Pet Transport from India to Thailand

Moving your dog or cat from India to Thailand takes planning, patience, and paperwork. Thailand requires all incoming pets to complete a 30-day quarantine on arrival, regardless of vaccination status or country of origin. That quarantine period is non-negotiable and cannot be cut short.

The preparation timeline for this route is 10-14 weeks minimum. The main drivers are the Thailand import permit (apply well in advance), the 30-day rabies vaccination wait, and the quarantine stay on arrival. Start the process early. Leaving things until the last month creates serious problems.

This guide walks through every requirement so you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi with the right paperwork and no unpleasant surprises.

Step-by-Step Process

Thailand Import Requirements

What Thailand requires for pets entering the country.

Exporting from India

What you need from India before your pet can leave.

Cost Factors

Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

• Airline cabin or cargo fees (varies by carrier, weight, and crate size)
• IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or rental)
• Thailand DLD import permit application fee
• 30-day quarantine facility fees (owner's responsibility)
• AQCS export inspection and health certificate fee (India)
• Veterinary fees: microchipping, vaccination, destination health certificate
• Pet transport agent fee (recommended for this route)

Important Warnings

Thailand's import requirements for pets from India

Thailand is strict about biosecurity. Every dog and cat entering the country, regardless of origin, spends 30 days in a Department of Livestock Development (DLD) approved quarantine facility. You pay the facility fees, which vary but typically run to several hundred US dollars for the full stay.

Before any of that, you need an import permit from Thailand’s DLD. This is not something you collect at the border – it must be approved before you leave India. The application process takes roughly 2-4 weeks. Start it at least 6-8 weeks before your intended travel date to give yourself room if there are delays.

The rabies vaccination must be current and given at least 30 days before your pet enters Thailand. If your dog or cat had their last rabies jab less than 30 days ago, they cannot travel on that date. Book your vet appointment with this window in mind.

India export process: the AQCS inspection

India’s Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS), part of the Dept of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, handles export health certificates for all pets leaving the country. You need to take your pet to the nearest AQCS quarantine station in person for a physical inspection, typically 2-3 days before your flight.

Bring your pet’s vaccination certificate, microchip documentation, and any other records. The AQCS vet signs off the export health certificate on the day. It is not a postal service – the appointment must happen in person.

AQCS has offices in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Check the official AQCS website for your nearest station and current appointment procedures.

Practical notes before you book

Not all airlines operate direct flights between Indian cities and Bangkok. Many routes connect via Singapore, Dubai, or Doha. Factor in layover time if you are travelling cargo, and confirm that layover airports permit live animal transits.

The microchip must be ISO 11784/11785 standard and must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. This is the single most common documentation error on this route. If your vet vaccinated before microchipping, the rabies shot does not count for Thai import purposes.

If you have never moved a pet internationally, this route benefits from a registered pet transport agent. The DLD permit process, AQCS inspection, and quarantine booking involve multiple government departments. An IPATA-registered agent handles all three, which reduces the risk of a missed step.