Moving a pet to Thailand from the USA
Permit-driven or window-sensitive: import permits, home quarantine registration or tight treatment timing.
Quick rules summary
| Governing body | Department of Livestock Development (DLD) |
|---|---|
| Mandatory lead time | 2 months |
| Rabies titer test (FAVN) | No |
| Import permit | Yes (DLD import permit) |
| Post-arrival quarantine | 0 days |
| Microchip mandate | ISO chip required |
| Primary failure point | Arriving at the airport without a pre-approved DLD import permit. |
Biosecurity & veterinary protocol
- 1
Obtain the DLD import permit in advance — it must be approved before departure.
- 2
Implant an ISO-compliant microchip.
- 3
Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel.
- 4
Core vaccinations (DHLPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats) current.
- 5
USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of flight departure.
Breed & airline warnings
Airlines routinely embargo brachycephalic breeds on long-haul routes into Bangkok.
Restricted guarding breeds require IATA CR1 reinforced kennels.
Crates must follow IATA Live Animals Regulations: L = A + ½B, W = 2C, H = D + bedding. Two compatible animals up to 14 kg (30 lbs) each may share a crate; heavier animals travel individually. Check your breed →
Your Thailand timeline
Plan backwards
Complexity: Moderate
Lead time: 2 months
Governing body: Department of Livestock Development (DLD)
Quarantine: 0 days
- T−60d
Microchip + records review
Implant an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit microchip and confirm every vaccination record post-dates it.
- T−60d
Apply for the import permit (Department of Livestock Development)
Permit requirement: Yes (DLD import permit). Approval must be in hand before departure.
- T−53d
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccine administered after the microchip — a vaccine given first is legally invalid.
- T−45d
Book flights and IATA-compliant crate
Confirm carrier acceptance, crate sizing and any brachycephalic or breed embargoes on the routing.
- T−10d
USDA-accredited vet exam + health certificate
Category II accredited veterinarian completes the certificate and submits it via VEHCS.
- T−7d
USDA APHIS endorsement
Endorsement within 10 days of arrival for non-commercial moves, or within 48 hours of departure for commercial moves.
- T−3d
Parasite treatments and final checks
Tapeworm or parasite treatments given inside the destination's required window, recorded by the vet.
- Day 0
Departure day
Check-in as cargo, checked baggage or in-cabin per the booked service.