Importing A Pet Into Thailand

[chiangmaibruce]

Puss goes to LOS: Part 1

I am posting this account of relocating our cat from Australia to Thailand as it may be of interest to those thinking of doing likewise. The first part relates to the Australian end, and the second part deals with the actual trip and subsequent arrival in Chiang Mai. All info was current as of September 2007 and is specific to relocation from Australia to Thailand ONLY. The cat came through the trip with no evidence of trauma whatsoever, and is now happily adjusting to the sights, smells and sounds of Northern Thailand. It was however quite a learning experience, and this account will be in shortened form otherwise it might be like reading "War and Peace".

In deciding whether to take the puss, and in then looking at the best way of doing it, I first did a review of info on the web including Thaivisa. The next step was to approach Thai Airways (Brisbane office) for advice. One issue was whether the cat could travel with us in the passenger compartment, which is possible with some airlines in some countries. As far as I could make out, no airlines flying from Australia allow animals in the passenger compartment. Be aware that a small number of airlines will not even carry live animals as cargo.

Thai Airways were helpful and suggested a pet transportation company from whom I subsequently obtained a quote (JetPets $1057.50), which was quite a shock. I went back to Thai Air and they suggested a general cargo company (Hellmann) and another pet transport company (DogTainers). The quote from Hellman was around $500. At first this seemed like a BIG saving, but be aware that the cargo company quote only includes carrying the pet – that's it – and that's only one piece of the jigsaw. For example the JetPets quote included an allowance for fees at the destination airport, ie. a 'facilitation fee' if you like. At the time I thought this was unnecessary as we had it all sorted, etc.

Apart from money, one factor here was that I was not working and had the time to run around and do the things that you must do if you do not use a pet specialist. If you don't have the time and/or are no good with red-tape, then you really need to use a pet specialist. Also, we always planned to be on the same plane as our pet.

OK, so what are some of the things you need to do if you choose the DIY route?

1. Obtain an IATA approved cage of adequate dimensions. For our large cat this was going to cost around $80. I got a good one in as-new condition in the classifieds for $20. You will also need a suitable water container and water bottle. I also got some absorbent "puppy trainer" mats to line the base of the cage.

2. Obtain an import permit for Thailand. My wife's family went to see the appropriate people in Chiang Mai hoping to facilitate/expedite. They were told that as we were traveling with the cat, there was no need for any paperwork prior to arrival. This was not acceptable to the Australian authorities however, so this meant another trip for my wife's family who then faxed the import permit to us. There was no charge at that stage, and we were told it would only cost us 100 baht on arrival.

3. Apply for an export permit from the Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service (AQIS), and organize a meeting time.

4. Undergo a pre-trip medical examination at an AQIS accredited vet ($176). This will include flea bath and worm treatment. You will need to have your vaccination certificates with you.

5. Attend a meeting at AQIS to present your papers and collect your export permit ($104).

6. Obtain your papers from your chosen cargo company, including sticker for the cage, air waybill, etc. They will need a copy of the import permit and export permit.

7. Deliver your pet to the appropriate depot prior to your flight. In our case this meant two trips to the airport as we were not flying out until after midnight, but had to have the cat at the depot by 6:30 pm at the latest.

Note that these steps must be carried out in a particular order, and within certain time frames. Information and forms are available from the relevant web sites.

When we checked in at the airport at 10:00pm we asked Thai Air staff whether our cat had been received at the terminal. The message came back "we have a moggy in the boot". We were away.

[chiangmaibruce]

Puss goes to LOS: Part 2

The flight was uneventful but we were concerned about the cat transiting at Bangkok, especially with the reasonably tight turnaround time before the flight to Chiang Mai (also Thai Air). As it turned out, it was US that almost didn’t make it onto the plane. We understood that we would go through Immigration & Customs at Chiang Mai. In Bangkok however we were directed to an enormous queue with all the other passengers transiting on to Samui, Phuket, etc. There were I think only 3-4 immigration staff processing everyone, but finally we made it to the departure gate with only minutes to spare.

Once at the departure gate we asked whether the cat was onboard. We were told we would be advised shortly. We boarded and sure enough staff came to confirm that puss was also loaded. Big sigh of relief all round. I had visions of the poor thing sitting ignored in some sweltering terminal for the rest of the day!

Ok on to Chiang Mai. On landing we asked staff about the cat to confirm it would be unloaded at the luggage carousel. We waited and waited, in the company of the Thai Quarantine staff who were there to meet us. Eventually it transpired that as the cat was cargo (not carried on board or even as checked luggage) it had been taken to the Thai Air Cargo terminal. Note here that, as far as I am aware, neither of are when bringing animals out from Australia – it was cargo or nothing.

