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Traveling with a dog to Thailand can feel overwhelming. Between import permits, vet visits, and figuring out how pet-friendly the country really is, it’s a lot to navigate.
The overnight train is a classic Thailand route, and I share what it is really like with a dog in my train travel with a dog guide.
Yes, you can bring your dog to Thailand, and there is no quarantine if your paperwork is in order. You need an ISO microchip, a current rabies vaccine (Thailand does not require a rabies titer test to enter), a government-endorsed health certificate, and a free DLD import permit requested by email around 15 working days before you fly. Get those right and your dog is usually released to you the same day you land.
At the end of 2024, I brought my dog Puglo to Thailand and spent two months living in Chiang Mai. It was our 10th country together, and while I’m no stranger to traveling full-time with a dog, Thailand came with its own set of unique challenges.
But once we arrived? We absolutely loved being in Chiang Mai. The hiking trails just outside the city were a dream, and there were so many dog-friendly cafés that it felt easy to settle in.
Whether you’re moving abroad with your dog, slow traveling across Southeast Asia, or just dreaming of bringing your dog to Thailand, this guide breaks down everything you need to know step-by-step if you’re wondering ‘Can I bring my dog to Thailand? And spoiler – you can!
Planning a trip with your dog and feeling overwhelmed where to start? I created a resource just for you!
Bringing a Dog to Thailand: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Book Your Travel to Thailand
Before you do anything else, before the import permit, vet visits, or paperwork, you need to book your flight. The import permit application requires your exact flight details, so this has to be the very first step.
When booking, check directly with the airline to confirm their pet travel policies. You’ll need to know whether your dog can fly in cabin or in cargo, based on their size and the airline’s rules. Most airlines allow small dogs in cabin if they fit in an approved carrier under the seat, but larger dogs usually have to fly in the cargo hold.
Unless you have a registered service dog, I’m not aware of any airlines flying to Thailand that allow dogs to be out of their carriers at any point during the flight.
Every airline is different, and some have limits on the number of pets allowed per flight. So once you know which airline you want to fly with, call them to confirm there is space for your dog and what paperwork they’ll need at check-in.
Booking your travel early gives you enough time to plan everything else around your flight schedule.
Step 2: Get the Import Permit from Thailand’s Livestock Authority
Once you’ve booked your flight to Thailand (and your dog’s!), the very first thing you’ll need is an import permit issued by Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development (DLD). You need your flight details to get this, so book your travel beforehand.
You can apply for this yourself, which is usually what I do, but this time, I was in the middle of getting my Puerto Vallarta apartment Airbnb-ready and had zero bandwidth to deal with back-and-forths. I ended up hiring a company called Relo4Paws, and it made my life so much easier.
Their fee was $100 USD, and the process was super straightforward. I just sent them:
- Puglo’s vaccination records
- Microchip certificate
- My flight itinerary
- A copy of my passport
- A photo of Puglo
If your dog isn’t already up to date on their shots, you’ll need to visit a vet before applying to make sure they are up to date on rabies vaccination, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis. Because we live in Mexico, Puglo was already vaccinated for all of these. You can see the official requirements here:
Within about two weeks, Relo4Paws emailed me the official import permit, valid for 60 days.
If you’re doing this on your own, just know that it can take longer. Some members in my dog travel Facebook group mentioned trouble getting in touch with the Thai Livestock Authority while waiting for their permit. However if you want to try it yourself, the Washington DC embassy has some e-mails listed to contact.
That’s why I’d recommend using a service like Relo4Paws if your time is limited or you just want peace of mind. They’re based in Thailand and have direct contacts, so everything runs more smoothly. I had no issues and felt way less stressed knowing it was handled.
Step 3: Visit the Vet for a Health Certificate & Get It Endorsed
Once you have the import permit, the next step is to get an official health certificate from your home country, and have it endorsed by your country’s animal health authority.
This certificate confirms that your dog is healthy, free of disease, and fully vaccinated according to Thailand’s entry requirements.
