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Bangkok’s 2026 Pet Law: What Pet Owners and Landlords Must Know

The Ordinance on Animal Keeping and Release Control B.E. 2567, issued in 2024, will come into force on 10 January 2026. This new regulation, introduced by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for responsible pet ownership in the capital. Aimed at improving public hygiene, reducing stray animal populations, and preventing the transmission of diseases such as rabies, the ordinance introduces a range of obligations for pet owners and strengthens the enforcement powers of local authorities.

Pet Registration, Identification, and Public Services

A central aspect of the new regulation is the mandatory registration and microchipping of all dogs and cats residing in Bangkok. Owners must register their dogs and cats within 120 days of birth or within 30 days of bringing the animal into the city. The documentation required includes proof of identity and residence, a rabies vaccination certificate, and a sterilisation certificate if available. Microchipping is also compulsory and must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. The microchip must be linked to the owner’s information, thereby enhancing traceability and accountability.

To facilitate compliance, the BMA has activated several support services through its municipal veterinary clinics. These services, provided free of charge in selected facilities, include pet registration, microchipping, rabies vaccination, and sterilisation. The BMA also plans to collaborate with mobile veterinary clinics and animal welfare groups to enhance outreach, ensure broader access to services, and promote public awareness on responsible pet ownership.

In the event of a registered pet’s death, the ordinance does not explicitly require owners to report it or prescribe specific procedures for carcass disposal. However, it is advisable for owners to notify their local district office to ensure that registration records remain accurate, particularly given the numerical caps per property that may affect future registrations. Additionally, owners are encouraged to handle the remains in a sanitary and environmentally responsible manner, which may involve burial on private property, cremation, or coordination with veterinary clinics or municipal services, in accordance with applicable local regulations.

Property-Based Restrictions and Legal Implications

The ordinance imposes specific limits on the number of dogs and cats that may be kept within a property, based on its size:

• • For apartments ranging from 20 to 80 square metres, a maximum of one dog or cat is permitted.
  • Apartments larger than 80 square metres may accommodate up to two dogs or cats.
  • Land plots up to 20 square wah (approximately 80 m²) may host two dogs or cats, increasing progressively to six for properties exceeding 100 square wah.

These provisions aim to prevent overcrowding and reduce hygiene risks and animal-related disturbances in residential areas.

Importantly, different rules apply to other species. For example:

• • Small birds may be kept at a density of up to five per square metre.
  • Large birds, such as ostriches, require at least 50 square metres per animal.
  • Poultry (e.g. chickens, ducks, geese) are limited to one per four square metres.
  • Small mammals, including goats, sheep, pigs, and ponies, may be kept at a rate of three animals per 200 square metres.
  • Large mammals, such as cows, buffaloes, deer, and horses, require a minimum of 200 square metres per animal.
  • Aquatic animals, such as fish, are not subject to numeric limits but must be maintained in sanitary conditions that do not create a nuisance to others.

These restrictions may also require updates to rental contracts and condominium bylaws to ensure alignment with the new regulatory framework. Furthermore, the ordinance reinforces the civil liability of pet owners in the event of damage or injury caused by their animals, potentially impacting insurance policies and legal risk assessments for both owners and property managers.

The enforcement of these provisions will fall under the responsibility of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, primarily through the Department of Veterinary Services and local district offices. These authorities will oversee pet registration, conduct inspections, and ensure overall compliance. Their enforcement role is further supported by partnerships with civil society actors and specialised agencies.

Public Conduct Rules and Specific Handling Requirements

All pet owners are required to maintain control over their animals in public areas. This includes the mandatory use of a leash, prohibition against leaving animals unattended, and the obligation to remove animal waste immediately. Animals must not cause a nuisance or pose any threat to the public.

In addition, the ordinance introduces specific regulatory measures for certain dog breeds classified by authorities as requiring specific handling protocols due to their physical capabilities and strength. These breeds include the Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and Fila Brasileiro. Owners of these breeds must obtain special authorisation and adhere to stricter conditions: the animals must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash not exceeding 50 cm in length when in public. Furthermore, they may only be handled by individuals aged between 10 and 65 years. These measures are designed to ensure the safety of both the animals and the wider community, without discriminating against specific breeds.

Non-compliance with the ordinance may result in substantial penalties. Failure to register or microchip a pet within the prescribed timeframe can lead to fines of up to 25,000 baht. Similarly, violations such as allowing pets to roam freely without a leash or failing to clean up waste in public areas are also subject to financial penalties, depending on the severity of the infraction.

Transitional Provisions and Community Impact

The ordinance includes transitional provisions allowing current owners who exceed the permitted number of animals to retain them, provided they are duly registered and do not cause disruption to the community. To remain in compliance, these owners must notify their local district office by 9 April 2026. Failure to do so may result in inspections and potential enforcement measures. Owners will be allowed to retain their animals provided they regularise their position within the timeframe stipulated by the BMA.

This clause balances regulatory enforcement with the protection of existing pet ownership arrangements, encouraging compliance without excessive disruption.

In sum, the Ordinance on Animal Keeping and Release Control B.E. 2567 (2024) represents a significant shift in Bangkok’s approach to pet regulation. It imposes structured responsibilities on pet owners while providing a framework that enhances animal welfare and public safety. Legal practitioners, landlords, and residents should familiarise themselves with its provisions to ensure full compliance and mitigate the risk of administrative or legal complications.

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Bangkok’s 2026 Pet Law: What Pet Owners and Landlords Must Know [please download]