In subsequent discussions with the Quarantine staff I could see our anticipated 100 baht fee deal evaporating. It was explained that although the cat arrived on the same plane, it was not traveling with us, and so the situation was now different and beyond their control. By now we were also getting increasingly hot and tired, and our toddler getting crankier by the minute.

So next we hike to the cargo terminal to speak with first Thai cargo and then Customs. Yes, it seems that as the cat is cargo they must prepare fresh paperwork and we will be subject to import fees, etc. And can we please come back in an hour.

My wife did her smiling best (my Thai is miserable). She even asked for a discount. But in the end this is what we got hit with:

Thai Cargo additional handling fee - 321 baht

Import permit – 100 baht

Customs processing fee – 270 baht

Customs fee based on 30% value of goods – 3,600 baht

(They estimated the cat to be worth 12,000 baht … 555)

Customs “shipping fee” – 2,500 baht

Total = 6,791 baht (or approx $235) !! Oh yeah !!

All of the people/staff I dealt with along the way were prompt, friendly and helpful. The one exception were obviously the Thai customs staff (though the staff of the Chiang Mai Animal Quarantine Station were fine). But hey, it’s Thailand and you can grin and bear it or you can be forever angry and complaining. Realistically, what can you do? Leave the cat with them and write a letter to your Congressman? Or pay the money, pat the cat, then go out to a 39 baht buffet restaurant for lunch.

I anticipated the cat would retreat into a dark cupboard for about two days on arrival. As it turned out however it was exploring its new house almost as soon as it arrived and is doing just fine now. Interestingly, cat litter is more expensive here as it is an exotic farang product, but he is getting by with coarse sand instead. He is on a special diet (for FLUTD) and there is no problem getting his special food here – and at reasonable cost. Finally, he is a long-haired cat but clipping is available here at a vastly lower cost than in Australia.

Cheers

C.B

[sbk]

Excellent post, thanks for the time and effort put into it

[mgsrus]

Those that should know don't know and those who think they know don't appear to either -- but I still thank them for the pieces of the puzzle they gave me.

I have recently spent a good deal of time obtaining an import permit for my dog and here follows the procedure that worked for me -- should be the same or similar for other pets -- hope it saves others from the same frustrations.

Go to the following page of the Department of Livestock Development website http://www.dld.go.th/dcontrol/move/imex_e.html#L1 under the section headed Importation of Live Animals go to the link (Form No 1/1) and download the form. The format in which the form was composed results in it looking a bit messy in many web browsers, complete it as best you can.

I was not confident that it would be correct as I do not read Thai and the English translation struggles a bit in places so I repeated all the details of the animal, where it was coming from/going to and why in plain English in the email just to be sure; you'll see what I mean when you see the form. You must also attach a photocopy of your passport and visa.

Send the email to:

I found that I had to send the email a second time as the first one came back as undeliverable; it is the correct address so keep sending until it sticks. If you don't get a reply after a few days it's quite possible that your email ended up in their SPAM folder and, as they get a lot of spam, it could stay there for a while/indefinetly! So it's best to call them on the number above, they speak English and a polite and friendly request for help should get it found and processed -- allow a week overall and you should be OK. The permit when issued is good for 45 days and you will most likely need it to book your pet on the flight; Thai Air insisted on seeing a copy. You will also need an Export Health Certificate which is available from your local DEFRA office. They need the exact date of departure from the UK which you probably won't have as you need the import permit before you can book the flight [!!] however, submit the form to get it into the system and add a note stating that you will call in with the date when available; if you submit at the same time you apply for the import permit it will hopefully all tie up. Ten days before your departure they will send the certificate to your nominated vet, they need to check the animal within 72hrs of departure and will then issue the certificate to you. This assumes you have already found out about the rabies shots/passport/leptospirosis jabs etc etc.

Now you are ready for the painful part!!!

In my experience all airlines that take pets from the UK [not all will] have a strict 32Kg limit [all up including IATA approved carrier and bedding etc] for checking into Excess Baggage >>> over that and the pet must go as cargo: the only significant difference being that you have to get it to the cargo depot 4hrs before the flight leaves. Be prepared for the cost as it's dearer than taking a number of children with you! With Thai Air it's £34 per Kg actual weight as excess baggage [as at Oct 07], the per Kg by cargo is much less BUT they use a volumetric weight calculation which can mean the cost is very similar to the Excess Baggage charge. I booked Thai Air as they appear to be good with pets and fly direct into Thailand, I didn't fancy the idea of my dog being left on the tarmac in the hot Sun somewhere like Dubai for several hours waiting for a delayed connecting flight.

