Lifestyle Guide
You've found a great deal on flights home for the holidays, or a week-long diving trip to the Similan Islands is calling — and then you remember: the dog. Or the cat, rabbit, or gecko you somehow acquired since moving to Phuket.
Finding good, trustworthy pet care while you're away is genuinely one of the more stressful parts of expat pet ownership, and the quality varies wildly in Phuket. I've spent six years navigating this (including one memorable incident with a kennel that shall remain nameless) and this guide covers what actually works.
Phuket's pet care industry has expanded significantly as more expats settle here with animals. You broadly have four options, each with different trade-offs:
The classic option — purpose-built facilities where your dog or cat stays in an individual run or suite with communal care. Quality varies enormously. At the better end, you'll find air-conditioned individual rooms, outdoor exercise areas, webcam check-ins, and daily grooming. At the lower end, outdoor concrete runs with minimal interaction. Always visit in person before booking.
A growing category in Phuket, especially in the Bang Tao and Rawai areas. These typically operate more like a small bed-and-breakfast for pets — smaller numbers of animals, home-style environments, more individual attention. Prices are higher (600–1,200 THB/night) but the experience for socially-adjusted dogs is often much better. Many offer luxury add-ons: swimming sessions, massage, birthday cakes for pets.
A sitter either comes to your home to check on and care for your pet, or takes your pet into their own home while you're away. This is often the least stressful option for cats and older dogs who don't travel well. Finding a reliable sitter through personal recommendations is best; the PetBacker platform is also a useful starting point.
PetBacker (petbacker.com) operates in Thailand and lists Phuket sitters with verified reviews, photos of their homes, and insurance cover. Prices are competitive and you can read genuine reviews from other Phuket expats. Services listed include home boarding, house sitting, doggy day care, and dog walking. It's where I'd start looking if I didn't already have a trusted contact.
| Service Type | Per Night (THB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard kennel – small dog | 350–500 | Basic run, group exercise |
| Standard kennel – large dog | 450–700 | Larger run, daily exercise |
| Boutique pet hotel – dog | 700–1,200 | A/C suite, more individual attention |
| Cat boarding/cattery | 250–450 | Individual cat room, daily play |
| Boutique cat hotel | 450–700 | Free-roam cat suites, cameras |
| In-home sitter (home boarding) | 400–700 | PetBacker or recommended sitter |
| House visit (your home) | 200–400 per visit | 2–3 visits/day; cat-focused |
| Dog walking add-on | 150–300 per walk | At most kennels and sitters |
Prices above are for 2026. Most facilities add 20–30% during peak holiday periods (Christmas/New Year, Thai New Year, Songkran). Book early for December and January — the best places fill up 2–3 weeks ahead.
Before booking anywhere, I'd strongly recommend a physical visit. The things to look for:
The highest concentration of expat-targeted pet care businesses is in the Bang Tao and Cherng Talay area, reflecting the large expat community here. Several boutique pet hotels operate in this area, often run by expat owners who understand what foreign pet owners expect. If you live in Rawai or Chalong, the drive is worth it for a quality facility.
Animal Care Centre in Chalong is a long-established veterinary clinic that also offers boarding services and is well-regarded by the south Phuket expat community. Rawai has several smaller operations and individual sitters. The Phuket Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) clinic in Chalong is also a good source of vet referrals and boarding contacts.
Several traditional veterinary-attached kennels operate in Phuket Town at lower prices than expat-area boutique hotels. Quality is variable but some have very long track records. Worth considering if you're on a tighter budget.
Ensure your pet's vaccinations are fully up to date. For dogs: rabies, DHPPiL (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, leptospirosis). For cats: FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) and rabies. Bring the physical vaccination booklet — most Phuket facilities want to see the actual book, not just photos.
If your pet hasn't had a flea and tick treatment recently, do one 24–48 hours before boarding. Most facilities require this as a condition of entry.
A familiar blanket, bed, or toy significantly reduces anxiety for dogs in a new environment. Some kennels have a "no personal items" policy for hygiene reasons — check in advance. For cats, a worn T-shirt from their owner is often remarkably effective at reducing stress.
Bring enough of your pet's regular food for the entire stay, clearly labelled with name and feeding schedule. Changing diet during boarding adds digestive stress on top of separation anxiety. Most facilities will feed their house food if you don't provide your own, but this is rarely ideal.
Whether you're heading home or exploring Southeast Asia, comprehensive travel cover gives you peace of mind. Compare options with Wise for currency and more.
If you haven't yet moved to Phuket with your pet, the import process requires advance planning. Thai Department of Livestock Development requirements include microchipping, rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel), health certificate from a government-approved vet, and CITES permit for certain species. Some countries' pets also require a titre test (rabies antibody test) and waiting period.
See our complete guide to importing pets to Phuket for step-by-step requirements by country. And read our guide to adopting a dog or cat in Phuket if you're considering adding a Thai rescue to your family.
Need advice on pet care providers in your area of Phuket? Ask us — first question is free →