Here’s what that looks like depending on where you’re based:
- Mexico: The certificate must be endorsed by SENASICA, which is part of Mexico’s agricultural department.
- United States: The certificate must be completed by a USDA-accredited vet and then endorsed by the USDA. Most vets familiar with international pet travel will guide you through this.
- Canada: The certificate is issued by a licensed vet and endorsed by CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency).
Since Puglo and I are based in Mexico, I had to go through SENASICA, which, if you’ve done it before, you know is not the most efficient system. I usually start the process about a week before my flight, because they can be slow to respond and sometimes require multiple visits.
Here’s how it went for me:
- First, I took Puglo to a local vet in Puerto Vallarta who checked him over and completed the health certificate with all his up-to-date vaccine info.
- Then I brought that to the SENASICA office at the airport to get it officially endorsed.
- A few days later (you usually have to return), I went back to pick up the final certificate.
Make sure everything is correct: microchip number, vaccine dates, breed, age, and your passport details. They’re sticklers for accuracy, and small mistakes can delay your approval.
Important tip: When you’re leaving Mexico, SENASICA must also provide a final exit stamp at the airport before departure. Don’t skip this step, or you might be denied boarding.
This step can feel a bit bureaucratic, but once it’s done, you’re almost there, and your pup is officially cleared to travel to Thailand!
Step 4: Arriving in Thailand
Before boarding your flight, the airline will usually double-check all your documents. This includes your import permit, endorsed health certificate, and sometimes even vaccine records, so keep everything printed and ready to go.
When you land in Thailand, you’ll need to go to the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) at your port of entry. For most travelers, this will be Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, which is where I arrived with Puglo.
Make sure your flight lands at one of the approved entry points, Bangkok is the most common and pet procedures are well established there.
At the AQS, they’ll check your document and charge an entry fee of 500 baht, which you can pay at the counter. The whole process was pretty quick for me, and the staff were polite and used to dealing with pets arriving from abroad. If you don’t have the right documents, however, you may be fined or your pet even sent back home.
After the AQS, I had to pay an additional fee at customs, which was about 130 US dollars. I was told this is a one-time payment, meaning I wouldn’t have to pay it again if I return with Puglo on a future trip, but I haven’t tested that yet.
Once those steps are complete, you’re officially cleared to enter Thailand with your dog.
Dog Relocation and Pet Shipping to Thailand
How do you relocate or ship a dog to Thailand?
You relocate a dog to Thailand one of two ways: fly with them yourself (in cabin or cargo) or hire a professional pet relocation service that handles the DLD import permit, flight booking, and airport clearance for you. Doing it yourself is far cheaper, while a shipper is worth it for complicated routes, unaccompanied pets, or snub-nosed breeds that airlines restrict.
I flew with Puglo myself and handled the permit directly with the DLD, which saved a lot of money. If you are moving long-term rather than visiting, budget extra time to line up the import permit and vaccines. My guide on how to travel with a dog internationally walks through the general process, and if Europe is part of your route, see how to get an EU pet passport and my guide to taking a dog to Spain.
| Option | Rough cost | Effort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fly with your dog yourself | Airline pet fee only (roughly 100 to 500 USD each way) | You do the permit and paperwork | Most travelers and small in-cabin dogs |
| Pet relocation / shipping service | Often 1,000 to 5,000+ USD | Handled door to door | Unaccompanied pets, complex routes, snub-nosed breeds |
Leaving Thailand With Your Dog
Something that often gets overlooked is that you can’t just leave Thailand with your dog whenever you want, you also need an export certificate from Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development. It’s a required step, even if you’re just transiting to another country, and it’s important to plan for it well in advance of your departure.
Because I was traveling in Vietnam the week before I flew out of Thailand, I decided to use Relo4Paws again to handle the process for me. They made it incredibly easy. While I was away, Puglo stayed at a doggy daycare in Bangkok, and Relo4Paws took care of everything.
They picked him up, brought him to the authorities for his health check, and met me at the airport with all the paperwork in hand. It took a huge weight off my shoulders and made the exit process seamless.
