When planning a trip with a pet, owners must take into account the specifics of traveling with them. Different types transport have their limitations. There are rules. Air travel also has many hurdles to consider and comply with.

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This applies not only to documents, but also to the animal itself, since not every company can agree to transport it and not every country will allow it onto its territory.

Which of them are prohibited for carriage as hand luggage and baggage?

When planning a flight, you should be aware of restrictions on the carriage of certain animals. Not accepted:

  1. Dogs. The following breeds are prohibited:
    • bulldog;
    • pug;
    • griffin;
    • Japanese Chin;
    • Dogue de Bordeaux;
    • Boston Terrier;
    • Shih Tzu;
    • Pekingese.
  2. Rodents.
  3. Reptiles.
  4. Arthropods.
  5. Fish and other aquatic animals that require transportation in water (including fish seeding material).
  6. Animals and birds, if they are not indoors (not tamed by humans).
  7. The animals that were subjected to the experiments were sick.
  8. Individuals weighing more than 50 kg are large (dogs).
  9. Pregnant or infants (this also applies to small dogs).

Important! You should find out in advance about the restrictions of a particular company or host country, as well as what you need.

Rules for transporting animals on an airplane

The need to deliver an animal by air saves time and effort, but requires preparation and consideration of the rules of this type of transportation. Animals have stricter rules and requirements that their owners must comply with.

Special standards regulate:

  • airlines;
  • customs;
  • veterinary service;
  • agreements between countries.

Large animals used for zoos and circuses are transported in a special aeronautical vessel. This transfer is offered by S7, a company specializing in the delivery of animals.

Passenger vehicles are limited to 150 kg. Business class and first class are also limited. Let's look at the features of the flight Russian Federation and beyond.

Across Russia

Depending on the place of transportation, there are 2 possible ways:

    In this case, you need to ensure:

    • pet weight with container up to 8 kg;
    • type of animal - dog or cat;
    • quantity in the cabin – maximum 5;
    • the container must be spacious, the animal must be able to stand up and turn around (height, width and length in total should be no more than 115 - 125 cm). For a carrying bag, the maximum size is 135 cm. This will allow them to be placed under the seat in front. The material is also important, which must be waterproof and the bottom absorbent;
    • a first aid kit, since the animal may become ill during the flight and experience discomfort. It is better to consult a veterinarian about what to put in it;
    • For birds, a light-proof cape is prepared for the cage with a window for air. It is important to make a good lock that will prevent opening;
    • it is important to ensure the cleanliness of the pet and cage, and to accustom it to moving in cramped conditions from a young age;
    • It is prohibited to place passengers with pets near emergency exits of Economy Class behind a hard partition, next to children, unless it is pre-booked and one family is traveling;
    • Guide dogs must be muzzled and remain near their owner during the flight.

    Important! You cannot feed the animal or remove it from the container during the flight.

  1. This part of the plane is given priority, because if there is a person in the cabin with an allergy to animal hair, the flight can aggravate his health condition. It is also important that only pets are allowed to be transported. Representatives from the non-domestic category have the right not to be allowed on board. The general requirements are:

    • weight from 8 kg (suitable for transporting large dogs across Russia);
    • the presence of a container or cage with a size of 1.55 m in the sum of width, length, height. There should be enough space for the pet to turn around and stand up;
    • The material chosen is durable, dense, waterproof, and absorbent. A secure lock is provided on the outside;
    • one container is used for one animal.

    Registration of a four-legged passenger takes place in a special window. You should be careful when filling out the papers and check that all symbols match.

    A sticker with a barcode is attached to the container to automatically determine the location of the luggage. To make the trip less stressful, the animal is placed in a specially designated compartment with a fixed base.

    Important! At the airport, the animal must undergo veterinary control before boarding, which takes time (up to 1 hour). For this reason, carriers may recommend completing it the day before departure in order to eliminate possible force majeure.

    Abroad

    When flying internationally, there are many requirements that depend on the laws of the host countries. The requirements are more extensive than for domestic flights. This also applies to documents.

    Let's consider the most popular questions, recalling that in each specific case you should check the information with the consulate before traveling.

    Restrictions and requirements for flying with an animal abroad:

    1. Weight up to 32 kg (up to what weight requirements vary among carriers).
    2. Availability of an international veterinary passport. It is issued in exchange for a Russian certificate confirming the health of the pet.
    3. Chipping. It prevents loss and is produced by implanting a capsule with a microchip under the skin, which has an individual number for reading by a scanner.
    4. When transporting a rare breed of dog abroad or a breeding breed, you may need permission from the Russian canine service.
    5. Blood test for rabies after vaccination. Time interval: a month after vaccination, 60 days before the end of the vaccination period, 90 days before leaving the country.
    6. A rabies vaccination is given.

