Last verified: March 2026. Thai Airways pet policies change without notice. Verify all details directly with Thai Airways before booking.
Thai Airways operates one of the most restrictive cabin pet policies among major international carriers: regular pets are not permitted in the cabin under any circumstances. Only trained service dogs fly in-cabin, at no charge, with proper documentation.
For everyday cats and dogs, the only options are checked baggage in the hold through the AVIH (Animal in Hold) program, with a maximum of 32 kg (70.4 lbs) including the crate, or unaccompanied freight through Thai Airways Cargo.
Bookings cannot be made online and must go through Thai Airways reservations by phone or at an airport counter, at least 48 hours before departure.
Quick Reference Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cabin Pets (Regular) | Not permitted. Service dogs only. |
| Cabin Weight Limit | No published weight limit for service dogs. Must fit at passenger’s feet without blocking the aisle. |
| Hold (AVIH) Weight Limit | 32 kg (70.4 lbs) pet plus crate, maximum |
| AVIH Crate Max Dimensions | 137 cm L x 68 cm H x 83 cm W (54 in L x 27 in H x 33 in W) |
| In-Cabin Service Dog Carrier Dimensions | Exact dimensions not published by Thai Airways. Must fit under seat at passenger’s feet. Contact Thai Airways directly for current guidance. |
| Domestic Fee | Not published. Contact Thai Airways directly for current pricing. |
| International Fee | Not published. Contact Thai Airways directly for current pricing. |
| Booking Method | Phone or airport counter only. No online booking. Minimum 48 hours before departure. |
| Banned Breeds (Outright) | American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier |
| Restricted Breeds (AVIH) | English Bulldog, French Bulldog, American Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Boxer |
| Service Dog Fee | Free |
| Official Cargo Page | thaicargo.com/en/product-view/1/live-animals—pets |
Pro tip: Thai Airways does not publish a single global pet booking phone number. Call the Thai Airways reservations line for your region and confirm the pet-specific contact before your 48-hour deadline. Numbers are listed by country on thaiairways.com.
In-Cabin Pet Policy: Service Dogs Only
Thai Airways does not allow regular pets in the cabin on any route. This applies to dogs, cats, rabbits, and all other companion animals regardless of size or carrier type. The only animals permitted in the cabin are trained service dogs.
This policy applies across Thai Airways-operated flights departing from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports and all other Thai Airways routes. Thai Airways is a Star Alliance founding member operating under IATA code TG.
Warning: If you arrive at the gate with a pet in a carrier expecting cabin travel, you will be denied boarding for your pet. Thai Airways gate agents enforce this policy strictly. Do not rely on third-party articles that suggest small pets can travel in-cabin on Thai Airways.
Service Dog Requirements
Thai Airways permits one trained service dog per passenger in the cabin, at no charge, on most operated routes. Service dogs are defined as dogs individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability, including visual, auditory, mobility, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities.
Requirements for in-cabin service dog travel:
- Species: Dogs only
- Minimum age: 4 months
- Must fit in the space at the passenger’s feet without obstructing the aisle
- Must be harnessed and leashed, or placed in an approved soft-sided carrier
- Must be clean, non-aggressive, and well-behaved throughout the flight
- Cannot be seated in exit rows, bulkhead rows, or Royal First Class
Booking: Call Thai Airways reservations at least 48 hours before departure. Submit required documentation to the Thai Airways Reservations Office by phone. Confirmation is provided after document review.
Fee: Free for properly documented service dogs on all routes.
Key Takeaway: Service dogs travel free in Thai Airways cabins. They must be dogs trained for a specific disability, at least 4 months old, and booked by phone at least 48 hours before departure. One service dog per passenger.
Pro tip: For international travel, service dog status does not waive destination country import requirements. Countries including Australia, the UK, Japan, and Hawaii impose quarantine periods and health testing that apply regardless of the dog’s service status. Contact your destination country’s agricultural authority at least 30 days before travel to confirm requirements.
Hold Travel: AVIH (Animal in Hold) Program
The AVIH program allows pets to travel as checked baggage in a pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo hold. Pets are checked in at the passenger terminal and collected at the destination baggage claim area, not at a separate cargo facility.
Species Permitted in AVIH
Permitted species:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Rabbits
- Hamsters
- Ferrets
Not permitted in AVIH:
- Birds
- Reptiles
- Rodents (other than hamsters)
- Skunks
- Minks
- Soft-shelled turtles
- Sick or pregnant animals
AVIH Weight and Crate Limits
Maximum combined weight (pet plus crate): 32 kg (70.4 lbs)
Crate must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations standards. See iata.org/en/publications/dmag/ for the full IATA Live Animals Regulations reference.
