- About Us
- Legal Services
- Family Law
- Property
- Marriage
- Immigration
- Contact
- Payments
Keeping pets in Bangkok has always been a bit of a gray area in Thailand. Now we have the Bangkok Pet Law Mandatory Registration This does not mean you can keep a pet in your condo where the condo management has denied you this right. This law does not affect that at all. The Bangkok administration however has introduced this law to control the amount of stray dogs in Thailand. This is the public safety issues such as stray dog populations and biting of people.
That changes on January 10, 2026.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).They have an new ordinance being the Ordinance on Animal Keeping and Abandonment Control B.E. 2568 (2025). This has now officially entered its enforcement phase this month. We call this the Bangkok pet law mandatory registration law. Note that this is not just another suggestion. This is the mandatory legal framework that affects every dog and cat owner within the 50 districts of Bangkok. Whether you are a local resident, a long-term expat, or a condo dweller with a “secret” cat, the clock is ticking. This is the start of the Bangkok Pet Law Mandatory Registration.
In this article we work through everything you need to know to stay compliant. Likewise avoiding heavy fines, and ensure your furry family members are protected under the new law.
The transition to a regulated “Pet City” has been planned for over a year. The Bangkok pet law mandatory registration however the active enforcement dates are now upon us:
January 10, 2026: The Ordinance officially comes into force. BMA officials gain the authority to inspect and enforce registration.
April 9, 2026: The end of the 90-day “Grandfathering” period. This is the absolute deadline to register pets that exceed the new property-size quotas without facing penalties.
Immediate (Post-Birth/Acquisition): Any new pet born or brought into Bangkok after January 10 must be registered within 120 days of birth or if it was bought then 30 days of acquisition.
The most significant shift in this 2026 law is where we move from voluntary to micro-chipping to the mandatory micro-chipping. It is now mandatory under the new Bangkok Pet Law Mandatory Registration.
Historically speaking, only a fraction of Bangkok’s millions of pets are traceable. With this new law they aim to create a centralized digital database. This to help return lost pets as well as track rabies and vaccinations. Likewise hold owners accountable for abandoning their pets.
What is Required?
Every dog and cat in Bangkok must now have an ISO-compliant microchip. This is the size of a grain of rice which has been implanted under the skin. This chip contains a unique 15-digit ID number that links to the BMA’s “Pet Registration System.”
How to Register:
Visit a Vet: Take your pet to a licensed animal hospital or one of the eight BMA Veterinary Clinics (which often offer these services for free or at a subsidized rate). Under the Bangkok Pet Law Mandatory Registration you can do this at BMA veterinary hospitals.
BMA Veterinary Clinic 1 (Si Phraya): Bang Rak District, Tel: 0-2236-4055 ext. 213.
BMA Veterinary Clinic 2 (Min Buri): Min Buri District, Tel: 0-2914-5822.
BMA Veterinary Clinic 3 (Wat That Thong): Watthana District, Tel: 0-2392-9278.
BMA Veterinary Clinic 4 (Bang Khen): Chatuchak District, Tel: 0-2579-1342.
BMA Veterinary Clinic 5 (Wat Hong Rattanaram): Bangkok Yai District, Tel: 0-2472-5895 ext. 109.
BMA Veterinary Clinic 6 (Chuang Nuch Netr): Chom Thong, Tel: 0-2476-6493 ext. 1104.
BMA Veterinary Clinic 7 (Bangkok Noi): Bangkok Noi , Tel: 0-2411-2432.
Rabies Control Group: Din Daeng District (Mit Maitri Road), Tel: 0-2248-7417.
In order to get the Certificate: The vet will issue a Form CLS.1 (Veterinary Certification). This is generated from the portal of the DMA.
Submit to the BMA: You must also submit your registration via the official BMA portal or at your local District Office (Amphoe).
Receive the Pet ID: Once the implant has been approved. Your pet will be issued with a digital “Pet ID Card” (Form CLS.3).