    Please note that some countries do not allow you to enter their territory without being in quarantine. The duration of maintenance can be from 1 week to 6 months. This is necessary to determine the state of the animal and the absence of negative manifestations.

    Unaccompanied

    To travel your pet on your own, you should contact the airline in advance, fill out the necessary documents for their meeting and acceptance by company representatives.

    The owner must write an application for the transportation of live cargo unaccompanied or call, indicating:

    • the mass of one or all, if there are several heads;
    • delivery location;
    • cell parameters;
    • content notes.

    The live cargo is delivered to the airport independently and handed over to the manager along with documents. After this, it is placed in the cargo or passenger compartment.

    Moving without an owner takes place under the control of a responsible person determined by the company. The cost of a ticket for an independent trip is more expensive than usual, but cheaper than paying for two tickets, including travel for the owner.

    What documents are needed

    The rules for the carriage of animals refer to the general rules for the carriage of passengers and their cargo. They are approved (clauses 25, 143)

    Directly during check-in for the flight, the pet owner must present the following documents:

    1. Veterinary passport.
    2. Veterinary certificate of vaccination and health status F-1, confirming the possibility of transporting a healthy animal. The inspection must be dated no more than 5 days before departure. Such a certificate is changed at the airport to another one - form No. 5 a and is valid for 24 hours when leaving Russia and 3 months when leaving for Russia. When transporting a puppy or small cat across Russia, it is required to undergo fluorescent diagnostics and treatment for fleas and helminths.
    3. If the dog is a guide dog, the owner must present his certificate of disability and that the dog is trained.
    4. For service dogs, a document confirming the training of a service dog is required, and for an accompanying dog, a certificate of an employee of the canine service of the executive branch of the Russian Federation is required.
    5. Microchipping document. For international flights this is a mandatory requirement.
    6. Certificate of the Customs Union when sending to countries that are part of the union. It is valid for 5 days from the date of discharge until arrival at the destination.

    Different countries have their own characteristics regarding the transport of animals. Before your flight, it is recommended to contact a representative of the embassy to clarify the specifics regarding a particular animal.

    Important! Only its owner bears full responsibility for the animal during the flight.

    The airline is not responsible for damage, illness, loss, or other incidents that occur with an animal during the flight, including transportation through the territory of other countries.

    Price

    To transport animals, we use the calculation of non-standard baggage allowance. Guide dogs are allowed to travel without payment when accompanied by their owners, which is confirmed by documents.

    When determining how much transportation costs, the direction of travel, weight, and space occupied on board are taken into account. Let's look at some offers from different airlines.

    Table 1. Cost of transporting an animal on an airplane.

    Company name Factors affecting cost Fare type or location Price (dollars, euros, rubles)
    Companies operating under standard conditions time changing 5-14 $
    distance fixed 150 – 300 $
    "Airlines" Russia in the luggage compartment 2,000 – 6,000 rub.
    Europe 50 – 150 EUR
    from Thailand 2 400 – 14 400 TNV
    Far East 660 – 3690 CNY
    Air France France Weight of 1 animal up to 6 kg, transportation in the cabin or luggage compartment 20 EUR
    Europe, North Africa, Israel 75 EUR
    Other countries 200 EUR
    Ural Airlines in Russia up to 8 kg, box size up to 115 cm in total parameters 2,500 rub.
    far abroad 35 EUR
    CIS 60 EUR
    Rusline in Russia 2,000 rub.
    Victory 1999 rub.
    Nordwind Airlines in Russia 2,000 rub.
    far abroad 35 EUR
    CIS 50 EUR
    Far East 100 EUR
    Red Wings in Russia 2,500 rub.
    Turkish Airlines to Turkey from 15 EUR per kg
    s7 direct transportation 2,500 rub.
    transfer transportation 5,000 rub.

    Table 2. Cost of flying an animal on an Aeroflot aircraft.

    What to do and where to go if refused

    The airline has the right to refuse to transport animals.

    These reasons include:

    • non-agreed transportation, not confirmed;
    • the breed does not correspond to that specified in the request;
    • No necessary documents, certificates;
    • payment for transportation has not been made;
    • the animal behaves restlessly, which may threaten others and the control of the aircraft;
    • the container does not meet the company's conditions.

    Aeroflot airline allows pets to be transported in the aircraft cabin, subject to certain conditions and restrictions, and in the aircraft's luggage compartment. To transport an animal, confirmation from the airline is required, so you must book your animal at least 24 hours before departure.

