Traveling with Pets at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) | 2025

Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok offers a structured process and pet-friendly facilities for passengers traveling with pets. Whether you’re bringing pets into or out of Thailand, it’s important to follow the airport’s guidelines.

Arrival and Departure Guide for Pets

Arriving with Pets

To bring pets into Thailand, follow these steps:

Step 1: Request an Import Permit

Submit your request at least 7 working days before your travel date to the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS). The required documents include:

• Form R1/1 from the Thai Department of Livestock Development (download from their website).
• A copy of the passenger’s passport.
• A recent photo of your pet.
• Flight itinerary.
• Vaccination record (must be in English).
• Microchip certificate.

Email the port of entry: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): [email protected]

Step 2: Veterinary Review

• The AQS will review the documents within 3 working days.
• If additional information is required, they will contact you via email.

Step 3: Import Permit Issuance

• Once approved, you’ll receive the permit by email.
• For dogs and cats, the certificate is valid for 10 days after endorsement.
• For small animals, it’s valid for 30 days.

Step 4: Prepare Documents Before Departure

Ensure you have:

• The original pet passport (legalized by your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy).
• The original vaccination book (legalized as above).
• A printout of the import permit.
• A certificate of blood test against rabies (optional, depending on the country).

Step 5: Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Upon arrival:

• Contact the AQS at the port of entry, located next to carousel No. 8 for hand-carried pets.
• Fees: 500 THB per animal (in cash).
• Pets must pass a veterinary inspection. If no signs of illness are observed, pets will not be quarantined. However, quarantine officers have discretionary authority to detain pets if necessary.

Departing with Pets

1. Submit Necessary Forms: Complete the pet transportation form (Form R.1/1) and submit it to the Animal Quarantine Station at the airport.
2. Health Check: Pets must undergo a health check 2–3 days before departure.
3. Obtain Export Permit: Authorities will issue an export permit (Form R.9) and a health certificate.
4. Additional Permits for Birds or Exotics: For birds or exotic animals, an export certificate from the Department of Forestry or CITES documents may be required.

Recommendations for Pet Travel

• Pets must be at least 4 months old.
• Vaccination against rabies is mandatory at least 21 days before travel.
• Airlines may have additional requirements for transporting pets, so it is advisable to check with the airline before travelling.

Water Management

Avoid using Gravity-Fed Water Dispensers as they may spill due to vibrations during handling. Instead: Freeze water in the dispenser; it will melt gradually, providing a steady water supply during travel or put ice cubes in the water bowl.

Required Documents

• Copy of the owner’s passport.
• Rabies vaccination certificate for dogs and cats.
• Export certificates for birds or exotic pets.

Contact for Assistance

• Transportation Control and Quarantine Division:
  • Tel: (02) 653-4444 ext. 4174–4179
  • Email: [email protected]
• Thai Department of Livestock Development Import Guidelines
• Animal Quarantine Station (BKK):
  • Tel: +(662) 134 0636 (24 hours)
  • Email: [email protected]
• For pets traveling as air cargo:
  • Free Zone Area, CE-1 Building.
  • Tel: +(662) 134 0731 (Mon–Fri, 08:30–16:30).

Pet-Friendly Areas

Before check-in, take your pets to the grassy area in front of the Novotel Hotel near the airport. It’s an ideal space for pets to stretch and relieve themselves before a flight.

Pet-Friendly Airlines at Bangkok Airport (BKK)

• Thai Airways (cargo only, health certificates required)
• Bangkok Airways (pets under 5 kg allowed in cabin, larger pets in cargo)
• Qatar Airways (service animals in cabin, pets in temperature-controlled cargo)
• Singapore Airlines (cargo only, dedicated care at layovers)
• Cathay Pacific (cargo only, cats, dogs, and birds allowed)
• Emirates (falcons allowed in cabin on specific routes, pets in temperature-controlled cargo)
• AirAsia (limited pet cargo services, confirm per route)
• Korean Air (pets under 7 kg allowed in cabin, larger pets in cargo).