Answered2 years ago
What are the visa options and advice for moving to Thailand with pets for expats?
My husband and I, and our 3 cats, want to move to Thailand for the next 4 years. I welcome all and any advice. Thank you!🥰
Answer summary
The post discusses a couple’s plans to move to Thailand with their three cats for four years, seeking advice from the community. Commenters offer insights on various visa options, such as retirement and digital nomad visas, and share experiences regarding moving pets to Thailand. They recommend using professional pet relocation services to handle the complexities of bringing cats into the country, mention the challenges of finding pet-friendly rentals, and advise checking regulations for pet travel. Questions also arise about long-term living and job opportunities in Thailand.
118 repliesnewest first
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George’s **********************
Why specifically for four years? Just asking…
Pyper *********
OP@George’s *********************
to get away from trump and his nazis. But, we were planning on doing it after full retirement anyways.George’s **********************
Being a poor boy from the Uk. I guess I have to live it to really understand .
James ******
Use a Service to to get your cats here. I had a service for the dog and cat because I was on three airplanes.
Terary **********
Where you are coming from makes some difference about the advice you get.
Some other things, holiday? are you retired? Where do you plan to stay in Thailand?
Some other things, holiday? are you retired? Where do you plan to stay in Thailand?
Andy **********
@Terary *********
Probably made a fortune from bitcoin and don't actually work. Hence this idea of taking 6 cats to the othet side of the world. What's that cost, about $12,000 or so?
Chuck **********
Leave the cats they will be a problem
Nigel **************
Far too many dogs here for 3 cats to be safe
Steve *******
We moved here 2 years ago with 3 cats. My wife made this video. I hope it helps!
************************************************
Pyper *********
OP@Steve ******
YOU guys are amazing with this info!!! Thank you sooo much!
Kirsty *******
Wherever you’re coming from make sure you know of the process and cost to take your cats back with you. It’s easier to get them in than it is to get them out depending on which country you are from.
Pyper *********
OP@Kirsty ******
Good info, thank you!!!
Will ******
Use EVA air for pets. A good vet will be able to liase with airline to make sure jabs etc are all within timeframe
Will ******
There are condos in Bangkok that allow cats unofficially. Inc where I live. My neighbour has two cats and another also (on same floor). You're basically going to have to smuggle them in via carpark and try to keep any catty smells from the hallway. That way juristic will turn a blind eye
Will ******
@Andy *********
yes agree. The place I'm staying is fairly lenient with pets but the one thing they do hate is the smell of pot.Andy **********
@Will *****
Thai people are quick to go to the cops about farang they are unhappy with. And any farangs visa status is pretty precarious. I hope they realise they don't actually get to stay in Thailand on a contiguous basis for 4 years, unless they become thai tax payers. Changes are afoot in Thai taxation. Plus everytime you leave Thailand, there's always a theoretical possibility you won't be able to get back in, irrespective of 6 cats being left in a condo to eat each other.
Tony *********
Have you asked the cats? 🤔🐱😂
Pyper *********
OP@Tony ********
Yes, they do not like to leave my side. LolTony *********
@Pyper ********
- nice to know...sure they won't mind the flights and hopefully the heat here in Thailand 🇹🇭🔥☀️👍🏼
Ryan *********
Move to Vietnam Thailand is not what it used to be the place as lost the magic to many chavs instagram muppets and people running away from wars taking over
Andy **********
Bye, z supporter.
Pyper *********
OP@Ryan ********
What is wrong with people seeking asylum??Andy **********
@Pyper ********
Well, Thailand doesn't recognise asylum seekers at all. What he was referencing is parts are full of Russians and Ukrainians avoiding conscription. They aren't seeking asylum but are on extended holiday.Ryan *********
@Pyper ********
did I say it was wrong??so don’t start that shit snowflake..and I’ve lived in Thailand..i not planning to move like you so I know exactly what I mean..don’t you dare try turn shit on me making out I have an issue..but well we on the subject if my country was at war I would stay and fight for it that’s for sure not run away..so don’t try looking for an argument ask anyone who lived there ask the Thai people many I know it’s an issue to them…get back to posting tik toks in ya 50s lol I hope you and ya cats make it over…meows….but looking at your comments it’s just a fantasy you are no where near ready to come no jobs no house nothing I think you had a bad day at work did your boss shout at you?like I said I live here right now I am light years ahead of you..you would be better jumping over that wall Donald is building to make America great again 🤷🏼♂️Pyper *********
OP@Ryan ********
Angry little man, go on about your business. I have no interest in your info or opinions at this point.Andy **********
@Ryan ********
Russians fighting for Putin is a bit like praising Germans for carrying out duties at a concentration camp.
