Orientation
New to Pattaya with a pet? Start here
Whether you have just arrived, are planning the move, or have adopted a street dog and suddenly have questions, this page is the short version. It points you to the right guide for each situation. It is orientation, not veterinary advice.
If this is an emergency
If your pet is seriously injured, struggling to breathe, collapsed, bleeding heavily, or has a suspected poisoning or heatstroke, go straight to a 24-hour animal hospital. Do not wait. See our list of 24-hour vets in Pattaya for addresses and phone numbers.
1. Know where your nearest vet is — before you need one
The single most useful thing you can do as a new pet owner here is to know, in advance, which clinic you would go to. Browse the directory of vets and animal hospitals, or filter by your neighbourhood. Note which clinics are open 24 hours.
2. Heat is the biggest everyday risk
Pattaya is hot and humid year round. Heatstroke, hot pavement burning paw pads, and dehydration are common and preventable. Walk dogs early morning or after sunset, never leave a pet in a parked car, and read our guide to hot-climate pet care.
3. Bringing a pet to Thailand — or taking one out
Pet import and export is a process with real deadlines: microchip, rabies vaccination, a titer test, a health certificate and an import permit from the Thai Department of Livestock Development. Start early. Our flagship guide to bringing a pet to Thailand walks through every step, and there is a separate guide for taking a pet out of Thailand.
4. Thinking of adopting?
Pattaya has several established shelters and rescue organisations. If you can offer a home, see our guide to adopting a pet in Pattaya.
5. Everyday essentials
For food, litter and supplies, see the pet shops directory. For grooming, groomers. For travel and work cover, boarding and daycare. And it is worth understanding how pet insurance in Thailand works before you need to claim.