Thailand is a beautiful country and has much to offer for pet owners. You can safely fly your dog or cat to Thailand as long as your pet meets all veterinary and administrative conditions prescribed by the Department of Livestock Development in Thailand.

There are several steps in the pet import process in Thailand, and it is mandatory to fulfil every step for your pet to be allowed entry into the country. If you are planning to travel to Thailand with your pet cat or dog, here’s what you need to know.

Microchip your pet

All dogs and cats entering Thailand need to be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip. Your local vet can microchip your pet dog or cat for you. Microchips have a unique 15-digit number that is used to identify your pet. Make sure all your pet’s records and documentation contain the correct microchip number.

Health certificate

Only pet dogs and cats that are healthy and free from disease are permitted to enter Thailand. You will have to furnish an animal health certificate that has been endorsed by your vet and a full-time authorised official of the government of the country of export. The health certificate must clearly state that the pet dog or cat is healthy and fit to travel. Vaccination, identification and ownership details must be recorded on the health certificate.

The health certificate is valid for ten days from the date of issue, and so it important that you arrive in Thailand with your pet within ten days after endorsement.

Rabies vaccination

If your pet dog or cat has lived in a country that is free from rabies for at least 12 months, they do not require a rabies vaccination to enter Thailand. However, since Thailand is not a rabies-free country, it is recommended to vaccinate your pet for rabies before travelling. The vaccination will protect your pet as well as make it easier when you return from Thailand.

If your pet is travelling from a country that is not free from rabies, he or she has to be vaccinated with an approved rabies vaccine, not less than 21 days and not more than one year before the date of travel. A vaccination card that clearly displays all vaccination details, including the date of vaccination, batch number and the expiration date has to accompany the pet.

Thailand does not require a rabies titre test for pet cats and dogs entering from any country.

Leptospirosis vaccination

All pets travelling to Thailand must be vaccinated for Leptospirosis at least 21 days before the date of travel. Alternatively, your pet can take a Leptospirosis test with a negative result within 30 days of the date of travel.

Other vaccinations

Pet dogs travelling to Thailand need mandatory vaccinations of Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus at least 21 days before the date of departure.

Pet cats travelling to Thailand have to be vaccinated against rabies and Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) at least 21 days before the date of travel to be able to enter the country. It is recommended to vaccinate against other common cat diseases such as Feline Cat Flu, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Chlamydia Psittaci before moving to Thailand.

Treatment for parasites

Pet dogs and cats must be treated for internal and external parasites before flying to Thailand. External parasite treatment includes medication for ticks and fleas, and internal parasite treatment treats against tapeworm, heartworm etc. Ask your vet to prescribe medication for parasites around seven days before you are scheduled to fly.

Import permit

Pets entering Thailand need an Import Permit from the Department of Livestock Development before travelling. The permit is valid for 60 days and the application can be downloaded from the department website.

Get the correct travel crate

Pet dogs and cats travelling internationally must always travel in IATA-approved travel crates. The crate must be big enough for your pet to stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably. The crates must be nose and paw-proof to avoid the risk of inadvertent injuries. Remember to acquire the crates a few weeks before the date of travel and crate train your pet to make him or her comfortable with staying long hours in the carrier.

Quarantine

Pets that fulfil all import conditions and do not display any signs of illness will not be subject to quarantine when they arrive in Thailand. However, it is left to the discretion of the quarantine officer to detain or quarantine pets that need inspection or further tests upon arrival. Such pets may be subject to quarantine of up to 30 days at an approved quarantine centre. Costs for the tests and quarantine will be borne by the pet parent.

Prohibited breeds

Thailand prohibits the entry of aggressive breeds such as Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier into the country.

Pet transport to Thailand

Pets flying to Thailand have to fulfil a set of complex import requirements to be allowed entry into the country. It is recommended to take the services of an accredited pet travel agency to help with the pet transport because these requirements can sometimes change without notice.

If you are planning to move to Thailand with your pet dog or cat, contact us at Petraveller for detailed pet travel advice.