We share our experience: Transporting a dog on an airplane is a BIG problem.

Rules for transporting pets

Transportation of dogs on an airplane abroad or within the Russian Federation takes place in the passenger or cargo compartment. This depends on the weight of the pet, the requirements of the air carrier, and the flight distance.

In the passenger compartment

Carriage of dogs in the aircraft cabin is possible only with the approval of the aviation concern and subject to the following rules:

Toy breeds are allowed in the salon.
They are transported in a special container, where they must remain during the entire flight. Can't be released.
Some concerns allow dogs to be transported in special bags.
The total weight of the cage and the pet should not exceed eight kilograms.
The container should be placed in places where it will not interfere with the free movement of other people and crew.
Passengers with dogs are placed near toilets, kitchens, and emergency exits.
You cannot block the passage, emergency exit, or occupy the next chair, even if it is free.
It is better to hold the carrier in your hands, and in case of turbulence, hide it under the seat. If this is not possible, consult with the flight attendant in advance.
It is recommended to wear a muzzle on particularly noisy or aggressive animals.
You should have a veterinary first aid kit in case your dog becomes ill.

You are only allowed to fly with your pet in economy class. Airlines prohibit transporting dogs in first or business class, even for a large sum. During the flight, the owner is fully responsible for the behavior and well-being of the dog, as well as for the cleanliness of the cabin.

Luggage compartment

The following is carried along with suitcases:

Special Purpose Dogs

Service animals can travel in the passenger compartment without a cage or weight restrictions. The owner must show a certificate of disability, as well as all required documentation for the pet. An assistance dog is permitted on board if the following requirements are met:

there is a document confirming that the dog has completed the necessary training to provide assistance;
all required vaccinations have been completed;
the animal is clean, without fleas or skin diseases;
the service dog is well-mannered, calm, and does not pose a threat to other people or their luggage;
the dog is always wearing a muzzle and collar;
during the flight, the dog is tied to the owner’s seat, sitting next to him, near his feet;
the owner does not leave the pet unattended and does not let him wander around the salon;
The dog is wearing a blanket with the inscription “helper” or “guide”.

Some companies allow "emotional support" animals to be carried free of charge in the passenger cabin. This rule only applies to the export and import of pets into the United States. Unlike the previous category, these dogs are subject to a weight limit. They can only be transported in a carrier. To register such a dog for free, you must present a certificate from a psychologist or psychiatrist, which will confirm the need for the pet to be present with the person during the flight.

Rules for transporting dogs on an airplane and in luggage

To travel with your pet, you must first obtain permission from the airline from which you purchased your ticket. According to the established rules, there should be no more than 5 animals on board the aircraft. The company must be notified that the passenger is flying with a pet no later than 36 hours before departure.

Note. If a traveler arrives at the airport with an animal without obtaining permission from the air carrier to transport it, he will be prohibited from boarding the flight.

To transport dogs in the cabin of an aircraft, the following requirements must be met:

the pet must be accompanied by an adult;
the weight of the animal should not be more than 8 kg;
it must be in a special cage or container (their size should not exceed 1.15 in width, length and height).

The animal should feel comfortable in it, lie down freely or stand up to its full height.

Passengers who transport pets as “carry-on luggage” are seated in remote places: near emergency exits or toilet rooms. In this case, travelers must have a veterinary kit with them. At high altitudes, many animals experience discomfort and pain.

Animals weighing more than 8 kg travel in the luggage compartment. To do this, you need to place them in special large containers or cages. Their size must be at least 1.55 m in width, length and height.

The passenger checks such baggage in a special window. It is necessary to carefully check that the documents for the container with the dog are filled out correctly. A barcode is placed on it. It automatically distributes luggage. After this, the animal is placed in a special compartment with fixed pallets. This will make it much easier for him to endure the flight.

What to remember when booking

When planning a seaside vacation with your dog or traveling outside the country, check with the carrier for the necessary information a month before your trip. Get vaccinated in advance and collect certificates.