    Transportation of animals in the cabin of an Aeroflot airline:

    Animals weighing no more than 8 kg are allowed to be transported in the aircraft cabin; the animal must be in a special container, the sum of the three dimensions of the container must not exceed 115 cm, standard dimensions: 55x40x20 cm. The container must be well ventilated and sealed. The animal is prohibited from leaving the container during the flight.
    The container should be located under the seat of the chair in front.
    Pets are not included in the free baggage allowance and must be paid separately at the check-in desk.

    Tariffs for transporting animals in the cabin of an Aeroflot airline (max. 8 kg):

    • throughout Russia for 1 animal 50 euros;
    • international flights for 1 animal 50 euros.

    Transporting animals in the cargo hold of an Aeroflot aircraft:

    If the animal's weight exceeds 8 kg. or the size of the animal exceeds valid value dimensions of the cage for transportation in the cabin, then the animal will be transported in the luggage compartment of the aircraft.
    Transportation in the luggage compartment must be carried out in a special container that must comply with IATA (International Air Transport Association) requirements. The animal must stand freely in the container and also be able to turn around.
    The maximum permissible weight of an animal for transportation in the luggage compartment is 50 kg. along with the container.

    Tariffs for transporting animals in the cargo hold of an Aeroflot aircraft (max. 50 kg):

    • throughout Russia for 1 animal up to 23 kg. 50 euros;
    • throughout Russia for 1 animal from 23 kg. up to 32 kg. 100 euros;
    • throughout Russia for 1 animal from 32 kg. up to 50 kg. 150 euros;
    • international flights for 1 animal up to 23 kg. 50 euros;
    • international flights for 1 animal from 23 kg. up to 32 kg. 150 euros;
    • international flights for 1 animal from 32 kg. up to 50 kg. 200 euros.

    Guide dogs and other service dogs necessary for disabled passengers are carried free of charge in the aircraft cabin.

    When you're thinking about traveling with a pet, it's worth weighing your decision several times. On the one hand, leaving this wonderful wet nose at home is very difficult. On the other hand, it is worth doing what would be more comfortable for the pet.

    For example, if you don't have enough time to spend with your dog while traveling, he will probably be happier on his own bed than in a small carrier. As for cats, they are almost always better off in their own home.

    But if you decide that your pet needs to share the love of travel, follow our advice.

    General conditions for transporting animals on an airplane

    • Start researching the details and conditions for transporting animals on an airplane in advance.
    • Check the airline's website. It must contain the conditions for transporting the animal. Animals on an airplane can travel in the cabin or in a special compartment.
    • The rules for transporting animals on an airplane mean that the animal will be in a carrier or muzzled on a leash. Those airlines that allow birds in the cabin always note that the bird must fly in a covered cage. Each airline determines the acceptable size of cages and carriers.
    • The rules for transporting animals on an airplane suggest that a pet can only fly if it has necessary documents.

    Documents for transporting pets on an airplane

    • Veterinary passport of international standard.
    • Certificate of health (form No. 4 for Moscow, form No. 1 for the rest of the Russian Federation). The certificate contains information about vaccinations and age. The last rabies vaccination must be done no earlier than a year and no later than a month before travel.
    • Also, the rules for transporting animals on an airplane indicate that dogs require a certificate of breeding value. True, hardly anyone will ask her.

    Flight of animals in the cabin

    Most airlines will allow you to bring a cat or small dog into the cabin for an additional fee, but you should call the company to confirm details in advance.

    During the conversation, be sure to get clear answers to these questions:

    1. Will the airline allow you to take your cat or small dog with you?
    2. Are there any specific animal health and vaccination requirements for a specific airline?
    3. If you can't take your pet in the cabin, do the airlines have any restrictions on carrying your pet in the cargo hold?

    Weigh the risks when deciding to transport your pet by air. Air travel can be especially dangerous for animals with flattened faces, such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats.

    • Under no circumstances should you let your pet out of the carrier during the flight.
    • Talk to the animal in a low and calm voice. And more “good girls” and “good boys” - the furry one will be pleased to hear praise from you.
    • The pet carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of you during takeoff and landing. This is important for safety.
    • Veterinarians do not recommend feeding your animal to the fullest before a flight (no matter how much you want to make amends with treats). Therefore, you can treat your pet with his favorite treat 1-2 times - this way you will reduce his stress and dissatisfaction with what is happening.
    • Place your worn T-shirt in the carrier. Your smell and pleasant knitwear should calm your pet.
    • Try to prepare for the trip and get your animal used to being carried in advance. This way you can avoid unpleasant surprises on board.

