Starting on January 10 next year, new city regulations will require pet owners to register and microchip their cats and dogs, with the number of pets allowed depending on the size of their residence.
The new regulations, issued by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), also apply to other animals, including cattle, horses, deer, pigs and birds.
The regulation, enforced under the Animal Ownership and Release Control Act B.E. 2567 (2024), is aimed at ensuring the safety of both owners and animals, said BMA’s spokesman Aekvarunyoo Amrapala.
Pet owners who fail to comply with the new rules will face legal action.
For cats and dogs in particular, the permitted number of pets per residence is based on the property size, as follows:
• 1 animal is allowed in a rental unit or condominium with an area of 20–80 square meters
• 2 animals are allowed in a rental unit or condominium over 80 square meters, or on land not exceeding 0.008 hectares
• 3 animals are allowed on land not exceeding 0.02 hectares (20 square wa)
• 4 animals are allowed on land not exceeding 0.04 hectares (50 square wa)
• A maximum of 6 animals is allowed on land exceeding 0.04 hectares (100 square wa)
All animals must be registered within 120 days of birth or within 30 days of adoption, if brought into Bangkok. When taken outdoors, pets must be kept on a leash or in a proper enclosure, with the owner ensuring that they do not disturb others and that their waste is properly collected and disposed of.
Additionally, certain breeds are classified as “dogs under special control.” These include Pit Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers and Fila Brasileiros.
These dogs must wear a muzzle in public and be kept on a strong and secure leash. The handler must remain no more than 50 centimetres from the dog’s collar at all times.
Dogs with a history of attacking or attempting to attack people must be reported to the relevant authorities and will be reclassified as “dogs under special control.” Failure to comply will result in penalties under the Public Health Act B.E. 2535 (1992).
