Bringing Your Pet to Thailand: Permits, Vaccines and Arrival Day
Bringing a dog or cat to Thailand is very doable. It comes down to timing: the vaccinations, the import permit and the health certificate each have their own windows.
The short version
- Apply for an import permit from the quarantine station at your arrival airport, 60 to 7 days before you fly.
- Your pet needs a microchip and rabies vaccine given at least 21 days before departure (first dose).
- Dogs also need distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis; cats need panleukopenia.
- An official health certificate, valid for 10 days, must travel with the pet.
- On arrival, pay about 500 baht per animal at the airport quarantine station.
Microchip and vaccinations
Your pet needs a microchip and an up-to-date rabies vaccination given at 12 weeks or older. A first rabies dose must be at least 21 days before departure; boosters have no wait. Dogs also need distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis vaccines, and cats need panleukopenia.
Import permit and health certificate
- Email the quarantine station at your arrival airport 60 to 7 days before departure
- Include the form, passport copy, pet photo, flight details, vaccination record and microchip certificate
- Allow 5–7 working days; the permit is valid for 60 days
- Get an official health certificate endorsed by your country’s veterinary authority, valid for 10 days
Flying and arrival
Check your airline’s pet policy early, especially for snub-nosed breeds. On arrival, take your pet to the airport quarantine station, show the original documents and pay about 500 baht per animal for the import licence. Ask the station in writing whether your permit includes any quarantine period.
The windows that matter
From Zoovet Travel, verified 28 Oct 2026. Confirm current rules with the quarantine station before you fly.
Pet import mistakes
Allow 21 days after a first rabies shot.
It is only valid for 10 days.
Originals are required.
Some limit breeds and crates.
Everything on moving pets
Guides from the JLIT library.
Hubs for moving pets
Moving, vets and services.
Keep going
Questions newcomers ask
Do I need a permit to bring a dog to Thailand?
Yes. Request an import permit from the quarantine station at your arrival airport between 60 and 7 days before departure.
Is there quarantine for pets in Thailand?
Usually not if your pet is healthy and the paperwork is correct, but sources differ, so confirm in writing with the quarantine station what your permit requires.
Does Thailand require a rabies blood test?
No rabies blood test is required to enter Thailand, but your home country may require one if you take your pet back later.
