Thailand is Southeast Asia's most popular holiday destination for Singapore-based travellers, but for pet owners, the logistics are significant. Bringing your dog or cat to Thailand requires a Thai import permit and a Singapore-endorsed health certificate. And the return journey triggers a mandatory 30-day AQC quarantine in Singapore.
For most pet owners, that 30-day quarantine makes Thailand a practical destination only for longer-term stays, not short holidays.
Singapore export requirements are sourced from avs.nparks.gov.sg. Thailand import requirements are sourced from the Thai Department of Livestock Development (DLD). Verify both sets of requirements directly with the relevant authorities before travel.
The Critical Warning: Returning to Singapore from Thailand
Thailand is Schedule III for Singapore pet re-entry. Any time your pet spends in Thailand — even a single day — means a mandatory 30-day quarantine at the AQC when returning to Singapore. This applies regardless of how long you visited.
Most pet owners in Singapore do not bring their pets to Thailand for this reason. If you plan a 2-week holiday in Chiang Mai, your pet faces 30 days in the AQC on the way home. That is not a holiday — it is a significant welfare and financial commitment.
If you are relocating to Thailand long-term and may want to bring your pet back to Singapore in the future, factor in this 30-day quarantine.
Singapore-Side Export Requirements
Before leaving Singapore with your pet:
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apply for export licence | Via GoBusiness Licensing Portal; S$50 normal, S$100 express; valid 90 days |
| 2 | Get veterinary health certificate | Issued by Singapore licensed vet; endorsed by Singapore government vet (AVS); valid approximately 7–10 days from endorsement |
| 3 | CAPQ pre-export inspection | Book at least 5 days before departure if Thailand requires government pre-inspection |
Thailand Import Requirements
Thailand's Department of Livestock Development (DLD) requires the following for dogs and cats entering from Singapore:
You must apply for a Special Import Permit (Form R1/1) before travel:
- Email Form R1/1 to the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) at your destination airport
- For Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok BKK): qsap_bkk_import@dld.go.th
- Application window: between 7 and 60 days before arrival
- Permit valid 60 days from issuance; processing time approximately 5–7 Thai business days
Documents to submit with Form R1/1:
- Copy of traveller's passport
- Colour photo of the pet (face clearly visible)
- Vaccination certificates in English (with vet name, licence number, signature)
- Microchip implantation certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
Other requirements:
- Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit chip); must precede all vaccinations
- Rabies vaccination: must be administered more than 21 days before arrival in Thailand
- Pet age: minimum 4 months old
- Health certificate: from Singapore-licensed vet, endorsed by Singapore government vet; valid approximately 10 days from endorsement date
- No quarantine in Thailand if all documents are in order
Entry fee at Thai airport: 500 THB per animal, paid in cash on arrival at the AQS counter.
Required Vaccinations for Thailand
| Species | Vaccines required |
|---|---|
| Dogs | Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Rabies |
| Cats | Feline Panleukopenia, Rabies |
All vaccines must be recorded on the health certificate with vet details.
Airlines on SIN-BKK That Accept Pets
Not all airlines on the Singapore-Bangkok route accept live animals. As of 2026:
| Airline | In-cabin | Hold cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Airways | Yes (under 5kg) | Yes | Only airline on route commonly accepting in-cabin pets |
| Singapore Airlines | No | Yes (via SIA Cargo) | No in-cabin pets |
| Thai Airways | No | Yes (cargo) | No in-cabin pets |
| Scoot | No | No | Does not accept pets |
| AirAsia | No | Route-dependent | Confirm directly |
Contact each airline's cargo or live animal desk to confirm availability on your specific flight date.
Practical Guidance
If you are relocating to Thailand long-term and have no plans to return your pet to Singapore, the process is manageable. Apply for the Thai permit 2–4 weeks before travel, get the health certificate from your Singapore vet within 7–10 days of departure, and confirm airlines.
If you are considering a short holiday in Thailand with your pet: factor the 30-day AQC quarantine into your decision. For most pet owners, it is not worthwhile for a short trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my pet to Thailand by road (driving through Malaysia)? You would need to transit Malaysia with your pet, which has its own requirements. Malaysia is also Schedule III for Singapore re-entry. Any contact with Malaysia or Thailand means the 30-day AQC quarantine applies on return. See returning to Singapore with your pet after a holiday for the re-entry schedule.
My dog has been vaccinated against all the required diseases. Do I still need the health certificate? Yes. The Thai DLD requires a health certificate issued and endorsed by a Singapore government vet regardless of prior vaccination records. The permit and health certificate are separate from vaccination history.
What if my pet gets sick in Thailand? Thai veterinary care is generally available in major cities and tourist areas. Keep copies of your pet's vaccination records and microchip number. In an emergency, contact a local vet.
Planning to travel from Singapore to Thailand with your dog or cat? Contact our team for help with the Singapore-side health certificate and export licence.
Source (Singapore side): Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS). Source (Thailand side): Thai Department of Livestock Development (DLD). Verify current requirements before travel.