Required Documents for Expats & Locals:
For Locals: You will need your Thai National ID Card. This as well as your House Registration Book (Tabien Baan).
For Expats: You will need your passport as well as proof of residence. This can be your copy of your Work Permit. You can also present your Yellow House Book, or a notarized Lease Agreement).
For All: Likewise you will need a valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate (must be updated annually).
Under the Bangkok pet law mandatory registration, One of the most controversial aspects of the 2026 law is the “Space-to-Pet Ratio.” For the first time the BMA has set legal limits on the number of animals a household can keep. This is based on the size of the property. The ration is based strictly on the square meters of the property or the “sq. wah” of the land where the animals reside.
The goal is to prevent animal hoarding and ensure sanitary living conditions in high-density urban areas.
The Official 2026 Quota Table
Property Type | Size | Max Pets Allowed (Dogs/Cats) |
Condo / Apartment | 20 – 80 sqm | 1 Pet |
Condo / Apartment | Over 80 sqm | 2 Pets |
House / Land | Up to 20 sq. wah (~80 sqm) | 2 Pets |
House / Land | 20 – 50 sq. wah | 3 Pets |
House / Land | 50 – 100 sq. wah | 4 Pets |
House / Land | Over 100 sq. wah | 6 Pets |
The “Grandfather” Clause: What if I already have more?
If you currently live in a 30sqm condo with three cats, do not panic. The law includes a transitional provision. As long as you register all three cats before April 9, 2026, you are legally allowed to keep them for the remainder of their lives. However, you will not be allowed to “replace” them or add new pets until your total count falls below the legal limit for your property size.
Note that the 2026 pet law introduces a strict classification as “Special Control” dogs. These are special dogs who need to be strictly controlled. This applies to specific breeds known for high strength or aggression. Likewise any individual dog (regardless of breed) that has a documented history of biting or attacking people. Under the new Bangkok pet law mandatory tegistration these animals must be registered or prohibited.
The Restricted Dog List:
Special Rules for Owners:
Notification: Owners of these breeds must notify their local District Office of the dog’s presence.
Muzzling: These dogs must be muzzled at all times when in public spaces or common areas of a condo.
Leash Length: You must use a “short leash”—specifically, the handler must be no further than 50 centimeters from the dog’s collar at all times.
Handler Age: These dogs can only be walked by individuals between the ages of 15 and 65. Children or the elderly are legally prohibited from handling these breeds in public to ensure the dog can be physically restrained if necessary.
A common question arises amongst pet owners. “If the BMA law says I can have one pet in my 30sqm condo, what happens to my condo’s ‘No Pet’ rule now disappear?”
The short answer is No.
The BMA Ordinance sets the maximum legal limit allowed by the city. However, private property rules. The Juristic Office regulations still apply. If your condo’s bylaws state “No Pets Allowed”. Then the BMA law as it is does not override the condo rules. You can still be fined or for this. Likewise you can be evicted by your building management for violating your lease or the building’s internal regulations.
However, for “Pet-Friendly” condos. The new 2026 law provides a much-needed framework. Building managers now have the legal right to demand proof of registration and microchipping before allowing a pet to reside in the unit.
Bangkok’s public parks—like Benjakitti and Lumpini—have become increasingly pet-friendly over the last two years. The 2026 law codifies the behavior expected of “Pet Parents” in these shared spaces.
The Three Golden Rules of Public Spaces:
Mandatory Leashing: Unleashed dogs walking in public is now a fineable offense. Even in “dog zones,” owners must have a leash on hand.
Waste Management: Owners are legally obligated to carry waste bags and clean up the poop immediately. Failure to do so can lead to an on-the-spot fine under the Public Cleansing Act. This which works in tandem with the new Pet Law.
The “Nuisance” Clause: If your pet’s barking or smell causes a “public nuisance” to neighbors. Then the BMA now has a streamlined legal process to issue warnings and, eventually, seize the animal if the owner refuses to mitigate the issue.
