Thailand requires a Special Import Permit (Form R1/1) from the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) applied for 7-60 days before arrival. Pets need an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, and species-specific vaccines all given at least 21 days before arrival. No quarantine is required if all documentation is in order, though officials have discretionary authority to detain.
Companies Listed
5
Quarantine
Not Required
Common Pets
dogs, cats
Requirements
8 documented
Key Import Requirements
Special Import Permit (Form R1/1) from DLD required (apply 7-60 days before arrival)
Import permit valid for 60 days from issuance
ISO microchip required
Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before arrival (not older than 1 year)
Dogs: DHPP and Leptospirosis vaccinations required (21+ days prior, within 1 year)
Cats: FVRCP vaccination required (21+ days prior, within 1 year)
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of departure, endorsed by USDA APHIS
Prohibited breeds: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Tosa Inu
Import requirements by pet type
Requirements for relocating a pet to Thailand vary significantly by species. Below are the rules for birds, horses, and exotic pets — dogs and cats are covered in the key requirements above.
Birds
Import permitted
Pet birds can be imported into Thailand with a Department of Livestock Development (DLD) import permit, applied for roughly 7 to 60 days before arrival. Birds need an English-language official health certificate, and exotic or CITES-listed species require an additional wildlife permit from the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department. Imported live animals face a general minimum 30-day arrival quarantine.
DLD import permit applied for in advance (the Thai Embassy guidance gives a 7-60 day window; the permit is valid 60 days)
Official health certificate in English issued and endorsed by the exporting country's government veterinary authority
Additional wildlife permit from the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP) for exotic species such as parrots
CITES export/import documentation for CITES-listed species
Minimum 30-day arrival quarantine at an approved facility (general DLD rule for imported live animals)
Application submitted to the International Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) at the port of entry
The 7-60 day permit window is confirmed by the Royal Thai Embassy (Washington DC), and the official embassy guidance describes a general minimum 30-day quarantine for imported live animals. CITES/DNP permitting is the main hurdle for parrots and other exotics. The DLD's published pet guidance covers dogs, cats and rabbits in detail; exact bird-specific protocols and fees should be confirmed directly with the DLD and AQS.
Horses
Import permitted
Horses can be imported into Thailand with an import permit from the Department of Livestock Development obtained before shipment. Each horse needs an English-language official health certificate endorsed by the exporting government, and imported animals undergo a minimum 30-day arrival quarantine at an approved station, during which samples are tested and treated as required.
Import permit from the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) obtained before importation
Official hard-copy health certificate in English, endorsed by the national government veterinary authority
Equine identification details on the certificate
Minimum 30-day arrival quarantine at the International Animal Quarantine Station / approved premises
Sample testing and treatment during quarantine as required by the DLD
Compliance with DLD's country-specific import conditions for equines
The import-permit-before-shipment, English health certificate and general minimum 30-day arrival quarantine with on-arrival testing are confirmed by the Royal Thai Embassy's official live-animal import page. The specific equine disease panel (e.g. EIA, glanders, dourine, piroplasmosis) and exact testing protocol were not confirmed from a primary DLD source for horses; obtain the current equine protocol directly from the DLD before shipping.
Reptiles
Generally not permitted
Importing pet reptiles into Thailand is heavily restricted and impractical for most private owners. CITES-listed species are regulated under the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act (WARPA), which generally bars importing listed wildlife unless captive-bred, and additional permits from the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department are required alongside a DLD permit.
DLD import permit obtained in advance for the animal
Compliance with the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act (WARPA) import provisions
Permit from the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP), Thailand's CITES authority
CITES export documentation, with import of listed species generally allowed only if captive-bred
Species must not be on Thailand's prohibition list
Coordination with Thailand's wildlife inspection station well before travel
Marked not allowed because routine private reptile import is effectively impractical: many turtles, tortoises and other reptiles are CITES-listed and restricted under WARPA unless captive-bred, requiring DNP permitting in addition to the DLD permit. Some non-listed or captive-bred species may qualify; confirm the exact species with the DLD and DNP. Specific fees and permit numbers were not available from a primary source and are UNVERIFIABLE here.
Pet-type requirements researched and last updated June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the destination’s government authority before booking — regulations change frequently.
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