How to bring a dog or cat into Thailand – 2025 rules

How to Bring a Dog or Cat to Thailand — Updated 2025 Guidelines

General Requirements for Pet Import to Thailand

• Pets must be at least 4 months old

• Mandatory microchip (ISO 11784/11785, 15-digit)

• Required vaccinations:

  • Dogs: rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis

  • Cats: rabies, panleukopenia

• Deworming and flea/tick treatment within 7 days prior to travel

Required Documents for Import

• International veterinary health certificate (in English, issued within 5 days before departure)

• Pet passport with vaccination and microchip records

• Microchip certificate

Import Permit (Required Before Arrival)

• Application must be sent via email to the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) at the destination airport:

  • Bangkok Suvarnabhumi: qsap_bkk_import@dld.go.th

  • Bangkok Don Mueang: qsdm_bkk@dld.go.th

  • Phuket: qshk_hkt@dld.go.th

  • Chiang Mai: qscm_cmi@dld.go.th

• Required documents:

  • Completed R1/1 Form (requestable online or via DLD website)

  • Owner’s passport copy

  • Recent photo of the pet

  • Flight itinerary

  • Vaccination and microchip certificates

• Timeline: Apply no earlier than 60 days and no later than 7 working days before arrival

🛬 Arrival Procedure in Thailand

• Submit all original documents at AQS upon landing

• Pay Import License fee (500 THB)

• Pet may be quarantined if documents are incorrect or if health concerns arise

❌ Banned Dog Breeds

• Some dog breeds are not allowed into Thailand, such as:

  • American Pit Bull Terrier

  • American Staffordshire Terrier

⚠️ Possible Issues and Penalties

• Pets may be quarantined, denied entry, or euthanized at owner’s expense if sick or if documents are invalid

 Leaving Thailand with Your Pet (Return Trip)

If your pet was brought to Thailand temporarily (e.g., for vacation):

• You can leave Thailand using the same foreign documents your pet arrived with, provided all vaccines are still valid and the microchip can be read.

• You must obtain an Export Permit from the nearest AQS office.

Documents Needed:

• Pet passport (foreign or Thai) with valid vaccinations

• Health certificate issued by a licensed government vet clinic in Thailand (valid for 3 days)

• Flight booking details

Notes:

• No need for re-chipping if the pet already has a functioning ISO-compliant microchip

• Some countries may require an international health certificate — check with your airline or destination country’s consulate

📞 Useful Contacts and Resources

• DLD — Department of Livestock Development: https://dld.go.th/th/index.php/en/

• AQS Suvarnabhumi Email: qsap_bkk_import@dld.go.th

• AQS Phuket Email: qshk_hkt@dld.go.th

• R1/1 Form: available upon request or from AQS