Shelters, adoption process, supplies, fostering & how to help in Pattaya
Pattaya has thousands of stray dogs and cats. Adopting from a shelter saves a life and costs a fraction of buying from a breeder. Adoption fees are 500-3,000 THB and usually include vaccinations, sterilization, and microchipping.
Naklua, North Pattaya (main shelter in Phuket, Pattaya satellite)
Thailand's most reputable animal rescue organization
Soi Khao Talo, East Pattaya
Local community shelter with many animals needing homes
Central Pattaya (foster-based, no physical shelter)
Foster-based rescue with great post-adoption support
Various temples (Wat Chai, Wat Nong, Wat Chaimongkol)
Free adoption but animals may not be vaccinated or sterilized
Browse available animals. Staff can help match you based on your living situation, experience, and preferences.
Spend time with the animal. Take them for a walk or play in a meet-and-greet area. Most shelters encourage multiple visits.
Fill out an adoption form with your details, housing type, and experience with pets. Some shelters ask for references.
Some shelters conduct a home visit to ensure your living space is suitable. Condos should allow pets in the building rules.
Fees typically cover vaccination, sterilization, microchip, and deworming. Ranges from 500-3,000 THB.
Receive medical records, vaccination booklet, and microchip info. Schedule a follow-up vet visit within 2 weeks.
| Item | Est. Cost | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Food & water bowls | 100 - 300 THB | essential |
| Quality pet food (1 month) | 300 - 800 THB | essential |
| Collar + ID tag | 100 - 300 THB | essential |
| Leash (dogs) | 100 - 500 THB | essential |
| Litter box + litter (cats) | 200 - 500 THB | essential |
| Pet bed / mat | 200 - 800 THB | recommended |
| Toys | 50 - 300 THB | recommended |
| Grooming brush | 100 - 300 THB | recommended |
| Pet carrier | 300 - 1,000 THB | recommended |
| Flea & tick treatment | 200 - 500 THB | essential |
General health assessment, deworming if needed, flea/tick treatment
Confirm all vaccinations are current. Booster shots if needed (rabies, DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats)
If not already done. Cost: 1,500-3,000 THB for cats, 2,000-5,000 THB for dogs
Essential in tropical climate. Tablet or liquid form, 100-300 THB per treatment
Spot-on treatment (Frontline, Revolution). 200-500 THB per month
Full health check, rabies booster, blood work for older pets
Not ready for full adoption? Fostering is a great way to help. You provide a temporary home while the shelter finds a permanent family.
Space, love, and time. Shelters typically cover food and vet costs for foster animals.
Typically 2-8 weeks, but flexible. Great for expats who travel seasonally.
Many foster parents end up adopting. Shelters are happy when this happens -- it is the best outcome.
Several organizations offer free or subsidized sterilization to help control the stray population.
Soi Dog Foundation
Free mobile sterilization clinics throughout Chonburi province. Check their website for dates.
Pattaya Animal Shelter
Subsidized sterilization for adopted animals and community cats/dogs. 500-1,000 THB.
Government veterinary clinics
Periodic free sterilization campaigns. Follow Pattaya City social media for announcements.
“We adopted Lucky from Pattaya Animal Shelter 2 years ago. He was timid at first but now he's the happiest dog on the beach. Best decision we ever made in Thailand.”
UK expats, Jomtien
“Found two kittens at Wat Chai temple. Got them vaccinated and sterilized at the local vet. They now rule my condo and I wouldn't have it any other way.”
German expat, Central Pattaya
“PAWS helped us find Chai through their foster program. The foster family told us everything about his personality so we knew exactly what to expect. Smooth process.”
Japanese expat, Naklua
Shelters need walkers, socializers, cleaners, and transport helpers. Even a few hours a month makes a difference. Contact shelters directly.
Cash, food, blankets, towels, and medical supplies are always needed. Most shelters accept donations via bank transfer or at their location.
For 500-1,000 THB/month you can sponsor a shelter animal's food and medical care. You get updates and photos. Great for those who can't adopt.
If you see injured or sick strays, report to Soi Dog Foundation or local animal rescue groups. They have hotlines and social media channels.
Many neighborhoods have temple or community cats. Regular feeding at set times helps them stay healthy and prevents them from scavenging trash.
Share adoption posts on social media. Many expat Facebook groups in Pattaya actively share shelter posts. Your share might find an animal its forever home.