Having a dog can sometimes put your globetrotting goals to the test. Traveling long distances can be stressful for your dog, but sometimes there isn’t a choice, such as moving to a new country. Traveling to places like Chiang Mai with your pup requires planning ahead.
You may experience culture shock in a new country if it’s not as dog-friendly as your home country. However, given the popularity of dogs as travel companions, many airlines allow dogs to fly. Depending on their breed and size, they may be required to fly cargo.
Most airlines also require pets to be in carriers for travel in the cabin. Make sure you find carriers that are friendly for airline travels.
The main mode of transportation in Chiang Mai is the tuk-tuk, which typically is not dog-friendly. When traveling with a dog, you’ll likely have to use taxis.
Thailand is Not The Friendliest Country For Dogs
There are many countries around the world that don’t view dogs as beloved pets. Thailand is one of those places. While dogs aren’t outright banned, it can be difficult to travel around the country with dogs. Chiang Mai is one of the more dog-friendly cities in Thailand.
However, Thailand has less strict pet importation requirements than Western countries. Documentation is required for the importation and exportation of your dog. Those are additional costs to consider when planning your trip to Thailand.
5 Tips to Make Travelling to Chiang Mai With Your Dogs Easier
The ancient temples in the Thai city of Chiang Mai make it a popular tourist destination. The city is nestled in the northern mountains, with wide-ranging landscapes and gorgeous scenery. Chiang Mai is home to Chiang Mai University, making it popular for younger people.
Here are essential tips on traveling to Chiang Mai with your dogs.
1. Find Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Dog-friendly hotels and accommodations can be difficult to find throughout Thailand. In some instances, tourists are scammed by the promise of pet-friendly rooms, only to be denied entry with their pets. Do your research before booking pet-friendly accommodations.
2. Vaccinate Your Pup
Two of the requirements for a dog to enter Thailand are microchips and up-to-date vaccinations for your pup. (You will also need to be up-to-date on vaccinations.) Keep a copy of your documents with you as you go about the city with your dog as proof.
In the last few years, Thailand has seen an outbreak of rabies and Zika flu. Malaria and dengue fever are common in Thailand, but not so much in the city of Chiang Mai.
3. Be Aware of Street Dogs
The rabies vaccination is important because of the high number of strays – or “street dogs” – found in the cities of Thailand. The dogs are left to their own devices, to scavenger for food and shelter. Not only is it a potential danger for your dog, but it is also heartbreaking to see.
Keeping your dog on a leash at all times can help reduce their risk of interacting with a sick stray or rabid wild animal.
4. Look for Dog-Friendly Parks
Many parks in Thailand forbid dogs completely. However, the city of Chiang Mai has a dog-friendly park near the University. It’s important to respect the local customs and keep dogs out of areas that aren’t dog-friendly.
5. Entrance and Exit Paperwork Required
Thailand has a pet passport requirement. In addition to microchips and vaccinations, you will need your dog’s vet records, a health certificate and an import permit. Pets may be quarantined for up to 30 days after arriving in Thailand.
Before departure, you will need an export permit. Many countries require a blood titer test for rabies when exporting animals from Thailand. Such a test is not necessary when entering Thailand.
Travel to Chiang Mai With Your Dog is Difficult, But Not Impossible
Few pet-friendly accommodations and parks coupled with the expense of importing your pet can seem discouraging for travelers. However, if you have the time and expense, traveling to Chiang Mai with your dog is completely possible.
But before you begin your travels, ensure that your pup is healthy and has the endurance for a long flight. Some countries ban certain breeds, but Thailand doesn’t publicize the list of breeds they don’t allow into the country.