Transporting a dog on an airplane abroad, as well as in Russia, is possible only with the approval of the aviation company.

When booking, please indicate your intention to fly with your dog. At least one and a half days before departure, inform the carrier about the dimensions of the carrier, the breed and weight of the pet along with the cage. Cargo space may be limited. Not all aircraft are equipped accordingly.

Preparing for the flight

Before setting foot on the plane, every owner of his furry friend is required to go through the recommended preparatory stage with him. Its purpose is to facilitate a long or even short-term flight (since it is a great emotional and physical stress for the body), as well as to ensure a comfortable and safe flight for all passengers.

Most often, the required preparation is listed on the airline’s website in the appropriate section, so any owner can familiarize themselves with it in advance. By adhering to generally established laws and recommendations, you can transport dogs on an airplane without worrying about their health. Recommended:

Bring plenty of drinking water, especially on a long flight.
Take a portable feeding bowl if transfers are planned.
4 hours before the planned departure, you need to feed the dog exclusively light food.
No food of any kind should be given 2 hours before landing, otherwise it may cause an involuntary gag reflex during climb, landing or turbulence.
Purchase a large container that provides good air circulation to eliminate air shortages.
Do not try to calm the animal by using sedatives or sleeping pills, as they cause a significant decrease in blood pressure. The resulting hypotension, in combination with surges in atmospheric pressure, can cause death.
Since it is difficult to transport a dog on a plane, especially in the luggage compartment, it is important to ensure that your pet goes to the toilet in advance. Before departure, it is best to take a walk outside to fulfill your natural needs.
If you have received official permission to have your pet in the passenger compartment, you will need to purchase a dog muzzle or a strong leash, thanks to which you can secure it near the owner’s seat.

Documents for traveling around Russia

Until recently, the rules for transporting dogs on an airplane in the Russian Federation required the presence of two papers: a veterinary passport and a veterinary certificate in Form No. 1.

The first document is issued by the veterinarian after vaccination. It contains all the information about the dog, as well as the owner’s name and telephone number.

The vaccinations given should not be more than a month old. The second document is intended to confirm that the dog does not have dangerous diseases. It is issued on the basis of a veterinary passport two days before departure.

Since 2021, the rules for transporting animals in Russia have changed. If the transportation is not related to business or the transfer of the dog to another owner, veterinary documents are not required. However, individual airlines, at their discretion, may ask for confirmation that the animal has been vaccinated. An F1 veterinary certificate is still needed if the flight is related to participation in an exhibition or sports competition.

Documents for taking a dog abroad

Compliance with certain rules allows you to freely export animals abroad. This requires microchipping of the pet, an international veterinary passport, as well as documents confirming the pedigree, or an export permit.

Veterinary passport

Transportation of a dog on international flights is possible only with the appropriate veterinary passport. It is issued on the basis of a veterinary certificate at the airport itself. The dog must be vaccinated against infectious diseases and rabies.

It is important that the vaccination is at least a month old, since immunity does not develop immediately.

The international veterinary passport must also confirm that the dog is free of fleas, ticks, and helminths.

The document is valid for 90 days. Keep it for the duration of your trip: the border guards will ask you to show it on your way back.

Chipping

Before visiting abroad, go through the microchipping procedure. This must be done before receiving the rabies vaccination. A special microchip with an individual number will be inserted under the dog’s skin. The sensor will help you find out information about the owner and return the pet if it gets lost during a trip.

Export license

Another document without which it is impossible to cross the border by air with an animal is an export permit. It's easiest for owners of purebred dogs. They just need to show their pedigree.

If the dog is officially outbred, you need to get a special license. Contact an organization that evaluates dogs. They will give you a document confirming that the dog has no breeding value and can be taken abroad.

Features of flights abroad

Transferring a dog to other countries is more problematic than transporting it across the territory of the Russian Federation. Each state has its own import and export rules - information should be clarified at the embassy.

