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What is the process for doing a visa run with a pet in Thailand, specifically regarding paperwork and airline requirements?

Aug 31, 2025
6 days ago
Leah *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone!

I was wondering if anyone here has ever done a visa run with their pet, and what the experience was like.

I’m on a METV and planning a short trip around mid–late November (haven’t decided on the destination yet). I’ll be traveling with my small dog (5 lbs, in-cabin only), and I’m trying to understand what the process looks like in terms of paperwork, airlines, and re-entering Thailand smoothly with her. Leaving her with a sitter would only be a last resort.

Any insights, tips, or advice from those who’ve done this would be really appreciated!

Thank you in advance 😊
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on doing a visa run from Thailand while traveling with their small dog. They are looking for insights into the necessary paperwork, airline requirements for in-cabin travel, and tips for re-entering Thailand with their pet. Comments suggest that having a pet passport is essential, along with meeting health requirements set by the Department of Livestock Development. There are options to consider, including leaving the pet with a sitter or at a dog hotel, as the complexities of re-entering with a pet may not outweigh the effort.
Chuck **********
You gotta be kidding ,really!
Bob **********
It’s only a day or two they have many doggie hotels in Thailand I would think a lot less stress for the both of you
Leah *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks so much everyone! I went through the process of bringing her here from the US, which honestly wasn’t too bad — just pricey. But from what I’m hearing, trying to do it again from Thailand to another country doesn’t really sound worth the hassle.

I may just need to look into a sitter or boarding hotel instead. If anyone has recommendations, I’d love to hear them!

I’ve never left her behind or with strangers before, so I’ll admit it makes me a little nervous (and sad). But I’ll digress — sounds like it may be the best option.

Thanks again for all the insight!
Derek *****
If you’re in Bangkok or are willing to make the drive, I highly recommend Ipet Hospital on Rama 4/Sukhumvit intersection. Can vouch 100% that they actually care about your pet.
Leah *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Derek ****
thank you! I plan on making my way out there eventually so that’s good to know!
Ma *******************
@Leah ********
if it's been less than 6mo since your entry, your health certificate should still be valid for travel. But beyond that, yes, too much hassle.
Elisa **********
I usually asked my maid to sleep at home or have a dog sitter at home
Leslie ********
Leave the dog at home
Scott *********
Expensive and time consuming
Iliyan ***********
Just pay for a dog hotel while you're gone
Alison *******
Easy enough to find flights I would think but you would have to do the thai livestock dept vet check no more than 5 days before your flight and of course adhere to whichever country’s pet import rules are in place as well as perhaps having to go through the same in that country to leave again, so import, then export requirements. The DLD (Department of Livestock Development has the import requirements of all countries on their website. I would stick with the country with the easiest requirements. Maybe Cambodia but again, not sure which airline will allow in cabin and Cambodia is probably not easy right now. I think Vietnam has one that does allow in cabin. You can also drive easily back and forth across the border into Laos with your dog (at least this is what I hear).
Alison *******
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Happy ****
You can talk to this site.
Robert ********
I think pets need a pet passport showing they are vaccinated and healthy
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