Importing Pets to Thailand: How to Start

Traveling to another country with your pet can be hectic and scary if you don’t know all the rules and regulations that cover transporting a pet. Every country has different regulations, and every airline or transportation company has rules too.

While it might be scary to you since you’ve never tried to transport a pet when moving to another country, it’s a common occurrence now as more people retire or move to other countries to live or vacation. International pet transportation doesn’t have to be scary, but it does take advanced planning and preparation. If you want to retire in Thailand, you’ll want your pets with you.

Microchips

In Thailand, they don’t require that your pet have a pet microchip, but it might be something that you should do anyway. It’ll give you peace of mind in case your pet is separated from you in a foreign location. If you don’t want the chip embedded in their skin, you could purchase a tracking collar that will work with your smartphone to alert you to your pet’s location.

Permits

Before your pet can enter Thailand, you have to request an Import Paper. This paper is obtained from the Department of Livestock Development. The officials at the International Quarantine Station should be notified before arrival too. They can help you learn about the procedures you’ll need to follow including a request to import live animals into the country.

Vaccines

Before your pet can enter the country, it has to have had a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before but no more than 12 months. Along with a rabies vaccination, your pet must have vaccines against parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis at least 21 days before leaving the original country.

Your dog has to be vaccinated for leptospirosis too. This vaccine must have been administered at least 21 days prior to departure or tested at least 30 days before departing the country.

Certificate of Health

The country of departure has to complete and stamp a Veterinary Certificate for Thailand before the pet will be allowed in the country. If the United States is the departure country, the State USDA office would fill out the form. If Canada is the departure country, the CFIA office would complete the form. Other countries have governing offices that must complete the form for your pet to be allowed in the country.

Special Circumstances

Puppies and kittens must be vaccinated at three months of age. After vaccinations, they must wait thirty days before they can enter Thailand. Breeds like the American Pit Bull or American Staffordshire Terrier, that are banned in other countries, are allowed in Thailand. Other animals like birds, reptiles and fish as well as rodents and rabbits are not required to have rabies vaccines, but they need a health certificate to enter the country.

It would be a shame to retire to Thailand without being able to enjoy the company of your companion. With advance planning here, you can definitely take your pet into the country with you. If you’re unsure about procedures for crating and flying your pet, you could contact an animal transportation service, which would help you transport your pet to Thailand.

Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!