Pet Transport from Japan to Thailand
This is one of the more straightforward long-haul routes within Asia. Thailand does not require a titre test and does not impose mandatory quarantine for compliant arrivals. Japan's exit process is well-organised: MAFF health certificate …
The Japan to Thailand pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
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.
What this route typically costs
Critical points to read before you book
The DLD permit must be applied for before departure. Email the DLD Animal Quarantine Station at your Thai entry port (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang). Allow 7 working days for issue. Arrive without a permit and the pet will be held.
Microchip must pre-date all vaccinations. If there is any ambiguity about the order of microchip and vaccine, DLD may invalidate the vaccination record.
Health certificate must be government-stamped. A private vet signature alone is not sufficient. The AQS exit inspection in Japan adds the official endorsement.
Although there is no mandatory quarantine for Japan-to-Thailand, DLD officers have full discretion to detain any pet. Keep all documents together and ensure the health certificate is complete and legible.
Temperature embargoes apply on this corridor in summer. For snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, confirm with the airline whether embargoes are in force for your travel dates.
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
What makes this route different from Japan to Malaysia or Japan to India
| Requirement | Japan to Thailand | Japan to Malaysia | Japan to India |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titre test | No | Confirm with DVS | No |
| Mandatory quarantine | No (discretionary) | 14+ days DVS station | 15 days AQCS |
| Import permit | DLD (7-60 days before) | DVS + MAQIS | AQCS NOC |
| Preparation time | 4-8 weeks | 8-20+ weeks | 4-8 weeks |
| Rough total cost | USD 1,200-2,500 | USD 1,500-4,500+ | USD 1,800-4,000 |
Thailand’s combination of no titre test and no mandatory quarantine makes it the most convenient of the three for Japan-origin pets. Malaysia adds the variable of quarantine and potentially the titre test pathway depending on DVS classification. India requires 15 days quarantine in all cases.
Japan’s rabies-free status does not remove any requirements at the Thai end, but it does mean the Japanese export documentation is clean and the AQS exit inspection is typically smooth. Thai DLD officers are familiar with Japanese-origin pets and the process is well-established.
The DLD import permit: how to apply from Japan
The DLD import permit is a straightforward email application to the Animal Quarantine Station at your Thai entry port. Most Japan-to-Thailand flights land at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), so the application goes to Suvarnabhumi AQS. The email address and current application form are available on the Thai Ministry of Agriculture website.
Include in your application: your pet’s microchip number, vaccination records (rabies and all core vaccines), your travel date and the airline and flight number. The station reviews the documents and replies with a permit within about seven working days. The permit is valid for 60 days.
Apply at least two to three weeks before travel to give yourself a buffer if the AQS station requests additional documentation. Once you have the permit, book your cargo space. Providing the permit reference to the cargo handler helps the check-in process at the departure airport.
Brachycephalic breeds: a note on summer travel
JAL and ANA both apply temperature embargoes and breed restrictions to certain snub-nosed dogs. Japanese Shiba Inus are not brachycephalic, but French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are, and these breeds face restrictions on all international cargo routes from Japan during summer months. Thai Airways applies similar policies.
If you are moving a brachycephalic dog, check the airline’s current breed restriction list and embargo dates before booking. The Tokyo summer (roughly June to September) sees the strictest embargoes. Book cargo earlier in the year or seek specialist routing advice if summer travel is unavoidable.
For dogs that are not brachycephalic, the temperature controls in modern cargo holds are adequate for this route. Japan Airlines operates well-maintained live animal facilities at Narita and Haneda. The direct flight time from Tokyo to Bangkok is approximately seven hours, manageable for most healthy adult dogs.
Common questions about Japan to Thailand pet transport
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your Japan to Thailand pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.