Maximum AVIH crate dimensions: 137 cm L x 68 cm H x 83 cm W (54 in L x 27 in H x 33 in W)
Approved crate materials: fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, welded metal mesh, solid wood, or plywood. The crate must be:
- Leak-proof and escape-proof at the base
- Adequately ventilated on all sides
- Labeled with “LIVE ANIMAL” stickers
- Accompanied by a Shipping Declaration with feeding and watering instructions attached to the outside
- Sized so the pet can stand, turn around, and lie down naturally inside
Tip: Crate train your pet for several weeks before travel. Airlines can and do reject animals that show extreme distress at check-in. A crate-comfortable pet is safer and less likely to be denied.
AVIH Route Restrictions
AVIH is not available on the following routes or aircraft:
- Flights operated on Airbus A320 aircraft
- Flights to or from London
- Flights to or from Australia
- Flights to or from Hong Kong
For these routes, unaccompanied manifest cargo through Thai Airways Cargo is the alternative. Contact Thai Airways Cargo directly at thaicargo.com for availability and booking on restricted routes.
Temperature Embargoes
Thai Airways applies temperature restrictions to all AVIH shipments. Temperature risk is highest during preflight holding, ground loading, and taxiing, not during the flight itself.
| Condition | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Maximum temperature for transport | 29.4°C (85°F) |
| Minimum temperature (standard) | 7.2°C (45°F) |
| Minimum temperature with acclimation certificate | -6.6°C (20°F) |
| Absolute minimum (no transport below this) | -6.6°C (20°F) |
An acclimation certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is required to transport pets at temperatures between -6.6°C (20°F) and 7.2°C (45°F).
Seasonal considerations:
- May through September: Many departure and arrival airports in Southeast Asia and the Middle East regularly exceed 29.4°C (85°F). Verify ground temperatures at both origin and destination before booking.
- November through February: Northern Hemisphere routes including Europe and North America may fall below 7.2°C (45°F), requiring an acclimation certificate.
- Bangkok, Phuket, and other tropical Thai departure points: Year-round heat means temperature embargoes are a risk in most months. Confirm conditions at booking.
Warning: Temperature embargoes are enforced at check-in. If ground temperatures at your origin or destination exceed or fall below thresholds on your travel date, your pet may be refused. Check forecasts and confirm with Thai Airways reservations before your travel date.
Unaccompanied Cargo: Thai Airways Cargo
Thai Airways Cargo operates a separate freight division for pets that exceed AVIH limits or travel on routes where AVIH is unavailable. This is a distinct service from the AVIH checked baggage program. Pets travel unaccompanied and are delivered to and collected from the cargo facility, not the passenger terminal.
Permitted species for manifest cargo: Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets
Fees: Weight-based, route-specific. No published fee schedule. Contact Thai Airways Cargo directly at thaicargo.com for a quote.
Crate requirements: IATA Live Animals Regulations compliant. Dimensions are calculated using the IATA formula (pet height plus clearance on all sides). Thai Airways Cargo does not publish specific maximum dimensions for manifest cargo; confirm at booking.
Booking: Contact Thai Airways Cargo sales for your region. No minimum advance notice is published for manifest cargo, but early booking is strongly recommended as space is limited.
Fees
Thai Airways does not publish an official fee schedule for pet travel. All fees must be confirmed directly with Thai Airways reservations or Thai Airways Cargo before booking. The table below reflects the fee structure as described in available sources as of March 2026.
| Travel Type | Route Category | Fee Structure | USD Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVIH (Checked Baggage) | Domestic Thailand | Excess baggage, weight-based | Contact Thai Airways for current pricing | Lower tier expected; quote required at booking |
| AVIH (Checked Baggage) | Short-haul international (Asia) | Excess baggage, weight-based | Contact Thai Airways for current pricing | Mid-tier expected; quote required at booking |
| AVIH (Checked Baggage) | Long-haul intercontinental | Excess baggage, weight-based | Contact Thai Airways for current pricing | Highest tier expected; quote required at booking |
| Manifest Cargo | All routes | Weight and route-based | Contact Thai Airways Cargo for current pricing | Unaccompanied; separate booking system |
| Service Dog (Cabin) | All routes | Free | $0 USD | Proper documentation required |
Secondary sources indicate that in-cabin pet fees on regional Asia routes for airlines in this category are approximately $200 to $400 USD as of March 2026, but Thai Airways does not publish confirmed figures. Contact Thai Airways reservations directly to obtain a quote for your specific route and pet weight before booking.
