🐾 Bringing Pets to Thailand (and Getting Them Home Again)
Our beautiful cat Woolfie who unfortunately crossed the rainbow bridge recently - an extremely sad day for all of us!
What You Need to Know Before Making the Move with Fur Babies in Tow
Moving to Thailand with pets? It’s absolutely doable — but getting them back out again? That’s a whole different beast.
We’ve been through it ourselves with our dog Lilli and our late cat Woolfie, and while living here with pets can be great, there are definitely a few things you need to know upfront.
✈️ Getting Pets Out of Thailand
Here’s the kicker: bringing pets to Thailand is manageable. Getting them home — particularly to places like New Zealand or Australia — is a much bigger challenge.
Because Thailand isn’t classified as rabies-free, New Zealand requires animals to spend six months in a rabies-free country (such as Malaysia) before they can even be considered for re-entry. There’s no direct route. This means long layovers, big costs, and a heap of paperwork. Australia used to accept this same route home but maybe a year ago they changed the rules and no longer accept Malaysia as a quarantine country.
For us, it’s one of the reasons we’ve stayed here as long as we have. Lilli’s now 13 so it’s not forever — but it’s definitely a factor if you’re weighing up a short-to-medium stay in Thailand with pets in tow.
🐕 Renting in Thailand With Pets
This one’s tricky. Many landlords on Samui are anti-pets. We got around this by… well, not mentioning it. Our lease didn’t say “no pets,” so technically we weren’t breaking any rules — though our Polish neighbours blew our cover pretty quickly.
Luckily, we’d kept the place in good nick, and the landlord decided to let it slide. That’s how a lot of people seem to navigate it here: don’t ask, don’t tell… but don’t trash the place either.
🐍 Soi Dogs, Snakes, and Other Realities
Street dogs (soi dogs) are everywhere — on the beach, the road, even outside restaurants. Many are harmless and some are downright friendly. But some can be aggressive, especially toward other dogs.
We always walk Lilli on a lead and carry a stick — just in case. We’ve had one close call, where a soi dog came at us snarling, even after I picked Lilli up. Rare, but it happens.
As for snakes — yep, they exist. Mostly harmless, but you won’t find me bush-bashing for golf balls anymore. Some expats have lost pets to snake bites, but it’s usually further inland or rural areas.
🇹🇭 Bringing Pets Into Thailand: What You Need
This part’s a lot easier than getting them out, but it’s not without its own process. Here’s what you need to plan for:
✔️ Microchipping
Required for all imported pets. Make sure it's done and registered.
✔️ Vaccinations
Rabies is non-negotiable. Pets must be vaccinated at least 21 days before arrival, but not more than 12 months prior.
✔️ Export permit from your home country
Most countries will require official clearance to export your pet.
✔️ Import permit from Thailand
Apply with the Department of Livestock Development (DLD). This must be done 7–60 days before arrival.
✔️ Fit-to-fly vet certificate
Must be issued within 7 days of departure. Without it, your pet may be refused boarding.
✔️ Airline compliance
Not all airlines carry pets. Some ban specific breeds (e.g., snub-nosed dogs like bulldogs and pugs). Check with the airline and their cargo division, not just their passenger support line.
✔️ Approved entry ports
Only certain Thai airports (like Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Phuket) process incoming animals. Koh Samui is not a direct pet entry port.
🛫 Leaving Thailand With Pets — Especially to NZ
As we mentioned, New Zealand and Australia have some of the strictest pet re-entry laws in the world.
Expect:
Quarantine in a third country for 6 months (e.g., Singapore or Malaysia)
Full documentation trail for vaccinations, parasite treatments, and health checks
Cost: Thousands of dollars, not including flights
Stress for older animals
We’ve looked at it. It’s possible. But it’s a mission — and something to consider before you move.
👇 Our Top Tips for Pet Owners Moving to Samui
✅ Check your home country’s re-entry rules first
Coming in is one thing — getting back out is another.
✅ Microchip and vaccinate well in advance
Especially rabies — don’t leave this to the last minute.
✅ Use a professional pet relocator
We highly recommend Relo4Paws in Bangkok — they were excellent to deal with here in Thailand.
✅ Choose your airline wisely
Some won’t take pets at all. Others only accept them as cargo — and cargo means very different logistics.
✅ Be honest — or strategic — with landlords
If the lease says no pets, you’re gambling. If it’s vague, you might be able to talk your way through it.
✅ Keep your pets safe from soi dogs and snakes
Leads, fences, and indoor life are often the best defence.
✅ Budget for it
Expect to spend $2,000–$5,000+ NZD getting your pet home, depending on the destination and timing.
🐾 Final Thoughts
Thailand’s not the easiest place to navigate as a pet owner, but it’s far from impossible. With some planning, the right advice, and a bit of cheek (when it comes to landlords), your pets can live a great life here.
Just do your homework before you move — especially if you think you might want to go back home someday. You don’t want to be making that plan with a 13-year-old dog and a ticking clock.
