Bringing a Pet to Thailand in 2026: no quarantine, but the 10-day rule catches everyone
Last updated: June 2026 · 8 min read
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What Thailand requires
Dogs vs cats: different rules
For cats: microchip, rabies vaccine, and health certificate. No import permit needed.
For dogs: same as cats, plus a DLD (Department of Livestock Development) import permit. Apply online through the DLD website at least 2 weeks before departure. The permit is issued per trip. Cost: approximately THB 100 to THB 500 depending on the number of animals.
Without the DLD permit, dogs cannot enter Thailand regardless of how complete the rest of the paperwork is. Thailand customs will not release the animal.
The 10-day health certificate window
Thailand's requirement is arrival-based, not departure-based. If your vet issues the certificate 10 days before your flight and your flight is on time, you land on day 10 and the certificate is valid. If you issue it 11 days before arrival, it is expired on landing.
The most common mistake happens on multi-leg journeys: owners calculate from the departure date of the first flight, not the arrival date in Bangkok. Book your vet appointment no more than 8 days before your scheduled arrival to leave a buffer.
This is the step most people get wrong. A reviewed plan makes sure you do not.
This is the part most people get wrong. A reviewed plan makes sure you don't.
Timeline
Apply for DLD import permit via DLD website (dogs only).
Confirm rabies vaccination is current and will remain valid through the travel date.
Book vet appointment for health certificate.
Obtain health certificate from government-accredited vet. Confirm the date on the certificate is within 10 days of your arrival date in Thailand, not your departure date.
Carry originals of all documents. Photocopies are not accepted at Thai customs.
Present documents at the veterinary inspection desk before proceeding to customs.
What it costs
- Health certificate: USD 50 to USD 150 depending on country and vet
- DLD import permit (dogs): THB 100 to THB 500
- Airline fee, cabin: USD 50 to USD 200 per segment
- Airline fee, cargo: varies by weight and route
- IATA-approved crate (if cargo): USD 50 to USD 200
The part most people get wrong
It must have been given at least 21 days before travel so it is active, and it must not have expired. A booster given the day before departure does not satisfy the 21-day minimum. Check both the issue date and the expiry date on your pet's vaccination record before booking the vet appointment for the health certificate.
Not sure if your situation is covered?
That's exactly what the Personal Plan is for. A human reviews your specific route, airline, and pet before you get your checklist.
Frequently asked questions
No. The DLD import permit is required for dogs only. Cats need a microchip, rabies vaccine, and health certificate, but no permit.
No, there is no quarantine if your documents are correct and the health certificate is issued within 10 days of arrival in Thailand.
For cats, 3 to 4 weeks is usually sufficient. For dogs, allow at least 4 to 6 weeks to account for DLD permit processing time.
Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok, Chiang Mai International, and Phuket International. Not all airlines fly with pets into all three. Confirm with your airline before booking.
You have read the general rules. Your airline, your pet's breed, and your departure country may change everything. A personal plan covers your exact situation. $24, human-reviewed before delivery.
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