Randy ******
Your cats will have a swell time in Thailand.. lots of rats to feast on
Terary **********
that mouse ate the fly, that cat ate the mouse, ...
Pyper *********
OP@Randy *****
They are indoor only.
Bill ********
No cats. Got plenty here......
Pyper *********
OP@Bill *******
I didn't ask for your personal opinion on cats.Andy **********
@Pyper ********
My opinion on transporting animals long distances fir self gratification is that it's cruel. The animals are stressed, and some do die during transport. Some are even lost and never found. And this is just from stats of well run US domestic airlines, let alone dealing with an airport in a developing nation. And no, the airline isn't going to let you bring 6 moggies into the cabin. 1 cat is bad enough, but with 6, there is increased chance one of them won't make it to the LOS.Pyper *********
OP@Andy *********
YOu say that, as if cats are just items to discard.
Jordi ********
@Pyper ********
You 'welcome all and any advice' and now you are complaining.Pyper *********
OP@Jordi *******
Saying no cats is not advice on how to bring my cats.
Pyper *********
OP@Vonquarius *******
YOU are wonderful! Thank you!🥰
Emma ********
Where are you travelling from? We had our 3 English bulldogs flown from the UK used a company called passports for Pets, cost a pretty penny but they took care of all paperwork and cared for my girls perfectly
Pyper *********
OP@Emma *******
u.s.
Tom ********
The Cats will soon be eaten by the Soi dogs if they are strange to the area or strangled by snakes.
Pyper *********
OP@Tom *******
Why would we have wild dogs or snakes in our home??Andy **********
@Pyper ********
It's Thailand. The place is full of snakes. My wife's cats are frequently fighting with snakes that get in the home. And then when it rains, it's the rats that come inside.Andy **********
@Pyper ********
Most of the snakes are poisonous, such as cobras, green pit vipers. But then you also have also have big barsteward reticulated pythons getting into homes or gardens, and they will happily eat a chicken or a cat. There are about 40,000 snake invasions a year just in Bangkok, and its getting worse. Gruesomely fascinating. Don't click if you don't have a strong stomach. ************************************************
Pyper *********
OP@Andy *********
Are the snakes that get in typically venomous? I love snakes and we have wild snakes here that get into our home in Florida, not a problem for us, unless a lot are venomous that get in.Pyper *********
OP@Andy *********
That's fine, but my cats are indoors and I will see snakes around if they come in.Tom ********
@Do**
My good friend lives on the 17th floor and he had a 16 foot anaconda in his bed !Andy **********
@Dora ****
Besides some apartments are ground floor, snakes can climb, and Thai housing is not built the same as western. Eg big airbricks in the bathroom.
Dora *****
@Andy *********
snakes can get inside the apartments too? Or only houses?Tom ********
@Py***
If you can manage to keep the cats under lock and key then that's great.Pyper *********
OP@Tom *******
Our cats are indoors.Deborah *******
5 year dtv is a great visa heres a link
************************************************
Jeff ********
OMG
Check out her profile!!
A certified Racists!!
Check out her profile!!
A certified Racists!!
Pyper *********
OP@Jeff *******
Hating trump and his nazis is not being racist.Deborah *******
@Jeff *******
projecting muchJeff ********
Andy **********
@Jeff *******
Great approach to being blocked, and your post is very ironic. You're not that important. Bye.
