Pet Transport from Thailand to Germany: EU Titre Test and DLD Export
The Thailand to Germany import process
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
Responsible: DLD-authorised official vet
Responsible: Airline, German customs
Which Germany rules depend on a pet coming from Thailand?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and Thailand falls in “Non-listed third countries and territories”.
Rabies antibody titration test required: sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued, tested in an EU-designated laboratory, result at least 0.5 IU/ml. The 90-day wait does not apply to re-entry of an EU-resident pet whose passport documents a favourable test done before leaving the EU. Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Rabies titre test: Where required (non-listed origins), the test must measure a level of neutralising antibody to rabies virus in serum of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done in a designated laboratory. Neither the EC page nor 2026/131 (which refers to point 1 of Annex XXI to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692) names a test method such as FAVN or RFFIT. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: The test must be done by an official laboratory designated under Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, or by a laboratory in a third country listed in Annex VIII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 designated in line with Article 37(4) and (5) of that Regulation; only laboratories specifically accredited for the method may do it, so the laboratory need not be in the EU. The EC publishes the lists of designated laboratories. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
Designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests, checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: The blood sample must be taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after the primary vaccination (or within a current valid vaccination series) and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering Germany, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Germany guide.
What does Thailand require before your pet leaves?
- Export permit: To export a pet the owner applies to the animal quarantine checkpoint on Form R1/1; the checkpoint issues an animal export licence (Form R.9) together with a health certificate (DLD Region 9, published 17 October 2025). Applies to dogs and cats leaving Thailand.
ขั้นตอนการส่งสัตว์เลี้ยง (สุนัข แมว นก ฯลฯ) ออกนอกราชอาณาจักร, checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: The health inspection must be no more than 2 to 3 days before travel; supporting documents are the owner's passport copy, the exporting agent's ID and a rabies vaccination certificate (DLD Region 9, published 17 October 2025). Applies to dogs and cats leaving Thailand.
ขั้นตอนการส่งสัตว์เลี้ยง (สุนัข แมว นก ฯลฯ) ออกนอกราชอาณาจักร, checked 2 October 2026 - Other conditions: Passengers taking pets out must apply for the export permit (Form Ror.1/1) and have the pet health-checked at the AQS no more than three days before departure (Thai Customs, Suvarnabhumi, updated 11 July 2023); consistent with DLD Region 9's 2 to 3 days. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Thailand with passengers.
Passengers taking pets out of Thailand, checked 2 October 2026 - Other conditions: Pets exported as cargo need the export permit for animals (Form Ror.9) and a health certificate meeting the destination country's requirements, and a Customs export declaration submitted through one of four channels, followed by green or red line clearance (Thai Customs, Suvarnabhumi, updated 11 July 2023). Applies to dogs and cats exported as air cargo via Suvarnabhumi.
Procedures for exportation of pets at the Customs Office at Suvarnabhumi Airport, checked 2 October 2026
What this route typically costs
Critical points
The 90-day wait from titre test blood draw date is mandatory. Plan at least 5 months before your intended German arrival date.
Thailand is EU-unlisted: titre test required regardless of vaccination history or how long the pet has been vaccinated.
Germany bans import of four breeds at federal level: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier. Check breed regulations before travel.
The DLD export permit adds 2-3 weeks to the preparation timeline on top of the titre test waiting period. Start the DLD process early.
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa Cargo | Direct cargo from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Frankfurt (FRA). Lufthansa Cargo is the most direct option for Thailand-to-Germany. Frankfurt is the main German entry airport for live animal cargo. | Cargo Only |
| Thai Airways | Thai Airways connects BKK to European cities. Cargo to Frankfurt may involve a connection. Confirm live animal acceptance and documentation with Thai Airways Cargo. | Cargo Only |
| Austrian Airlines / Lufthansa Group | Via Vienna (VIE) to Frankfurt or other German cities. A Lufthansa Group option that may be available when direct FRA services are full. | Cargo Only |
| Emirates SkyCargo | Via Dubai DXB to Frankfurt FRA or other German airports. A longer routing but available when European carrier capacity is limited. | Cargo Only |
Common questions about this route
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
- CFIA · Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- European Commission · European Commission, movement of pet animals