Pet Transport from Philippines to Thailand
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →
The Philippines to Thailand route is one of the more manageable international pet moves in Southeast Asia.
You do not need a rabies titre test, and there is no mandatory quarantine in Thailand for pets arriving with the correct documents. That said, the DLD import permit must be obtained before you fly, and the BAI health certificate must be issued and endorsed within 7 days of travel. Get those sorted early and the rest is straightforward.
Most owners completing this route for the first time underestimate the admin side. Give yourself at least 4-6 weeks from starting prep to travel day.
The Philippines to Thailand process
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
Responsible: Accredited government veterinarian + BAI
Responsible: You + airline check-in or cargo desk
Thailand: entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted and readable before vaccinations are administered. |
| Rabies vaccination | Required. Must be current and within manufacturer's validity at time of travel. Minimum age 3 months at time of vaccination. |
| Rabies titre test | Not required for Thailand. Rabies vaccination certificate is sufficient. |
| Quarantine | No mandatory quarantine for compliant pets. Veterinary inspection on arrival at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK). Pets cleared on the same day if documentation is in order. |
| Import permit | Required. Apply to the Department of Livestock Development (DLD), Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, before travel. Processing time: 5-10 working days. |
| Health certificate | Required. BAI-issued and endorsed health certificate, in English. Valid for 10 days from issue date. Original document required at entry. |
Export requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | Not required for personal pets. |
| Health certificate | BAI (Bureau of Animal Industry) export health certificate required. Issued by an accredited government veterinarian. Must be endorsed by BAI before departure. Allow 5-7 working days. |
What this route typically costs
| 1 | Airline cabin fee or cargo fee (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire) |
| 3 | Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate |
| 4 | BAI health certificate endorsement fee |
| 5 | DLD import permit application fee (Thailand) |
| 6 | Pet transport agent fee (optional but useful for first-time shippers) |
Read before you book
Airlines on this route
Thailand pet import requirements at a glance
Thailand requires an advance import permit from the DLD for all imported pets. This is the step that catches most owners out because it needs to be in hand before you can board your flight.
The DLD permit is applied for online or via an agent. Processing typically takes 5-10 working days. Apply as soon as your travel date is confirmed.
Your pet’s rabies vaccination needs to be current. Thailand does not require a titre test, but the vaccine must be within the manufacturer’s stated validity period at the time of arrival. If it expires en route, you have a problem. Check the expiry date before booking.
Entry is through Bangkok (BKK or DMK). Both airports have DLD inspection desks. Compliant pets are usually cleared on the same day.
Practical advice for shipping your pet from the Philippines
The BAI health certificate has a 7-day validity window from the date of issue to the travel date. This means you cannot get it sorted weeks in advance. Book your vet appointment for the week before travel, and factor in BAI endorsement time on top.
Philippine Airlines and Thai Airways both operate direct MNL-BKK routes and accept pets in cabin (small pets) and cargo. Cabin space is limited and must be booked in advance. Do not assume your pet can travel cabin without a confirmed booking.
If your pet is too large for cabin travel, cargo is the reliable option. PAL Cargo and Thai Cargo both handle this route. Book early, especially during peak travel periods (school holidays, Christmas, Songkran).
Bring printed copies of everything: the DLD permit, the BAI health certificate, vaccination records, and microchip documentation. Thai DLD inspectors will check originals, but having organised copies speeds up the process.
Common questions
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