🐈 Taking a Cat to Thailand

Prepared by the Animals Productions editorial team. See about us and our editorial standards.

Here's exactly what you need to bring a cat into Thailand 🇹🇭. The rules below are specific to cats; for the full country overview see the country hub.

Verified entry requirements (2026)

1. Import permit — arrange in advance with DLD; send documents (PDF) to qsap_bkk_import@dld.go.th; issued in ~7 working days by email; valid 60 days.
2. ISO 11784/11785 microchip (15 digits) — before the rabies vaccination.
3. Rabies vaccination — pet ≥3 months (12 weeks) when vaccinated; primary vaccine ≥21 days before arrival; recorded in the vet book.
4. Other vaccines — Dogs: distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis (if no current lepto vaccine, a negative test within 30 days of departure). Cats: panleukopenia.
5. Titer test (RNATT) — not required from rabies-controlled countries (USA, Canada, UK). Verify for high-risk countries.
6. Certificate — veterinary certificate endorsed by the government veterinary authority (from the USA, USDA APHIS), issued within ~7 days of travel.
7. Breeds — not confirmed at national level; verify for Bangkok.
8. Quarantine — usually released on arrival with a full document set (fee ~500 THB/pet + 10 THB); quarantine only if documents are missing. In Bangkok, register/chip a resident pet within 30 days.

Flying

Small cats can fly in the cabin (airline weight limit applies); larger ones go in cargo.

Importing a cat to Thailand

Importing a cat to Thailand follows the same path as dogs: an ISO microchip, a current rabies vaccination, an import permit (Form R.7) from the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) arranged before travel, and a health certificate endorsed by your origin authority.

Cats typically arrive at Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and undergo a clinical inspection. With complete, correctly endorsed paperwork there is usually no lengthy quarantine. Arrange the DLD permit a few weeks ahead and time the health certificate to its short validity window.

FAQ

Can my cat fly in the cabin to Thailand?

Small cats can fly in the cabin (airline weight limit applies); larger ones go in cargo.

Does my cat need a titer test?

No, a titer test is not required for Thailand.

How many pets can I bring?

Usually up to 2 per traveler.

How do I import a cat to Thailand?

Get an ISO microchip and rabies vaccination, apply for the DLD import permit (Form R.7) before travel, and obtain an endorsed health certificate — see the official source above.

Is there quarantine for cats in Thailand?

With complete paperwork, cats usually clear on arrival after a clinical inspection rather than a long quarantine.

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