If you’re planning to handle it yourself, you’ll need to take your dog for a physical health check within a few days of departure and bring the required documents to the Animal Quarantine Station for approval. Timing and accuracy matter here, so I recommend giving yourself a buffer of at least a week before your flight.
Because of the effort involved in both entering Thailand and exiting the country with a dog, I wouldn’t suggest coming to Thailand for a short trip. It’s just not worth the paperwork and time if you’re only staying for a couple of weeks. But for a longer stay, it was absolutely worth it for me!
Important Note About Re-Entry to Europe or the U.S.
If you’re planning to travel directly from Thailand to Europe or the United States with your dog, there’s one more step to keep in mind. Thailand is considered a high-risk rabies country, which means you’ll need a rabies titer test to re-enter certain countries without quarantine.
I made sure to get Puglo’s rabies titer test done before we left because I knew this could be a problem later, especially for Europe. Even if your dog is fully vaccinated, without the test they may be denied entry or required to go through quarantine.
This requirement also applies to the U.S. You’ll need proof of a valid rabies titer test to avoid quarantine.
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Traveling in Thailand With Your Dog
Getting around Thailand With a Dog
Getting around Thailand with a dog is definitely possible, but I won’t pretend it’s easy. Unlike some countries in Europe or Latin America, Thailand is not very dog-friendly when it comes to public transportation. Most domestic flights, buses, and trains either don’t allow dogs at all or only allow them under very strict conditions.
Dogs are technically allowed on the second-class fan trains, which we used on the way back from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. But that was one of the hardest parts of the trip. They leave the windows open the whole time, so the train is incredibly loud.
Between the noise, heat, and unpredictable movement, Puglo was completely stressed out. It was a super affordable way to get back, just a few hundred baht, but it wasn’t a comfortable experience for either of us.
On the way to Chiang Mai, we hired a private driver. That option was definitely more expensive (around 9,500 baht for the trip), but it was so much more relaxed. The drive took about 10 hours, and there are quite a few companies and independent drivers who offer this route. If your dog is medium or large, or just nervous like Puglo, this might be the better way to go. You can find private transfers from Bangkok to Chiang Mai here.
The reason we didn’t fly domestically is because the in-cabin pet allowance is extremely limited. Most Thai airlines only allow very small dogs, under six kilograms, in the cabin, and since Puglo is a pug, I couldn’t put him in the cargo hold either. Snub-nosed breeds aren’t allowed in cargo due to safety concerns, which I fully support, but it does make flying within the country pretty much off-limits.
Next time, I think I would look into renting a car. It gives you more flexibility with stops and timing, and you don’t have to worry about public transport rules. It’s not the cheapest solution, but if you’re staying for a while or planning to explore more of the country, it could be worth it for the peace of mind.
In Bangkok, the rideshare app Grab has a GrabPet option, which was great. We were able to book cars that were specifically open to dogs, and drivers were generally friendly and accommodating. Unfortunately, this feature doesn’t exist in Chiang Mai.
There, I had mixed results using Grab cars. Sometimes if I messaged the driver ahead of time and explained that I had a small, well-behaved dog, they were okay with it. But many drivers would cancel once they saw the dog.
For that reason, we often relied on motorbike taxis in Chiang Mai. It was actually easier than I expected. Puglo would sit on my lap, and we’d just ride short distances around town. It wouldn’t be an option with a large dog, but for us it worked really well and gave us more freedom to explore without constantly worrying about being turned away.
Finding Accommodation in Thailand With a Dog
When you are ready to book, you can filter for pet-friendly stays in Chiang Mai on Booking.com here, and browse Thailand tours and day trips here for the days you have a sitter.
Accommodation was another challenge we ran into, especially in Chiang Mai. Most condominiums and apartment buildings in Thailand have strict no-pet policies, particularly in the more affordable price range. And because I was there during the busiest time of year, it made things even harder. Listings that did allow dogs were often already booked or didn’t quite meet what I was looking for.
I did eventually find an apartment that allowed Puglo, but it wasn’t my first choice. The whole process was stressful enough that I actually decided to buy an apartment in Thailand that will be pet-friendly, which will be ready in 2026!