The Thais think we are crazy for paying so much to bring a pet over when there are so many homeless strays available there - maybe we are!

[chiangmaibruce]

OK, since I made this posting I have taken up the matter with Thai Airlines just to confirm whether other airlines (flying from Australia) have the same policy or not.

Thai Air have kindly come back with the following information:

Please be advised the carriage of any animals is not permitted in the passenger compartment or as excess baggage by any airlines departing from Australia. This is not a Thai Airways ruling but Australian Government law and applies to all airlines departing from Australia. Carriage as such may be permitted from other countries as they may have different laws in this regard. Please refer to the Australian government website for more information www.dotars.gov.au.

Edited October 11, 2007 by chiangmaibruce

[Patsycat]

Great story!!

What we do for our furry friends!! Any pics of Puss in his/her new surroundings?

Edited October 16, 2007 by Patsycat

[ArtfulD]

Nice read.

My cat starts his journey from the UK to Thailand tomorrow....spends one night at his "hotel" before jetting off on British Airways, I pick him up Fri 3pm....I used a firm called Airpets...came to 680 quid.

[JUDAS]

Puss goes to LOS: Part 2

The flight was uneventful but we were concerned about the cat transiting at Bangkok, especially with the reasonably tight turnaround time before the flight to Chiang Mai (also Thai Air). As it turned out, it was US that almost didn't make it onto the plane. We understood that we would go through Immigration & Customs at Chiang Mai. In Bangkok however we were directed to an enormous queue with all the other passengers transiting on to Samui, Phuket, etc. There were I think only 3-4 immigration staff processing everyone, but finally we made it to the departure gate with only minutes to spare.

Once at the departure gate we asked whether the cat was onboard. We were told we would be advised shortly. We boarded and sure enough staff came to confirm that puss was also loaded. Big sigh of relief all round. I had visions of the poor thing sitting ignored in some sweltering terminal for the rest of the day!

Ok on to Chiang Mai. On landing we asked staff about the cat to confirm it would be unloaded at the luggage carousel. We waited and waited, in the company of the Thai Quarantine staff who were there to meet us. Eventually it transpired that as the cat was cargo (not carried on board or even as checked luggage) it had been taken to the Thai Air Cargo terminal. Note here that, as far as I am aware, neither of are when bringing animals out from Australia – it was cargo or nothing.

In subsequent discussions with the Quarantine staff I could see our anticipated 100 baht fee deal evaporating. It was explained that although the cat arrived on the same plane, it was not traveling with us, and so the situation was now different and beyond their control. By now we were also getting increasingly hot and tired, and our toddler getting crankier by the minute.

So next we hike to the cargo terminal to speak with first Thai cargo and then Customs. Yes, it seems that as the cat is cargo they must prepare fresh paperwork and we will be subject to import fees, etc. And can we please come back in an hour.

My wife did her smiling best (my Thai is miserable). She even asked for a discount. But in the end this is what we got hit with:

Thai Cargo additional handling fee - 321 baht

Import permit – 100 baht

Customs processing fee – 270 baht

Customs fee based on 30% value of goods – 3,600 baht

(They estimated the cat to be worth 12,000 baht … 555)

Customs "shipping fee" – 2,500 baht

Total = 6,791 baht (or approx $235) !! Oh yeah !!

All of the people/staff I dealt with along the way were prompt, friendly and helpful. The one exception were obviously the Thai customs staff (though the staff of the Chiang Mai Animal Quarantine Station were fine). But hey, it's Thailand and you can grin and bear it or you can be forever angry and complaining. Realistically, what can you do? Leave the cat with them and write a letter to your Congressman? Or pay the money, pat the cat, then go out to a 39 baht buffet restaurant for lunch.

I anticipated the cat would retreat into a dark cupboard for about two days on arrival. As it turned out however it was exploring its new house almost as soon as it arrived and is doing just fine now. Interestingly, cat litter is more expensive here as it is an exotic farang product, but he is getting by with coarse sand instead. He is on a special diet (for FLUTD) and there is no problem getting his special food here – and at reasonable cost. Finally, he is a long-haired cat but clipping is available here at a vastly lower cost than in Australia.

Cheers

C.B

Great post, looking forward to part 3

[Zolt]

Greetings,

I'm moving from Japan to Thailand, and I'll be bringing my cat with me.

After checking with pet carriers, airways and animal quarantine, it seems bringing my cat with me on board will be the simplest way.

- Thai airways informed me I just had to pay the extra luggage price per kg for my cat and his cage, so about 15 000 yen for 5 kg

- Quarantine office as Suvarnabhumi informed me that no procedure was necessary before entry, and all I needed was the health certificate from japan quarantine, they even showed me an example of the form needed.

