Taking a pet out of Thailand
Taking a pet from Thailand to Australia
Be honest with yourself early: Australia has some of the strictest pet biosecurity rules in the world, and Thailand is not an approved country.
Last updated 21 May 2026
Rules change — verify before you act
This guide was last reviewed in May 2026. Export rules — Thai DLD procedures, destination-country requirements, airline policies and CDC/APHA rules — change without notice. Use this as orientation, then confirm every current requirement with the DLD and the destination country’s authority before booking.
Why this route is so hard
Australia only allows pets to be imported from countries on its approved list, and Thailand is not on that list. In practice, taking a pet from Thailand to Australia means a long, multi-stage process: your pet typically has to spend a qualifying period in an approved country first, complete a rabies titer test and a series of timed steps, obtain an Australian import permit, and then serve a mandatory stay in a government quarantine facility on arrival.
What it really takes
Owners commonly report six months or more of preparation. This is not a process to improvise. Start with the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for the current rules, and engage a specialist pet relocation agent experienced in the Thailand-to-Australia route as early as you can.
Frequently asked
Can I fly my pet directly from Thailand to Australia?
Generally not. Because Thailand is not an approved country, the route normally requires a qualifying period in an approved country first, then entry to Australia with quarantine. Confirm the current pathway with the Australian authorities.
How early should I start?
As early as possible — six months of lead time or more is common. The earlier you involve the Australian department and a specialist agent, the smoother it goes.