Thailand

Updated February 10, 2026 1 min read

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International (BKK) is Thailand’s main port of entry for pets and the busiest in mainland South-East Asia. Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development (DLD) administers import requirements; there is no quarantine for UK pets meeting the conditions.

Documentation

  • ISO 15-digit microchip implanted before rabies vaccination
  • Rabies vaccination at least 21 days but not more than 12 months before travel
  • DHPPI vaccine for dogs and RCP vaccine for cats
  • Leptospirosis blood test or leptospirosis vaccine
  • DLD R7 import permit issued in advance via Thai authorities or a local agent
  • APHA-endorsed health certificate within 10 days of travel

Airlines

Thai Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines all operate cargo into BKK. Thai Airways’ direct LHR–BKK service is widely used. Brachycephalic breed restrictions apply on most carriers.

Arrival

Pets clear DLD inspection at the Suvarnabhumi animal quarantine station. Allow around 3–4 hours from landing.

Common questions about Thailand

  • Usually no — pets at the Mickleham facility are housed separately so staff can monitor each animal individually for eating, toileting, and signs of disease. Some dogs from the same family may be walked together, and in some cases approval is granted later in the stay for them to share an enclosure, but joint housing is not guaranteed.

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  • What happens depends on how serious the condition is. For emergencies, the Mickleham quarantine facility has an arrangement with an off-site veterinary clinic where urgent treatment can be carried out. For less urgent issues, quarantine staff will recommend mobile vets you can contact to visit and assess your pet at the facility, or you can choose your own — we can also provide this information ahead of your pet’s arrival.

    Any veterinary costs are the owner’s responsibility, and quarantine will also charge a fee for supervising the vet’s visit at their facility. Quarantine staff will contact you directly in either situation, which is why it’s so important that we hold your correct contact details.

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  • Any medication your pet needs during quarantine must arrive at the facility clearly labelled, with a written veterinary declaration, and matching the medication information provided before travel. Your Airpets export consultant prepares the medication documentation as part of your pre-departure paperwork, so there are no issues at the facility. Bear in mind that any medication sent with your pet will not be released from quarantine, so we typically send only enough to cover their quarantine stay.

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