    Transporting dogs and cats in a special compartment of the aircraft

    Of course, I would like to write that every journey of an animal in the cargo compartment is safe and pleasant. But let's be honest: excessively hot or cold temperatures and possible problems with ventilation can lead to sad consequences.

    Follow these tips if your pet must fly in the cargo hold

    • Never place brachycephalic animals (Pekingese, Bulldogs, Persian cats) in cargo holds.
    • Fly direct flights. This way your pet will definitely not get lost in your luggage.
    • Almost every person tries to be careful when dealing with an animal. But just in case, ask the airline if you can watch your pet loading and unloading.
    • When boarding a plane, inform the captain or flight attendant that your pet is traveling in the cargo hold. If the captain knows that there are pets on board, he may take special precautions.
    • In summer, it is best to fly early in the morning or late in the evening. In winter, it is worth choosing day flights.
    • Write your name, phone numbers and address on your pet's collar and stickers on the outside of the carrier.
    • Make sure your pet's nails are trimmed to protect them from getting caught in doors, holes, and other cracks.
    • Introduce the animal to the carrier in advance. This will minimize stress while traveling.
    • Do not give your pet tranquilizers unless prescribed by your veterinarian.
    • Place ice cubes in a water cup attached to the inside of the carrier. A full bowl of water will spill and cause discomfort.
    • Avoid flying with pets during major holidays and vacations. Due to the fuss of luggage and the heavy workload of the staff, your pet may not be treated as carefully as you would like.

    We understand that all these tips lead to gloomy thoughts that are simply contraindicated before traveling. Here is a video from Swiss Airlines about how a cute dog travels on a plane and everything is fine with it:

    Flying with animals: particulars and exceptions

    1. The rules for transporting animals on an airplane mean that owners of exotic species always check with the airline itself for details. You will also need to notify the company in advance about the unusual passenger.
    2. Service animals always fly free of charge and with their owner, provided they have a certificate of proper training.
    3. The remaining animals will need to be weighed on the day of departure and receive a ticket at the airline's fare. For example, pets on an airplane are considered non-standard baggage, and you will pay for your pet's ticket as an additional piece of baggage.
    4. Arrive at the airport early. Better than three hours. Transporting pets on an airplane is impossible without prior veterinary control, and during the high season many animals travel with their owners. It is there that your passport will be translated into English and an international certificate will be issued.
    5. If your pet will be transported on an airplane in a carrier, check its dimensions on the airline’s website. The airline specifies that for a 4-kilogram animal, the carrier should measure 60 x 45 x 40.
    6. The carrier must be firm, with sufficient air access.

    Now you know everything about flying with animals and you can safely hit the road with your four-legged one. But we recommend that you think again about whether you want to arrange this whole carousel with veterinarians, vaccinations, carrying and pressure changes.

    Many passengers, going on their next flight, often think about the question of whether this is even possible? Indeed, if small pets, in particular rodents and cats, can be left in the care of neighbors, then, unfortunately, this will not work with a dog, since there is a lot of hassle with these pets. Most airlines provide the opportunity to Carrying a dog on a plane However, first take the trouble to clarify how your particular air carrier will react to this.

    Unfortunately, they won’t take a dog onto a seat on the plane, but they can still provide a special place for this in the luggage compartment. However, you should not think that transporting dogs on an airplane is such a common thing, not at all, that’s what they exist for.

    Rules for transporting dogs on an airplane

    The rules of transportation are quite simple, but you must comply with them, or otherwise, the pet will still have to be left in the care of one of the relatives, acquaintances or friends.

    1. If the air carrier provides dog transportation services, be sure to notify it in advance that you are going to fly with your pet. This should be done at the stage of purchasing air tickets, which will save you from tedious registration in the future. Please note that Rules for transporting dogs on an airplane They also take into account the fact that you are required to pay the cost of an additional ticket, which is also taken into account at a separate rate, for excess baggage.
    1. Make sure in advance that you have a veterinary certificate, which can be obtained in almost any veterinary clinic. The certificate contains information about the dog’s owner, vaccinations received, the gender and age of the dog, as well as the animal’s name. The information is quite formal, but without it, you can’t even count on the fact that your beloved pet will be able to board the plane.
    1. Transporting an animal requires a special container in which the animal will be placed during the flight.

    Thus, these three rules are enough to dog on the plane Russian air carriers were able to fly with you.

    If you are going to fly outside the country by plane, you will have to take care of a number of additional veterinary certificates, which are clarified directly with the carrier; license to export an animal from the country, international veterinary certificate, etc.

