Many come to vacation or stay longer in Phuket, but the question often arises: how to bring your four-legged friend to a tropical island? The procedure might seem extensive with a long list of requirements at first glance. However, upon closer look, the requirements are standard for most countries (vaccination, pet passport, microchip information). With a little preparation of all documents, your pet can soon be on Thai soil, enjoying the sunset with you!
We recommend starting document preparation 1.5 to 2 months in advance to avoid delays such as waiting for documents, weekends/holidays, test processing, and obtaining missing certificates.
Stage 1: Obtaining an Import Permit for Your Pet
First, you need to obtain an Import Permit for Thailand from the Department of Livestock Development (DLD).
Within 60 days but no later than 7 days before your flight, send an email to the relevant Animal Quarantine Station (AQS):
- For Phuket:
qshk_hkt@dld.go.th - For Bangkok:
qsap_bkk@dld.go.th
Subject line: Request an Import Permit
In the body of the email, provide the following details: applicant’s full name, pet details (breed, sex, age, microchip info), residential address in your home country, address in Thailand, arrival date/time/airport, departure airport, and transport method (in-cabin or cargo hold).
Required Attachments for Email Application:
- Form R1/1 – Completed DLD application form for importing/exporting pets to/from Thailand
(Download Form R1/1 PDF). - Passport Copy – Clear copy of the accompanying person’s passport.
- Pet Photograph – Colored photo of the pet with its face clearly visible.
- Flight Itinerary – Arrival date, flight numbers, and accommodation addresses in both departure and arrival countries.
- International Veterinary Passport – Must be in English, containing all pet details and records of core vaccinations administered at least 21 days before departure.
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If everything is in order, the DLD will issue the import permit via email within 3 to 7 business days. Before departure, print two copies of all submitted documents and carry the original passport, original vet passport, original health certificate, and printed import permit.
Official Requirements for Importing Cats & Dogs into Thailand
- Official Health Certificate: In English, endorsing that the animal is healthy, free from ectoparasites, and from an area with controlled animal diseases.
- Rabies Vaccination: Vaccinated against rabies with an officially approved vaccine at least 21 days prior to departure (unless coming from a certified 12-month rabies-free country).
- Core Vaccinations: Vaccinated against Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus (and Feline Panleukopenia for cats) at least 21 days prior to departure.
- Leptospirosis Requirement: Dogs must either be vaccinated against Leptospirosis at least 21 days before flight OR test negative within 30 days prior to departure.
- Approved Crate: Pets must travel in nose-and-paw-proof carriers designed to prevent injury and escape.
- Prohibited Dog Breeds: American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are strictly forbidden from entry.
Stage 2: Departure Country Preparation & Veterinary Clearance
Ensure your airline permits pet travel. Generally, pets weighing under 8 kg (including carrier weight) can travel in-cabin, while heavier pets must travel in the temperature-controlled cargo hold.
For departures from Russia, visit a state veterinary clinic within 5 days before departure to obtain Veterinary Certificate Form #1. Ensure deworming treatment is logged in the passport prior to this visit. At the departure airport, exchange Form #1 for International Veterinary Certificate Form #5a at the airport’s veterinary control point.
Stage 3: Arrival Routine in Thailand
Upon landing, head directly to the airport’s Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) before passing standard customs clearance:
- Phuket Airport (HKT): Animal Quarantine Station Office (Tel: +66 76 351 514 | Hours: 08:30–16:30).
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok – BKK):
- In-Cabin Pets: AQS office inside the Arrival Hall near Baggage Carousel #8 (Open 24/7 | Tel: +66 2 134 0636).
- Cargo Pets: AQS office, 1st Floor, CE-1 Building, Free Zone (Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30 | Tel: +66 2 134 0731).
The AQS officer will review your documents, examine your pet, and issue the Notice of Import Approval (Form R-6) and Import License (Form R-7). A standard import fee of 500 THB per pet is payable on-site in cash.
