Compared to Japan or Singapore — where titer tests and quarantine push totals well past $1,500 — Thailand is one of the most budget-friendly destinations from Vietnam. No RNATT, no mandatory quarantine fees, straightforward paperwork. In Daisy’s 2026 quotes, a cat flying with its owner cost about $600 plus the airline’s pet fee, and a cat sent as manifest cargo cost about $2,450, Thai-side clearance included. Owners who handle every step themselves pay mainly vet and government fees, roughly $170–$290 for a small pet.
This guide breaks down every cost category so you can budget accurately without surprises. For the full document requirements, see our Thailand pet import laws 2026 guide.
Cost Group 1: Veterinary Preparation in Vietnam
These are the earliest costs in the process, required before any paperwork can be issued.
| Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ISO microchip implant | $8–$18 USD | If not already chipped |
| Rabies vaccination | $8–$15 USD | 30-day Daisy Pet buffer if first dose/lapsed (21-day legal minimum), no wait if already valid; pet must be ≥12 weeks old for a primary dose |
| Core non-rabies vaccines | $15–$35 USD | Distemper/Hepatitis/Parvovirus/Leptospirosis (dogs) or Panleukopenia (cats) — DLD-required, confirm current clinic pricing |
| General health exam (vet check) | $8–$18 USD | Required to obtain health certificate |
| Group 1 Total | ~$40–$85 USD |
Cost Group 2: Documentation
This group is most commonly under-budgeted. The DLD Import Permit itself is free — but a separate Import License processing fee is charged at the airport for every pet.
| Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Health Certificate (DAH Vietnam) | $12–$25 USD | Valid 10 days from issue date |
| DLD Import Permit (Thailand) | Free | Email application ≥7 working days ahead; on arrival also allowed (cabin/checked baggage only), but risky if your airline asks for the permit at check-in |
| DLD Import License / arrival processing fee | ~$14 USD (500 THB) | Charged per pet at the Animal Quarantine Station on arrival — applies to every pet, not just those who apply on arrival |
| Translation / notarization (if required) | $8–$20 USD | Some cases require English translation |
| Group 2 Total | ~$26–$59 USD |
Cost Group 3: IATA Travel Crate
The IATA crate is a one-time cost that owners frequently underestimate. If your pet doesn’t already have a compliant crate, this is a non-negotiable expense.
| Crate Type | Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small crate (pet <8kg) | S / M | $20–$50 USD |
| Medium crate (8–20kg) | L / XL | $45–$110 USD |
| Large crate (>20kg) | XXL and above | $110–$220 USD |
Cost Group 4: Airline Pet Fees
Airline charges are the most variable element, depending on carrier and transport method (cabin, checked baggage, or cargo). The Vietnam–Bangkok route is served by multiple carriers.
| Airline | Method | Estimated Fee (one way) |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Airlines | AVIH (Checked Baggage) | $50–$80 USD |
| Thai Airways | AVIH (Checked Baggage) | $50–$100 USD |
| Bangkok Airways | AVIH (Cabin or Checked) | $50–$80 USD |
| Manifest Cargo (Vietnam Airlines, 2026 quote) | Cargo | about $500 for a 68 × 47 × 47 cm crate, plus about $520 for the air waybill, export customs and handling |
Total Cost by Scenario
| Scenario | Description | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|
| Scenario A: Cat / Small Dog (<7kg) — DIY | Cabin or checked baggage, crate already owned, only vet + docs + arrival fee + airline fee | ~$150–$250 USD |
| Scenario B: Cat — flying with you, Daisy handles the paperwork | Vietnam-side export documents and the Thai import permit; checked baggage on the owner’s flight | ~$600 USD + airline pet fee |
| Scenario C: Cat — manifest cargo, full service | Freight in a 68 × 47 × 47 cm crate, export handling, Thai-side agent, clearance and handling | ~$2,450 USD (crate extra) |
| Scenario D: Very large dog — manifest cargo | 130 cm crate (included), routed via Hong Kong because of its size; Thai-side clearance not included | ~$7,500 USD |
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Some costs don’t appear in initial quotes: veterinary inspection scheduling fees during peak periods, crate transport to the airport, storage fees if the flight is delayed. For cargo shipments, there may also be a Bangkok cargo warehouse pickup fee — typically 500–1,000 THB (~$14–$28 USD).
The single largest hidden cost isn’t a fee at all — it’s a missed document. When one of our clients arrived at check-in without Thailand’s DLD Import Permit already issued, the airline denied boarding and the resulting emergency rebooking cost roughly 8,000,000 VND (~$320 USD) in replacement airfare alone, on top of the delay. Applying for the DLD Import Permit early — even though DLD itself allows applying on arrival — is the cheapest insurance in this entire budget, since it’s the airline’s boarding policy, not DLD’s process, that carries the real financial risk.
For an accurate quote based on your specific pet’s weight and dimensions, Daisy Pet provides free consultations and detailed estimates.
Last updated 18 Oct 2026
Compiled by our specialists from the regulations in force on the date above, for reference only. Rules may change after this date. Please verify with the competent authorities or contact us for the most accurate information.
