You're finally moving to Thailand ! But there's no question of leaving your pet behind. So how do you share the adventure of expatriate life in the Land of Smiles with your four-legged companion? What are the various veterinary formalities you need to complete?

Sawa Discovery has conducted the research and brings you all the information about the veterinary requirements associated with bringing a pet into Thai territory and preparing your dog's journey.

Physical entry of your pet & veterinary requirements in Thailand

For a pet, there are two possible ways to enter Thai territory by air:

• as excess baggage

• through a specialized transport company

Upon arrival in Thailand, you will need to collect your pet at the location designated by the airline handling its transport.

You must then present yourself at the Animal Import office at the airport to complete the necessary administrative formalities. A customs officer will then decide whether the animal must be placed in quarantine and will ask you to pay any applicable administrative fees.

Below is a list of the various documents relating to veterinary requirements that you must have in your possession for your pet's entry into Thailand:

• An export certificate issued in your country of origin by the specialized transport company or a veterinarian.

• An import permit issued by the Animal Import office officers in Thailand.

• An identity and health certificate issued by a veterinarian in your country of origin and written in English, which must provide the following information: age, sex, color, distinctive markings, owner's name and address.

Essential vaccinations for Thailand's veterinary requirements

Your pet's vaccinations must also be up to date, and you will be asked to provide the following vaccination certificates:

• Rabies vaccination at least 15 days before departure.

• Leptospirosis vaccination (also known as rat disease) at least 21 days before departure.

• Vaccinations against distemper, infectious canine hepatitis (or Rubarth's hepatitis) and canine parvovirus at least 21 days before departure.

• If your companion is to stay in a kennel, it must be vaccinated against infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly known as kennel cough.

• If your pet is a cat, it must be vaccinated against feline infectious enteritis and feline influenza.

Thai veterinary law stipulates that pets must be placed in quarantine upon arrival in the country at the owner's expense. In practice, however, dogs and cats are very rarely placed in quarantine.

To ensure you have up-to-date information regarding veterinary requirements in Thailand, don't rely solely on the information in this document: consult your regular veterinarian and contact the Department of Livestock Development, the official authority responsible for animal import issues.

Transporting your pet

Regardless of which airline is handling your pet's transport, you must ensure that your animal is eligible to enter Thailand, as well as all countries through which it will transit (stopovers).

If the animal travels on the same flight as you, try to have it travel as excess baggage rather than in cargo, as this will cost you much less.

The animal must travel in an approved container that is spacious enough for the animal to stand, sit, and turn around during the journey. The container must provide proper ventilation and include a system that allows the animal to eat and drink safely.

Not all airlines offer pet transport services. You must therefore plan well in advance and coordinate every detail, making sure to secure your agreements with the airlines in a signed document.

Finally, check in well in advance on the day of your departure, as the authorities will need time to review all your documents before allowing you to board your flight to Thailand with your pet.