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[polehawk]

Nienke, on 2011-04-17 11:14:14, said:

Yes, you need both a health certificate and export permit from the AQS not more than 3 days prior to traveling abroad. A health certificate from a vet is not valid.
I'm not sure if only an up-to-date Rabies shot is sufficient for the States. How about the other vaccinations? Are they mandatory? You can check that out on the following website: http://www.aphis.usd...ts_states.shtml

Nienke, thanks for the timely and helpful info. From the link above, my cat only needs the rabies vaccination so we're all set there.  

I called AQS for directions to their office and the English-speaking guy says they are located 3 KM from the Arrivals/Departures terminal. Here is their info:

Animal Quarantine Office:
Suvarnabhumi Airport animal quarantine station.
Free zone Area,CE-1 building 1st Floor. (This office is not by the arrivals/departures, it's off in a seperate property lot, looks like a bunch of warehouses.)
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Racha Thewa Sub-district,
Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province 10540
Thailand
Tel: 02-1340731,
Fax: 02-1340732

open 8:30am-4:30pm, (12-1pm closed for lunch)

[gray42]

WaatWang, on 2011-02-14 12:05:40, said:

Our dog had already had a rabies vaccination last year, but the Thai guidelines state the vaccination must be given within 21 days of arrival.  So here is a timeline of our vet visits and vaccinations.

Before 21 days of arrival:
-          Rabies (was done five months prior per his previous vaccination history)
-          DHPP (required per Thailand)
-          Leptospirosis (required per Thailand)

About two weeks prior to leaving:
-          Emailed my Import Certificate request (instructions in post 158).  Because he did not have the final vaccinations yet, when I emailed it I didn't include any copies of his vaccinations.  Instead I listed which vaccines he already had (on which dates) in the bottom section under my signature, along with contact information for my veterinarian.  I said he had an appointment coming up to receive the final vaccinations required and listed the date.  They did not ask to see any proof of vaccinations prior to issuing the Import Permit, and they emailed the permit back to me within two business days of my request.  

In the one week prior to leaving:
-          Rabies (required per Thailand)
-          Bordatella (aka kennel cough - not required, but good to have for travelling)

I'm bringing my dog to Thailand in a few months. What I've read is actually the opposite of what you posted above as far as the timelines.

(From http://www.dld.go.th...ish/movec1.html)

3) The country has been free from Rabies for at least the past 12 (twelve) months OR the animals are vaccinated against Rabies with an official approved vaccine not less than 21 (twenty- one) days prior to the departure.

4) EITHER a) The dog is vaccinated against Leptospirosis at least 21(twenty-one) days preceding departure. OR The dog is subjected to a test for Leptospirosis with negative result during the 30 (thirty) days prior to the departure.

5) The animals shall be vaccinated against other significant infectious or contagious diseases i.e. Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus, with an official approved vaccine at least 21 (twenty-one) days prior to the departure.

So this is saying the Rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days prior to departure (not WITHIN 21 days) and that the Leptospirosis vaccine must be given at least 21 days prior to departure (not within 21 days). That's the opposite of what was written above. Can someone please tell me what the regulations are? The info I pasted above is from the Department of Livestock Development in Thailand.

Edited by gray42, 2011-04-27 06:45:28.

[Goinghomesoon]

Anyone done the visit to the vet at the airport recently?   A couple of minor questions (we are going out there Monday)

- How long did it take to issue your export permit & do the official health check docs?  

- Did the office want to sight your import permit (for the receiving country - in our case Malaysia) before they issued the Thai export permit?

[Goinghomesoon]

Addendum to the above questions:  Is it possible to do the medical & export permit on the day of departure?

Edited by Goinghomesoon, 2011-06-04 13:38:44.

[KayCee]

I've read through this whole thread a couple of times, because I'm nervous about everything that could go wrong about bringing our animals into Thailand with us.  I think I understand all the requirements and procedures.

But then I came to the post asking if importation of animals was allowed under an ED visa.  And even though the person asked was told it should be fine, it made me realize I hadn't seen any discussion of any sort of visa requirement to bring in animals.    Can you import animals on a tourist visa? A retirement visa?  If you come in as an American without a visa, since you're going to get a non-resident visa once you arrive?   Or do they not really care about any of this and so long as your other paperwork is in order it's ok?

[dotx]

KayCee, on 2011-06-06 21:54:55, said:

I've read through this whole thread a couple of times, because I'm nervous about everything that could go wrong about bringing our animals into Thailand with us.  I think I understand all the requirements and procedures.

