation.Peter ********
@Pui ****
Yes I totally agree. That post was nasty and malicious. No wonder Falang have a bad name. But turning up with no paperwork is idiotic. This forum is beginning to get to me. It seems to be populated by nutters.Michael **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pui ****
I agree you need to follow the rulesLaurence **********
@Michael *************
Of course you do. That is the only way to get it done.Reply to
Laurence **********
Reply
Laurence **********
@Pui ****
Yes, that's great to hear. Things have changed for the best. I'm happy to hear this. My experiences are from 6 years ago. 😁 Very happy to hear this actually. Before the new airport became operational Don Mueang was even worse. Your only chance was using an agent. And of course there was only one. Rescued many dogs before for rehoming in Canada.Reply to
Laurence **********
Reply
Rosana ****
@Laurence *********
I am sorry but what a horrible comment. I brought my dog from Hong Kong to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport 6 months ago and it was all smooth. Prepare all my documents according to the Customs website. The Quarantine officers checked all documents, scanned for microchip then it was all done, then we proceeded to customs to pay a fee think it was a 1000B, got a receipt and walked out of customs. My dog was even allowed to walk inside the restricted area (where you get your luggages) and all the way to the car pick up.BTW the quarantine department is open 24 hours but do inform them in advance your expected arrival time.
Shaun ********
@Rosana ***
1000 baht was very cheap,They initially wanted 60,000 baht for my 2 GSDs,but got them down to 20,000 ,of course no receipt,Rosana ****
@Shaun *******
I wonder how and where “they” asked you for that kind of money. The Thai government customs official importation of animals (dogs and cats fall into the category of livestock) into Thailand clearly stated that the import fee is 500B (I imported a dog and a cat hence 1000B) . I paid this amount inside customs with a receipt, all officially done. Did they pull you over to a corner to ask for the money?Shaun ********
@Rosana ***
they stated unless paid the dogs would be destroyed, and no receipt would be issued, Souverabuhni airport customs, My partner was there,and there was no misunderstanding, because of language, and the customs officers both spoke perfect English ,Yes I said about the 500baht fee on their web page,to which they replied unless I paid the money the dogs would be impounded and destroyed, Yes it rankles,Rosana ****
@Shaun *******
I am shocked to hear. I wonder if anyone had similar encounter.Shaun ********
@Rosana ***
I've no idea,but I was shocked at the behaviour of them,laughing when I asked for a reciept, The paperwork was done by an animal transporter of many years experience and all in order,Shipped from Vienna, to Suvarabuhni via Schiphol, both dogs could travel on the same plane going that route,and arrived in good condition, This was in March last year,Rosana ****
@Shaun *******
I cannot comprehend the situation. I arrived May of last year. I went thru the procedure with another lady arriving from Ukraine with her dog. We both proceed to pay as instructed, got a blue receipt and left. Everything was done professionally in fact the custom cashier lady was quite cold, it was business as usual.Reply to
Rosana ****
Reply
Lee ******
@Rosana ***
I brought my dog here and they were very nice, polite and professional - and kept my dog in the a/c at BKK airport. I landed at 1 am btw.Rosana ****
@Michael *************
Customs fee must be in cash, 500B per animal, I imported two so it was 1000BMichael **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rosana ***
ok. Thank youAutumn *******
@Michael *************
prepare exact amount. The officer will not be able to give any change.My experience was the same as Rosana. Smooth process. I was really worried as my dog is very reactive, and obviously she was very scared after being apart from me and being in a confined space for more than 5 hours. But the officers, including the porters who brought her out to meet me, were so polite and understanding. 🙏❤️ All the best for your plan.
Reply to
Autumn *******
Reply
Michael **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rosana ***
thank you. I am worried when I get to BKK there would be no one there. This is such a reliefLaurence **********
@Michael *************
Sounds like it's easy and all good now. Please follow up when you arrive.Reply to
Laurence **********
Reply
Michael ****
@Laurence *********
„you people are so naive“ exactly and that’s why we got you in our lineup. To correct us and explain us how the world really looks like. Thanks buddy.Reply to
Michael ****
Reply
Becky **********
I flew Qatar with mine. It was great and once you arrive they will walk you to the animal quarantine office.
Michael **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Becky *********
did she fly coach with you.Michael **************
ORIGINAL POSTERThey like their hugs
Michael **************
ORIGINAL POSTERMy girl goes about 45lbs. But she thinks she’s a lap dog
Lana ***********
@Michael *************
are you sure they accept emotional support certificate? As far as I know only service dogs with proper certifications can fly in cabin if they are larger than 8 kg - and you need to supply that certificate to airlines well before the flight and they actually check qualifications of dog’s trainer. Someone I know was not allowed to fly her service dog in the cabin, airline wrote her that they couldn’t find website of her dog’s trainer and that was the reason for refusal. As far as I know no one in Asia accepts emotional support animal statusMichael **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lana **********
is checked the their web site and it says support dogs that are used for physical and mental supportLana ***********
@Michael *************
good luck then, but I live in SEA and fly very often - and never seen a big dog in the cabin. If you plan to to travel inside Thailand, check policies for budget airlines as well and public transport. I live in Singapore and dogs are not allowed on public transport and only in a very few shops and cafes. We don’t take our dog out of Singapore because of lengthy quarantine but now that I am thinking, I have not seen any dogs on budget airlines at allAutumn *******
@Michael *************
lucky you!Becky **********
@Michael *************
I have a huge miniature poodle that’s about 30 lbs. I know exactly what you meanReply to
Becky **********
Reply
Becky **********
@Michael *************
yes she did, they even moved the person in the middle seat so we had more room and in Doha they have a big pet waiting room when she/he can run around and do their business, eat and drink.Autumn *******
Becky **********
@Autumn ******
he’s pretty small, he’s a MalteseReply to
Becky **********
Reply
Pui *****
Animals, even ones that fly in cabin, must go through the animal quarantine office at BKK airport for inspection upon arrival. Can take an hour while you wait your turn for an officer, depending on how busy it is.
Reply to
Pui *****
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