- Check with quarantine office in Kansai Airport, no special documentation is required, but to speed up the procedure (I fly a morning flight) they recommended that I do a basic health check in a japanese vet clinic (which I have). Rabies vaccination not mandatory for cats but strongly recommended from both sides. Got it done 1 month ago too.

I fly from Japan on next monday, so I'll keep you updated.　The guy I saw at suvarnabhumi quarantine station was quite friendly and helpful, but spoke no english whatsoever.

[daveb1]

Hi on the Thai dept of livestock notes it says animals are subject to at least 30 days quarantine at approved premises, did anyone have to leave there cat in quarantine at the airport or can you take your cat straight home after the flight?

[zeusbheld]

excellent thread.

i'm going to be taking a (very fat, but otherwise not inordinately large) cat with me back to new york in about six months to a year. didn't see much on regulations for taking a pet FROM thailand TO the US, if anyone happens to have experience it'd be great to know.

also i'm hoping to bring fatboy Bart in the cabin; i'll be flying either Northwest (have airmiles) or Thai (nonstop). anyone have experience with pets in cabin on these carriers?

(i did read the thread, apologies if i missed it and these have been answered already).

[Zolt]

Hi on the Thai dept of livestock notes it says animals are subject to at least 30 days quarantine at approved premises, did anyone have to leave there cat in quarantine at the airport or can you take your cat straight home after the flight?

Hi Dave,

When you go through the paperwork at Suvarnabhumi, they will normally give you a form authorizing you to do the quarantine at your home. That's what they did for me last week.

Update on bringing cat from japan:

The animal quarantine office was a bit hard to find in Kansai airport, good thing I booked a hotel on place for the night and we woke up early. It's in an administrative building outside the main airport building, on the right. 2nd floor. Staff was very nice and helped us make sense out of the vaccination certificates we had brought. Procedure for export was quite simple, but they also spent a lot of time explaining us the return procedure, when and if we come back to japan. Apparently that can take over 6 months, and microchip is mandatory.

Import license from Department of Animal Health was NOT required on the japanese side: we simply explained it would be done on arrival.

With Thai airways everything went fine, you just need to let them know 1 week in advance. Fee for extra luggage was 3000 yen per kg so 15 000 total. They have a strict limit on the size of the crate, but ours fit just fine. They gave us a kind of boarding pass for the cat, which we had to show at security check, and let us take the cat in cabin, under our seat (I don't think they have any special compartiment). Needless to say we were quite an attraction during boarding. Lots of kids on that flight.

Arrival a suvarnabhumi, a bit tired but OK, very very long walk to the immigration, but fortunately not too crowded. Proceeded to get our bags then to the animal quarantine office. They simply took the health certificate from the quarantine office in japan, had us fill a form with our name & address, and asked for 100 bahts. Then they spent the next 10 minutes doing paperwork, and issued us with:

- Import certificate

- 1 copy for customs

- Authorization to do the quarantine at home

- receipt for 100 bahts.

At customs we simply handed the certificate copy and were let through without even stopping.

I wish I had taken some pictures on that trip but I really had other things on my mind.

[daveb1]

Many thanks for your help, thats a worry off my mind!

Cheers

[NBT TV Phuket]

Microchips Have To Be Put On Phuket Dogs And Cats, & passports issued

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=216394

From now on pets like cats and dogs in Phuket or those brought into the island must have micro-chips. This is in response to the island being designated as the first rabies-free province. Our reporter has more:

The micro–chips are installed on the back ear of dogs and cats which their owners bring in. On this occasion the pets’ pictures are taken and individual details recorded in each pet’s ID or so-called passport. The procedure, which is carried out by the Phuket provincial Livestock Development Office, is in response to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives which announced and designated Phuket province as a Rabies-Free zone. This covers both dogs and cats. The announcement will take effect after it is endorsed in the government’s Royal Gazette which is expected around March 26th, this year The Phuket chief of the Livestock Development Office Sunart Wongchavalit encourages pet owners of dogs or pets to register. They can do so at local government offices. He stresses that the passport is free of charge. "The advantage is that it not only keeps a health record for your pets but also officials can help identify owners in case you lose your pets. The passport is free of charge, but the micro-chip costs 200 baht. You may have the micro chipped installed at private clinic, may be with a higher fee, then ask for a certificate from the vets and report to our office. We then would issue the pet’s passport."