Myles *************
i'm not an expert but i haven't seen many condos/apartments that even allow one cat. I know there are somewhere as a few youtubers I follow have cats but i'm not sure they would allow 3 honestly. I don't even think rentals in America allow more than 2 but again, i could be wrong. I hope y'all find a nice place for yourselves and your cats!
Andy **********
@Myles ************
I'd hate to move to Thailand with a brood of expensive moggies only to struggle to find somewhere to live unless I put them down or abandon them. Thai vets won't euthanize animals, and the place is over run with cats with strange bent tails, so it's going to be tough to rehome them. Find new homes in the US for them. The cats will be OK as they will own some new humans.Pyper *********
OP@Myles ************
WE currently live in a house with a big fenced in back yard.
Michael ********
Relow4paws can deal with all your pet paperwork. Hope they are indoor cats
Pyper *********
OP@Michael *******
They are DEFINITELY indoor cats. Do you think it will be difficult to find rentals because of 3 cats?Chuck **********
@Pyper ********
yesMichael ********
@Pyper ********
In Bangkok there is groups dedicated to rentals with pets. But yes it will be harder to rent
Sheree ********
@Pyper ********
I. Just been looking for rentals and it has made it much harder , couldn’t find any in krabi so have had to go hua hin as only place o found places to accept pets x
Cyanne **********
*******************************************************************
Pyper *********
OP@Cyanne *********
Thank you soooo much!!!! This was super useful!!!!🥰
Robert *******
If your both over 50 retirement visas but get in once your in the country. Under 50 DTV is the new one both are best done through a agent not because they hard to do but immigration generally will send you from pillar to post because there get nothing from where as a agent might help immigration with brew or two
Fąndn *******
@Robert ******
I think there is no mention of ppl over 50 unable to apply for DTV right ?
Michael **********
I'm moving in February to live from Australia taking my dog using a pet travel service costing $4,000 Australia can get cheaper but this includes them helping me with all the paperwork at the bangkok end just take note it's normally a 1 way trip
Pyper *********
OP@Michael *********
IF you have THAT pet service, do they have to be quarantined still or atleast less quarantine time?Michael **********
@Pyper ********
no quarantine it apparently takes 2 hours at the bangkok end i will be met by a representative and they will handle all the paperwork
Carolyne **********
@Michael *********
I wish I could bring my dog here but worried about taking her back to Australia. I've heard the quarantine is long and expensive.Michael **********
@Pyper ********
all the bestPyper *********
OP@Michael *********
I will look into that here. Thank you!!Sasi ************
Which visa category are you planning on applying? That’s the first strep.
Pets can be import to Thailand and people do it all the time.
I’m planing on importing my adopted cat the was a stray in my area.
Pets can be import to Thailand and people do it all the time.
I’m planing on importing my adopted cat the was a stray in my area.
Pyper *********
OP@Sasi ***********
WE do not know at this time which to get, honestly, we wanted to wait until we both actually retired from work to move, but the US is about to get very bad, so this move is way ahead of schedule and unplanned. We will need housing and jobs too which I am.not sure to look for jobs first, potientially get job then head there? We do not have the 100,000. USD in the bank for the 10 year thing. So maybe educational or work?Chuck **********
@Pyper ********
The US doesn’t want you
Mark **********
@Pyper ********
highly suggest reading Thailands laws and customs before committing to long term living, there might be some things you’re surprised about if you think the USA is strict.Deborah *******
@Pyper ********
5 year DTV could work fir youJeff ********
@Pyper ********
no work for Farang in Thailand except digital nomads and ESL teachersSasi ************
@Pyper ********
I’m planning on going back with 2-3 years myself. I have houses and land for my projects , hit me up if you want to get together or shared the ideas. I’m in TX right now.Educational visa is durable and seems to be easy to get.
Dora *****
@Pyper ********
why is it to made you think it’s unsafe? Asking as curious .
Rosslyn ********
@Pyper ********
Education Visa is only good for one year, you need waiver to leave the country, and you keep having to renew. If you’re bringing your babies, it’s better to have a long-term visa. DTV is great right now, but you need to have at least 500 K baht in your bank account and either show proof of remote work or get a letter from a must Thai gym or other soft skill, and you will also need to pay for that.
