Thailand Pet Import Permit 2026: Documents, Vaccines and Arrival Steps

Planning to bring a cat or dog to Thailand? Careful preparation of the Thailand pet import permit, veterinary records and flight documents helps prevent delays, denied boarding and problems during the airport inspection.

Do cats and dogs need an import permit for Thailand?

Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development and the Animal Quarantine Station supervise the importation of cats and dogs. Travellers may need an approved import permit before departure, especially when the airline requires it for check-in or when the animal travels as manifested cargo.

Applying in advance is the safest option. Official Thai guidance recommends submitting complete documents at least seven business days before departure. Once issued, an import permit is generally valid for 60 days.

Documents needed to start your application

To begin an application through Paw Permit Thailand, send clear copies of:

1. Veterinary passport or vaccination record showing the pet’s identification and vaccinations.
2. A clear full-body photo of the pet.
3. The passenger’s passport bio page for the person named in the permit.
4. Flight ticket or arrival route showing the airport and planned date of entry into Thailand.

Depending on the route, additional documents may be required, including the R1/1 application, microchip certificate, vaccination records in English and further information requested by the Animal Quarantine Station.

Vaccination and identification requirements

The pet’s microchip number and vaccination information must be consistent across all documents. Incorrect numbers, different owner names or unclear records can delay an application.

• Dogs: commonly required vaccinations include rabies, canine distemper, canine hepatitis, canine parvovirus and leptospirosis.
• Cats: commonly required vaccinations include rabies and feline panleukopenia.

For a primary vaccination or a break in vaccination history, the animal normally needs to wait 21 days after vaccination. For a documented booster given while the previous vaccination remained valid, the waiting period may not apply. A pet receiving its first rabies vaccination must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.

The official health certificate

The import permit is not the only document needed for travel. Before departure, an official veterinary health certificate usually must be issued and endorsed by the competent government veterinary authority in the country of export.

Bring the original health certificate, original vaccination records, the pet’s identification documents and a printed copy of the import permit. Requirements and certificate validity periods differ by country, so the final veterinary documents must be prepared for the specific route.

Arrival at a Thai airport

On arrival, the passenger must contact the Animal Quarantine Station for document and veterinary inspection. Officers verify the animal, microchip and original paperwork before issuing the applicable entry documents.

The quarantine officer retains the authority to request additional checks or quarantine an animal when documents are incomplete or there are health concerns. This is why every name, date, vaccination and microchip number should be checked before the flight.

Cabin, checked baggage or air cargo?

The procedure can differ depending on how the pet travels:

• In the cabin: subject to airline size, weight and carrier rules.
• As checked baggage: requires advance airline approval and a compliant travel crate.
• As manifested cargo: generally requires advance import approval and cargo-specific handling.

Airlines have their own restrictions in addition to Thai veterinary requirements. Always confirm the booking directly with the operating airline before buying a non-refundable ticket.

Paw Permit Thailand services

We assist with pet import permit applications for arrivals throughout Thailand and help clients check the supporting documents before departure.

• Thailand pet import permit application support;
• checking veterinary and accompanying documents;
• consultations about flights with cats and dogs;
• support before departure and during arrival;
• unlimited consultations after arrival in Thailand.

Current service packages are Standard — $55, Priority — $79 and VIP — $119 per pet. The most suitable option depends on the route, departure date and document readiness.

Phuket pet taxi and transfer

A pet-friendly airport meeting and taxi transfer service is already available in Phuket. Transfers on other Thai islands are currently being developed. Import permit and document assistance is available for arrivals throughout Thailand, including Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Samui.

Official information

Review the latest guidance from the Thai Animal Quarantine Station and the Royal Thai Consulate guidance.

Last reviewed: 9 August 2026. Paw Permit Thailand is an informational and agent support service. Import permits and final entry decisions are issued by the authorised Thai veterinary authorities.