That’s for residents; how about pet owners who wish to bring in their pets into Phuket? The official said no pets are allowed to enter the island without having been micro-chipped. When the animal check point at Tha Chartchai, the only land gateway for the island, is in operation, a vet will be stationed there to provide the vaccination and micro-chip installation for visiting or imported pets to the island. Phuket currently houses around 12,000 dogs, among them about 2,000 are still strays. They are not micro-chipped but are being neutered and given vaccinations against rabies. The useful tips we learnt from vets are that pet owners should carry IDs or passports and health documents or rabies certificates for their pets. This is not only a requirement when crossing or entering into Phuket – a rabies free zone - but it will also help in the case of your dog biting another person or pet. For more info contact Phuket Provincial Livestock Office, on Amphur rd, in Phuket City or telephone 076 216934

Special report for Andaman News TV11 (VHF dial) at 8.30am & local Cable TV channel 1 + maybe FM90.5 Radio Thailand 6pm, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, & possibly FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket, Monday 3 March 2008 & http://news.prd.go.th

[tuktukusa]

I read many of the posts BUT no one offered information about walking the pet for him to use the bathroom. YES this travel can be stress on the animal. For me, my little guy is a 4 # pom, he is beyond spoiled and would not survive in the lower deck. It is a long flight from Detroit to Japan, he will need to GO, I plan on taking him as carry on for my final flight to BKK there he will have his NEW permanant home with my wife until I am able to move there myself.

My concerns are his spoiled and pampered ways. I rescued him from abused at 9 months, he has been cared for as well as the King. His early abuse made him affraid of many things as things were thrown at him, beat, loud noises send him into deep tremble state, he is better now with me for 7 years, but he still remembers some things.

My biggest concern is his comfort and he makes the trip without going into shock. And his time to use toilet. The next flight typically departs Japan to BKK in about 1 hour, there is not time to exit the terminal going through customs, returning and catching the next flight, CAN HE USE the outside at the gates in any way.

Knowing this answer will put both of us at great comfort.

Added he's never been in a flight box before and I am getting him used to it now. SLOWLY,

He is the most well mannered dog having and making use of his over 600 comands not only in speech, but signal,and sound. He never needs a leash but I do put on him, as he went to the Perry Georgia dog show only to hopefully find a girlfriend and no one there could believe his nature. He didnt mind seeing other dogs, and remained a perfect disaplined little man without ever saying a word to him. Everyone wanted him to be in the show. But he is just my little guy !!!!

Again ---- How about after the long flight can he use facility without problems of exit and return into terminal and customs.

THanks

[Yumiko]

I read many of the posts BUT no one offered information about walking the pet for him to use the bathroom. YES this travel can be stress on the animal. For me, my little guy is a 4 # pom, he is beyond spoiled and would not survive in the lower deck. It is a long flight from Detroit to Japan, he will need to GO, I plan on taking him as carry on for my final flight to BKK there he will have his NEW permanant home with my wife until I am able to move there myself.

My concerns are his spoiled and pampered ways. I rescued him from abused at 9 months, he has been cared for as well as the King. His early abuse made him affraid of many things as things were thrown at him, beat, loud noises send him into deep tremble state, he is better now with me for 7 years, but he still remembers some things.

My biggest concern is his comfort and he makes the trip without going into shock. And his time to use toilet. The next flight typically departs Japan to BKK in about 1 hour, there is not time to exit the terminal going through customs, returning and catching the next flight, CAN HE USE the outside at the gates in any way.

Knowing this answer will put both of us at great comfort.

Added he's never been in a flight box before and I am getting him used to it now. SLOWLY,

He is the most well mannered dog having and making use of his over 600 comands not only in speech, but signal,and sound. He never needs a leash but I do put on him, as he went to the Perry Georgia dog show only to hopefully find a girlfriend and no one there could believe his nature. He didnt mind seeing other dogs, and remained a perfect disaplined little man without ever saying a word to him. Everyone wanted him to be in the show. But he is just my little guy !!!!

Again ---- How about after the long flight can he use facility without problems of exit and return into terminal and customs.

THanks

Tuktukusa - I've traveled from USA to Thailand and back with my cat and my large dog (both road in the hull of the plane as excess baggage) but have never seen a place within the airport terminal to let your pet use the bathroom specifically. However since you have a small dog, perhaps you could get a little "creative." You could line the bottom of kennel carrier with "potty pads," and change the pads out as needed. Or you could bring a few potty pads with you, and take your dog into the public restroom, lay the pad down, and see if he will go on it there. If not, there are always doggy daipers! They come in XXS size too.

Potty pads as seen here:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...mp;pcatid=18589

Doggy daipers as seen here:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...mp;pcatid=15227

Hope that helps!