But then I came to the post asking if importation of animals was allowed under an ED visa.  And even though the person asked was told it should be fine, it made me realize I hadn't seen any discussion of any sort of visa requirement to bring in animals.    Can you import animals on a tourist visa? A retirement visa?  If you come in as an American without a visa, since you're going to get a non-resident visa once you arrive?   Or do they not really care about any of this and so long as your other paperwork is in order it's ok?

They don't care. I brought three pets with me and got a visa exempt entry at the airport. The office that deals with animals is on the Thai side of the airport. That means you first have to get through passport control in order to go to the office. Passport control doesn't know (or care or ask) whether you have animals.

[KayCee]

Help!
We have filled in and submitted all our paperwork for the import permit.  Our animals are vaccinated and healthy and compliant with all the requirements.  But, we have just hit a snag.

We are flying from BKK to Chiang Mai a few hours after we arrive.  The animals will clear with the Quarantine Officer all the legalities there in BkK first of course.  But now, Thai Airways is demanding the "Health Certificate Number" before agreeing to reserve place on the BKK-CMX flight for them.  

I am baffled.  Usually the health certificate is issued by the vet in the country where you are departing only 3-7 days (depending on the country's requirements) before you leave.  The Thai Airways person has said it can be 30 days in the case of Thailand, which surprises me.  Is that really true?  And, I'm puzzled by the "Number" since the certificate will be issued by my East. African country's vet, and surely every country where people would leave from to come to Thailand will have its own system of numbers and so on.  To add to my complications, of course to get ON the plane to leave this place, the health certificate must be only 5 days old.  

The last thing I want is to arrive in BKK and have a huge crisis in the heat with no ongoing flight for the dogs.  So I don't mind having the health certificate done twice here - now to save the space, later to suit the African govt's requirements when leaving.  But I really wonder why this is required for a domestic flight, when they understand you will have just a couple hours before, have had all your papers stamped and made valid at the BKK airport.

Is this a misunderstanding, or has anyone else heard of this requirement?  And do they really want a health certificate from anywhere, or is this something they want for domestic flights that is issued by the Thai government, and is not possible, obviously, for me to get before I arrive?

[luwahn]

jeebusjones, on 2008-12-16 09:13:36, said:

Just an update on my situation:  I was able to obtain the import permits for both my cat and dog via email.  It is not necessary to apply for the permits in person.  I seriously doubt I'll need to use the permits, but it's nice to have them just in case.  Here is the process for obtaining the permits from outside of Thailand:

1 - Obtain all necessary vaccination records, health certificates, microchip info, etc...

2 - Download and fill out Form No 1/1, found here.

3 - Call AQS at Suvarnabhumi Airport and let them know your situation.  They will tell you to fax Form 1/1 along with all health certificates and other documents.  It is a good idea to include a cover letter indicating your flight number, exact time and date of arrival, and details of the animals you plan to bring.  Make sure to include your email address!

4 - Fax all of the above to:  +66 2134 3640.

5 - Wait 5-7 days to receive your import permit by email.


Fifteen days isn't necessarily needed, but I would suggest you give yourself at least ten days.  It helps to have someone who can speak fluent Thai also.

Is there a new fax number? The number 'doesn't work' when I tried to fax from Kinkos and Office Max in the US: I used 011-66-2134-3640

[glennedwinholt]

I fully understand about all the documentation requirements etc. however what I'm not so sure about is if animals are quarantined as routine for a minimum of 30 days or only if they feel it necessary. Reading one of the posts I assume the animal wasn't quarantined at all. Can anyone please confirm that they are only quarantined if concers are raised.

[Nienke]

glennedwinholt, on 2011-10-04 15:53:08, said:

I fully understand about all the documentation requirements etc. however what I'm not so sure about is if animals are quarantined as routine for a minimum of 30 days or only if they feel it necessary. Reading one of the posts I assume the animal wasn't quarantined at all. Can anyone please confirm that they are only quarantined if concers are raised.

In the almost 17 years I'm in Thailand I never heard of one pet animal being quarantined upon arrival.  As long as the paperwork is all in order and the animal is healthy, I don't think you need to worry about that.

[NeNejunk]

Have anyone here use service from Thai Air (Tge)?How is the service in case of cargo? I need to send my dog with cargo handling.

[Pseudolus]

I brought in 3 dogs at the start of the year. My mistake? Landed at 3pm, and the vet had gone home early that day. It took xx,xxx baht in tips to get the bugger out again to get my dogs free from the oven they were in. If i did it again, my flight would land in the morning giving me all day to get them out before then having to resort to tipping.