For example, fighting breeds and young animals cannot be imported into a number of countries; moving to some countries will require additional vaccinations against diseases common there. All countries are subject to quarantine, lasting from 2 weeks to six months. Moreover, the owner pays for the maintenance of the dog during this period.

There are also general rules for flying dogs abroad:

an international veterinary certificate will be required;
the animal must not be of breeding value or belong to a rare breed - in order to export such a dog, you will need permission from the Russian canine service;
the dog must be microchipped;
a sticker with data in English is placed on the baggage cage;
In addition to the rabies vaccination, a blood test for the virus is performed a month after vaccination and 12 weeks before departure.

Carrying and container requirements

Only guide dogs are allowed to fly on an airliner without a special cage. Other animals are required to sit in containers, whether they are in the passenger compartment or in the luggage compartment. For planting to take place without problems, containers must meet certain requirements.

Carrying

As mentioned above, the total weight of the cage and pet should not exceed eight kilograms. There are other requirements for carrying:

total width, height, length – maximum 115 cm;
the container should fit easily under the seat;
the material from which the carrier is made must withstand the flight;
ventilation holes are required;
It is necessary to have strong external latches so that the dog cannot open the cage on its own;
the bottom of the carrier is covered with absorbent material to absorb liquids and odors;
the cage should be comfortable so that the dog can freely stand up, lie down with straight legs, and turn around 360 degrees;
You can put a soft pillow on the bottom.

Container

The container for travel in the luggage compartment is selected according to the parameters of the animal. The pet should not feel any discomfort inside. It is important that the dog can move easily, stand up to its full height, roll over, and lie down.

The following requirements must also be met:

one container is designed for one dog;
information about the animal is attached to the outside of the carrier;
if you are flying abroad, translate information about your pet into English;
the cage material must be durable;
if the dog is a fighting breed, the carrier is reinforced with metal elements;
you need steel doors without holes;
a strong lock is located on the outside so that the animal cannot open it;
It is important to have special ventilation windows;
roof - solid;
the cells in the windows should be small so that the dog cannot stick his paw through;
the bottom is lined with soft absorbent material;
handles are attached to the outside of the container for ease of movement;
the inner surface of the carrier must be flat so that the animal does not get hurt;
the dog is transported in a collar;
the leash lies freely at the bottom of the container;
the pet is not restrained during the flight;
A drinking bowl is placed inside the carrier.

General rules

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a dog, a cat or a bird - the main thing is that the pet fits in a carrier and is on your airline’s list of animals allowed for carriage.

Get comprehensive vaccinations

At the time of planning a trip (it does not matter, within the country or abroad), the animal must have comprehensive vaccinations, deworming and microchipping. At the veterinary clinic you need to obtain an international veterinary passport, which will contain notes about these procedures.

Make sure the vaccines your pet is receiving are approved by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. And remember: after the rabies vaccination and between the day of departure, 30 days must pass. Therefore, plan your trip in advance.

Find out the airline's rules for transporting animals

Typically, you can take your pet with you to the salon under the following conditions:

the weight of the pet together with the container is no more than 8 kg;
The dimensions of a rigid carrier in length, width and height do not exceed 44x30x26 cm;
The size of a soft closed-type carrying bag in the sum of three dimensions does not exceed 126 cm.

You will need a blanket or cape made of breathable fabric to cover the carrier: for your pet, the airport and the flight itself will be very stressful. You may also need wet wipes, some food and water. If you are transporting a bird, be sure to cover the carrier to prevent the animal from making noise.

The maximum carrying dimensions may vary between airlines, so it is better to check them on the official website or by phone.

If the dimensions do not fit into this standard, you will have to check the animal into the luggage compartment. An exception may be a service dog or guide dog: they can be taken into the salon, but only if they have documents confirming their status (usually the carriage of such animals is free).

