Relocating a pet from Japan to Thailand follows a clear path once you understand what Thailand asks for. Give yourself roughly 4-8 weeks, though this route carries fewer hurdles than most. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Japan to Thailand
typically takes around 4-8 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Japan to Thailand pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip is implanted (before vaccination)
Responsible: MAFF vet
Verify now. If chip post-dates a vaccination, that vaccination is invalid for DLD.
2
Ensure all required vaccinations are current
Responsible: MAFF-authorised vet
21+ days before arrival; within past 12 months
3
Apply for DLD import permit
Responsible: Owner or Thai agent by email to DLD AQS
7-60 days before departure (apply early for flexibility)
4
Arrange deworming and parasite treatment
Responsible: Vet
Within 7 days before departure
5
Obtain MAFF export health certificate with government stamp
Responsible: MAFF vet and AQS
Before AQS inspection at Japanese departure airport
6
Book JAL, ANA or Thai Airways cargo space
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Thailand
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must be implanted before any vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Administered at least 21 days before arrival, within the past 12 months. Dogs also need Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis. Cats need Feline Panleukopenia.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Thailand does not mandate a FAVN titre test for pet imports.
Quarantine
Not mandatory for compliant arrivals. A DLD quarantine officer retains discretionary authority to impose a detention period if there are health or document concerns. With complete documentation, most pets from Japan clear on arrival.
Import permit
DLD (Department of Livestock Development) import permit required. Apply 7-60 days before departure by email to the Animal Quarantine Station at the entry airport (typically Bangkok Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang). Permit issued within 7 working days.
Health certificate
Official health certificate from MAFF-authorised vet with government stamp and endorsement. Must be legible and complete.
Export permit (Japan)
No export permit required. AQS (Animal Quarantine Service) conducts an export inspection at the Japanese departure airport.
Costs
What this route typically costs
MAFF health certificate Japan: JPY 8,000-20,000 (USD 55-140)
AQS export inspection fee: JPY 5,000-15,000
Vaccinations Japan: JPY 3,000-8,000 depending on what is needed
DLD import permit Thailand: nominal Thai government charge
JAL or Thai Airways cargo Tokyo to BKK: USD 600-1,700 depending on crate size
Deworming treatment: JPY 3,000-6,000
Total typical range: USD 1,200-2,500 for a medium dog
Critical points to read before you book
The DLD permit must be applied for before departure. Email the DLD Animal Quarantine Station at your Thai entry port (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang). Allow 7 working days for issue. Arrive without a permit and the pet will be held.
Microchip must pre-date all vaccinations. If there is any ambiguity about the order of microchip and vaccine, DLD may invalidate the vaccination record.
Health certificate must be government-stamped. A private vet signature alone is not sufficient. The AQS exit inspection in Japan adds the official endorsement.
Although there is no mandatory quarantine for Japan-to-Thailand, DLD officers have full discretion to detain any pet. Keep all documents together and ensure the health certificate is complete and legible.
Temperature embargoes apply on this corridor in summer. For snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, confirm with the airline whether embargoes are in force for your travel dates.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
JAPAN AIRLINES
Japan Airlines (JAL)
JAL operates direct Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) services. No in-cabin pets on international flights. Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. IATA rigid crate required. Book JAL Cargo in advance.
Cargo Only
ANA (ALL
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
ANA flies Tokyo to Bangkok with cargo capability for live animals. ANA Cargo handles bookings. Direct routing preferred.
Cargo Only
THAI AIRWAYS
Thai Airways
Thai Airways (TG) operates BKK to NRT direct. Thai Airways Cargo accepts pets. Experience with DLD arrival process at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi.
Cargo Only
Thailand import rules, explained
Thailand keeps its import requirements relatively light, which makes preparing easier. Even so, the basics still need to be right and in the correct order.
Practical tips for this move
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
FAQ
Common questions about Japan to Thailand pet transport
No. Thailand does not require a FAVN titre test for pet imports from any country, including Japan. The main requirements are a DLD import permit, current vaccinations (rabies and core vaccines), and an official health certificate from a MAFF-authorised vet.
Not for compliant arrivals. Thailand does not impose mandatory quarantine. A DLD quarantine officer can exercise discretionary authority to detain a pet for up to 30 days if there are documentation issues or health concerns. With complete paperwork, pets from Japan typically clear on arrival.
Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA both operate direct cargo services on the Tokyo-Bangkok route. Thai Airways also serves this corridor. JAL and ANA do not allow pets in the cabin on international flights. All three require IATA-compliant rigid crates. Book cargo space 4-6 weeks ahead.
Apply between 7 and 60 days before your departure date. The permit takes about 7 working days to issue and is valid for 60 days. Apply early to allow time if additional documents are requested. Email the DLD Animal Quarantine Station at your Thai entry port.
Airline guides
Japan Airlines (JAL)
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
Thai Airways
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.