[steelepulse]

Anyone have any recommendations for agents that handle the import of dogs?  I live in Phuket and I am having two pups from Italy flown in in early July.  I would rather pay someone to handle the customs formalities as well as having the agent get the pups on the plane so I can pick them up in Phuket

[Nienke]

Anyone have any recommendations for agents that handle the import of dogs?  I live in Phuket and I am having two pups from Italy flown in in early July.  I would rather pay someone to handle the customs formalities as well as having the agent get the pups on the plane so I can pick them up in Phuket

Is contacting the dog training school in Phuket an option? So far i know they have been im/exporting dogs and thus they may be able to help you further.

Nienke

[Kadafi]

I get confused, so do not have to apply for import permit first to AQS? read on animal of livestock website to inform AQS 15 days before arrival and apply for a import permit, where as some other sites do not list it.

I have in place:

Health certificate which will be signed by vet (including rabies jab 21days prior departure)

export certificate

IATA certified dog crate (correct size)

Im traveling from UK, its just import permit which is causing problems as im unclear if its 100% required or not..last thing i want is my dog to be sent back to the UK because of a missing document as its getting closer to departure, im leaving on 18th June...

Edited May 29, 2008 by Kadafi

[steelepulse]

Thanks Nienke.  I do know Vichai there at phuket dog school so that sounds like a good place to start.

[mangotogo]

Hi all,

Just to keep up the thread on importing a pet from Australia: I just added my dog's "ordeal".

The vaccinations schedules and exams went uneventfully in Queensland. But the requirement tht the dog travels as cargo by the Australian government turned the trip in an unfair ordeal for the poor dog sitting in a cage. So here is how it went:

First the flight from Brisbane was delayed by 45 minutes because of some volcano eruptingsomwhere along our route: the flight had to change path 3 times during the night to avoid getting into the volcano ashes so we arrived at 7 am instead of 6am . It took me 6 hours to clear her from customs because Australia insists in the animals to come as cargo. If she would have been considered as excess luggage like for travel within Australia she would have come out in Bangkok just next to the baggage carrousel and the veterinary inspection is right next to this too.That is what all the other countries do… BUT!!!As I waited at these counters and was sent back and forth for 45 minutes after I had collected my luggage. I decided to preempt the arrival of the dog and walked into the veterinary office.The veterinarian in attendance started to fill the import papers and charged me 100 baht for the import permit. But then he sent me to Thai cargo: he wanted to see the official documents not copies ( at that point he told me that there would be a change in staff in the next hour. He left the contact numbers for his co workers on the desk for me, goo service there).The requested documents were onto her cage somewhere in the cargo departments……try to fid exactly where this is?Amongst all the buildings on the right hand side as you approach the airport. My partner was waiting for me outside the terminal. So our first trip is to get the documents from Thai cargo: then back to the passenger terminal: the vet had gone home and so I called the other doctor on duty…..another 30 minutes goes by. So the next veterinarian sees all the documents and then gives me the original back : he did not need to see the dog: he asked what kind it is: whippet is not on te list on the wall: only a greyhound on their chart. I then finish this paperwork , again great service there. Back to cargo: then we have to clear customs and pay import duties: ….another building and free lance customs clearance people wanting to get involved for a fee!!: more driving around: finally find someone to process the documents: 4 different people to see: again: what is a whippet???? The officer decides the dog is worth 10,000 baht , seemed to be based on do'g size? : so charges me 3000 baht import duty: ….but you can’t give this person the money….onto another building: there we have to pay another 500 baht for overtime. A customs agent fills more and more copies of documents with more passport photocopies .This process is amongst all the customs people and it looks more like the floor of the NY stock exchange…as they are al vying ofr the clerk's attention.time goes by: it is now 5 hours since I have landed and I am getting nervous aout the dog's conditon : my partner says meditate!! So we get some more receipts of the money paid….back to where the dog is supposed to be: up to the 2^nd floor: more paperwork….then downstairs: finally someone can sign her off it is now 18 hours since I surrendered her in Brisbane: she finally appears on a fork lift: there is water in her drinking bowls: I breathe again: I cut the wires to open the cage: she just walked out and said hello to everyone. I jump down to the car: pick her up and put her down: first thing she does….like everyone landing in Bangkok at old Don Muang airport ….smells the sewer…. So we left for home. She is sleeping in the car on the way back.

Another point to make; luckily I had purchased a cage larger than she needed. My reasoning was that she would use it later on as she grew. But the freight is charged not only on a kg basis but also on cubic metering. So her flight was almost as much as mine $570Au....the cage and the dog came in at 14kg.

So if you don;t mind doing some running around....with a thai speaker ( imperative). Be ready for a bit of an ordeal.