Remember that flying in the luggage compartment is not only stressful for the animal, but also a potential danger: there have been many cases where pets suffocated from lack of oxygen. Therefore, carefully weigh the pros and cons before taking such a step.

When bringing a pet into the United States at the airport, you may be asked to undergo additional checks, for example, asking about the pet's favorite treat or checking for water, measuring the carrier with a tape measure (if the staff decides there is too little space, you may face a fine), or being required to release your pet in order to make sure that you are its owner. Also, when entering the United States with a pet, you need to be prepared to answer any question from your veterinary passport (and yes, it must have a photo of the pet and in English).

Sometimes when importing an animal to other countries, the results of additional blood tests are needed. Therefore, it is very important to study the requirements on the website of the official department of the country of import.

Buy a ticket

But first, call the airline and find out if it is possible to transport your pet on the flight you have chosen. If so, buy a ticket for yourself, call the airline again and reserve a seat in the cabin for your pet (usually the number of animals on board is limited). The animal will sit at your feet. You will buy a ticket for him on the spot, at the airport. Its cost is about 4,000 rubles.

Receive a veterinary certificate form No. 1 five days before the flight

When your pet goes through quarantine after vaccinations (after 30 days), go along with him and his veterinary passport to a state veterinary clinic no earlier than five days before the trip to receive a veterinary certificate of form No. 1. This cannot be done in a regular veterinary clinic: the organization must have license to issue such a certificate.

The pet will be examined and you will receive a certificate stating that the animal comes from an area where no cases of rabies have been reported, and that the animal is vaccinated, microchipped and treated in accordance with international standards. The document must also indicate the person with whom the pet is traveling.

The certificate is valid for five days. Before going to a state veterinary clinic, it is better to call there and find out what tests are needed. Sometimes doctors require you to take a test for worms.

The veterinary passport must also contain a note stating that the pet is healthy and has the right to travel: the necessary vaccinations have been completed and quarantine has been completed.

Notify the airport veterinary service that you are flying with an animal.

This is a safety net and many people don't do it. But just in case, you can call or send a letter there 3-5 days before the flight so that the necessary employee will be present to examine the pet. Also, write a letter (in English) to the veterinary control of the airport of the country of entry 15 days in advance. There is no specific template, just indicate the date, flight and that you will be arriving with your pet. To find out the required email address, you can call the country's embassy or look up the information on its website.

Arrive at the airport early

If you are flying abroad, it is better to arrive four hours before departure. If you are flying within the Russian Federation, then 2–3 hours will be enough. You will be asked to remove your pet from the carrier for inspection: you must carry the animal through the metal detector frame on a leash or carry it in your arms. But if the animal is in panic and cannot be removed from the carrier, request alternative methods of inspection and control.

After screening at the airport entrance, visit the veterinary service room

Specialists will examine the animal, check the certificate and veterinary passport. If you travel within the Russian Federation, a stamp is placed on the veterinary certificate (valid for five days, after this period you will have to obtain a new certificate and go through the procedure again). When flying abroad, veterinary service employees will collect the certificate and in exchange will issue a certificate of form No. 5a in English, valid for 90 days.

On European routes, in addition to the veterinary certificate of form No. 5a, you will be given an EU veterinary certificate (European certificate). Certificate No. 5a is not asked for abroad; it is only needed to return home. A European certificate is required to enter Europe. To speed up the process, you can print and fill out the necessary certificates in advance, and only have them certified at the airport. Just in case, take several copies with you, including blank ones.

Go to the airline counter and purchase a ticket for your pet.

After screening and receiving all stamps, proceed to the passenger check-in counter. Let us know whether you are taking your pet with you into the cabin or placing it in the luggage compartment: this determines the choice of the counter where you will be directed to pay extra for a place for the animal. After check-in, check in your luggage.

