Renting in Bangkok with a pet: the new pet law and what to ask

Last checked 5 October 2026 · 6 min read · English

Bangkok's first citywide pet ordinance takes effect on 10 January 2027. It limits how many dogs and cats you can keep by the size of your home, and makes microchipping and registration compulsory. For tenants, it adds one more document to the list: the landlord's written consent.

Key takeaways

• The ordinance was due on 10 January 2026. On 7 January 2026 the Bangkok Metropolitan Council postponed enforcement by one year. The rules themselves did not change.
• In a condo, 20–80 sq.m allows one pet and over 80 sq.m allows two, counted per unit, not per bedroom.
• Every dog and cat must be microchipped and registered; tenants need a landlord consent letter.
• Fines for breaking the ordinance can reach ฿25,000.

How many pets your home allows

Condos and rented rooms: by floor area

Most one-bedroom luxury condos in Bangkok are about 40–65 sq.m, so the limit there is one pet, whatever an older lease says. If you have two pets, start your search at 80 sq.m and above.

Houses and townhouses: by land area

One square wah is 4 sq.m. A house on 50 sq.wah or more gives a family with several pets much more room under the law, which is one more reason houses suit pet owners. See our pet-friendly homes.

The ordinance sets a maximum. A condo's own regulations can be stricter, and many buildings still ban pets entirely. The law does not override a building ban or a landlord's refusal.

Registration and microchipping

1. Microchip first, then register. Registration is at the district office, a BMA veterinary clinic or a mobile unit.
2. Deadlines: within 120 days of birth for pets born in Bangkok, or within 30 days of acquiring a pet, whether adopted, bought or brought from abroad.
3. Documents: passport or ID, proof of address, the microchip record, a rabies vaccination within the past year, sterilisation records if any, and, if you rent, the landlord's consent letter.
4. Free services: microchipping, rabies vaccination and sterilisation are free at the BMA's veterinary clinics and mobile units. Call ahead before visiting.

Already over the limit?

Pets you already own are not taken away. If you have more than the limit, notify your district office within 90 days of the start date, from 10 January to 9 April 2027, and keep the animals registered and well cared for.

Out and about

• Keep your dog on a strong leash, or in a carrier, and pick up after it in public places.
• Carry the pet's registration card in case an official asks for it.
• Controlled breeds, including Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler and Fila Brasileiro, must wear a muzzle outside the home, on a leash no longer than 50 cm, walked by a handler aged 15 to 65.

Five rules for renting with a pet

1. Ask the building and the landlord separately. They often give different answers. You need a yes from both.
2. Get it in writing. A verbal "pets are fine" is not enough, and under the new law you need the landlord's consent letter to register your pet anyway.
3. Expect an extra deposit, usually one more month, and a deep-cleaning clause at move-out. Some buildings also charge a pet entry fee. Pet fees explained.
4. Weight limits matter. Dogs over about 15–20 kg rule out many buildings. Tell us the weight at the start.
5. Look a little further east. Ekkamai and Phra Khanong tend to have more pet-friendly buildings and houses than central Sukhumvit.

Frequently asked

Summary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ordinance on keeping animals as reported by Thai and English media, checked October 2026. Details and procedures can change; check with your district office. Not legal advice.