BANGKOK – Thailand is quickly becoming a pet-friendly country as more young couples and city residents now choose pets over children as birth rates fall and lifestyles change.
This trend, often called “pet parenting,” is reshaping daily life. As a result, the pet economy is growing fast, and brands, property developers, and advocacy groups are adjusting to keep up.
Thailand’s population has been shrinking since 2020, and births keep falling. Data from the Bureau of Registration Administration puts the population at about 66 million by late 2024.
In the first quarter of 2025, fewer than 100,000 babies were born, while deaths topped 147,000. The total fertility rate sits below 1, and it has dropped by about 10% per year in recent years.
At the same time, more people are bringing pets into their homes. Surveys suggest nearly half of Thais would rather adopt a pet than have a child. Many treat pets like stand-in family members.
A College of Management, Mahidol University study found that 49% treat pets like children, and 53% see them as full family. After COVID, this shift grew stronger, especially among urban millennials and Gen Z. Condo living also plays a role, because pets offer comfort and company in smaller spaces.
Pet numbers show how big this change is. In 2025, Thailand expects more than 5.38 million pets, including about 3.45 million dogs and 1.94 million cats. Cat ownership has risen faster, growing 28% a year from 2021 to 2024, compared with 19% for dogs. Cats often fit apartment life better, so the trend makes sense.
Meanwhile, the pet economy keeps expanding. The market is worth more than 250 billion baht (around US$7.5 billion) and grows about 5% to 7% each year. Pet food is a major driver. It reached $1.6 billion in 2024 and could hit $2.2 billion in 2025. Premium, human-grade options and online shopping help push those numbers up.
Businesses Move Fast to Serve Pet Owners
Across Thailand, more businesses now welcome pets. What used to be rare is now common, from high-end hotels to everyday hangouts.
Pet-Friendly Hotels Keep Growing
Traveling with pets is simpler than it used to be. Directories now list more than 2,000 pet-friendly hotels and rentals across the country. TripAdvisor also highlights almost 200 top-rated stays for 2026, including names like IHG’s Kimpton Maa-lai Bangkok and The Standard properties in Bangkok and Hua Hin.
Booking.com shows thousands of pet-friendly places to stay, with busy clusters in Bangkok (hundreds), Pattaya (over 200), Hua Hin (over 250), and Chiang Rai (30). Big brands like Marriott Bonvoy and Accor (ibis and ibis Styles), along with many independent hotels, add pet perks such as beds, bowls, walking areas, and even on-site grooming. In some cases, they waive fees for small pets or include special amenities.
Restaurants and Cafes Welcome Pets More Often
In many cities, eating out with pets now feels normal. Pet-friendly cafes and restaurants often allow dogs and cats in outdoor areas or set sections. In Pattaya, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai, some venues offer pet menus with treats and safe seating layouts. Hua Hin also stands out, especially near the beach, where dog-friendly cafes attract steady crowds. For many businesses, “pet-welcoming” has become a smart way to connect with younger customers.
More Parks and Outdoor Spaces for Pets
Outdoor options are also improving. Public parks in places like Bangkok include dog runs and open areas where leashed pets can visit. Private projects often add small pet parks, too. In tourist areas such as Phuket and Samui, some beaches and resorts provide green spaces designed with pets in mind.
Condos Catch Up With Pet-Friendly Features
For years, many condos didn’t allow pets. Now, newer projects are built around them. Developers add rooftop dog parks, cat playrooms, grooming stations, and even pet-only elevators. Some units also use more durable materials, like scratch-resistant floors, and separate zones for dogs and cats.
Clear rules help keep shared living peaceful. Bangkok’s 2026 guidelines set limits based on unit size. Condos under 20 square meters can keep one pet. Units from 20 to 80 square meters can keep two, and homes over 80 square meters can keep three. Larger homes may allow more. Many buildings also require leashes in common areas, muzzles for certain breeds, yearly health checks, and damage deposits. Some rules also say owners must carry pets in lobbies and elevators or stick to set routes.
These pet-friendly designs appeal to singles, couples, and LGBTQ+ residents who want pets as part of their household. In a competitive market, “pet-friendly” can also help condos stand out and sell faster.
Pet Owners Ask Airlines to Loosen Travel Rules
Even with more pet-friendly spaces on the ground, flying with pets is still tough. Most Thai airlines, including Thai Airways, only allow pets in cargo holds, except for service animals. Bangkok Airways permits checked pets in temperature-controlled holds.
Still, more pet owners want in-cabin options. Many point to Japan, where small pets often travel in the cabin in carriers. Others mention examples in Asia, such as select routes on Korean Air or Air India. While major policy shifts have not happened yet, demand keeps rising. Some budget airlines, like Nok Air, already offer limited in-cabin choices on certain routes.
At the same time, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has shown interest in pet-friendly tourism. The goal is a country where people can travel with both family members and pets.
Thailand’s move toward pet-friendly living follows a global pattern, but the pace stands out in Asia. As more people treat pets as family, businesses adjust, housing rules shift, and public spaces become more welcoming.
This change brings emotional benefits for owners and real growth for the economy. Whether it’s a walk in a pet-friendly park, lunch at a welcoming cafe, or a hotel stay that caters to animals, Thailand keeps making room for four-legged family members.
