New Law Makes Big Changes for Bangkok Pet Owners

If you live in Bangkok and own a pet, a new law by the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) will soon change how you care for them and how many you can own. Starting January 10, 2026, city officials will start enforcing new rules aimed at controlling the stray animal problem, which means more paperwork, tighter rules, and real consequences if you ignore them.

The law covers both pet ownership limits and registration requirements. The rules now go beyond simply leashing your dog. These new rules expect you to be organized, responsible, and aware.

Why Bangkok is changing pet ownership rules?

Stray animals in Bangkok cause safety, sanitary, and aesthetic issues. Past efforts to control the stray pet population didn’t work because people either didn’t trust the system or didn’t know what to do, so now city officials are trying a new way to fix the problem.

Bangkok officials are placing more responsibility on pet owners to control the stray animal population, which is an old problem, but one that has gotten out of control in recent years. After COVID, the number of pets, especially cats, grew quickly. Cats can have multiple litters a year, and many owners don’t sterilize them in time. And once the lockdowns ended, some pet owners simply abandoned their pets as they could not or would not continue to care for them.

This has led to more abandoned animals and overcrowded shelters. By requiring sterilization and discouraging abandonment, the new law aims to slow the problem before it gets worse and help keep public spaces cleaner and safer.

What the new Pet Ownership Law means for Bangkok residents?

The new law comes with a sweeping array of rules covering multiple aspects of pet ownership in Bangkok. Here are some of the most notable.

If you have a dog or cat, you must microchip them. When referring to pets, a microchip is a small electronic device placed under your pet’s skin that stores a unique ID number. This number links to a national database with your contact information, making it easier to track lost or abandoned animals. If your pet is born after the law takes effect, you’ll have 120 days to chip it. If you adopt or buy one, you must register it within 30 days.

The city also now limits how many pets you can keep based on your living space. In a small condo of 20-80 square meters, for example, you can only have one. Plots of land are afforded a higher allowance, and you can have up to six pets if your plot is over 100 wah. If you already own more than the allowed number, you can keep them, but you must register every one.

Dangerous breeds like pit bulls and Rottweilers must be muzzled in public, and only people between the ages of 10 and 65 can walk them. All dogs must be leashed and wear an ID tag.

Skip any of these rules, and you could face a fine of up to 25,000 baht. 

How to comply with the new Pet Law?

The law starts on January 10, 2026. You must act before then to avoid penalties.

First, make sure your pet is microchipped. Do this within 120 days of its birth or 30 days after you get it. Then, register your pet with your district office. Bring your ID, proof of where you live, and documents showing your pet’s vaccinations or sterilization.

If you own a dog breed labeled “dangerous,” you need to tell your district office. Use a leash and ID tag every time you take it out. If it’s a restricted breed, you also need a muzzle. 

Again, the number of pets you can keep depends on your home size, so if you register too many pets with the district office, they may ask to see proof that your domicile is of sufficient size. If you own many pets, it is advisable to register them before the law goes into effect to avoid the restriction.

How Siam Legal can help if the Pet Laws land you in legal trouble?

Bangkok’s new pet law raises the stakes for every dog and cat owner. If you miss a deadline, ignore a rule, or end up in a dispute, the consequences can be serious. Fines, restrictions, or even legal claims are now more likely.

If you’re involved in a civil case over a pet or facing charges under new or existing rules, you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced legal teams handle both civil litigation and criminal defense. We know how these laws work and how they relate to foreigners. If you need help, contact Siam Legal today to speak with our team and protect your rights and pets.

Category: Thailand Law