Thailand
Thailand sits on the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, with Bangkok as its capital. Pet relocation here is relatively straightforward — no mandatory quarantine, a fast-processing import permit, and clear documentation requirements.
At a Glance
Bringing a pet into Thailand requires a microchip, rabies and core vaccinations, an import permit from the Department of Livestock Development, and a health certificate that explicitly states vaccine dates — no mandatory blood test or quarantine applies to pets that meet all requirements.
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Health Certificate
Required
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Blood Test
Required for unvaccinated dogs
Leptospirosis test (alternative to vaccine)
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Import Permit
Required
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Min. Age
12 weeks*
*16 weeks from non-rabies-free origins
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Min. Prep Time
4–6 weeks
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Difficulty
Moderate
Key Requirements
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Microchip + Vaccinations
Microchip required. Rabies vaccination required at least 21 days before departure (not required from rabies-free certified origins). Dogs also need vaccines against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis; cats need Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia — all at least 21 days before departure.
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Minimum Age
12 weeks for pets from rabies-free certified countries; 16 weeks for pets from non-rabies-free origins.
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Leptospirosis Test (Dogs)
For dogs, a negative Leptospirosis test can be done as an alternative to vaccination. If used, the dog must arrive in Thailand within 30 days of receiving the negative result.
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Import Permit
Mandatory, obtained from the Thai Department of Livestock Development (DLD) at least 7 working days before arrival. The permit is valid for 60 days once issued.
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Health Certificate
Issued by the official veterinary authority of the exporting country within 10 days of entering Thailand. Critically, it must explicitly state the rabies and combo vaccine dates (or carry an official stamp and signature confirming them) — without this, the Department of Livestock Development will refuse entry.
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Entry Airports
Pets can enter through Bangkok (BKK), Chiang Mai (CNX), or Phuket (HKT).
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Quarantine
Not required for pets that meet all documentation and vaccination requirements.
⚠️ Requirements change frequently and without notice. Always verify with a certified pet relocation specialist before making any arrangements.
Preparation Timeline
1
Microchip + Vaccinations
At least 21 days before travel
2
Leptospirosis Test (dogs, if used)
Within 30 days before arrival
3
Import Permit Application
At least 7 working days before arrival
4
Health Certificate
Within 10 days before arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there quarantine in Thailand?
No quarantine required for pets that meet all documentation and vaccination requirements.
How long does the import permit take?
The Department of Livestock Development (DLD) requires the permit to be obtained at least 7 working days before arrival, and it stays valid for 60 days once issued. A certified agent can manage this process for you →
Do requirements change depending on which country I’m travelling from?
Yes, in one key respect. Pets from countries certified as rabies-free are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement and can travel from 12 weeks of age. Pets from all other origins must be vaccinated and cannot travel until 16 weeks of age. The rest of the process — import permit and health certificate — applies the same way regardless of origin. Always confirm your country’s current classification with a certified pet relocation specialist.
Does my dog need a blood test?
A negative Leptospirosis test can be used as an alternative to vaccination. If used, the dog must arrive within 30 days of the negative result.
What if my health certificate doesn’t mention vaccination dates?
The exporting country’s health certificate must explicitly state the rabies and combo vaccine dates, or carry an official stamp and signature confirming them. Without this, Thai authorities will refuse entry — double-check this with your vet before travel.
Are there direct flights to Bangkok?
Direct flights to Bangkok are available from some origins, and pets can also enter via Chiang Mai or Phuket. Routing options depend on your departure country — verify with a certified agent before booking. A specialist can advise on the best routing →
How much does it cost?
Get a free personalised quote →
Ready to start planning?
Every pet’s situation is different. Get a free, no-obligation quote from a certified pet relocation specialist.
⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.
