Importing 2 dogs into Thailand - Urgent help needed

[alohakiki]

Hello,
please can anyone give us updated advice and tipps regarding importing two dogs into Thailand ?

My daughter, boyfriend and there 2 dogs are planning to go to Thailand, departing from Cape Town. She already got a quote from a local agent- but struggling getting final answers regarding the import permit certificate and procedure with customs.

The Thai embassy website is not showing their regulations and topics in english, only in Thai.

It seems as if this accurate:

Paperwork Required for Pets Entering Thailand

• Export certificate from country of origin arranged either by the pet carrier or vet
• Import permit obtained on arrival at airport in Thailand from the Animal Import desk
• Identity and health certificate in English signed by a registered veterinary surgeon in the country of origin

This means that the import permit will be obtained only ON ARRIVAL from the Animal Import desk, means NO need to arrange this upfront , correct ?

I have been through the whole process 8 years ago when we moved from Germany to Cape Town with 2 dogs and 2 cats, again 2 years ago back with 1 dog and 1 cat , so I am aware that all informations must be updates as things can change easily.

My daughter arranged all paperwork for importing her Whippet and small Italian Greyhound into Thailand in July 2015. All vaccinations are done, microchip etc. Also a quote with Qatar , arranged from a local animal transport company .

Now that I found an old post dated 2013-07-01 from a member and he recommended KLM with excess baggage.

Posted 2013-07-01 12:05:44

I have just brought my dog in from kenya - we flew KLM via Amsterdam as it meant we could take him as excess baggage, even though he is a labrador and had a pretty big cage - total weight was 37 KG. The initial plan was to go as cargo with kenya airways as it is a direct flight, but they wanted 2200 dollars! Paid in cash! Ridiculous! KLM charged 350 euros.

He spend a day at the animal hotel there - got washed, fed, walked and watered, and seems in pretty good spirits now he's finally here.

I can not recommend KLM highly enough - they knew what they were doing, talked me through the whole process and gave us all the details we needed. I also used Dynamic for the import licence and a load of advice - they were great too, and am sure if you are bringing a dog in as cargo would look after them and also help you get through.

Can anyone help us with information and estimated costs to let this relocation become smooth please ?

thanks a lot in advance

[gamini]

It really is quite simple.They are particularly helpful and nice in Thailand about importing dogs there is a pet counter at the arrival hall where you get your import permit. You just need to have the documents you mentioned. But you must know that it is very very important that the dog travels with you as excess baggage. In that way the dog will, come out with your luggage. You will not have to pay any duty customs or anything the only thing you will have to pay is the freight.
Do not under any circumstances send your dog by air freight whatever they tell you. If you do you, you will have terrible problems. The dogs will be sent to the air freight terminal which is about 5 km away you will have to get an import permit a bill of lading and pay duty and tax and probably not be able to get your dog out until the next day. It happened to us due to the completely stupid vet in Australia who said the dog had to be sent by air freight and knew nothing about the proper procedures.

[alohakiki]

Hi, thank you so much for prompt reply.

Unfortunately it seems as when departing from South Africa/ Cape Town, no airline will allow the dogs as „excess baggage“ ! Only cargo is allowed….I did experience the same when going back to Germany . Although I flew with the same flight from SAA , it took me over 4 hours to get them from the air freight terminal and eventually out of the „Animal Lounge“ in Frankfurt...

My daughter managed to get the import permit emailed from the departement in Bangkok. So that seems sorted .
I just emailed Qatar Airways if they allow dogs as extra baggage from South Africa and for the costs.

Besides this , maybe you can provide us with help how she and the dogs can travel to Chiang Rai thereafter?

thanks a lot