Getting a pet from Portugal to Thailand is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This is a middle of the road route, and about 8-12 weeks of preparation …
Rabies vaccinationRequired. Two doses at least 21 days …
Rabies titre testNot currently required from Portugal …
QuarantineNo quarantine if DLD permit is valid and …
Import permitRequired. Apply to Thailand's Department …
Health certificateOfficial health certificate from …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Portugal to Thailand
typically takes around 8-12 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The import process, in full
1
Before vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
2
After microchip. Two doses with 21-day gap if no current history.
Rabies vaccination (two doses if starting fresh)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
3
At least 15 days before travel. Through dld.go.th.
Apply for Thailand DLD import permit
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
4
6-8 weeks before travel. There is no direct Lisbon-Bangkok flight.
Book cargo space on connecting airline routing
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
5
Within 10 days of departure.
Official health certificate from DGAV-authorised vet
Responsible: DGAV-authorised official veterinarian
6
Allow 3-7 working days. Book appointment.
Royal Thai Embassy endorsement in Lisbon
Responsible: You
7
3+ hours before departure.
Travel day: present DLD permit and endorsed certificate at cargo check-in
Responsible: You and airline cargo desk
Checklist
What your pet needs
Every item below must be completed and verified before your pet can travel. Expand each category for the detail.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785).
Rabies vaccination
Required. Two doses at least 21 days apart if no valid prior history, or a current booster.
Rabies titre test
Not currently required from Portugal under DLD guidance. Verify before booking.
Quarantine
No quarantine if DLD permit is valid and documentation is complete.
Import permit
Required. Apply to Thailand's Department of Livestock Development (DLD) at least 15 days before travel.
Health certificate
Official health certificate from DGAV-authorised vet, endorsed by Royal Thai Embassy in Lisbon.
Export permit
Not required
Health certificate
Official health certificate from DGAV-authorised official veterinarian in Portugal. Must be endorsed by the Royal Thai Embassy in Lisbon before departure.
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Airlines
Carriers on this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. Confirm the operating carrier's current policy for every flight segment.
TAP Air Portugal
Operates Lisbon hub. No direct Lisbon-Bangkok route. Pets travel as cargo on connecting itineraries via partner carriers. Confirm cargo arrangements with pet transport agent.
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Via Frankfurt to Bangkok. Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round.
Cabin and Cargo
Emirates
Via Dubai to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi. Emirates SkyCargo handles pets. Temperature-controlled hold. Seasonal restrictions on brachycephalic breeds.
Cargo Only
Qatar Airways
Via Doha to Bangkok. Good cargo handling. Temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions.
Cargo Only
Thai Airways
Cabin pets on approved routes under 5kg including carrier. Cargo for larger pets. Connects via European hubs.
Cabin and Cargo
Costs
What this route typically costs
International cargo fees (Lisbon to Bangkok via hub)
IATA-compliant hard-sided travel crate
Veterinary fees: microchipping, vaccinations, official health certificate
DLD import permit fee
Royal Thai Embassy endorsement fee
Pet transport agent fee (recommended)
Critical points
No direct Lisbon to Bangkok flights. Routing must be confirmed before booking.
Thai Embassy endorsement must happen in Lisbon before departure. It cannot be done in Bangkok.
DLD permit is airport-specific. Confirm entry port before applying.
Source: Thailand DLD (dld.go.th); DGAV Portugal (dgav.pt); Royal Thai Embassy, Lisbon.
The rules for bringing a pet into Thailand
Thailand has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
How to keep this move on track
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
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.
FAQ
Common questions
Yes. The Royal Thai Embassy in Lisbon handles the endorsement. It must be done before you depart Portugal. Allow at least a week between getting the certificate signed and receiving the endorsed version.
The DLD (Department of Livestock Development) import permit is Thailand’s official authorisation for your pet to enter the country. Apply via dld.go.th at least 15 days before travel. The permit specifies your entry airport.
No mandatory quarantine applies when the DLD permit is valid and documentation is complete and endorsed. Expect a few hours of inspection and clearance at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi on arrival.
There is no direct route. Emirates via Dubai and Qatar Airways via Doha are both reliable cargo options. Lufthansa via Frankfurt is another strong choice. A pet transport agent can help you select and book the best full itinerary.
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Move your pet
to Thailand.
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