Thai Airways – Pet Policy
Quick Reference Table
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Hold | Cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Service dogs only (trained, advance notice) | Yes (in IATA crate, not snub-nosed breeds) | Yes (for large/oversize) | Brachycephalic breeds not permitted; health docs/vet check mandatory |
| Cat | No | Yes (banned breeds not allowed) | Yes | Crate required; no snub-nosed cats |
| Rabbit | No | Yes | Yes | No sick or pregnant rabbits |
| Ferret / Hamster | No | Yes | Yes | Check destination restrictions |
| Bird | No | No | No | Birds not accepted by Thai Airways |
| Reptile | No | No | No | Reptiles not accepted |
| Fish | No | No | No | Fish not listed as accepted; check with cargo |
*All live animals require advance booking, health and import/export documents. Certain animals (birds, reptiles, fish) are not accepted on any route.
General Policy Overview
- PETS IN CABIN: Only trained service dogs for passengers with disabilities are allowed (advance reservation, no fee); all other animals are not permitted in the cabin.
- PETS AS CHECKED BAGGAGE (AVIH): Dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, and hamsters accepted with crate and advance notification. Snub-nosed breeds (brachycephalic) are not accepted.
- PETS AS CARGO: Required for excessively large animals, all pets exceeding checked baggage size/weight limits. Fees calculated as excess baggage based on combined pet+crate weight.
- NOT ACCEPTED: Birds (including parrots), rodents (other than hamsters), reptiles, skunks, minks, soft-shelled turtles, sick or pregnant pets.
Pet-Specific Guidance
- Dogs: Only trained assistance dogs travel in cabin, free of charge. All others must be checked baggage or cargo, not snub-nosed. Notify airline 48 hours before departure.
- Cats: Cannot fly in cabin; must be transported in the hold or as cargo in an IATA crate. No brachycephalic breeds. Health, import/export docs required.
- Rabbits/Ferrets/Hamsters: Allowed as checked baggage or cargo. Prepare crate and vet certificate, check import/export rules for your destination.
- Birds: Not accepted for travel on Thai Airways flights.
- Reptiles/Fish: Not accepted by airline as checked baggage or cargo. Use a specialist shipping company if required.
Container, Weight, and Size Rules
- IATA-compliant crate mandatory (leak-proof, secure, ventilated; big enough for pet to stand and turn).
- To/from the USA: crate (carrier) max size 54 x 27 x 33 inches (~138 x 69 x 84 cm).
- Crate and pet weight combined charged as excess baggage.
Required Documentation
- Veterinary health certificate (within specified validity)
- Vaccination records (as required by destination)
- Import/export permits for country of destination/origin
- Advance reservation minimum 48 hours before flight
- For service dogs: evidence of training, legal/medical need, country entry docs
Woofly Tips
- Check restrictions for every destination—some countries (e.g., Australia, UAE, UK, Hong Kong) do not allow pets in hold.
- Book and pay pet travel as early as possible as flight quotas are limited.
- Bring all required documents and keep copies during travel.
- Remember: certain pets (birds, reptiles, fish) cannot be transported by Thai Airways.
Last updated: July 21, 2025