If you’re coming to Thailand short-term, I definitely recommend sticking with hotels. There are quite a few pet-friendly options across the country, especially in major cities like Bangkok. We found some lovely hotels that not only welcomed dogs, but had great amenities, Puglo was even able to hang out by the pool in a couple of them.
For flexibility, comfort, and ease of booking, hotels are the way to go unless you’re planning to stay long term and have time to apartment hunt in person. Just be sure to confirm the hotel’s pet policy directly before booking, as they can vary quite a bit.
Cultural Attitudes Toward Dogs in Thailand
Overall, I had a really positive experience living in Chiang Mai with Puglo. Most people were friendly, often stopping to smile or pet him when we walked by. He was allowed in quite a few cafés, on outdoor patios at restaurants, and even in some shopping malls.
We got around mostly using motorbike taxis, and I never had an issue bringing him along. That said, he’s small and pretty portable. If you’re traveling with a larger dog, getting around could be more complicated.
While Thailand is one of the more dog-friendly countries in Asia, it’s still not on the same level as places like Europe or North America. Having pets as companions is a newer cultural norm in many parts of Asia, so it’s important to keep that in mind. People might not always know how to interact with dogs or expect them to be as well-behaved as they would in more dog-centric cultures.
One thing that’s definitely worth mentioning is the number of soi dogs, or street dogs, you’ll see, especially in less urban areas. These dogs usually keep to themselves, but I was always very alert when walking Puglo. While we never had any issues, I was careful to avoid getting too close or letting him interact with them. They’re territorial, and getting into a scuffle is the last thing you want when you’re far from home.
Finding long-term rentals, calling a taxi, or even just getting into certain public spaces may occasionally come with a “no pets” response. It’s just part of traveling in a place where pet culture is still evolving.
Thailand is changing fast when it comes to pet ownership. More locals are adopting dogs, and you can feel that shift happening. I’m excited to see the country becoming more welcoming to pets, and I think in a few years, traveling here with a dog will be even easier.
Exploring Thailand With a Dog
Most of my experience traveling around Thailand with Puglo was based in the north, especially Chiang Mai, where we were living for two months. We also spent about a week together in Bangkok, which gave me a chance to compare the two.
To be honest, I didn’t find Bangkok to be very dog-friendly. It was tough to get around, the traffic was intense, and there weren’t many green spaces nearby. One thing that really surprised me was how few parks actually allow dogs. You’d think that public parks would be the obvious place to take your dog, but in Thailand, they’re mostly off-limits.
In Bangkok, there was one designated dog area inside Benchakitti Park, but aside from that, dogs are banned from most public parks in the city. It’s something I found frustrating, especially since it’s such a natural place to want to walk or play with your dog.
Chiang Mai, on the other hand, was a completely different experience. I found the city to be much more welcoming and manageable. One of my favorite things was exploring the hiking trails and waterfalls just outside the city. There’s something really special about being able to take your dog out of town for the afternoon and walk through nature.
Within Chiang Mai itself, it was surprisingly easy to find pet-friendly spaces. We visited dozens of cafés, many of which had dogs of their own lounging around. There were also several markets where Puglo was welcome, and even some shopping malls that allowed dogs inside. While most indoor spaces technically have no-pet policies, I found it was rare to actually be turned away, especially with a small dog.
The overall vibe in Chiang Mai just made things feel simpler. The city is compact and easy to navigate, and people were friendly and curious about Puglo. It felt like a good balance between having modern comforts and still being able to explore nature on the weekends.
I haven’t had the chance to explore the south of Thailand yet with him, but it’s on my list. I’m curious to see how dog-friendly places like Phuket or Krabi are, especially since they’re so popular with tourists. For now, Chiang Mai remains one of our favorite places we’ve lived together.
Can You Stay in Thailand Long-Term With a Dog?
The funny thing about traveling to Thailand with a dog is that your pet will actually have an easier time staying long-term than you will! Once your dog is in the country with the proper import paperwork, there’s no specific visa limit for them. As long as they’re healthy and you follow basic pet ownership rules, they can stay indefinitely.