Verify all fees with Thai Airways before booking, as pricing changes without notice.
Breed Restrictions
Outright Banned Breeds (All Travel Methods)
The following breeds are not permitted on any Thai Airways flight under any program:
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Brachycephalic Breeds Restricted from AVIH
The following snub-nosed breeds are prohibited from AVIH (checked baggage) travel due to respiratory risks during cargo hold stress:
- English Bulldog
- French Bulldog
- American Bulldog
- Pug
- Boston Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Pekingese
- Boxer
Some sources indicate brachycephalic breeds may travel as manifest cargo with additional safeguards, but this is unconfirmed. Contact Thai Airways Cargo directly to confirm eligibility for any brachycephalic breed before booking.
Thai Airways does not publish an exhaustive breed list. Breeds not listed here, including Shar Peis, Chow Chows, Affenpinschers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and brachycephalic cat breeds such as Persians, Himalayans, and Exotic Shorthairs, require direct confirmation with Thai Airways before booking.
Key Takeaway: Three breeds are banned outright from all Thai Airways flights: American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Six additional snub-nosed breeds are banned from AVIH hold travel. If your pet’s breed is not on a confirmed approved list, call Thai Airways before purchasing your ticket.
Booking Process
AVIH (Checked Baggage) Step-by-Step
Pet reservations cannot be made online through thaiairways.com, through third-party booking sites such as Expedia or Kayak, or through the standard Thai Airways booking engine. All pet reservations require a phone call to Thai Airways reservations or an in-person visit to an airport ticket counter.
- Call Thai Airways reservations for your region at least 48 hours before departure. Phone numbers vary by country and are listed at thaiairways.com. Confirm you are speaking with a reservations agent who handles pet bookings.
- Confirm route eligibility. Verify that your specific flight is not operated on an A320 aircraft and does not route to or from London, Australia, or Hong Kong, where AVIH is unavailable.
- Confirm pet eligibility. Provide the agent with your pet’s species, breed, age, and combined weight with crate. Confirm the breed is not on the banned or restricted list.
- Reserve your pet’s space. Space is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Obtain verbal confirmation of the reservation and note the agent’s name and confirmation reference.
- Schedule a veterinary appointment so the health certificate is issued within 10 days of your departure date. A certificate issued earlier than 10 days before travel is not valid.
- Prepare all required documentation:
- Health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of departure
- Vaccination records meeting destination country requirements
- Destination import permit if traveling to Thailand (required 7 to 60 days before departure from the Thai Veterinary Authority) or any other country with import permit requirements
- Shipper’s Certification for Live Animals (Thai Airways may provide a template; confirm at booking)
- Prepare the IATA-compliant crate. Confirm dimensions do not exceed 137 cm L x 68 cm H x 83 cm W (54 in L x 27 in H x 33 in W). Affix “LIVE ANIMAL” labels and attach the Shipping Declaration with feeding and watering instructions to the outside of the crate.
- Arrive at the passenger terminal at least 3 to 4 hours before international departure or 2 to 3 hours before domestic departure. AVIH check-in occurs at the passenger terminal, not the cargo facility.
- Present all documentation at the check-in counter: health certificate, vaccination records, import permits, booking confirmation with pet reservation reference, and your passport or ID.
- Allow staff to weigh the pet and crate. Final fees are calculated at this point based on confirmed weight and route. Payment method should be confirmed with Thai Airways at booking, as this is not published.
- Hand over the pet. Staff will inspect the crate for safety and transfer the pet to the temperature-controlled hold. Proceed through standard boarding.
- Collect your pet at the destination baggage claim area, not at a cargo facility. Present your booking reference and documentation to claim your pet.
Manifest Cargo (Unaccompanied) Step-by-Step
- Contact Thai Airways Cargo at thaicargo.com for your region’s sales office. No single central phone number is published.
- Provide shipment details: pet species, breed, age, weight, origin, destination, and any special requirements.
- Receive a quote. Fees are weight-based and route-specific. No published schedule exists.
- Prepare documentation: health certificate, vaccination records, destination import permits, Shipper’s Certification for Live Animals, and an IATA-compliant crate.
- Deliver the pet to the Thai Airways Cargo facility (separate from the passenger terminal) on the agreed date. Check-in process and timeline differ from AVIH.
