What should I know about bringing a service dog to Thailand as an expat?

I would estimate that "Public Service Animals" is a trend that hasn't caught on here. I am not saying they are not useful but for many generations Westerners got along fine without public service animals and the Thai people still get along fine without them. I live next to a school for the blind and I haven't seen blind people with service dogs. That would be problematic given all the soi dogs (street dogs).

I had a buddy bring his pet dog from Korea so I know you can bring dogs with you. Also, it's possible to find a place to stay with a pet. Like any place, your options will be more limited.

I would love to have a dog but I hate the idea of my neighbors having noisy dogs. I am a condo owner and I imagine many condo owners feel the same way.. Hence, there will be few condos available for you to rent.. Probably townhouse and free-standing homes will be more accommodating.

Have you looked at bahtsold.com ? Its a website/market place that lists many things including home/condo for sale/rent. Being on the ground and shopping for stuff in person will better than online but at least bahtsold can help you get idea of the rental situation.

I can recommend Aguston condo as pet friendly and it is close to Benjakiti park that has one part for dogs.

Otherwise I am observing dog owners and wondering how they are managing life with pets in Bkk city center..

never seen a pet in the public transportation.

Where do you plan to stay in Thailand ? If Samui you are welcome for a mug of coffee ☕️😉😊

Good luck Sabrina. I think mostly the reason they say no pets is often down to the dogs already around. My landlady has to say no pets because we all have them, meaning there are a few Thai dogs marauding the complex. Thai dogs can be bullies. You do need to take care of your own health and make decisions based on hospitals and your insurance. Some of the islands are not suitable. Even on phangan it can mean a trip to samui (cash needed for ambulance $1000, refunded by your insurance maybe). But they want it in cash and I couldn't get it back without a receipt which they kept saying yes yes... Blood transfusion took 24 hours for blood to arrive so not always available.

Good luck, don't let life deter you but you will need to plan ahead

First step I would say is Call some of the BIG airlines as well as the American Animal Society and the Dog Certification orginisation (ADA) and they can steer you in the right direction.

Good luck

@Zabrina *****

. Don’t listen to these people who know nothing about thailand and service animals. Feel free to look at houses that DONT say pet friendly. Tell them your situation. Thai people are very understanding. They might ask for an additional deposit. I’ve had animals and have rented places that specifically said NO PETS. All landlords were understanding. You’ll be fine. You’ll have plenty of choices. I’ve personally done it. All the others that posted don’t know shit

Emotional support animal is NOT a service dog. Best understand the difference first.

I have a friend that dealt with this it depends on the nature of your service dog. are you blind? or have another limiting disability?

Speak to the people from They are dog trainers in Phuket but surely know a thing or two about service dogs in Thailand. All the best!

When searching for a place to live, the "dog friendly" filter takes about 80% of options out, but it does mean that the 20% left are full of dog owners which is good as they understand the needs of dogs and the dogs have others to play with. Our apartment near Nana has a fantastic dog park on the property and they're even building a dog friendly restaurant due to open soon. I suggest to find a good agent and speak to them about your housing needs. If you want to pm me i can give you the contact for the one we used, she was great

Good luck

@Zabrina *****

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Mostly only small dogs are allow in the department store , hotel and some places. However in Thailand, pets are not allow in the restaurant.

Was only recently they changed regulations about guide dogs. Tbere is a group or two that advertise for pet friendly accomadation

It's means nothing here

ADA mandates won't apply here...

For condos: some condos are pet friendly such as Ideo Morph 38, Ashton morph 38, Fullerton, le nice, Maru ekkamai, The Lakes and many more

The parks accept only dogs for the blinds. So if you do not look “ill” (physically I mean) do not expect them to accept your service dog. There is a good reason: parks are filled with reptiles and wild animals (cats, turtles, monitor lizards) 🙂

Many people have dogs in Bangkok and we can cope with the limits. (I have one)

Thailand dosnt encourage people to have the same level of entitlement as the United States

I hope this goes smoothly for you- Godspeed!

Thai shops and restaurants DO NOT accept service animals in general. It’s not a concept here. So restaurants will let you sit outside or near the exit. Don’t expect too many to understand

It's posted at a number of Bangkok parks that service dogs are allowed (where other dogs are not) so I'm aware that the category exists at very least. Hope someone in one of the dog specific groups can help. There are a few.

Never seen anyone with a service dog in Thailand so best to go to the link Zamora gave you.

Try asking Bangkok Pet Lovers