Instructions for Bringing Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits into Thailand from the USA
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1. Apply for an Import Permit
If you plan to travel to Thailand with pets, you must apply for an Import Permit at least 7 days (and no more than 60 days) prior to your departure. The application can be submitted via email to the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) at the relevant port of entry:
Please email the following documents:
(1) Application Form R1/1 (downloadable) with:
- Full name of traveler/importer
- Address in Thailand and country of origin
- Pet’s details (breed, sex, DOB, color, microchip number)
- Microchip implantation certificate
- Flight itinerary (a copy of flight confirmation)
(2) Copy of Traveler’s Passport
(3) Pet’s Color Photo (with face clearly shown)
(4) Vaccination Certificates (must be in English), including:
- Pet’s details (breed, sex, DOB, color, and microchip number)
- Veterinarian’s details (full name, license number, signature)
- Required vaccinations for each animal type (see below)
Required Vaccines:
- Dogs: Rabies, Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis
- Cats: Rabies, Feline Panleukopenia
- Rabbits: Rabies, treated for internal parasites at least 7 days prior to export
Processing Time for Import Permit:
- Please allow 5-7 Thailand’s business days to process after receipt of all documents and
it will be valid for 60 days after the issuance. We recommend applying 30 days before departure.
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Important Notes:
- For a primary rabies vaccine, the pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.
- For all primary vaccines, animals must wait 21 days after vaccination before starting to apply for the import permit. Booster shots do not require the waiting period, but previous vaccination records must be submitted.
- If dogs do not have a valid Leptospirosis vaccine or do not meet the 21-day requirement, a negative Leptospirosis test result within 30 days prior to departure is required.
- No dog breeds are banned from importation, but airlines may have their own restrictions
- For those who travel with pet(s), they may apply for the import permit upon arrival at the AQS locations only if they already have the original endorsed health certificate from APHIS/USDA and other required documents such as proof of vaccinations/microchip certificate, owner’s passport etc. ready for veterinary inspection at the AQS.
However, it is strongly recommended to check with the airline in advance, as some may require an import permit from the Thai government prior to boarding. ***Failure to do so could result in denied boarding with your pet(s).***
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2. Obtain the Official Health Certificate (OHC) and USDA Endorsement
After receiving the Import Permit via email, contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian to issue the Official Health Certificate (OHC).
- The OHC must be completed, signed, and dated by a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
- Submit the OHC to the APHIS/USDA for endorsement (stamped and countersigned).
- The OHC is valid for 10 days from the date of USDA endorsement, so plan to arrive in Thailand within this time frame.
Note: Only original OHCs with the USDA stamp will be accepted; electronic copies are not valid. Please find the USDA Endorsement Office in your area here.
3. Documents for Veterinary Inspection at AQS in Thailand
Before departure, prepare the following documents for inspection at the AQS in Thailand:
- Original Passport of the traveler (or the person picking up the pet, if shipped by air cargo)
- Original Pet Passport or vaccination records
- Original OHC with USDA endorsement and stamp
- Printed Import Permit (received via email)
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Notes II:
- A Notice of Import Approval (Form R-6) and Import License (Form R-7) will be issued at the AQS in Thailand. A fee of 500 baht per animal will be charged.
- The import license is valid until the pet departs Thailand.
- The Animal Quarantine Station at Suvarnabhumi Airport is located next to baggage carousel #8.
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Locations of Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) in Thailand:
1. AQS at Suvarnabhumi International Airport
Email: [email protected]
>> For hand carried pet: AQS (Port of entry) located next to carousel No. 8
Tel. +(662) 134 0636 Business hours 24 hrs. daily
>>For pet imported by air cargo: AQS (Cargo terminal: Free Zone Area, CE-1Building)
Tel. +(662) 134 0731 Business hours 08.30 a.m.- 4.30 p.m. Monday – Friday
2. AQS at Don Mueang International Airport (Open 24 hrs. daily)
Email: [email protected] | Tel. +(662) 504 3355
3. AQS at Chiang Mai International Airport (Open 24 hrs. daily)
Email: [email protected] | Tel. +(665) 389 2453
4. AQS at Phuket International Airport (Open 24 hrs. daily)
Email: [email protected] | Tel. +(667) 6351 514
5. AQS at Samui International Airport (Open 24 hrs. daily)
Email: [email protected] | Tel. +(667) 7428 554
6. AQS (Trang’s) at Krabi International Airport (Open 24 hrs. daily)
Email: [email protected] | Tel. +(667) 525 4218
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Notes:
- When importing a pet by air cargo, passenger can only pick up their pet(s) during AQS’s business hours from MON – FRI (Closed on Saturday-Sunday, and Thai Holidays). Please plan your arrival time accordingly.
- For hand carried pet: Open 24 hrs. daily
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If you have any questions. please feel free to contact us at:
Office of Agricultural Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, D.C.
1024 Wisconsin Ave. NW Suite 203, Washington DC 20007
Tel. (202) 338 -1543 Email: [email protected]
www.opsmoac.go.th/dc-home