What are the requirements for bringing a service dog to Thailand from the US?

Aug 18, 2024
4 months ago
Jay *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello! Thinking of travelling to Thailand with a dog. How will this effect getting in? She is vaccinated and has all her certifications and is a registered service animal travelling with me on the flight. I am coming from the US.

Thank you!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Traveling to Thailand with a service dog requires careful preparation. Ensure your dog is fully vaccinated, has a microchip, and obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian no older than ten days. You may also need to apply for an import permit through the Thai Veterinary Authority before your flight to avoid delays upon arrival. Be cautious regarding the U.S. policies for bringing dogs back, especially since dogs from high-risk rabies countries face strict regulations. While service dogs generally can travel in the cabin, limitations exist as Thailand does not officially recognize emotional support animals. Check with your airline for their specific regulations regarding pet travel.
Kool *******
Most airlines now do not allow service dogs in the cabin unless they are seeing eye dogs. Check with your airline, as they are the bottleneck in your plans.
Jeff ********
service animal and ESA are not the same thing
Jay *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeff *******
yes, she is registered as a service animal, not an ESA
Sam **********
Make sure the vaccine documents are in thai as well..if they only in English then the dog will be held in quarantine
Kathy ************
Brianna Mayer

Air Canada seems to be the only airline to carry on dogs that fit under the seats

Most airlines dogs under the airline with only limited availability
Jay *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kathy ***********
does that include business class? Our dog is Australian Shepherd medium sized (35 lbs).
W **************
I believe someone may have mentioned that Thailand does does recognize or grant any special privileges for registered service animals. So if BKK is your final destination you are good to go, but if you need to transfer to another domestic location (I.e. Phuket or Chaing Mai), I don’t think they will be able to travel inside the cabin with you. Disclaimer: with free advice, you get what you pay for 555
Robert *****
My Thai friend who lived in the USA had a dog from a puppy. She decided to move back to Thailand and it cost more than we think. The dog was in a crate in cargo. Most airlines won’t take a dog in the cabin and it’s a one way trip for the dog because the USA won’t allow it back.
Chris ********
@Robert ****
what are you talking about...USA allows you to take your dog back . Dog in cabin is size restricted. You can easily book your flights with your dog as excess luggage... checkout Lufthansa as the best way in my opinion to get your pet and you from the USA to Bangkok as they have a pet hotel in Frankfurt where they take your dog, get them out of the cage for a walk and clean and feed them before the next flight ..
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Dennis *********
As previously mentioned US currently doesn't allow dogs to come back. Unclear if this is a leftover covid rule, however be careful about this.
Brianna *******
The hardest part will be finding an airline that will allow the dog to fly. Depending on size. We have a large dog and finding an airline that he was allowed on was a challenge.
Kathy ************
@Brianna ******
Air Canada seems to be the only airline to carry on dogs that fit under the seats

Most airlines dogs under the airline with only limited availability
Brianna *******
@Kathy ***********
qatar airlines does as well
Kathy ************
@Brianna ******
good airline
Kathy ************
I’ve checked out bringing chihuahua

Air Canada is only one who will allow one dog under seat per passenger $100

One dog per passenger

Weight and size matters and if it can turnaround inside carrier
Jade *******
@Kathy ***********
I've been looking at bringing my small dog to Thailand and it appears that Turkish Airlines allow certain breeds of dogs in a carrier under the seat.
Brianna *******
Here's the links you will need. Going through it now with our dog. Really it's Vaccines, microchip, vet check saying healthy. You will apply for an import permit (depending on where you fly into will determine which email) they will email you an import permit back and then you have to go to the Vet for a health certificate.
Sascha **********
You’ll need to apply for an import license through the Thai Veterinary Authority (
****************************************************************************
(this link is for Bangkok, there’s other email address when flying into Phuket). They will also tell you what their requirements are in regards to vaccinations, passport, health certificate from the origin country (cannot be older than 10 days, most airlines will also require this), etc.

Check the requirements of the airline you’re flying with.

Check what is needed to bring your dog back to the US. Probably you’ll need to do a titer test, best to do this before you leave for Thailand.

It’s all a bit of paperwork, but I always find the people at the Thai veterinary authority very helpful (I’ve traveled back and forth with my cat a few times, to EU)
Peter **********
@Sascha *********
You get the import permit at the airport in Bangkok when you are traveling with your animal.
Sascha **********
@Peter *********
I always apply for it beforehand and it’s already ready waiting for me when I arrive, saves a lot of time after a long flight 😉
Peter **********
@Sascha *********
True. 10 minutes. 🤣

I can see you’ve never obtained one at the airport. 😉
Sascha **********
@Peter *********
first time I waited for more than 2 hours, after that I always got them beforehand
Peter **********
@Sascha *********
10 minutes, but well prepared. 😉
Sascha **********
@Peter *********
that might be your experience, mine was different
Peter **********
@Sascha *********
Yep. 10 minutes. 😉
Sascha **********
@Peter *********
wow you REALLY need to have the last word, eh 🙄
Peter **********
@Sascha *********
yes, you do. You started it and now wish to have the final word about your misinformation? Not so!

I merely point out that the whole procedure at the health check takes 10 minutes, despite you starting to claim that it takes “a lot of time”.

You begin telling nonsense. I end your nonsense with truth. That’s all.
Sascha **********
Peter **********
Brianna *******
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Zoe ******
Follow the rules and regulations on Thailand embassy’s website or google it. It’s simple. I came with my dog. As along as yours have all the vaccines and paperwork, no quarantine. Service dog should give you the ability to fly your dog in cabin with you from the US. There is no official national registry or certification process for service dogs. Thailand also doesn’t recognize emotional support animals.
John *******
Also, you need to look at the requirements for bringing the dog back into the US, as well. You will want to complete some of the forms before leaving the US
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Thailand is on the high-risk for rabies list. Also, CDC policies change often. I believe they were until recently outwardly barring dogs comming into the US from high risk countries.
Jay *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ******
not coming back to us, but thank you for the info!
Stuart *********
You probably need to speak to a local dog company to see what the requirements are. Soi Dog in Phuket will be able to help. If in another area check out their places.
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