Moving a dog or cat from India to Thailand is very doable with the right preparation. Around 6-10 weeks is typical, with a straightforward sequence to work through. No routine quarantine applies as long as every requirement is met.
You will …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from India to Thailand
typically takes around 6-10 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The India to Thailand pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Implant ISO microchip (if not already done)
Responsible: Vet
Before vaccination
2
Complete all required vaccinations (rabies and core vaccines)
Responsible: DAHD-authorised vet
At least 21 days before arrival in Thailand; within the past 12 months
3
Apply for DLD import permit
Responsible: Owner or Thai-based agent
7-60 days before departure; permit valid 60 days
4
Arrange deworming and external parasite treatment
Responsible: Vet
Within 7 days before departure
5
Obtain official DAHD health certificate with government stamp
Responsible: DAHD-authorised vet
As close to departure as possible; ensure validity on arrival
6
Book cargo space (Air India Cargo or Thai Airways Cargo)
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Thailand
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Dogs must also have current vaccinations for Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Leptospirosis. Cats require Feline Panleukopenia. All vaccinations must be administered at least 21 days before arrival and within the past 12 months.
Rabies titre test
Not required for Thailand. A titre test is not part of Thailand's standard import process.
Quarantine
Not mandatory for compliant arrivals. A DLD quarantine officer may impose a detention period of up to 30 days if there are health concerns or document irregularities. With complete paperwork, most pets are cleared on arrival.
Import permit
Import permit from the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) Animal Quarantine Station at the entry airport. Apply 7-60 days before departure. Permit valid for 60 days from issue.
Health certificate
Official health certificate with government stamp and endorsement from the exporting country. Must be legible, accurate and complete. Thai DLD provides guidance on what the certificate must state.
Export permit (India)
No formal export permit required for pet dogs and cats leaving India. AQCS export clearance applies.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Rabies and core vaccinations: INR 1,000-3,500 depending on number of vaccines
DAHD health certificate: INR 2,000-5,000
DLD import permit fee: nominal Thai government charge
Deworming and parasite treatment: INR 300-800
Air India or Thai Airways cargo from DEL/BOM to BKK: USD 500-1,400 depending on crate size
IATA-compliant crate (if needed): USD 60-250 depending on size
Agent fees India (optional): USD 400-800
Total typical range: USD 1,200-2,800 for a medium dog
Critical points to read before you book
The DLD import permit must be secured before travel. Contact the Animal Quarantine Station at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang by email; they send the permit within around 7 working days. Apply no later than 7 days before departure.
Microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. If the microchip was inserted after vaccination, Thai DLD considers the vaccination record invalid and the pet may face quarantine.
All vaccines must be current and within 12 months of travel. Expired vaccines, even by a day, can result in the permit being rejected.
The health certificate must have a government stamp from DAHD. A certificate signed only by a private vet without official endorsement will not be accepted.
Thailand does not require a titre test, but ensure vaccination records are clear and complete. Any ambiguity in vaccination history can prompt quarantine at the officer's discretion.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
AIR INDIA
Air India
Air India operates from DEL and BOM to BKK (Bangkok Suvarnabhumi). Pets as cargo. IATA-compliant crate required. Book Air India Cargo at least 4-6 weeks ahead for large pets.
Cargo Only
THAI AIRWAYS
Thai Airways
Thai Airways (TG) flies directly from DEL and BOM to BKK. Cargo service available through Thai Airways Cargo. Temperature-controlled hold. One of the most established carriers on this corridor.
Cargo Only
SPICEJET
SpiceJet
SpiceJet operates some international routes to Bangkok. Check current schedule for pet cargo availability. Not all SpiceJet international routes accept live animals.
Cargo Only
Meeting Thailand's entry requirements
Getting a pet into Thailand is a middle of the road process. The rules are well defined, so most of the work is simply staying on schedule.
Advice worth following
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.
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.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
FAQ
Common questions about India to Thailand pet transport
No. Thailand does not require a FAVN titre test for pet imports. The main requirements are a current rabies vaccination (plus core vaccines for dogs), a DLD import permit, and an official DAHD health certificate with a government stamp.
Not automatically. Quarantine is discretionary in Thailand. For compliant arrivals with all correct documentation, DLD officers typically clear the pet on arrival. A quarantine detention of up to 30 days can be imposed if there are document irregularities or health concerns.
Apply by email to the DLD Animal Quarantine Station at your port of entry (typically Bangkok Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang). Include your pet’s vaccination records, microchip number and travel date. The permit is issued within about 7 working days and is valid for 60 days. Apply between 7 and 60 days before departure.
Air India Cargo and Thai Airways Cargo are the established options for large pet cargo on India-Bangkok routes. Both operate direct services from DEL and BOM to BKK. Book cargo space at least 4-6 weeks ahead and confirm the live animal booking explicitly with the cargo division, not just the passenger desk.
Airline guides
Air India
Thai Airways
SpiceJet
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.