Pet Transport from Japan to Thailand
Planning to move your pet from Japan to Thailand? Get Your Quote
Relocating a pet from Japan to Thailand is a moderate-complexity move with direct flights and no titre test requirement. Thai Airways operates direct services from Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Osaka Kansai (KIX) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), making routing straightforward.
On the Thai side, the key step is applying for the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) import permit before travel – allow 3-4 weeks. On the Japan side, your accredited vet prepares the health certificate, which is then endorsed by the MAFF regional office. That certificate has a 10-day validity window.
Your pet needs a microchip (implanted before vaccinations) and a current rabies vaccination. No quarantine applies if the documentation is complete. DLD officers inspect pets at Suvarnabhumi Airport on arrival. Allow 6-10 weeks from starting the process to travel day.
Step-by-Step Process
Ensure microchip is in place (ISO 11784/11785)
Must precede all vaccinations.
Responsible: Your veterinarian in Japan
Rabies vaccination (and all required vaccinations)
Must be current within 12 months of arrival in Thailand.
Responsible: Your veterinarian in Japan
Apply for DLD import permit (Thailand)
As early as possible. Allow 3-4 weeks for processing.
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
Obtain MAFF-endorsed health certificate (Japan)
Within 10 days of travel. Endorsed by MAFF regional office.
Responsible: Your veterinarian + MAFF regional office
Book flight and confirm pet space
2-4 weeks before travel. Thai Airways direct NRT/KIX-BKK is the most convenient option.
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
DLD inspection on arrival at BKK
On arrival at Suvarnabhumi. Present all documentation including DLD permit, health certificate, and vaccination records.
Responsible: You + DLD officers
Thailand Import Requirements
What Thailand requires for pets entering the country.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard. Must be in place before vaccinations.
Rabies Vaccination
Required. Current rabies vaccination (within 12 months of arrival). All vaccinations must be current and recorded in the pet's health documents.
Rabies Titre Test
Not required for pets arriving from Japan.
Quarantine
No mandatory quarantine if documentation is complete. Inspection at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) by DLD officers on arrival.
Import Permit
Required. Apply to the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) before travel. Allow 3-4 weeks for processing. Permit specifies the number of animals and must match the health certificate.
Health Certificate
Required. MAFF-endorsed health certificate from Japan. Must confirm the animal is free from infectious disease, microchipped, and vaccinated. Valid for 10 days from issue.
Exporting from Japan
What you need from Japan before your pet can leave.
Export Permit
No formal export permit for most destinations. MAFF-endorsed health certificate is the primary export document.
Cost Factors
Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.
- Airline cabin or cargo fees
- IATA-compliant travel crate
- Veterinary fees (health certificate, vaccinations)
- MAFF endorsement fee (Japan)
- DLD import permit application fee (Thailand)
- Pet transport agent fee (if applicable)
Important Warnings
Frequently Asked Questions
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