Rules for importing pets into Thailand

Traveling with pets requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to international travel. Bringing a pet into Thailand is a process governed by strict veterinary and customs regulations. The country's authorities have special requirements for the health, vaccination, and documentation of animals, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the current regulations in advance to avoid problems at the border.

The owner must be prepared for the fact that without properly completed documents, the animal may be quarantined or even returned to the country of departure. It should also be taken into account that the list of breeds permitted for import and vaccination requirements may change, so it is better to start preparing in advance. Obtaining the necessary certificates and permits takes a certain amount of time, and if the deadlines are not met, traveling with a pet may be impossible.

To ensure your trip goes smoothly, it is important to complete all the paperwork in advance, check the airline's rules for transportation, and familiarize yourself with customs procedures. This article will help you understand all the nuances of importing animals to Thailand to avoid unpleasant situations when crossing the border.

Basic requirements for importing animals into Thailand

The import of pets into Thailand is regulated by the Department of Livestock Development (DLD). Violation of the established rules may result in refusal of entry or quarantine of the animal.

Basic requirements:

Animals permitted for import: cats, dogs. Other species (birds, reptiles, rodents) require additional permission from DLD.

Minimum age of the animal: not less than 4 months. Young animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies are not allowed to be imported.

Prohibited dog breeds:

●       American Pit Bull Terrier;

●       American Staffordshire Terrier;

●       Tosa Inu.

Prohibited cat breeds:

●       Savannah;

●       Chausie;

●       Bengal cat (no verified pedigree).

Animals that do not meet the requirements may be deported back or placed in quarantine until all circumstances are clarified.

Documents required to import a pet

To successfully cross the border with an animal, a number of documents will be required. They must be completed within the specified time frame, otherwise entry will be impossible.

All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

The process of obtaining a DLD Import Permit

To import an animal into Thailand, a special permit issued by the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) is required. An application for it is submitted online on the official website DLD .

The registration process includes several stages:

1. Filling out an online application on the DLD website and uploading the required documents (pet passport, vaccination certificate, owner information).
2. Application review (takes up to 15 days).
3. Receiving confirmation and printing of DLD Import Permit (the document is valid for 60 days from the date of issue).
4. Presentation of the permit at the border along with other documents.

It is important to check the status of your application on the DLD website in advance and, if necessary, clarify details with your veterinary service representative.

Requirements for air travel with animals

Before booking tickets, you must make sure that the airline allows the transportation of animals and familiarize yourself with its conditions.

Before your flight, it is recommended that you check with your specific airline to ensure that all conditions comply with animal transportation standards.

Customs control and entry into Thailand

Upon arrival in Thailand with an animal, you will need to go through customs control and veterinary inspection. Violation of the established rules may result in the deportation of the animal or its placement in quarantine.

The procedure for registering an animal at the airport includes the following steps:

●       After exiting the plane, head to the Animal Quarantine Office area located at Thailand's international airports.

●       Present the DLD Import Permit, veterinary documents and the animal's passport.

●       Veterinary control checks the chip, the condition of the pet and the compliance of the documents with requirements.

●       If all documents are in order, an import permit is issued and you can go to customs.

Quarantine is applied in the following cases:

●       If the animal does not have all the necessary documents or they are incorrectly completed.

●       If the pet looks unhealthy, even if there are certificates.

●       If lice, ticks or skin diseases are detected.

●       If there is no proof of vaccination or microchipping.

Cost of registration upon entry into Thailand:

●       Document check at the airport: from 100 to 500 baht.

●       Quarantine (if required): up to 500 baht per day.

If you do not have all the documents:

●       You can obtain a temporary import permit subject to the condition that the missing certificates are completed within 7 days.

●       In case of serious violations, the animal may be quarantined or deported at your expense.

Limitations and nuances

Some animals are prohibited from being imported, and special rules apply for exotic pets.

Import of exotic animals requires a separate permit from DLD and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

Export of animals from Thailand

To export a pet from Thailand, you must go through a number of formalities, including obtaining permits from the DLD.

What documents will be required:

●       Veterinary health certificate (issued by DLD 3-7 days before departure).

●       Vaccination certificate (must be current, depending on the destination country).

●       Export Permit issued by DLD.

The process of obtaining certificates from DLD before departure:

1. A few days before departure, visit the DLD Veterinary Office and submit an application for export.
2. Have your pet examined and obtain medical certificates.
3. Obtain an Export Permit, without which the animal will not be allowed to fly.

Features of export of rare breeds and exotic animals:

●       Additional permits may be required to export rare breeds of dogs and cats.

●       Reptiles, birds and rare animals must comply with CITES requirements, otherwise export is prohibited.

Useful links and contacts

Official websites

●       DLD (Department of Livestock Development): https://www.dld.go.th/

Contacts of veterinary control at airports in Thailand

●       Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok): +66 2 134 0731

●       Phuket: +66 76 328 400

●       Chiang Mai: +66 53 922 109

List of airlines that allow transportation of animals

●       Thai Airways – in baggage and cargo

●       Qatar Airways – in cabin and baggage

●       Emirates - Cargo Only

●       Aeroflot – in the cabin and in baggage

Conclusion

Bringing an animal into Thailand is a process that requires advance preparation. It is important to obtain all veterinary documents in advance, including an international passport, health certificates, and an import permit from DLD. Compliance with these requirements will help avoid problems at the border and quarantine restrictions.

Traveling with a pet should be safe and comfortable, so before departure, you should also clarify the rules of transportation with the airline and check the current entry regulations. If you plan to leave the animal in Thailand for a long time, regular updating of certificates and monitoring of the pet's health will be required.

Before your trip, it is recommended to visit the official DLD website to familiarize yourself with the latest changes in the rules and to make sure you have all the necessary documents. This will help to avoid unpleasant situations when crossing the border and ensure a smooth journey for your pet.