[NeNejunk]

Now my dog arrive München (Munich) satety. I use the Thai Air. service, they count my dog in menifest. I have worked with airline, I know what it means. It means Thai Air. count my dog as passenger. My dog seem not panic, so I guess they took care good. But anyway, cargo handling took so long time here when you dont know where to go, we needed to drive to 3 place until we have our dog. It took around 1.30 hr to 2 hr.

[cheshiremusicman]

bina, on 2004-08-16 00:36:51, said:

I've shipped a boxer from finland to israel unaccompanied; and a staff. bull terrier from usa to israel w/stop in paris along the way.   most companies have a maximum temperature level (months of july august here for instance )at which beyond, they wont carry the animal ifits in the stomach of the plane depending on outside temps..

some tips:

dont feed before shipping;
provide water in spill proof water container if possible
the vets i work with do not recommend tranquilizers as they say the animal can not cope as well with stress but every dog and vet is different.

use a quick release collar not a regular one so if something happens the dog has the collar but if something drastic happens, cannot hang or strangle itself cause the collar can break easily releasing it

put copy of paperwork in pocket of travel box and original with you

bring own dog food for few days and also some water from home

put shirt with your SWEATY dirty personal (familiar) smell in box; most dogs sleep thru times of high stress and the smell is a good pacifier.

for birds; check make sure that it isnt a  CITES (endangered animal) and you can prove ownership (note from vet stating has been in your possession etc.  
parrots react badly to stress so talk to bird vet .  small budgie types are flexible little creatures so shouldnt be as problematic.
checks for psiticosis, chlmydia ???
dont think  the thai officials really care about this stuff, no?

I brought two cats from the UK some 5 years ago. They  had to have all the necessary injections at least one month before the flight and a certificate issued by the Vet which she had been given by the Government Ministry on which she had to state that she had inspected the animals no more than two days before the flight and that they were in good health; all the necessary injections etc being verified by the Ministry on the form for her to sign.
I flew with Emirates and the cats were treated like royalty from the moment they arrived at Manchester Airport.
We had two flights to get to Bangkok and when we got on the aircraft for the first leg we immediately asked the cabin crew about the cats. They were perfectly briefed and could not have been more reassuring as to the welfare of the cats. The Captain of the aircraft actually made a point of coming and seeing us personally to tell  us that the temperature in the hold was being monitored and adjusted to what was considered the best for the animals.
The cats travelled in two large cat carriers with dry food and a hanging water container. As the previous poster mentioned, it is advised NOT to give your animals tranqualisers of any kind, as apparently they become even more effective at altitude. Our cats had small blankets that they were familiar with to rest on as the previous poster has recommended.
We arrived in Bangkok and to our delight found that both of our cats aged 13 and 2 were bright eyed and very healthy with no signs of distress. We had worried about the effect of the very load noise of takeoff and landing but as I said the cats appeared absolutely fine. The airport Vet inspected them and we paid I think 200 Baht each for their entry certificates.
All in all we came out of the experience more stressed than the cats.
I know that your original question was regarding birds, but I hope that this gives you some reassurance as to what happens on flights and wish you well with your importation.

[jehricaholic]

If your coming from a country where you do not need to ship your pets as cargo then it looks like a breeze to pickup the pets from within the airport terminal.  However, if you are like me and had to use a cargo service (Cathay Pacific) then you have reason to fear.  Hear is my story:

I traveled on the same flights as my 2 small dogs (Cathay Pacific from Toronto, Canada via Hong Kong to BKK).  Cathay Pacific told me there would be a minimal import fee payable when I collected the dogs from the Thai Airways cargo office (Thai airways is the ground agent for all international cargo), located in the 'Freezone' cargo facility adjacent to the airport.  When I arrived in Bangkok my dogs had already been in the crate for 22 hours and I was anxious to get them.  After immigration and customs it was a short taxi ride to the Freezone, however once there it became a hellish ordeal...

