This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What is the process for moving to Thailand with two dogs from Canada?

Moving to Thailand Canada to Thailand Pet relocation Thai visa NON-O visa Accommodation in Thailand Dogs in Thailand Expat advice

Apr 27, 2026

4 days ago

Mei *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi there, I wonder if anyone here is familiar with moving from Canada? What is the process of moving with 2 little dogs? Do I need to move to Thailand and find long term accommodation first or can I fly with my dogs right after getting my visa from Canada? Then find my accommodation after we arrive? thanks in advance for any advice. 👍

4,423

views

139

all likes

replies

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The process of moving to Thailand with dogs from Canada includes obtaining necessary permits for your pets and ensuring their vaccinations and records are up to date. Expats have successfully flown with their dogs as excess baggage, generally under the airplane seat, but it's crucial to book pet-friendly accommodations upon arrival to avoid complications. It's suggested to secure temporary housing like an Airbnb for a few weeks while searching for permanent dog-friendly rentals. Additionally, if you're not transporting the dogs yourself, hiring a reliable pet relocation service may be advisable, especially if you need assistance navigating import regulations.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Retirement Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

RubyChe*******

I moved here from US with my little Chihuahua. Many airlines allow dogs under certain weight to be under the seat...not in cargo. We flew to Japan first with her as my daughter's service dog, she has MS and disability. From Japan to Thailand...we flew Asiana. It's not hard at all to navigate. It's pretty straightforward as long as the records and vaccines are current for the import/export permit. Airbnb for a month would be a great start!

4 days ago

Lynnette *******

You can fly with your dogs as a sort of "excess baggage". is there some reason you won't fly with them?

4 days ago

Mei *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Lynnette MunozI was not sure if i need to get a permanent address before flying them . Some countries need them to have a permanent ‘address’ before you can move the dogs.

3 days ago

Lynnette *******

Mei Gee not sure. Thats not something I've done. But ideally you don't want to fly them in and have nowhere to stay. I'm.asduming if bringing dogs you are moving here permanently, so ideally you could come over, find a suitable property then go back and ship dogs. Or leave them with friend/family and shipping in hands of pet renovators, with the paperwork ready to fly once you find a property.

3 days ago

Mei *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Lynnette Munozi figured that much but i dont have anyone to help so thats why i asked. Thanks for you advice

3 days ago

Reply to

Mei *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I think my main concern is i don't have any reliable source to help me send my dogs from Canada nor someone in Thailand to receive them. Thats why I’m trying to figure out what the process is before the time comes . 😅

4 days ago

Sascha **********

Mei Gee what do you mean by sending/receiving the dogs? They’re not going to travel with you?

The paperwork is pretty straightforward to arrange yourself, really no need for a pet travel agency (they’re expensive and what they do is easily done by yourself).

If you’re not traveling at the same time as your dogs, I’ve heard good things about

**************************

As for accommodation, make sure you have something pet-friendly booked for the first few weeks. Finding a more permanent rental can be a challenge with pets, give yourself some time.

4 days ago

Barath *******

Mei Gee we are going soon from YVR on a Non- O visa.

However we don't have dogs.

It's a long stop over either in Seoul, HKG or Narita.

It's best to appoint a reliable company to handle your dogs.

4 days ago

Mei *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Barath Faust safe travels. 👍🏻

3 days ago

Reply to

Mei *****

Alison *******

Mei Gee find a pet friendly hotel or airbnb for the first month or so and then look for a rental once you are here.

4 days ago

Reply to

Alison *******

Mark *******

Just to forewarn, its easy taking dogs to Thailand, its not easy at all taking a dog back to Canada. Rent an Airb&b for the first few weeks till you find dog friendly accommodation.

4 days ago

Lynnette *******

Turning up with 2 dogs and nowhere to stay is not the best plan. Perhaps make sure you have at least a few weeks accommodation that is dog friendly.

4 days ago

John **********

You can fly with your dogs but you need to get a permit for them.

*************************************************************************************************

*****

3_01

4 days ago

Reply to

John **********