Taking Your Dog to Thailand
Thailand requires an import permit, USDA-endorsed health certificate, valid rabies vaccination, and advance coordination with the Thai Animal Quarantine Station.
Requirements for Bringing Your Dog to Thailand
ISO Microchip
Thailand’s USDA health certificate for dogs includes a microchip/tattoo field, and APHIS guidance for Thailand points travelers to the official Thai import process. Use an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit microchip so the dog can be identified consistently across vaccination and travel documents.
Implant before rabies vaccination and before the health certificate is issued.Rabies Vaccination
Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at at least 12 weeks of age. The most recent rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before departure and still be valid at entry.
At least 21 days before departure; vaccine must remain current on arrival.Rabies Titer Test
Thailand’s APHIS pet health certificate for dogs does not list a rabies antibody titer requirement for pet dogs entering from the United States.
Not required for routine U.S.-to-Thailand pet dog entry based on the current APHIS Thailand dog/cat certificate.Health Certificate
Your dog needs the Thailand veterinary health certificate completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS. The examining veterinarian must inspect the dog within 10 days of departure, and the certificate is valid for 10 days after issuance.
Veterinary exam within 10 days of departure; certificate valid for 10 days after issuance.Import Permit
Thailand requires an import permit. The Thai importer/owner must submit the application to the Department of Livestock Development or Animal Quarantine Station at least 7 days before import, and exact arrival details should be confirmed with the Animal Quarantine Station at least 3 days in advance.
Apply at least 7 days before import; confirm arrival at least 3 days before arrival.Parasite Treatment
The Thailand APHIS dog/cat certificate does not list routine parasite treatment as a mandatory pet-entry condition for dogs from the United States. However, airlines may require the dog to be clean and fit to travel.
No official routine timing listed for U.S. pet dogs on the current Thailand certificate.Leptospirosis Vaccination or Test
Thailand’s dog health certificate requires either a valid leptospirosis vaccination recorded on the certificate or a negative leptospirosis test performed within 30 days before departure.
Vaccination must still be valid at travel, or testing must be done within 30 days before departure.Core Dog Vaccines
Thailand’s dog certificate includes current canine distemper virus, infectious canine hepatitis, and canine parvovirus vaccinations in addition to rabies.
Vaccines must be current and recorded on the health certificate before travel.Quarantine Period
Thailand’s general DLD importation guidance states imported live animals are subject to quarantine at approved premises under DLD control for at least 30 days after arrival. In practice, pet processing at the airport may be shorter when documents are accepted, but the official DLD importation guidance still states a minimum 30-day quarantine framework.
Official DLD guidance states at least 30 days after import at approved premises.Banned Breeds
Thailand’s APHIS Thailand import guidance states importation of pit bull-terrier type dogs is not permitted. Separately, Thai Airways also refuses many snub-nosed and certain other breeds as checked baggage, including pit bull-type dogs, bulldogs, pugs, boxers, chow chows, shih tzus, and others.
Check breed eligibility before booking flights and before applying for the import permit.Estimated Costs
| Item | Cost(USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary exam | $75-150 | Typical private-practice pre-travel exam pricing in the U.S.; Thailand requires the exam within 10 days of departure. |
| Rabies vaccination | $25-60 | Only if your dog is not already currently vaccinated; Thailand requires rabies vaccination at least 21 days before departure. |
| Rabies titer test | $0 | Not required for routine U.S.-to-Thailand pet dog entry under the current APHIS Thailand dog/cat certificate. |
| Microchip | $25-75 | If your dog is not already microchipped. |
| Leptospirosis vaccine or test | $35-120 | Thailand requires either a valid leptospirosis vaccination or a negative test within 30 days before departure. |
| USDA health certificate endorsement | $101-160 | APHIS charges $101 per certificate when no lab tests are required, or $160 for one pet when 1-2 tests are required; rabies vaccination is not counted as a test. |
| Import permit fee | Varies | Thailand’s DLD states import fees apply under ministerial regulation, but the public guidance reviewed does not publish a fixed pet-dog fee in USD. |
| Airline pet fee | $320-540 | Thai Airways checked-baggage AVIH rate for international journeys effective March 2, 2026: up to 32 kg total weight is USD 320; 32-70 kg is USD 540. Cargo can cost more. |
| Total | $581-1,105+ |
Returning to the US with Your Dog
Thailand is treated by CDC as a high-risk country for dog rabies, so plan your return before you leave the United States. All dogs returning to the U.S. need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. If your dog was vaccinated against rabies in the United States and will have been in Thailand during the 6 months before return, you must also have a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA before your dog departs the U.S. CDC no longer accepts USDA-endorsed export health certificates issued after July 31, 2025, in place of that form. Dogs must also be at least 6 months old, appear healthy on arrival, and have a detectable microchip. If a dog is foreign-vaccinated and has been in a high-risk country within the last 6 months, additional CDC rules apply, including arrival through an airport with a CDC-registered animal care facility and a reservation there before entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Thailand require an import permit for dogs?
Yes. Thailand requires an import permit. DLD guidance says the importer should submit the application at least 7 days before import and confirm the exact arrival date with the Animal Quarantine Station at least 3 days in advance.
How long before travel does my dog’s rabies vaccine need to be given for Thailand?
Thailand’s current APHIS dog/cat health certificate says the rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before departure, after the dog is at least 12 weeks old, and still be valid at the time of travel.
Does Thailand require a rabies titer test for pet dogs from the United States?
Not under the current APHIS Thailand dog/cat pet certificate. The certificate lists rabies vaccination requirements but does not require a rabies antibody titer for routine pet-dog entry from the U.S.
How recent does the health certificate need to be?
The USDA-accredited veterinarian must examine your dog within 10 days of departure, and the Thailand certificate is valid for 10 days after issuance. USDA APHIS endorsement is required.
Does Thailand require anything besides rabies vaccination?
Yes. The Thailand dog certificate also includes current canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, and canine parvovirus vaccinations, plus either a valid leptospirosis vaccination or a negative leptospirosis test within 30 days before departure.
Are any dog breeds banned from entering Thailand?
APHIS guidance for Thailand states that pit bull-terrier type dogs are not permitted for import. In addition, Thai Airways refuses many snub-nosed and certain other breeds as checked baggage, so airline rules may be stricter than import rules.
Will my dog be quarantined in Thailand?
Thailand’s general DLD importation guidance states imported live animals are subject to quarantine at approved premises for at least 30 days after arrival. Because pet handling can vary by port and paperwork review, owners should confirm current practice with the specific Thai Animal Quarantine Station handling the arrival.
What do I need to return to the U.S. from Thailand with my dog?
At minimum, you need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Because Thailand is a high-risk country for dog rabies, U.S.-vaccinated dogs also need the Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form prepared and USDA-endorsed before leaving the U.S. Foreign-vaccinated dogs face stricter CDC entry rules.