Once you get to Freezone security checkpoint an 'official' escorts you around the expansive complex (via your taxi) to get your pets.  This process took several hours, with countless photocopies being made of my passport and animal documentation, and forms signed in various offices in various locations in the complex.  We waited for the 'customs official' to meet me (in the Freezone cafeteria!!!) where I was told I needed to pay a $500 (15,000 Baht) fee.  At this point I was getting frantic about my poor animals which at this point I had still no idea where they were.  I paid the 'fee' (to the disgust of my Thai partner - who met me at the airport and accompanied me through this Freezone process - he was useless in helping me by the way).  30 minutes later I was in the animal Quaranteen/Vet  office (getting more documentation, still no pets) and it was only then that I began to feel the ordeal was coming to a close.  After leaving the office and 30 mins later (more paperwork in various offices in the complex) I was brought to the actual cargo area with actual cargo.  In a walk-in FRIDGE (yes refrigerator!) was the crate holding my 2 shivering dogs (Chiuwawa & Jack Russell), the water bottle had leaked (as they do) and was empty, the bedding of the crate floor was soaked with chilled water.  I broke the seals and freed the animals and gave them water (at this point I didn't care if opening the crate was against policy).

Back to the Vet's office we waited another 30 mins for a checkup, they pooed and peed all over the office (to my somewhat satisfaction, even though I ended up cleaning it up), I wasn't going to have them in that crate again!  The vet was useless, asking me to point out the breeds on a pictorial chart then doing a rectal temperature check, and nothing else!  More documents signed and we were free to leave.  Of course the 'official' who escorted us to and fro also needed tipping.

CONCLUSION:


My dogs survived this ordeal, but others may not.  I would never want to go through this process again.  If I had not paid-off the customs mafia guy (whatever his job title) I may have never seen my dogs again.  If you do need to bring your pets to Thailand (you need a very good reason to bring dogs to a country where Thais generally abandon or mistreat them, and exposed to an abundant  outdoor Tic population even in urban areas), then try to find an cargo agent in BKK who knows how to retrieve your pets from the Freezone and deliver them to your Thai home.  You may end up paying an extra cost equivalent to what the customs mafia would get should you do it yourself, but at least the Freezone ordeal will not take a few years off the lives of both yourself and your pets.

[chonabot]

Our Westie arrived yesterday In BKK from Edinburgh - stayed overnight with an Import agency - Agility ( very good )
She was flown to us at Khon Kaen this morning and now is with us at home
The whole trip was handled by Pet Travel services in the UK - could not recommend them enough.
Originally I planned to bring her with us - spent ages researching the whole process - DEFRA certs / Import etc.
When I called Emirates prior to booking our own seats on the flight - they confirmed that we could bring her as excess baggage at a cost of about 50 GBP.
I actually called twice and both times was told there would be no issue - including a 2.5 stop in Dubai.
I then booked the tickets online.
I called shortly after - as advised - to inform Emirates we were bringing our dog.
I was told in no uncertain terms that she would not be allowed on the flight - apparently as we stop in Dubai she would be subject to UAE pet import regulations.
When I originally checked on this I was told the laws only apply if the animal is on the land for more than 5 hours - apparently incorrect.
I asked for a refund on the tickets as I knew some airlines would allow her as excess baggage - I was told this could take 2-3 months.
I made a complaint and luckily had records of all of the calls made to Emirates.
They replied that they had made a mistake but could not offer any compensation.
Eventually I had to bite the bullet and use a Pet Travel agency - expensive but very good.
She flew manifest with BA.
I read a few posts earlier that a poster flew their cats via Emirates - and I assume they stopped in Dubai - so it goes to show that airlines seem to make up the flipping rules as they go along.
It cost more to fly our Westie here than myself.wife and son  

ps I agree with the above poster about using a Thai Agency - Agility charged us less than the amount he had to shell out for the bribe and that included the flight to Khon Kaen.

pps Reading 2 posts above regarding the import experience - as well as the Emirates discrepancy - and the Thai quarantine situation - you never know how handling it yourself will pan out - at least the agencies (UK and Thai ) have a guaranteed service ( I think.....   )

Edited by chonabot, 2011-12-07 16:50:18.

[tolin]

Has anybody got experience or information on bringing dogs in from Ireland. Im heading to Phuket for a year. I cant seem to find information on bringing them from ireland anywhere.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[dotx]

Never, never send your pets as cargo if you can avoid it. It's not only more risky (longer waiting times, you can't check in on them throughout the trip), but it's also a nightmare when it comes to paperwork, as jehricaholic can confirm.

No matter where you're coming from, it's ALWAYS possible to send your animals as excess cargo (as long as you're flying in the same plane). If an airline tells you it's not possible, go to a different one. When I was making arrangements to fly into Thailand, I was told by Thai Airways one of my dogs had to be sent as cargo because he was too heavy (76 lbs) and wouldn't "qualify as excess baggage." I told them to forget it and went to Air France. Not only did they let me fly both my dogs as excess baggage, but they actually charged me less!

