Pet Transport from the USA to Thailand
The USA to Thailand route involves a mandatory 30-day quarantine at a DLD (Department of Livestock Development) facility at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport on arrival. The DLD import permit process is …
Get your free quoteThe United States to Thailand import process
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet
Responsible: Accepted lab
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: USDA vet + APHIS
Responsible: DLD quarantine facility
Thailand entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Export requirements
What this route typically costs
Critical points
30-day quarantine is mandatory. No waiver exists.
The DLD permit must be confirmed before travel. Do not book flights before the DLD responds to your email.
Health certificate must be the original document with USDA stamp. Copies rejected.
Pit Bull types and Tosa Inus cannot enter Thailand.
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Thai Airways | Thai Airways Cargo from US cities via Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK). No direct US-BKK live animal routes available; confirm routing via connections. | Cargo Only |
| United Airlines | United PetSafe cargo from US hubs to BKK via connecting routes. Confirm routing and live animal availability. | Cargo Only |
| Delta | Delta Cargo from US hubs to BKK via transpacific routes. Check specific routing for live animal space. | Cargo Only |
| Cathay Pacific | Via HKG. US hubs to BKK via Hong Kong. Strong live animal handling at HKG. Well-used routing. | Cargo Only |
At a glance: USA to Thailand vs. comparable Southeast Asian destinations
| Requirement | USA to Thailand | USA to Vietnam | USA to Singapore | USA to Malaysia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titre test required | Yes (DLD) | No | No | Yes (DVS) |
| Quarantine on arrival | 30 days (DLD) | No | No | 30 days (DVS) |
| Import permit | DLD email | No (up to 2 pets) | No | DVS e-Permit |
| Core vaccines | Full schedule | Yes | Yes | Full schedule |
| Prohibited breeds | Yes (pit types, Tosa) | No specific list | Yes (dangerous) | Yes (restricted list) |
| Complexity | High | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Minimum timeline | 10-16 weeks | 6-10 weeks | 6-10 weeks | 12-18 weeks |
Vietnam is notably simpler for US pet owners: no quarantine, no titre test, and no import permit for up to two pets. Singapore also has no quarantine. Thailand and Malaysia both require 30-day quarantine and a titre test.
Airline comparison: USA to Thailand
| Airline | Route | Pet policy | Transit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cathay Pacific | US to BKK via HKG | Cargo only | 1 stop (HKG) | Via Hong Kong. Most common routing for US-Thailand pet moves |
| United | US to BKK via hubs | Cargo only | 1-2 stops | PetSafe. Connect via Pacific gateway to BKK |
| Delta | US to BKK via hubs | Cargo only | 1-2 stops | Via Asian hubs. Check routing and live animal space |
| Thai Airways | US to BKK via connections | Cargo only | 1-2 stops | Via partner connections from US |
Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong is the most reliable choice for US-Thailand pet moves. HKG has extensive live animal infrastructure and good onward connections to Bangkok.
The DLD email permit: what to include and what to expect
The DLD import permit email goes to qsap_bkk_import@dld.go.th. Send it at least 30-60 days before your planned arrival date. Include: your name and contact details in Thailand, your pet’s species and breed, the microchip number, vaccination records (including all core vaccines and titre test result), your planned arrival date, and your flight details if known.
The DLD responds with a permit number by email. This permit number must appear on your USDA-APHIS health certificate. Without it, DLD staff at the airport cannot process the import smoothly.
If you need to change your travel date, email the DLD again to amend the permit. Keep the full email chain as part of your documentation set.
The USDA-APHIS health certificate must be the original document with the physical USDA stamp and signature. Electronic copies and photocopies are not accepted by the DLD. Carry the original with you when collecting your pet from quarantine.
Common questions about this route
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