Bringing Your Pet to Thailand

For many retirees, the pet comes too — and they usually settle in beautifully. The key is starting early, because the paperwork timelines are strict and unforgiving.

Pet-import rules change and the timing is exacting. Treat the below as orientation and confirm the current requirements with the Thai authorities and your airline well ahead.

Plan months ahead

The single biggest mistake is leaving it late. Vaccinations have minimum waiting periods before travel, and permits take time. Work backwards from your move date and build in a buffer.

The typical building blocks

• Microchip first, then rabies vaccination — your pet must be at least 3 months old when vaccinated, and the rabies shot must be given more than 21 days before travel (the rabies certificate should show the microchip number).
• Other core vaccines — dogs also need distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis cover; cats need panleukopenia.
• **A veterinary health cer