Sasi ************
@Pyper ********
Reputed universities like Julalongkorn and Thummasart offering international courses if you want to study for 3-4 years. My Chinese friends got their degrees from those universities.Sasi ************
@Pyper ********
what do you mean by “safe”? All my almost 30 years in The USA I’m okay. This is my first time in TX though.
Being a single person, with two small children in the past. I never feel unsafe. Knock on wood.
Pyper *********
OP@Henrik ****
Got it. I'll make sure to study before I do it, my a's were such a long time ago...lolPyper *********
OP@Sasi ***********
Are you safe in Texas right now?
Henrik *****
You need to attend ALL classes, and pass tests if choosing ED
It’s one of the most misused visa, so now they are very strict.
It’s one of the most misused visa, so now they are very strict.
Eric **********************
Probably won't allow the cats unfortunately.
Rod ********
Tard
Jacqui *****************
@Eric *********************
of course she can bring her cats! Why answer if you don't actually know?Pyper *********
OP@Jacqui ****************
YOU would be surprised at some of the mean replies I received from other Americans living there about all my questions.
Toby ******
@Eric *********************
totally not true. Simple tests and vaccination cards required.
Felix ****
@Eric *********************
False.Steve *******
@Eric *********************
we moved here with 3 cats.
Chang ******
@Eric *********************
who told you that Eric ??? My friend brought 2 cats from America 🇺🇸Deborah *******
@Eric *********************
i brought 4 cats in august
Ross ************
@Eric *********************
Based on what experience of yours, please???
Donyai ***********
@Eric *********************
yes depending on how to fly, Turkish airlines are harsh about pets even with paperwork. 1 is difficult already. I’d imagine more would be a bit more of a hassle. From my own experiences.Sasi ************
@Donyai **********
Airlines policy has nothing to do with Thailand pets import regulations.Donyai ***********
@Sasi ***********
your right! I was addressing traveling with 3 pets There. Eventually you have to land 😊Eric **********************
I tried to bring 2 was denied 😪 1 they told me max was one animal I had paperwork ready and done and they made me by a ticket home for it send it to a family idk personal experience I had 🤷♂️
John **********
@Eric *********************
Was it the actual airline that said no or immigration in Bangkok
Ruth *******
@Eric *********************
that may have been related to your visa-type.Chang ******
@Eric *********************
omg who is telling truth ???
Judy *******
@Eric *********************
I brought three dogs with no problem. Perhaps one of your cats had an illness or it's paperwork was incorrect?Pyper *********
OP@Judy ******
Good idea! I will check the max felines allowed per person!🥰Pyper *********
OP@Eric *********************
Oh no! We have 3 cats!!!!Sheree ********
@Pyper ********
somone just took 6 to Koh samui so I think it’s fineSheree ********
@Pyper ********
I’m coming with 4. At and 2 rabbits o never heard it was gonna be a problem 😱
Lynnette *******
@Eric *********************
who won't? There's nothing stopping them bringing them in but lurs of prep and paperwork to be done.
Tank *****
@Eric *********************
why not the cats? I had no issues in the phillipines with proper paperwork, and I researched 1 cat with the website. I travel in February, so please explain
Amberle **********
not true.. we brought our cat & 2 dogs to Thailand for 6 month absolutely no issues. Just had to follow proper procedures
Rosslyn ********
@Pyper ********
there’s no limit. I’ve definitely heard someone mention bringing 6 cats last year. Airlines have a limit per flight and in-cabin vs cargo.
This question is better suited for a pet relocation group.
I arrived last year from USA with one cat and I used Across The Pond to handle all the paperwork. Cost about $500
Amberle **********
@Pyper ********
we only have 1 cat and 2 dogs but I've never heard of the 2 cat rule. A lady who was in my building we were living in brought her 2 cats from South Africa so idk if there was a rule change or something. Try to email the airports import department to get updated clarification they will be able to tell you exactly what is needed and they were quick to respond to us. * This was April 2024 when we wentPyper *********
OP@Amberle *********
Is it 2 cats max??Sasi ************
@Eric *********************
Not true!!Activity
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