Bangkok explains Do’s and Don’ts in new pet control law

Assoc Prof Tavida Kamolvej, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, held a press conference on Friday (May 2) at the Bangkok City Hall (Giant Swing) to outline preparations for the implementation of the new Bangkok ordinance titled Animal Rearing and Release Control 2024.

The regulation, which comes into effect on January 10, 2026, sets guidelines for pet ownership based on residential space. It allows households and condominium units to keep between two and three pets, with a maximum of six animals depending on the size of the property.

Tavida reassured current pet owners that the law will not apply retroactively. “Many pet owners may be concerned when they see the regulation limiting the number of animals. But if you already have pets, there’s no need to worry. You love them, you’ve cared for them—just register them with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to continue keeping them,” she said.

She urged responsible pet ownership: “Love your pets, take full responsibility for them. Avoid disturbing your neighbours or the community. Vaccinate regularly, register your pets properly, and consider sterilisation. This helps us manage the pet population effectively. After January 10, 2026, we hope to avoid unexpected breeding.”

“Don’t abandon your pets. If you’ve raised them, continue to do so until the end of their lives,” she added.

The regulation stems from the Bangkok Governor’s broader policy on pet management, which includes:

Lifetime pet registration — to prevent abandonment and reduce the number of stray animals.

Stray animal control — through systematic population management, rabies prevention, and rehoming efforts to reduce demand for newly purchased pets.

BMA Ordinance on the Control of Animal Rearing and Releasing 2024 was officially published in the Royal Gazette on January 15, 2025. It will take effect 360 days from the date of publication, on January 10, 2026.

The ordinance designates Bangkok as a controlled zone for the rearing or releasing of the following types of animals:

Mammals

Birds

Aquatic animals

Amphibians

Reptiles

Venomous or dangerous animals

Key Provisions of the Ordinance:

Private premises in Bangkok may keep animals according to the following conditions:

Large mammals – such as cattle, buffalo, horses, deer, or similarly sized animals: no more than 1 animal per 200 square metres (50 square wa) of space.

Small mammals – such as goats, sheep, pigs, ponies, or similarly sized animals: no more than 3 animals per 200 square metres (50 square wa).

Fowl – such as chickens, ducks, and geese: no more than 1 bird per 4 square metres.

Large birds – such as ostriches or similarly sized birds: no more than 1 bird per 50 square metres.

Small birds – no more than 5 birds per 1 square metre.

If animals are kept in excess of the prescribed limits for business purposes or in a manner that may pose health risks, such activities must comply with the BMA Ordinance on Health-Hazardous Businesses.

Prohibition on Keeping or Releasing Animals in Public Areas in Bangkok, with Exceptions:

For the purpose of treating animal illnesses or administering vaccinations to enhance immunity.

For activities where BMA has officially designated specific public areas for animal keeping within a specified time frame.

For the purpose of relocating the animal owner’s residence.

For government-related animal keeping or for religious, charitable, or traditional purposes.

Obligations of Animal Owners

Animal owners must care for their animals in a responsible and humane manner, and must comply with the following requirements:

Provide secure and suitable animal housing appropriate to the type and species of the animal. The facility must be adequately sized for the animal’s living needs and must include proper food, clean water, lighting, ventilation, a drainage system, and hygienic waste disposal.

Maintain the cleanliness of the animal housing at all times. Waste must be disposed of in a sanitary manner regularly. The accumulation of waste that causes foul odours and disturbs nearby residents is strictly prohibited.

Ensure animals are properly vaccinated to prevent the spread of diseases. If there is reasonable suspicion that an animal may carry a disease harmful to public health, the owner must isolate the animal and notify the registering authority or the Public Veterinary Health Office under the BMA’s Health Department. The owner must also comply with the instructions of a licensed veterinarian.

Keep animals within the designated housing premises. Animals must not be left outside without supervision. Dangerous animals must be confined in secure enclosures inaccessible to the public, with clearly visible warning signs.

Allow animals to express natural behaviours to an appropriate extent.

Prevent the animal from causing harm or nuisance to others.

In the event of an animal’s death, the owner must dispose of the carcass and any animal waste in a sanitary manner to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for insects or disease vectors. The disposal method must not cause a nuisance due to odour or smoke and must not contaminate water sources.

Comply with any additional instructions from public health officers, relevant officials, local authorities, and regulations, directives, or orders issued by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

In Bangkok, the rearing of dogs and cats is restricted based on residential area size as follows:

Condominiums or rental units with a floor area of 20 to 80 square metres: maximum 1 pet.

Condominiums or rental units with an area of 80 square metres or more: maximum 2 pets.

Land area up to 20 square wa (80 square metres): maximum 2 pets.

Land area between 20 and 50 square wa (80–200 square metres): maximum 3 pets.

Land area between 50 and 100 square wa (200–400 square metres): maximum 4 pets.

Land area over 100 square wa (400+ square metres): maximum 6 pets.

Pet owners who were keeping more animals than the prescribed limit before the ordinance takes effect on January 10, 2026, must notify the district office within 90 days, or by April 9, 2026.

In cases where the keeping of animals in excess of the permitted number is for business purposes that may pose health risks, such as animal farms, pet shops, pet cafés, grooming salons, or pet hotels—owners must comply with the Bangkok Ordinance on Health-Hazardous Businesses.

Pet Registration Requirements

Owners of dogs and cats must register, obtain an ID card, and microchip their animals within:

120 days from birth, or

30 days after bringing the animal into Bangkok.

Registration can be completed in person or by authorised representative by submitting a registration request to a designated officer at the Public Veterinary Health Office, Department of Health, or district office. Required documents include:

Owner's ID card

Household registration (address where the animal resides)

Supporting documents:

Proof of consent from landlord (if renting)

Rabies vaccination certificate (if available)

Sterilization certificate from a veterinarian (if available)

Power of attorney (if applicable)

Rules for Taking Dogs or Cats Outside the Home

Owners must present the pet’s ID card upon request by local or public health officers.

Pets must be secured at all times using a strong leash, carrier, crate, or other suitable restraint to prevent harm to people or animals.

For controlled breeds (e.g., Pit Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Fila Brasileiros), pets must wear a muzzle and be on a durable leash held no more than 50 cm from the dog’s collar at all times.

Persons under 15 or over 65 years of age are prohibited from walking controlled breed dogs in public.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violations of this ordinance are punishable under the Public Health Act 1992 and its amendments. Violators may face a fine of up to 25,000 baht.

Public Benefits of the Ordinance

Microchipping and registration ensure long-term traceability. Unlike tags or collars, microchips are permanent. If a microchipped pet is found in a public area, the BMA can identify and contact the owner. This is particularly useful in cases of ownership disputes or lost animals.

Preventing abandonment: Registration supports stray animal population control through community-based stray cat management and the BMA’s subsidised sterilisation and rabies vaccination programs.