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What are the rules for bringing a small dog from Australia to Thailand?

Aug 23, 2025
2 months ago
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Not a visa question

But has anyone had experience with bring a small dog, about 4kg into thialand. From Australia. And if so what are the rules about doing this.

Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The process of bringing a small dog (4kg) from Australia to Thailand involves various requirements and considerations. Based on the experiences shared, it's important to have all the necessary documentation ready, including veterinary checks and vaccinations. While bringing dogs into Thailand can be manageable, returning to Australia with your pet may be extremely difficult and costly. Many recommend using a pet relocation service like Jetpets or similar agents, as they can handle all logistics and ensure compliance with regulations, which is particularly useful given the complexities involved. Airlines typically require pets to fly in a temperature-controlled cargo hold, and travelers should ensure to plan at least six months in advance to keep vaccinations current.
Darryle *******
We brought 3 small dogs from Perth on 2016 we used an agent and he did everything for us,we flew on the same plane when we arrived on Bangkok we had to wait for around an hour then everything was done and our dogs came home with us the total cost including vet checks was $4500,
Maree ***********
I've done it twice!!! You'll never get them back to Oz though its a one way ticket. I used Jet Pets they did everything. You need to plan minimum 6 months before you're departure date. So all vaccines are current. They will do EVERYTHING for you including delivery to a hotel near the airport which I found was the easiest.
Chris **********
I brought my two pugs over from Aus. I used Cindy Ho from Petraveller and they were really awesome. I had to do a heap of other stuff because pugs are a difficulty breed for air travel.

It will be extremely difficult to return to Aus, but that's not something I'm looking to do anyway.
Pete **********
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Cheryl **************
My son took his greyhound with him when he moved to Thailand from Aus . It had to have Vet check certificate . It flew over same day as them and they were able to collect him same day . Cost bout $5000 .
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cheryl *************
is that 5,000 dollars?
Cheryl **************
@John *******
yes au $and as Lynette said immunization etc . It was actually easy .
Lynnette *******
@John *******
health check, vaccinations, vet documents, import paperwork. . You need to look at the requirements and follow them correctly.
Cheryl **************
This was 2 years ago
Eric **********
Ben **********
I bought 7 pets with me from Australia. +35kg dogs, to a 3kg chihuahua. Small cats, big cats etc.

If you want peace of mind and for it to be a seamless easy process I would recommend just using an agent. I used jetpets.

For what it’s worth to save a couple grand AUD it’s so much easier to use an agent than do it yourself. They will advise you of all vet checks, vaccination requirements etc.

I’m not sure about other agents/companies but jetpets offer door to door from anywhere in Australia to anywhere in Thailand.

Also, no matter the weight of your dog he/she will be flying in the “pet cargo hold” it is a temperature controlled area under the plane.

Australia has no airlines that allow pets to fly in cabin internationally, in fact it’s actually very recent that only virgin is allowing in cabin flights domestically.

Good luck with the move
Tony ********
@Ben *********
I came to Thailand 1 month ago and I also used Jetpets(great choice). Definitely recommend using an agent. I also used Relo4paws in Bangkok who I also recommend., as the receiving agent.
Leeann **********
As the other commenter said, bringing a dog into Thailand isn't hard but getting them home is extensive and very expensive.

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John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Leeann *********
moving to thialand for retirement, it's my daughter's dog will not be coming back. Thanks for the advice
Greg ******
I brought one from America in 2013, the only paperwork check was done by the airline before departing.

Check with the airline and have all required government documents, just in case.
J ******************
If thinking about returning to Australia with the dog it will be virtually impossible. Bringing to Thailand less of a problem. Information available by Google
Brown ********
@J *****************
you are correct. the only possible way to take a dog from Thailand to Ausjailia is via living 6 months in a verified country such as Singapore or Hong Kong. This ultimately saved me from my missus who wanted to live in Ausjailia as we have a Pomeranian
Ben **********
@Brown *******
I thought it was only Singapore and oddly enough the UK that you could keep the dog in first.

Hong Kong is verified also? Great news for some if that’s true, I think that would be my choice if I ever wanted to return (never in a million years would that be the case 😂)
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