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Answered10 months ago

What is the process for relocating a pet to Bangkok from the U.S. and what challenges could arise at the airport?

Peaceand*********
asked Jan 6, 2026
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Has anyone relocated to Bangkok with a pet from the U.S? Did you experience any difficulty at the airports even with a documentation, vaccines etc?

*I don't need rude or crass comments*
Answer summary
Many expats have successfully relocated to Bangkok with pets from the U.S. The general experience has been positive as long as the proper documentation and vaccination records are in order. Some key points to note include the requirement for an import permit, which may be needed beforehand or can sometimes be applied for upon arrival. Using a reputable vet with experience in pet relocations can ease the process, and organizing all paperwork ahead of time is highly recommended. Overall, while the preparation can be daunting, actual travel tends to go smoothly.
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Shawn *******
Shawn *******
Flew Denver to Phuket on Korean Air with our 12lb Cavalier last month. Our vet refers the paperwork to an outside agency which was worth the extra money to help guide us. Once we got to Thailand the process through the airport was easy.
Peaceand*********
Peaceand*********
OP
@Shawn ******
did you have your fur baby in cabin or cargo?
Shawn *******
Shawn *******
Peaceandrainfalls in cabin, we bought the middle seat so her carrier could be slightly expanded for comfort. She is right at the 15lb limit including her carrier.
Shawn *******
Shawn *******
Peaceandrainfalls Korean was very strict about her staying within her carrier, but we did pull her carrier out from being wedged after takeoff. We first flew Denver to Seattle where we spent the night and gave her a big dinner. The day of the flight she was fed about
***
of her morning meal but had some extra water mixed in. We then gave her a really long walk (3 miles) with lots of bathroom time. She was also able to pee right before we boarded at a pet relief area. She had a few ice cubes and a few freeze dried treats on board. Right upon pulling into the gate in Korea we ran to a bathroom stall where I had a pee pad and turf and she was able to relieve herself. I spent much of the layover on the stall floor letting her stretch her legs and giving her love. Unfortunately, Korea doesn’t have a pet relief area nor are dogs allowed out of their carrier in the terminal. However, it all worked out and we arrived in Phuket no worse for the wear. I will add that she has flown domestically almost 100 times, so she is a great flyer. I think the most stressful part of the journey was the USDA paperwork getting to us in time, and her ‘weigh in.’
Peaceand*********
Peaceand*********
OP
@Shawn ******
thank you! Everything I'm reading says the carrier has to remain and fit under the seat. How did you handle feeding, water and doing her/his business?
Krista ********
Krista ********
I brought 2 cats 2 dogs last year. Just make sure all the paper work is in order and that your crates meet all the regulations. Make sure you work with a vet that has done this before it's a lot of hassle. Also they did request my import permit, and I had to email them a few times to get it sent initially, so do that with plenty of time in advance and don't be afraid to follow up! Something helpful to me was organising all my pets documents in a binder I carried on. Made checking in very easy. I was arriving in the middle of the night outside of operation hours, but emailed the department to let them know in advance and they were open! Honestly the hardest part is everything leading up to leaving once you land its a breeze. (I flew Korean Air from California) If you wanna chat more about it feel free to reach out. 😁
Peaceand*********
Peaceand*********
OP
@Krista *******
thank you so much. This is very helpful. We are in Texas and will have to use multiple airlines because there's no direct airline carrier to Thailand. The U.S. Airlines seem pretty straightforward. But the connection points are where the difficulties seem to be.
Jana **************
Jana **************
Check Eva Air. They supposedly started direct routes from DFW in October.
Peaceand*********
Peaceand*********
OP
@Jana *************
they dont allow pets in cabin. I looked into them last night.
Whitney **************
Whitney **************
One Pug, cargo BOS to BKK via IST. Used Relo4Paws for inbound,they did a very good job.
Peaceand*********
Peaceand*********
OP
@Whitney *************
I am not willing to use a service. Thank you for your response.
Whitney **************
Whitney **************
Peaceandrainfalls I live in Thailand, but was in the US when I initiated this transfer for my boy. If I had been in Thailand, I would have handled myself. But I was not, and I have lived here for many years. So I wish you every bit of luck you can find!
Deslea ********
Deslea ********
I brought four cats from Australia. We used logistics agents (Booma was the Thailand half). No issues.
Peaceand*********
Peaceand*********
OP
@Deslea *******
thank you. What are logistics agents, please?
Deslea ********
Deslea ********
PeaceandrainfallsThey’re people who arrange for movement of things and cargo, including legal formalities where applicable (animals, dangerous goods, crossing borders etc) and also including transfers between types of transport where a change is required.
Deslea ********
Deslea ********
PeaceandrainfallsI just spent nearly 200K baht bringing my cats here, and 100kg of baggage allowance that was mostly their stuff, so we’ll just be ridiculous together! Good luck!
Peaceand*********
Peaceand*********
OP
@Deslea *******
thank you. She's so tiny (4lbs) and literally my baby. I'm sure my anxiety seems ridiculous but I'm really freaking out.
Cynthia ******
Cynthia ******
I did travel to Thailand from Las Vegas in July with my Chihuahua. Since different countries have different criteria, it's wise to consult with your local vet.
Peaceand*********
Peaceand*********
OP
@Cynthia *****
thank you. The Vet doesn't know the airline's criteria outside of the vaccines.
Ning ******
Ning ******
Go suk 51 vet, they do this very often. Use dynamic cargo if you need export help.
Peaceand*********
Peaceand*********
OP
@Ning *****
thank you
Alison *******
Alison *******
I travel annually back and forth to USA with my chihuahua. As long as you have all the required documentation and vaccinations you will be fine. Some airlines will require an import permit from the Thai Livestock Department even though technically you can apply for it once you land. Follow the requirements on the USDA/APHIS website and you will be fine.

Make sure you ask your vet to issue you the new ‘Certification of US issued Rabies Vaccination’ or CUIRV just in case you need to return to US.
Peaceand*********
Peaceand*********
OP
@Alison ******
thank you so much.
Drew *********
Drew *********
I brought two miniature dachshunds over 12 years ago and thought the process was extremely smooth. Just make sure that you have all the proper documentation and up to date vaccinations and unless anything has dramatically changed in that time I think you’ll have any easy time of it. Safe travels!
Peaceand*********
Peaceand*********
OP
@Drew ********
thank you for this. I'm researching and it seems like a lot! And even with all proper documentation and vaccines, Chatgpt says there's still a possibility that they may stop us and not allow her to cabin board with us. I'm NOT putting my 4lbs Yorkie in cargo. That is absolutely not an option.

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