Whether you're moving to Hua Hin with your beloved pet or adopting a dog in Thailand and taking them home, this guide covers the essential steps, documentation, and airline policies. Always check with the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) and your chosen airline for the latest requirements.
Exporting a pet from Thailand requires a health inspection and an export permit from the DLD's AQS. Here's what to do:
Take your pet to the AQS at your departure airport (e.g., Suvarnabhumi) at least 3 days before the flight. They will examine the pet and issue Form Ror.9 (Export Health Certificate).
Each country has its own import rules. Below is a quick reference โ but always check with the destination country's official authorities.
All pets entering Thailand must comply with the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) regulations. The process generally takes 4โ6 weeks to complete. Below are the standard steps.
An ISOโcompliant 15โdigit microchip (standard 11784/11785) is mandatory. It must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before departure. For a primary vaccine, the pet must be at least 12 weeks old.
A blood test confirming antibody levels โฅ0.5 IU/ml is required for pets from the UK, EU, Australia, and most nonโrabiesโfree countries. The sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination and sent to a DLDโapproved lab.
Apply to the DLD via the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) at your port of entry. Apply 7โ60 days before travel. Cost: 500 THB per pet on arrival.
An official international health certificate from a governmentโauthorised vet in your home country, issued within 7โ10 days of travel. Must be endorsed by the relevant national authority (APHA, USDA, DAFF, etc.).
If all documents are correct and the pet passes the health inspection on arrival, quarantine is not required. Incorrect paperwork may lead to quarantine.
Key Contacts:
Booking a pet on a flight is rarely a simple online checkbox. While you can often book your own ticket online, securing a spot for your pet almost always requires direct contact with the airline.
The General Rule:
You must call the airline's reservation or cargo department to book your pet. Many airlines require you to book your own ticket first, then immediately call to add the pet to your reservation.
Advance Notice:
Reservations must be made well in advance โ typically at least 24 to 72 hours before departure. Some airlines require 7 days or more notice.
Information Needed:
Have your flight details, pet's species, breed, weight, and crate dimensions ready when you call.
Your pet's travel crate must meet strict IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) standards.
Before Departure:
Feed a light meal 4โ6 hours before the flight. Offer water within 4 hours of departure.
During the Flight:
For flights over 8 hours (or layovers over 4 hours), the airline will require you to provide food and an automatic water container attached to the crate.
As Checked Baggage (AVIH):
Collect at the passenger terminal, roughly within an hour of landing. In Thailand, you clear passenger immigration first, then collect your pet from the Animal Quarantine Station before customs.
As Manifested Cargo (AVI):
Collect at the airline's cargo department (not the passenger terminal). This process can take 1โ3 hours after landing.
Book Smart:
Avoid multiple carriers. Book all flights under one airline to reduce transfer risks.
Layover Duration:
Short layovers (under 90 minutes) are risky. Longer layovers (2โ4 hours) are better.
Pet Relief Areas:
Most major airports have designated pet relief areas.
Can You See Your Pet During a Layover?
If your pet is in the cabin, yes. If in the cargo hold, it depends on the airline. Always ask the airline directly when booking.
Temperature Restrictions:
Airlines may impose weather embargoes during extreme heat or cold.
Policies vary widely. Always confirm directly with the airline before booking.
| Airline | Cabin Policy | Notes | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hainan Airlines | Allowed | On BeijingโBangkok route (from Aug 2025) | ๐ | +86 898 95339 |
| Lufthansa | Allowed | Book at least 72h in advance | ๐ | +49 69 86 799 799 |
| KLM | Allowed | 1 pet per passenger | ๐ | +31 20 474 7747 |
| Air France | Allowed | Short/mediumโhaul only | ๐ | +33 8 92 70 26 54 |
| Turkish Airlines | Allowed | Accepts cats, dogs, birds | ๐ | +90 212 463 63 63 |
| Finnair | Allowed | 2 per flight in cabin | ๐ | +358 300 871 160 |
| Swiss | Allowed | Must be booked in advance | ๐ | +41 848 700 700 |
| Korean Air | Allowed | Max 7kg (pet + carrier) | ๐ | +82 2 2656 2001 |
| Asiana Airlines | Allowed | 1 per adult passenger | ๐ | +82-2-2669-8000 |