Common Booking Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking fewer than 48 hours before departure: space is limited and late requests are frequently rejected
- Selecting a restricted route (A320, London, Australia, Hong Kong) without confirming an alternative cargo arrangement
- Arriving at check-in with a brachycephalic breed that is banned from AVIH
- Presenting a health certificate issued more than 10 days before departure
- Using a crate that exceeds IATA dimensions or is not IATA-compliant
- Attempting to book through thaiairways.com or a third-party site: pet reservations are phone-only
- Traveling during temperature embargo conditions without an acclimation certificate
- Forgetting destination country import permits, which are separate from airline documentation
Required Documentation
For AVIH (Checked Baggage)
- Health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of departure
- Vaccination records meeting destination country requirements (specific vaccines are determined by destination government, not Thai Airways)
- Destination import permit where required (example: Thailand requires an import permit from the Thai Veterinary Authority, applied for 7 to 60 days before departure)
- Shipper’s Certification for Live Animals
- Microchip documentation if required by destination country (not a Thai Airways requirement; destination government requirement)
For Service Dogs
- U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form (required for US routes; see transportation.gov/laws-and-regulations/volume-14/service-animals)
- DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form for flights of 8 hours or more to or from the USA
- Proof of training from an official service dog organization
- Health documentation meeting destination country requirements
- Identification such as tags, ID cards, or written medical documentation
For Manifest Cargo
- Health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of departure
- Vaccination records
- Destination import permits
- Shipper’s Certification for Live Animals
Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals
These are two distinct categories under Thai Airways policy and must not be confused.
Service Animals
Thai Airways recognizes trained service dogs as the only animals permitted in the cabin. Service dogs must be individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. They travel free of charge with proper documentation, including DOT forms for US routes. See the Service Dogs section above for full requirements.
The U.S. Department of Transportation rules governing service animal air travel are available at transportation.gov/laws-and-regulations/volume-14/service-animals.
Emotional Support Animals
Thai Airways does not recognize emotional support animals for cabin travel. ESAs must travel as standard checked baggage pets under the AVIH program, subject to all standard restrictions:
- Maximum 32 kg (70.4 lbs) including crate
- IATA-compliant hard-sided crate required
- Subject to all breed restrictions including brachycephalic and outright banned breeds
- Charged as excess baggage at standard AVIH rates
- No fee waiver (unlike service dogs, which travel free)
- Emotional support letters and no-pet housing letters are not accepted as documentation
One source indicates ESAs may be accepted on US routes only, but this conflicts with other available sources. The most conservative and current position is that ESAs are not recognized for cabin travel on any Thai Airways route. Confirm directly with Thai Airways reservations before booking.
Route-Specific Restrictions
AVIH Unavailable Routes
AVIH checked baggage pet travel is not available on:
- Flights operated on Airbus A320 aircraft
- Flights to or from London
- Flights to or from Australia
- Flights to or from Hong Kong
For these routes, contact Thai Airways Cargo at thaicargo.com to explore manifest cargo as an alternative. Whether service dogs can travel in-cabin on these specific routes is not confirmed in available sources. Contact Thai Airways reservations directly to confirm.
Destination Country Government Requirements
The following are government-imposed requirements at the destination, not Thai Airways policy. They apply regardless of airline.
- Australia: Strict quarantine of weeks to months. Pre-import approval required. Most pets cannot travel on standard passenger flights. Coordinate with the Australian Department of Agriculture well in advance.
- United Kingdom: Post-Brexit rules require rabies antibody blood testing and may require pre-export quarantine. Coordinate with UK DEFRA before booking.
- Japan: Extended quarantine period applies. Most pets cannot enter without months of advance preparation.
- Hawaii (USA): 120-day quarantine requirement. Specific breed prohibitions apply.
- New Zealand: Advance import approval required. Prohibited species list applies.
- Thailand (as destination): Import permit required from the Thai Veterinary Authority, applied for 7 to 60 days before departure. Health certificate no older than 10 days. Full vaccination records and microchip required.
Codeshare Flights
Thai Airways does not publish a policy on pet travel for codeshare or partner-operated flights. Standard industry practice is that pet bookings are not available on codeshare segments. Confirm with Thai Airways reservations whether your specific itinerary supports pet travel on all segments before booking.
