Guides / Thailand

How to get a Thai import permit for your dog or cat

Every dog and cat entering Thailand needs an import permit from the Department of Livestock Development. You apply by email, it's processed in about a week, and you show it at the airport.

1. Check the vaccines first

Dogs need rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis vaccines. Cats need rabies and feline panleukopenia. If this is your pet's first rabies vaccine, wait 21 days before you apply. See Thailand's vaccine rules for the details.

2. Fill in Form R1/1

The form asks for:

• Your full name, your address in Thailand and the country you're travelling from
• Your pet's breed, sex, date of birth, colour and microchip number

3. Attach these documents

• Microchip certificate
• Copy of your passport
• A colour photo showing your pet's face
• Vaccination certificates in English, with the vet's full name, licence number and signature
• Your flight confirmation

4. Send it to the right quarantine station

Each international airport has its own station: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui and others. Use the email address for the airport where you land, from the official list on the Thai embassy page linked below.

5. Ten days before you fly: the health certificate

Your vet examines your pet and issues an official health certificate, which your government then endorses (in the US, USDA APHIS; electronic endorsement is accepted). The endorsed certificate is valid for 10 days, so book the vet visit within 10 days of departure.

6. At the airport in Thailand

• Go to the Animal Quarantine counter. At Suvarnabhumi it is next to baggage carousel 8 and open 24 hours.
• Show your passport, the import permit, the endorsed health certificate and your pet's vaccination record.
• Pay 500 baht per animal. You receive the approval and import licence.
• Then go through the red “Goods to declare” channel at customs.