| Vietnam Airlines | Allowed | Under 5kg | ๐ | +84 24 38320320 |
| China Airlines | Not Allowed | Service dogs only | ๐ | 1-800-227-5118 |
| EVA Air | Not Allowed | Service dogs only | ๐ | 1-800-695-1188 |
| Thai Airways | Not Allowed | Service dogs only | ๐ | +66 2-356-1111 |
| Singapore Airlines | Not Allowed | Service dogs only | ๐ | +65 6223 8888 |
| Emirates | Not Allowed | Service dogs/falcons only | ๐ | +971 600 555 555 |
| Qatar Airways | Not Allowed | Service dogs/falcons only | ๐ | +974 4023 0000 |
| British Airways | Not Allowed | Assistance dogs only | ๐ | +44 20 3564 5911 |
| Japan Airlines (JAL) | Not Allowed | Hold/cargo only | ๐ | +1-310-607-4160 |
| ANA | Not Allowed | Service dogs only | ๐ | 1-800-235-9262 |
| Cathay Pacific | Not Allowed | Via Cathay Cargo | ๐ | +852 2747 3333 |
| Airline | Hold/Cargo Policy | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thai Airways | Allowed (as AVIH) | ๐ | +66 2-356-1111 |
| EVA Air | Allowed (as checked baggage) | ๐ | 1-800-695-1188 |
| Singapore Airlines | Allowed (as baggage) | ๐ | +65 6223 8888 |
| Emirates | Allowed (SkyCargo) | ๐ | +971 600 555 555 |
| Qatar Airways | Allowed (as checked baggage) | ๐ | +974 4023 0000 |
| British Airways | Allowed (in hold) | ๐ | +44 20 3564 5911 |
| Nok Air | Allowed (via Nok Air Cargo) | ๐ | +66 2 439 3344 |
| KLM | Allowed (up to 3 pets/passenger) | ๐ | +31 20 474 7747 |
| Air France | Allowed (pets 8โ75kg) | ๐ | +33 8 92 70 26 54 |
| Lufthansa | Allowed (pets over 8kg) | ๐ | +49 69 86 799 799 |
| Turkish Airlines | Allowed (pets over 8kg) | ๐ | +90 212 463 63 63 |
| Vietnam Airlines | Allowed (AVIH, up to 32kg) | ๐ | +84 24 38320320 |
๐ Click the phone number to dial on your mobile device.
| Company | Based | Key Features | Routes | Notes | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fly JetPets | Dubai | Private & shared charter; pets in-cabin; partners with IPATA-accredited Pawsome Pets for docs | Global private jet routes | 4/5 Trustpilot rating | ๐ | Contact via website |
| Vicuna Air | London | Shared charter private jet; "Biscuit Class" for unaccompanied pets | US to Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Brussels | Expanding USโEurope routes | ๐ | +1 888 705 1231 |
| K9 Jets | โ | Pay-per-seat multi-passenger charter operations | Various international routes | Partnered with PetAir UK | ๐ | +44 121 546 0400 |
| Singapaw Air | Singapore | Asia's 1st dedicated pet charter airline | Asia-focused | New entrant (2026) | Contact via partners | |
| HansJet | โ | Pilatus PC-12 operator; pilots trained as pet care professionals; no size/weight restrictions | Global | Accepts birds, rabbits, reptiles too | ๐ | +43 720 262601 |
| Elysium Jet | New York, Paris, Dubai | International dog relocation by private jet; in-cabin travel | Global hubs | Coordinates aircraft, ground handling & paperwork | ๐ | Contact via website |
| PetAir UK (Superior Package) | UK | Private jet service via K9 Jets partnership; owned and run by vets | Selected international routes | Also offers commercial flight packages | ๐ | +44 1725 551 124 |
| evoJets | โ | Pet-friendly private jet charter; pets in passenger area | Global | Accepts birds, rabbits, reptiles too | ๐ | Contact via website |
| IONA JETS | โ | Dedicated pet-friendly charter; flexible for large dogs or multiple pets | Global | Focus on accompanied passenger travel | ๐ | Contact via website |
| BARK Air | โ | Dogโfocused charter | Various international routes | Growing network | ๐ | Contact via website |
| Kooky's Travel Services | โ | Feline luxury travel, including private jet charters | Global | Specialises in cats | Contact via Trustpilot | |
| Jetcircle | โ | Luxury pet travel service | Global | โ | ๐ | Contact via website |
๐ Click the phone number to dial on your mobile device.
Important: The rules for bringing a dog into the United States depend on where the dog was vaccinated against rabies (not just the country of origin). Below is a summary โ always check the official CDC website for the most current requirements.
Always verify: requirements change frequently. Check the CDC Dog Importation page and the USDA APHIS Pet Travel site for the latest rules before you travel.
Local agencies that assist with pet import/export, paperwork, flight arrangements, customs clearance, and doorโtoโdoor transport. Always verify current services and fees directly with the agency.
๐ Click the phone number to dial on your mobile device. Click email addresses to send a message.
Below are the official contact details for the relevant government authorities in each country. Always verify the latest information on their official websites before travel.
๐ Click the phone number to dial on your mobile device. Click email addresses to send a message.