P.S. The puppy is quite happy in her new house. Now all I have to do is teach her a few commands in Thai language.

[Kadafi]

Hi all,

Just to keep up the thread on importing a pet from Australia: I just added my dog's "ordeal".

The vaccinations schedules and exams went uneventfully in Queensland. But the requirement tht the dog travels as cargo by the Australian government turned the trip in an unfair ordeal for the poor dog sitting in a cage. So here is how it went:

First the flight from Brisbane was delayed by 45 minutes because of some volcano eruptingsomwhere along our route: the flight had to change path 3 times during the night to avoid getting into the volcano ashes so we arrived at 7 am instead of 6am . It took me 6 hours to clear her from customs because Australia insists in the animals to come as cargo. If she would have been considered as excess luggage like for travel within Australia she would have come out in Bangkok just next to the baggage carrousel and the veterinary inspection is right next to this too.That is what all the other countries do… BUT!!!As I waited at these counters and was sent back and forth for 45 minutes after I had collected my luggage. I decided to preempt the arrival of the dog and walked into the veterinary office.The veterinarian in attendance started to fill the import papers and charged me 100 baht for the import permit. But then he sent me to Thai cargo: he wanted to see the official documents not copies ( at that point he told me that there would be a change in staff in the next hour. He left the contact numbers for his co workers on the desk for me, goo service there).The requested documents were onto her cage somewhere in the cargo departments……try to fid exactly where this is?Amongst all the buildings on the right hand side as you approach the airport. My partner was waiting for me outside the terminal. So our first trip is to get the documents from Thai cargo: then back to the passenger terminal: the vet had gone home and so I called the other doctor on duty…..another 30 minutes goes by. So the next veterinarian sees all the documents and then gives me the original back : he did not need to see the dog: he asked what kind it is: whippet is not on te list on the wall: only a greyhound on their chart. I then finish this paperwork , again great service there. Back to cargo: then we have to clear customs and pay import duties: ….another building and free lance customs clearance people wanting to get involved for a fee!!: more driving around: finally find someone to process the documents: 4 different people to see: again: what is a whippet???? The officer decides the dog is worth 10,000 baht , seemed to be based on do'g size? : so charges me 3000 baht import duty: ….but you can’t give this person the money….onto another building: there we have to pay another 500 baht for overtime. A customs agent fills more and more copies of documents with more passport photocopies .This process is amongst all the customs people and it looks more like the floor of the NY stock exchange…as they are al vying ofr the clerk's attention.time goes by: it is now 5 hours since I have landed and I am getting nervous aout the dog's conditon : my partner says meditate!! So we get some more receipts of the money paid….back to where the dog is supposed to be: up to the 2^nd floor: more paperwork….then downstairs: finally someone can sign her off it is now 18 hours since I surrendered her in Brisbane: she finally appears on a fork lift: there is water in her drinking bowls: I breathe again: I cut the wires to open the cage: she just walked out and said hello to everyone. I jump down to the car: pick her up and put her down: first thing she does….like everyone landing in Bangkok at old Don Muang airport ….smells the sewer…. So we left for home. She is sleeping in the car on the way back.

Another point to make; luckily I had purchased a cage larger than she needed. My reasoning was that she would use it later on as she grew. But the freight is charged not only on a kg basis but also on cubic metering. So her flight was almost as much as mine $570Au....the cage and the dog came in at 14kg.

So if you don;t mind doing some running around....with a thai speaker ( imperative). Be ready for a bit of an ordeal.

P.S. The puppy is quite happy in her new house. Now all I have to do is teach her a few commands in Thai language.

omg what an experience, i am due into Bangkok with my dog next Thursday..i pray to god my experience is alot better than yours! previously i had only read of easy and quick experiences through customers but yours sounded like a real nightmare.

Well done for getting you and your dog through it all though, never heard of that 3,000 baht import duty though..!!!!

[Kadafi]

Thai Airways Update - Selected breed of dog's unable to fly

I had my dog booked on a Thai Airways flight from Heathrow to Bangkok but have been told they have just changed there policy on dog's and animals that can travel. All dog's that are classed as (flat nosed,pug faced) as they put it, cannot fly with Thai Airways as from now (due to breathing problems) most of had bad experience.

Just a note, so if booking with Thai Airways(or any other Airline) check that your breed of animal is ok to travel under there regulations as they did not inform me when i booked two weeks ago and have now only been told today (they informed me the new regulations have only just come into effect).

My dog is a king charles cavalier spaniel and i would not have classed him as a flat nose dog but ive been told he cannot fly so just make sure you check with all airlines from now...

