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Bringing Pets to Phuket

  • cris2695
  • Jan 6
  • 3 min read

Bringing Pets To Phuket – Expat Guide

Bringing Your Pets to Phuket 🐾

A practical, honest guide for expats relocating to Thailand – with real-life insight

Moving to Phuket doesn’t mean leaving your furry family behind. Thousands of expats successfully relocate with their pets every year, but the process does require planning, paperwork, and patience. This guide walks you through the official process, realistic costs, timelines, airline options, and what it’s really like once you arrive — including a section for my own personal experience.

1. Can You Bring Pets to Thailand?

Yes. Thailand allows the import of dogs and cats (and some other animals) provided all requirements are met. Phuket is one of the most common entry points for expats arriving with pets.

Pets may arrive:

  • As accompanied baggage

  • As excess baggage

  • As manifested cargo

Most expats choose accompanied baggage or cargo, depending on airline rules and pet size.

2. Timeline: When to Start Planning

Ideally, start 3–6 months before departure.

Suggested timeline:

  • 3–6 months out: Research airlines, pet relocation agents, housing rules

  • 2–3 months out: Rabies vaccination (must be current)

  • 30–45 days out: Rabies titre test (if required from your country)

  • 7–10 days out: Health certificate & import permit

  • Arrival day: Customs clearance at Phuket Airport

3. Thailand Pet Import Requirements (Dogs & Cats)

While details can change, most pets entering Thailand require:

  • Microchip (ISO-compliant)

  • Valid rabies vaccination

  • Other standard vaccinations

  • Veterinary health certificate (issued close to travel)

  • Thailand import permit (Department of Livestock Development)

  • Parasite treatment prior to departure

Important: Rules vary depending on your departure country. Always double-check close to travel.

4. Choosing an Airline

Not all airlines allow pets, and policies change often.

Things to check:

  • In-cabin vs hold vs cargo options

  • Pet weight limits (including crate)

  • Temperature restrictions

  • Transit country rules

Many expats flying to Phuket choose airlines with direct or minimal transit routes to reduce stress on the animal.

5. Pet Travel Crates – What You Need to Know

Your pet’s crate must:

  • Be IATA-approved

  • Allow the pet to stand, turn, and lie comfortably

  • Be well-ventilated on all sides

  • Have secure fastenings

Tip: Introduce the crate weeks in advance so it becomes a safe space, not a shock.

6. Should You Use a Pet Relocation Agent?

Pros:

  • Handles paperwork & permits

  • Reduces mistakes

  • Manages airline coordination

Cons:

  • Additional cost

  • Less personal control

Many expats use an agent for peace of mind, especially on first relocation.

7. Costs: What to Budget (Rough Guide)

Costs vary by country, pet size, and airline.

Typical expenses include:

  • Veterinary visits & tests

  • Import permits

  • Airline pet fees or cargo charges

  • Travel crate

  • Agent fees (optional)

Expect a range from a one thousand dollars to several thousand dollars per pet.

8. Arrival in Phuket – What Actually Happens

At Phuket International Airport:

  1. You are greeted by the Quarantine officer and taken to the office for processing

  2. Your pet is checked by Animal Quarantine

  3. Documents are reviewed

  4. Fees are paid (if applicable)

  5. You’re cleared to leave

Most expats report the process is calm and professional if paperwork is correct.

9. Finding Pet-Friendly Housing in Phuket

Not all rentals allow pets.

Tips:

  • Be upfront with landlords

  • Expect a higher deposit

  • Villas are easier than condos

  • Long-term rentals are more flexible

Phuket has many dog-friendly beaches, cafes, and vets — but housing is the biggest challenge.

10. Vets, Supplies & Pet Life in Phuket

Phuket is very pet-friendly:

  • International-standard veterinary clinics

  • Emergency animal hospitals

  • Groomers, trainers & pet taxis

  • Affordable ongoing care compared to Western countries

11. My Personal Experience Bringing Pets to Phuket ✍️


Why I decided to bring my pets

What surprised me most:

The hardest part:

What I’d do differently next time:

Was it worth it?

12. Final Advice for Expats

  • Start early

  • Double-check paperwork

  • Budget realistically

  • Choose pet-friendly housing first

  • Remember: pets adjust better than we expect

Thousands of expats have done this successfully — you’re not alone.

Want Help With Relocation to Phuket?

If you’re planning a move to Phuket and want honest, lived experience — not sales talk — this guide is part of a broader relocation resource built specifically for expats and retirees.

Explore more guides on living in Phuket, housing, healthcare, visas, and lifestyle.



 
 
 

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