    However, there are a number of exceptions that allow animals to be transported directly on board an airliner. Falls under this category transporting dogs on an airplane who are guides for people who need it, and it is completely free; and transportation of small dogs weighing up to 5 kilograms, but not all air carriers, including Russian ones, can allow this.

    It is worth noting that Carrying a dog on a plane International airlines may require the animal to be in special quarantine, and it can last up to six months, which, of course, will not suit everyone.

    Having taken care to comply with all the rules listed above and having learned that how to transport a dog on a plane, taking into account that if the air carrier’s conditions allow the carriage of animals on board, you can be sure that dog on the plane will fly with you without any problems or hassle.

    This is not an easy task. This is due to numerous requirements established by air carriers and other structures.

    For international flights the transportation procedure is regulated by state laws.

    Most companies do not allow animals on board, but requirements may vary.

    To obtain information about transportation conditions and purchase a seat, you need to contact the carrier in advance.

    Carriage on the plane is allowed cats, birds, dogs. There may also be other pets on board a passenger ship - ferrets, mini-rabbits, meerkats, pet hedgehogs, fennec foxes.

    The main thing is that the pet is indoors, and most importantly, tamed.

    Cages are used to transport birds; containers are used for four-legged animals.. Other animals cannot accompany their owners, but they can be transported as cargo.

    Are there any size restrictions?

    Some companies prohibit the transportation of large dogs. But, as a rule, transportation is still permitted.

    Large animals, those that weigh more than 5 kg, are transported along with luggage. The only requirement is a large and durable container.

    Who can't be taken with you on a trip?

    Is it possible to transport a dog on an airplane? The lists of pets prohibited from being carried on board a passenger aircraft vary.

    Traditional list of animals that not allowed for transportation:

    Who should I take into the cabin and who should I check in as luggage?

    There are 2 transportation methods:

    • in the cabin;
    • in a container located in the luggage compartment.

    You can fly on an airplane and carry it in the cabin, When:

    1. Together with the pet, the weight of the container does not exceed 8 kg.
    2. The dimensions of the cage do not exceed 1 m 15 cm. You can calculate the dimensions of your container by adding up its parameters.
    3. The container is large enough, i.e. the pet can freely turn around in it and rise to its feet.
    4. In total, no more than 5 animals are transported in the cabin.
    5. Your pet is a cat/dog.

    The air carrier may refuse to transport an animal in the cabin if you have not notified your intention in advance.

    How to carry a dog on a plane if it is large? Animals whose weight with container exceeds 8 kg are transported in baggage.

    The air carrier must receive information about the pet in advance, its weight, container dimensions. This will allow you to properly organize the trip and make it as comfortable as possible for the owner and the pet.

    What documents should I prepare?

    When registering, the accompanying person must present health certificates for the pet, issued by the competent authorities.

    For international flights you will need also permission for import, export and transit.

    Documents issued by state veterinary hospitals are recognized as valid. No earlier than 12 months and no later than a month before the flight, you need to get vaccinated against rabies.

    Before you go to register, you will have to undergo veterinary control. You can ask all questions regarding the transportation of animals and necessary documents at the airport of departure.

    You need to arrive with your pet at the airport no later than 2 (or preferably 3) hours before departure.

    Read about what transportation rules exist in different airlines.

    What are the costs?

    As a rule, transportation of a four-legged friend is paid as excess baggage. An additional fee of $15-$25 may apply.

    The easiest way to arrange transportation of your pet is with Aeroflot.. This airline calculates shipping costs based on weight. For one kilogram of pet you will have to pay 2% of the cost of your ticket.

    Guide dogs are carried free of charge in the cabin. accompanying passengers. For free transportation, you will need a document confirming the fact that the animal has undergone special training, a certificate from the veterinary service, a collar, and a muzzle.

    The guide must be notified in advance.

    How to prepare your pet?

    Preparing your pet for flight includes the following items:

    1. Stock up on sufficient drinking water. Remember that dehydration occurs faster in the air than on the ground.
    2. Make sure that your pet does not suffer from lack of air in its container.
    3. Don't try to calm down with pills.
    4. Take your pet for a walk before your flight.
    5. Feed light food two hours before leaving for the airport.

    If the animal has health problems, consult with the Veterinary Control Service about the possibility of transportation.

    Puppies under 2 months old and sick puppies cannot be carried on the plane.

    Animals may not be allowed on board the plane:

    • pregnant women;
    • pets over 10 years old;
    • suffering from heart failure.

    Do not neglect the conditions established by the air carrier for transportation of pets.

    Compliance with all transportation rules will make the trip as comfortable as possible for the pet, its owner and other passengers of the aircraft.