Edited June 10, 2008 by Kadafi

[chiangmaibruce]

Puss goes to LOS: Part 3

OK well it's now more than 9 months since our Aussie cat moved to Thailand and I thought I would report briefly on his cultural adjustments.

Dogs: We have a small house on small block surrounded by tall fence. We have MANY dogs in our village and they are an uncivilised lot too, with questionable attitudes and full of parasites of all descriptions. Once the cat had been in the house a month or so I let it into the garden and onto the balcony/roof. It had us worried by jumping over the fence and going exploring at night for several hours at a time. Maybe going to cat 'bar beer'? Not sure. I thought about trying to make the fence catproof, but after maybe a max. six outings, the cat decided (presumably) that it was all too risky and now seems content to stay on the roof or top of the fence.

Vets: We have tried a few and are happy with our current place, name translates as the 'House of Cat and Dog'. He went there yesterday for a clipping and annual cat flu shot. Total bill for both 670 baht or about 1/3 cost for just one of those procedures back in Oz. Go to your relevant Thaivisa city forum and search on "vets" for feedback and recommendations

Free shots: My wife heard them announce on the village PA that they were doing free rabies vaccinations for pets at the temple (once a year program). We went to explore and decided to get the cat done. The 'meo farang' got celebrity treatment being taken into a small room and handled by the head (and I think, only) vet in the team. Also asked for and received a new syringe. No ill-effects afterwards.

Other: As mentioned in a previous post, a lot of the dry foods you can buy back home are available here including vet special diets. Revolution and Frontline treatments are also available here. Cat litter available but at western prices, so we buy medium size sacks of sand for 20baht each. Weather warm and humid here but the cat finds a comfy place and never seems distressed or unhappy. Not sure how he is going communicating with the Thai cats, that Australian accent can be tricky.

Bottom line: No problems, rest easy if you bring your cat with you!

[steelepulse]

So do most people ship as air cargo?  I inquired to Thai Air and got some quotes which seem reasonable enough, although the guy shipping on the other end gave me some outrageous amount.

[mangotogo]

So do most people ship as air cargo? I inquired to Thai Air and got some quotes which seem reasonable enough, although the guy shipping on the other end gave me some outrageous amount.

Hi, from Australia. It is definately as air cargo. They charge either by the kilo or the cubic meter. My dog and her cage only weighed 14kg but it was a large cage. On a kilo basis it shold have been $250 but because of the size: it ended up being $650. This was just for the freight part: then there are fees on landing: small fee for the import permit 100 baht: then you have to pay import duty on the assessed value of the pet. Even if you have a receipt of purchase: they will estimate it's value. My puppy was valued at 10,000 baht and they charged me 3,000 baht. Another fee is the custom broker and possibly some overtime depending when your flight lands. So another 2,500 baht....lots of touts will be wanting to be your broker. Check them out first.

It took me 6 hours to do all this. If possible get 2 sets of original documents as they want to see the originals not some photocopies. I had to make a trip to Thai cargo to get the originals off the cage as they must be attached to the cage during the flight. Then go to the veterinarian (next to where your luggage comes out).

Just keep cool!

[steelepulse]

Well the guy I'm buying the dog sent me a list of fees which included 1000 Euros for some company to handle things on his end in Italy.  I told him I called thai air cargo and was quoted around 200-300 Euros, so I told the guy to handle it himself as I'm not going to pay 1000.  We'll see if he really wants to sell this pup or not.

BTW Thai air also told me I could clear customs here in Phuket and didn't have to in Bangkok.

[mangotogo]

Well the guy I'm buying the dog sent me a list of fees which included 1000 Euros for some company to handle things on his end in Italy. I told him I called thai air cargo and was quoted around 200-300 Euros, so I told the guy to handle it himself as I'm not going to pay 1000. We'll see if he really wants to sell this pup or not.

BTW Thai air also told me I could clear customs here in Phuket and didn't have to in Bangkok.

I also got a large quote form a company that would have handled all the details: pick up from the breeder and deliverd to my house in Thailand. But it would have been more than 3 times the amount it did cost me.

Make sure the vaccinations are up to date with all the certificate: it can be a bit of leg work to do in Italy and could explain some of his charges. There is a schedule to follow: see previous posts.

[steelepulse]

Thanks.  Of course his fees were on top of this for his gas to the airport, his time, the paperwork, vets, shots etc. Either he goes to thai air himself and I pay the actual shipping costs, or he doesn't get the sale.

[mogoso]

Anyone have any experience or knowledge about bringing a snake into Thailand. I've an eastern king snake I'd like to bring. Perfectly harmless, but has a resemblance to a type of krait.