Carrier and Crate Requirements Summary
| Travel Type | Carrier Type | Maximum Dimensions | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin (Service Dogs) | Soft-sided only | Not published by Thai Airways. Must fit at passenger’s feet. Contact Thai Airways for guidance. | Leak-proof, ventilated, pet must not obstruct aisle |
| AVIH (Checked Baggage) | Hard-sided, IATA-compliant | 137 cm L x 68 cm H x 83 cm W (54 in L x 27 in H x 33 in W) | Fiberglass, metal, or rigid plastic; leak-proof base; “LIVE ANIMAL” labels; Shipping Declaration attached |
| Manifest Cargo | Hard-sided, IATA-compliant | Sized per IATA formula; confirm with Thai Airways Cargo | Same IATA standards as AVIH; delivered to cargo facility |
Your Questions Answered
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Thai Airways?
No. Regular dogs cannot travel in the cabin on Thai Airways under any circumstances. Only trained service dogs are permitted in-cabin, at no charge, with 48-hour advance notice and required documentation including DOT forms for US routes. Hard-sided carriers are not permitted for service dogs in-cabin.
How much does Thai Airways charge for in-cabin pets?
Thai Airways does not permit regular pets in the cabin, so no in-cabin pet fee applies to standard pets. For AVIH hold travel, fees are charged as excess baggage based on weight and route. Thai Airways does not publish a fee schedule. Contact Thai Airways reservations directly for a quote specific to your route and pet weight. Secondary sources indicate regional Asia routes for comparable airlines run approximately $200 to $400 USD as of March 2026, but this figure is not confirmed by Thai Airways and should not be used for budgeting without a direct quote.
What are Thai Airways carrier size limits?
For AVIH checked baggage, the maximum crate dimensions are 137 cm L x 68 cm H x 83 cm W (54 in L x 27 in H x 33 in W). For in-cabin service dog carriers, Thai Airways does not publish exact dimensions. The carrier must fit in the space at the passenger’s feet without obstructing the aisle. Confirm with your booking agent, as aircraft type affects available under-seat space.
Does Thai Airways fly pets in cargo?
Yes. Thai Airways offers two cargo options. The AVIH program transports pets as checked baggage in a pressurized, temperature-controlled hold, with a maximum of 32 kg (70.4 lbs) including the crate, on eligible routes. Thai Airways Cargo handles unaccompanied pets as manifest freight on a separate booking system. AVIH is not available on A320 aircraft or to or from London, Australia, or Hong Kong. Temperature embargoes apply to both programs.
What dog breeds are banned on Thai Airways?
Three breeds are banned from all Thai Airways flights: American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The following snub-nosed breeds are banned from AVIH hold travel due to respiratory risks: English Bulldog, French Bulldog, American Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, and Boxer. Manifest cargo may be available for brachycephalic breeds with additional safeguards, but this requires direct confirmation with Thai Airways Cargo before booking. Thai Airways does not publish a complete breed list. Confirm any breed not explicitly listed by calling Thai Airways reservations.
Can I book Thai Airways pet travel online?
No. Thai Airways does not support pet bookings through its website, through the standard booking engine, or through third-party travel sites such as Expedia or Kayak. All pet reservations must be made by calling Thai Airways reservations for your region or visiting an airport ticket counter in person. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours before departure.
Does Thai Airways allow emotional support animals?
Thai Airways does not recognize emotional support animals for cabin travel. ESAs must travel as standard checked baggage pets under the AVIH program, subject to the 32 kg (70.4 lbs) weight limit, IATA crate requirements, breed restrictions, and excess baggage fees. No fee waiver applies to ESAs. Emotional support letters are not accepted as documentation. Only trained service dogs with proper DOT documentation are permitted in the cabin.
Pro tip: Call Thai Airways reservations on a weekday morning for the shortest wait times. Ask specifically for the pet reservations team and request a written confirmation of your pet’s space, the fee quote, and the route eligibility check before ending the call.
This article references Thai Airways customer service resources, the Thai Airways Cargo live animals page at thaicargo.com/en/product-view/1/live-animals—pets, IATA Live Animals Regulations at iata.org/en/publications/dmag/, and U.S. Department of Transportation service animal rules at transportation.gov/laws-and-regulations/volume-14/service-animals. Thai Airways does not maintain a single dedicated public pet policy page; policy information is distributed across customer service resources and subject to change. The Thai Airways general customer service and booking information page is at thaiairways.com/en/customerservices/package_and_pet.page.
All fees, weight limits, dimensions, breed restrictions, and route availability should be verified directly with Thai Airways before booking. Policies change without notice.
This article is for informational purposes only. Airline pet policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Thai Airways before booking.