The BMA has made it clear that the “educational phase” of 2025 is over. Beginning January 10, 2026, enforcement officers will begin random spot checks, particularly in high-density areas like Sukhumvit, Silom, and Ratchada. Under the Bangkok pet law mandatory registration the following is needed.
Failure to Register/Microchip: Fines up to 25,000 THB.
Exceeding Quotas (Post-April 9): Fines and a legal order to rehome the animal.
Dangerous Breed (No Muzzle or Long Leash): There will be immediate fines and potential seizure of the animal due to public safety.
Abandonment: This is one of the most serious offense. If a microchipped animal is found abandoned. Then the owner of the animal will be prosecuted under the National Prevention of Animal Cruelty and Provision of Animal Welfare Act, which carries penalties of up to two years in prison and/or a 40,000 THB fine.
For Bangkok’s large expat population, the new law adds a layer of “administration” to city life. However, it also offers come protection to expats. With the new Bangkok pet law mandatory registration unlike in the past, expats often struggled with “pet-napping” or disputes over ownership of the animal when moving. A BMA Pet ID card serves as irrefutable legal proof of ownership.
Expats:
The BMA may request your lease this during the registration process for renters.
Travel Readiness: The BMA registration is separate from the “Export Permit” needed to take your pet home. However, having your pet in the BMA system makes the export paperwork at Suvarnabhumi Airport much faster to process.
The Yellow Book (Tabien Baan): If you have a Yellow House Book, use it. It makes you a “Resident” in the eyes of the BMA, which can simplify the registration of multiple pets.
Bangkok is estimated to have over 300,000 stray dogs and cats. The 2026 law is the cornerstone of Governor Chadchat Sittipunt’s plan to make Bangkok a “Liveable City for All.” One of the reasons why the Bangkok pet law mandatory registration was established.
By forcing registration, the city can finally distinguish between a “community pet” (supported by a neighborhood) and an “abandoned pet.” The BMA has committed the revenue from pet fines toward a city-wide “Trap-Neuter-Return” (TNR) program and the upgrading of the Prawet Animal Shelter.
As a pet owner, your registration fee (if applicable) and compliance contribute directly to the welfare of the less fortunate animals on the street.
To ensure you aren’t caught off guard by the new enforcement, follow this 5-step checklist:
Check Microchip ISO Status: Ensure your pet’s chip is 15 digits and readable by standard scanners.
Vaccination Update: Ensure the Rabies jab was given within the last 12 months.
Measure Your Home: Confirm how many pets you are legally allowed. If you have “too many,” prepare to register them before the April 9 grandfathering deadline.
Register Online: Visit petregis.bangkok.go.th (or the updated 2026 BMA app) to upload your documents.
Equipment Check: Purchase a short leash (under 50cm) and a muzzle if you own a “Special Control” breed.
1. Does this law apply to “Exotic” pets?
The current Ordinance (B.E. 2568) focuses primarily on mammals, poultry, and reptiles that could pose a public health or safety risk. While dogs and cats are the main focus, if you keep “dangerous” reptiles or large birds, you must still comply with the space requirements (e.g., 4sqm per chicken).
2. What if my dog is too old to be microchipped?
The BMA allows for medical exemptions if a licensed veterinarian provides a signed letter stating that the microchipping procedure would endanger the life of an elderly or sick animal. In this case, the dog will be issued a “Special ID Tag” instead of a chip.
3. Can I register a stray dog that lives on my street?
Yes you can. Many Bangkokians are “Feeders.” Under the 2026 law, you can register a street dog under your name as a “Community Caretaker.” This protects the dog from being swept up by animal control, provided you take responsibility for its vaccinations and ensure it doesn’t cause a nuisance.
4. Is the registration free?
At BMA-run clinics, microchipping and basic registration are often free as part of the 2026 “Grand Opening” of the law. Private clinics will charge a fee (usually between 500 – 1,200 THB) for the procedure and paperwork. If yu have an questions about the Bangkok pet law mandatory registration then speak to us.
The information contained in our website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advices. For further information, please contact us.