For humans, it’s a bit more complicated. Most tourists are granted a 60-day tourist visa on arrival. That can usually be extended for another 30 days at a local immigration office, which gives you up to 90 days in total. After that, you’ll need to do a visa run or apply for a different visa type.
Personally, Thailand is a place I want to spend more time in, especially now that I’ve bought a pet-friendly condo in Chiang Mai. Once it’s ready, I plan to apply for Thailand’s new digital nomad visa. This is a great option for remote workers who want to stay longer without the hassle of frequent renewals.
There are also other visa options depending on your situation. Some people use the education visa or elite visa, while others do extended stays through work permits, retirement visas, or partner visas. But no matter which route you choose, make sure you think about your dog’s logistics too, like finding long-term housing, keeping vaccinations up to date, and having a local vet you trust.
Thailand isn’t the easiest place in the world for digital nomads with pets, but once you get set up, it really can be a great place to live. I’m already looking forward to our next visit there!
FAQ: Bringing a Dog to Thailand
More Resources for Your Trip to Thailand With a Dog
Getting to Asia with a dog takes planning, so start with my guide to traveling with a dog internationally and my dog rabies titer test guide, since a titer test is often required. When you book, compare my list of airlines that allow dogs in cabin and read my tips for flying with your dog and dog travel packing list. If you love warm weather bases, my dog friendly Puerto Vallarta guide is another favorite of mine and Puglo’s.
Flying long haul with your dog? Grab my Cabin Guide
Everything I learned flying with Puglo across 19 countries, the carriers, sizing, and airline tricks that actually work, in one guide. Pair it with my airline pet policy database so you never guess an airline’s rules again.
Can I travel to Thailand with my dog?
Yes, you can bring your dog to Thailand if you follow the country’s import requirements, including an import permit and endorsed health certificate.
Is there quarantine for dogs in Thailand?
In most cases, no quarantine is required as long as your paperwork is complete and your dog appears healthy on arrival.
Can dogs fly in cabin in Thailand?
Only very small dogs are allowed in cabin on domestic flights, and most international airlines flying to Thailand have their own size and carrier rules – always check before booking.
Is Thailand good for dogs?
Thailand can be a great place for dogs, especially in cities like Chiang Mai where it’s easier to find outdoor space and dog-friendly cafés, though it still has some limitations compared to more pet-friendly countries.
How pet friendly is Thailand?
It’s improving, but still hit or miss, cafés and outdoor spaces can be welcoming, while public transit, parks, and long-term rentals are more restrictive.
How does Thailand treat dogs?
Street dogs are common, but attitudes toward pets are shifting, there’s growing awareness of animal welfare, especially in cities.
What vaccines do dogs need for Thailand?
Dogs need rabies, distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and hepatitis vaccines to enter Thailand, all documented and up to date.
Are dogs allowed in Bangkok?
Yes, but with limitations, dogs are generally not allowed in parks or indoors, though you’ll find pet-friendly cafés, hotels, and even some shopping malls.
Final Thoughts: Is Bringing a Dog to Thailand Worth It?
After spending two months traveling and living in Thailand with Puglo, I can say that, despite a few challenges, it was a rewarding and memorable experience.
The entry and exit process takes effort. It’s not something I’d recommend for a quick vacation, but if you’re planning to stay at least a month or two, it’s totally doable and worth it. Once you’re in, things get easier. Chiang Mai in particular felt like a great base for us. We found dog-friendly cafés, met other pet owners, and spent weekends hiking waterfalls just outside the city.
Bangkok was more difficult, especially with limited access to green spaces and transportation. And while Thailand isn’t quite on the level of Europe or North America in terms of pet culture, it’s evolving. People were kind and curious, and Puglo was usually welcomed with smiles wherever we went.
Traveling with a dog always requires flexibility, and Thailand is no exception. But it’s also full of adventure, color, and connection, exactly the kind of place that makes slow travel with a dog so special.
