Moving to Thailand with a pet from Germany.

From Germany: what's specific to you

• The endorsement is done by your local Veterinäramt / official state vet — book that appointment in advance.
• Microchip before rabies vaccination so the records link.
• EU paperwork may route through TRACES — your official vet will advise.
• Verify whether a titer is needed for your specific routing.

The import process, step by step

This Thailand-side sequence is the same from Germany as anywhere — the order matters most.

1. Microchip first. Thailand recognises the ISO 11784/11785 15-digit microchip. It must be implanted BEFORE the rabies vaccination so the two records are linked — if you vaccinate first and chip later, some authorities make you re-vaccinate.
2. Rabies vaccination. Your dog or cat needs a current rabies shot given after the microchip and (as a general rule) at least 21 days before travel and not expired on the travel date. Dogs also need core vaccines (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus); cats need panleukopenia, calicivirus and rhinotracheitis.
3. Rabies antibody (FAVN/RNATT) titer test — confirm if needed. Thailand does not require a titer for every country, but it is strongly recommended and can be requested. If your route or airline needs it, the blood draw must usually be done well in advance, so check early.
4. Government health certificate. A licensed vet in your origin country completes a veterinary health certificate close to departure (commonly within ~10 days of travel) confirming the microchip, vaccinations and that the animal is fit to fly.
5. Official endorsement. That certificate must be endorsed by your country's competent government authority (e.g. USDA APHIS, UK APHA, an EU state vet) — this is the step travellers most often leave too late.
6. Thailand import permit (R7). Apply to the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) for the import licence. Many owners arrange it in advance through the DLD e-service or via the Animal Quarantine Station at the arrival airport; bring printed copies of everything.
7. Book the flight correctly. Small pets may fly in-cabin on some airlines; larger animals travel as manifest/excess-baggage cargo. Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds face cargo restrictions in hot months. Fly into Suvarnabhumi (BKK), which has the main Animal Quarantine Station.
8. Arrival inspection. On landing, the DLD Animal Quarantine officers check the microchip, paperwork and the animal. If everything is in order Thailand does not impose a long mandatory quarantine — non-compliant animals can be detained, so the paperwork is everything.
9. Settle in. Line up a pet-friendly home before you fly (many Bangkok condos restrict or ban pets), and know your nearest 24-hour animal hospital and vet for the first weeks.

Mistakes to avoid

• Vaccinating against rabies BEFORE microchipping — the records won't link and you may have to start over.
• Leaving the government endorsement (USDA/APHA/state vet) until the last few days — endorsement has its own processing time.
• Booking a flight before checking the airline's breed, crate-size and seasonal heat embargoes for cargo.
• Assuming your condo allows pets — many Bangkok buildings don't, or cap size/number. Confirm the building's pet policy in writing before you sign.
• Letting the rabies vaccine or health certificate lapse against the travel date — both have validity windows.

Official resources

Always verify current rules against the primary sources before you book travel:

• German Federal Ministry (BMEL) ↗
• Thailand DLD e-service ↗

Frequently asked