2026 Updated Guide | Bringing Your Pet to Thailand: From Import Permit Application to Airport Pickup

3 Essential Requirements for Entering Thailand

Bringing a pet into Thailand requires careful preparation that meets international standards. The order in which you complete each step is especially important.

Microchip Implantation and Vaccinations

Your pet must be implanted with a microchip that complies with ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 standards. It's critical that rabies and combination vaccinations are administered after the microchip is implanted. If the order is reversed, Thai authorities may consider the vaccinations invalid.

Required Vaccines and Timing

Vaccinations must be completed at least 21 days before entry and within the past 12 months. · Dogs: Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis (5-in-1) · Cats: Rabies, Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV)

Age Requirement

Under Thai regulations, only pets that are at least 4 months (120 days) old are permitted to enter the country.

Pre-Arrival Application: Obtaining Your Import Permit

Applying in advance to Thailand's Department of Livestock Development (DLD) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is the most critical step in the entire import process.

When and How to Apply

Submit your application to the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) at Suvarnabhumi Airport between 60 and 7 days before your travel date. In addition to the traditional email application (qsap_bkk_import@dld.go.th), the Thai authorities now recommend applying through their online system, "DLD-SMART I-E".

Required Documents

Please prepare the following documents in PDF format.

1. Vaccination certificate in English
2. Microchip implantation certificate
3. Copy of owner's passport
4. Color photo of your pet
5. Import permit application form (Form R1/1)

Smooth Arrival Process at Suvarnabhumi Airport Here's exactly what to expect from the moment you land at Suvarnabhumi Airport to being reunited with your pet and clearing quarantine.

Where to Pick Up Your Pet Your pet won't come out on the regular baggage carousel. Instead, they'll be brought to the nearby Oversize Baggage counter in the baggage claim area.

Inspection at the Animal Quarantine Station

Head to the Animal Quarantine Station located near Carousel 8 in the baggage claim area. It operates 24 hours, but during late-night or early-morning hours staff may not be at the desk, so you may need to use the on-site phone to call someone over.

Fees to Pay

You'll need to pay a quarantine inspection fee of 500 THB and an import duty of 1,000 THB per animal. Cash is the safest payment method, so make sure to have some Thai baht on hand before you arrive.

Important Advice If You're Planning to Return to Japan

Because Thailand is classified as a rabies-designated country, a mandatory 180-day waiting period applies when bringing your pet back to Japan.

Get the Rabies Antibody Titer Test Done Before You Leave

If you complete the rabies antibody titer test before leaving Japan and return within the valid period, the quarantine waiting period upon re-entry to Japan can be waived. Getting the test done and sending serum samples from Thailand to Japan is extremely time-consuming and costly, so taking care of everything while you're still in Japan is by far the best way to reduce stress for both you and your pet.

Additional Resources

Regulations and rules can change. If you're planning to bring your dog or cat to Thailand, be sure to check the following sources as well.

• Animal Quarantine Service (Japan): https://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/tetuzuki/qanda/dogcatqaex.html
• Tourism Authority of Thailand: https://www.thailandtravel.or.jp/about/basic/
• Office of Agricultural Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo: https://www.opsmoac.go.th/tokyo-news-files-461291791112　(📄PDF)