Pet Travel from the UK to Thailand: Dog & Cat Import Requirements
Exporting a dog or cat to Thailand requires advance planning, including mandatory rabies vaccination, species-specific core vaccines, microchip identification, and an official Export Health Certificate issued by a UK Official Veterinarian. We ensure your pet meets Thailand’s import regulations to avoid delays on arrival.
Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Your Dog or Cat from the UK to Thailand
Eligibility + ID
Your pet must be at least 4 months old at import and have a microchip that matches all documents (we scan/verify this at certification).
Vaccines (incl. rabies timing)
Ensure core vaccines are up to date and properly recorded in English. Rabies must be valid; if it’s a primary or lapsed rabies vaccine, you must wait at least 21 days before travel. (Mandatory vaccines generally need to be done ≥21 days before export and within the last 12 months.)
Book travel
Arrange the flight (airline/pet shipper), confirm cargo vs accompanied travel, approved arrival airport, and use an IATA-compliant crate.
Thailand import permit (AQS)
Apply by email to the Animal Quarantine Station at your arrival airport. Permit is valid 60 days; apply no earlier than 60 days and no later than 7 working days before travel.
UK export certificate
Request EHC 2917 from DEFRA after confirming details with us, so it’s issued correctly for completion/signing.
Owner declaration
Sign the required owner/exporter declaration (we provide the template).
Final OV exam + certification
Final clinical exam and EHC completion must be done within 72 hours of departure (timing is strict).
Arrival in Thailand
Your pet is inspected by AQS on arrival; fees may apply and quarantine is usually waived if your pet is healthy and paperwork is correct.
