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What do expats with dogs do during border runs in Thailand?

Mar 26, 2026
a month ago
SoftTu*******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am looking into getting a DTV and moving to Thailand, and I have a small dog. Just wondering what other people do with their dog when doing border runs? Do you bring them or find someone to care for them while you’re gone? Just trying to think about the logistics.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When moving to Thailand with a small dog and planning for border runs, expats typically have several options for pet care. Many recommend hiring a pet sitter to come to your home or using dog and cat hotels, which are widely available near major airports. Other suggestions include coordinating between partners to ensure one adult stays with the dog while the other handles immigration tasks. It's also relevant to note that using visa runs long-term is not feasible, and the DTV only allows for limited border runs, requiring re-entry every 180 days.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Bob **********
Many dog hotels
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Ray ******
Ou can only do one border run a year soon you won't be able to do any you will have to fly in and out and every 30 days will be very expensive
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Ken ********
What's the basis for your DTV..??...why are you going..??
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Angela *********
I was thinking that if you are there as a couple and both need to leave for said "visa run" then one could leave earlier than the other (while the other stays with the animal) and then the other person goes on the "run" while other stays home.
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James **********
You will have 6 months to make friends, surely in that time you will find someone that would help you out
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Paul *******
You cannot live in Thailand long term using visa runs.
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SoftTu*******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Paul Darby can you explain more? I thought the dtv is for multiple entry, do I misunderstand?
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Stephen *****************
SoftTulip4128 DTV lasts for only 5 years and you have to leave Thailand every 180 days and re-enter. Supposedly you can get a 180 day extension but this is the stuff of urban legends....immigration haven't a clue about the extension and what is need, they tell you to just leave Thailand and come back 🤦🤣
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Stephen *****************
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Vicki *********
Just get a pet sitter to come to your home for the day/night
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Deslea ********
Dog and cat hotels are more commonly used here than in home pet sitters. There are heaps of them around the airport.
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Leeann **********
You'd get a dog sitter
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Tricia *****
We use Canine Point Academy | Dog Training | Dog Boarding | Don Jom Tao Rd, Muang, Amphoe, Phuket
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Allan *******
Theres kennels for cats and dogs
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Allan *******
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