Once I got to Bangkok and through passport control, I walked directly to the excess baggage door/counter and my dogs were already waiting there for me. Two guys were sitting next to the cages, waiting for somebody to show up. One of them actually walked me to the quarantine office.

I was also obsessive about paperwork before I flew into Thailand. I actually called the quarantine office at the airport in Bangkok and asked them to send me a list of the paperwork I needed. I did everything they asked for (a ton of papers!), including obtaining an import certificate in advance. When I got to the airport and walked into the office, the officers there were actually impressed with all the papers I had. Took less than 5 minutes and my dogs waited outside, with a friend.

My dogs have lived with me in three different countries. Moving with them is not necessarily fun, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare either.  

And jehricaholic, I’m glad your dogs are ok.

Edited by dotx, 2012-01-05 12:05:59.

[dotx]

tolin, on 2011-12-21 08:44:12, said:

Has anybody got experience or information on bringing dogs in from Ireland. Im heading to Phuket for a year. I cant seem to find information on bringing them from ireland anywhere.

Thank you in advance for your help.

It doesn't really matter where you're coming from. The process to get into Thailand is always the same.

[nphongggg]

I've read most of the posts and all the charges varies at the quarantine office.
Is there a specific price we have to pay? I've already emailed my documents for an import certificate.
Will be flying into BKK via Thai Airways, and my cat will be on board with me as well - 3 months old.

Any updated advice for the above?

Thank you!

[emugirl]

nphongggg, on 2012-02-04 05:30:13, said:

I've read most of the posts and all the charges varies at the quarantine office.
Is there a specific price we have to pay? I've already emailed my documents for an import certificate.
Will be flying into BKK via Thai Airways, and my cat will be on board with me as well - 3 months old.

Any updated advice for the above?

Thank you!

We arrived in Thailand on a Qatar flight from Belgium with our cat on the same flight in December '11. All we needed to present at the Bkk airport quarantine office was her health  certificate and we paid 200 Bhat. Was quite a simple, painless procedure. Hope your experience is the same.

[nphongggg]

emugirl, on 2012-02-04 09:43:50, said:

nphongggg, on 2012-02-04 05:30:13, said:

I've read most of the posts and all the charges varies at the quarantine office.
Is there a specific price we have to pay? I've already emailed my documents for an import certificate.
Will be flying into BKK via Thai Airways, and my cat will be on board with me as well - 3 months old.

Any updated advice for the above?

Thank you!

We arrived in Thailand on a Qatar flight from Belgium with our cat on the same flight in December '11. All we needed to present at the Bkk airport quarantine office was her health  certificate and we paid 200 Bhat. Was quite a simple, painless procedure. Hope your experience is the same.

heyyy. thanks so much for your reply (: i hope it'll be a simple, painless procedure too. a bit nervous thinking abt it. but i got pretty much everything already. so i shld b ok.

[seekingfriends]

hi . i am brining 3 dogs from sydney to bbk . they will fly on the same flight as me. and my partner who  is thai  so the language is no problem and friends will meet us in bbk .  i understand the  medical certificates thats no problem  .but do i need a import certificate for the dogs.  james

[Nienke]

Click on Form No 1/1: http://www.dld.go.th...ove/imex_e.html

[brenchng]

giibaht, on 2010-11-23 19:14:49, said:

giibaht, on 2010-11-01 11:20:36, said:

I managed to get through on the phone to Thai Airways Singapore office after being put on hold for 25min   But for my darling, its worth the wait

For the benefit of others, these are the requirements from TG:
1) Pet + Carrier < 10Kg
2) Carrier dimensions 55 (L) x 37 (W) x 30 (H) cm. The carrier must be put under the seat when on board.
3) Need to provide microchip number as part of the ticket booking
4) Documents required: health certificate + Thai import permit and Singapore export permits to be provided when checking in. Also need to inform them one week in advance before departure.
5) Pet & Carrier will be checked in as excess luggage at SGD 15 per kg (current rates)
6) Pet must be clean and odorless

As I am going to Chiangmai via Bangkok, I will just carry my pet with me when changing flights.

Well, I've booked my ticket and as per item(3) above, I called the Singapore office. In addition to the microchip number, they asked for the pet carrier dimensions and weight of my pet & carrier, and apparently this is booked into their system as well. Will update again after I take the flight

Hi,
Did you used an agent for relocating your cat, if you did which agent did u used and how much does it cost?
I'm moving to bangkok with my 2 dogs to bangkok and would appreciate if you can update your experience relocating your pet.