Introduction
Exporting a pet from Thailand doesn't get stuck on "do you love your pet enough." It gets stuck on paperwork done in the wrong order — like getting the rabies vaccine before the microchip, which makes that vaccine invalid in the destination country's eyes. This guide from Convey lists all seven documents you need, in the correct sequence, so you can prepare everything in one pass.
The 7-document checklist
This is the core paperwork most destinations require (additional documents depend on the specific country).
| # | Document / Step | Issued by | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ISO 11784/11785 microchip | Vet | Must be implanted before the rabies vaccine |
| 2 | Vaccination record (Rabies + core) | Vet | Date must be after the chip implant date |
| 3 | Rabies Titer blood test result | Destination-accredited lab | Drawn after vaccine, on the schedule |
| 4 | Destination Import Permit | Destination authority | Some countries take weeks to issue |
| 5 | Health Certificate (in English) | Government vet / DLD | Limited validity; issue close to flight |
| 6 | Export permit (Form R.9) | DLD (Department of Livestock Development) | Filed via the e-Movement system |
| 7 | Owner identification | Owner | ID card / passport / house registration |
The order you can't reverse — the golden rule of exporting
The heart of pet export paperwork is the order of dates. Get the sequence wrong and the destination has every right to reject the entry.
1.1 Always implant the microchip first
The microchip is your pet's "ID card" — it ties every other document together. Nearly all destinations require the ISO chip to be implanted before the rabies vaccine. If you vaccinate first and chip later, that vaccine is treated as invalid and has to be repeated.
1.2 Vaccine after the chip, then the blood test
After the chip is in, get the rabies shot (your pet must be at least 12 weeks old). Then draw blood for the rabies titer, which must come back at ≥ 0.5 IU/mL to meet the international standard.
Golden rule from the Convey team: Chip → vaccine → blood test → wait per destination. This sequence can't be reversed, and it's the single biggest cause of delays we see.
The Thailand DLD process
Once the medical paperwork is done, the last step is filing with the Department of Livestock Development.
- File the export application (Form R.1/1) via the e-Movement system, at least 7 working days in advance
- Attach copies of your ID / passport, house registration, and supporting documents
- Your pet has a health inspection 2–3 days before flight
- Pay the fee — approximately 260 THB per pet. The officer issues the export permit (Form R.9) and English Health Certificate for the airline check-in and destination customs