As we said above, if the carrier does not meet the airline’s requirements, you will not be able to take your pet with you into the cabin. In this case, be sure to warn the captain or stewards that there is an animal on board. They will take the necessary measures, for example, turning on the heating in the luggage compartment.

During the flight and baggage claim, follow the general rules

In the cabin, stewards must provide you with an additional strap to attach the carrier to your seat belt. During the flight, you must not let your pet out of the carrier or feed it.

A service dog or guide dog must be muzzled, collared and on a leash next to you throughout the flight. It is prohibited to place your pet on the seat or in the area of someone else's passenger seat.

Upon arrival at your destination airport, if your pet was flying in the luggage compartment, look for it on or near the luggage belt.

After picking up your luggage, proceed with your pet to the airport veterinary service office.

Each air carrier has its own requirements

Before your flight, call the carrier and clarify the rules for transporting dogs. Because every company has its own rules. For example, the Russian air carrier Aeroflot allows a maximum of two dogs into the passenger cabin.

The Dutch concern KLM allows one pet weighing up to four kilograms to be carried in the cabin. Everyone else goes to the cargo area. Air France allows 4 dogs on board. The weight of each should not exceed five kilograms.

Other companies look at the dimensions of the cage. In the passenger cabin of the airliners of the German carrier Lufthansa, you can carry cages measuring 60x45x40 cm maximum. In the cargo compartment - 125x85x75 cm.

American Delta has set more stringent rules. The size of the cage for a flight in the cabin is a maximum of 53x22x33 cm. They can be purchased at the concern's representative offices for $35.

Can I take my dog with me to the salon?

Airlines allow small dogs to be carried in the cabin of an airliner. Each passenger must first familiarize themselves with the conditions for transporting pets. They are different for different air carriers. True, there are a number of general requirements that all airlines, without exception, impose on the transportation of animals.

Certain breeds of animals are accepted into the salon. Their weight cannot exceed 5 or 8 kg. Animals must have a veterinary passport or veterinary certificate (Form No. 1). The main requirement is all vaccinations and excellent health.

The animal must be in a carrier. You must inform an airline employee about transporting an animal 36 hours before departure. An airline passenger with a dog will not be able to fly business class. He will have to keep the pet carrier on his lap or under the seat.

Where passengers with dogs are not welcome

Some states prohibit the import of dogs into their territory. In other cases, a long quarantine is possible. Before flying to another country, especially a European one, ask the consulate about import rules.

It may be easier to leave your pet with family or friends during the holidays.

When traveling to Austria, Germany, France, quarantine is not required. In different countries, its duration can be a different amount of time; it is better to check the current data on the website of the visa center or airline companies.

Many countries require a certificate that can confirm the presence of vaccinations:

In Germany, certified documents in German are required. Rabies vaccination is required.
In Spain and Italy - a certificate about the current condition of the dog.
In Tunisia - confirmation of vaccination against plague.

In the countries of the Scandinavian region, the dog will have to undergo strict testing for immunity to various diseases. For this you will have to pay up to $560.

When flying to Egypt, Macedonia, Slovenia or France, you will not be able to transport a puppy under three months old on the plane.

What documents are needed

To fly an animal, the following documents are required:

Veterinary passport with a vaccination mark;
A permit to transport an animal issued by a municipal veterinary clinic with a note on the state of health;
Documents permitting the transportation of an animal in accordance with the requirements of the legislation of another country (for flights to other states);
Disabled passenger certificate, certificate of special training for free flight with a guide dog;
Certificate of an employee of the canine service of the executive power of the Russian Federation, a certificate of specialized training for transporting a service dog.

Animals transported by S7 Airlines within Russia and on international flights must be microchipped. The corresponding mark is placed in the veterinary passport.

Reasons for refusal of transportation

Air carriers do not accept breeds with short noses on board. These include:

pugs;
quinine;
boxers;
Shar-Pei;
Pekingese.

Due to the structure of the nasopharynx, these dogs may develop suffocation at altitude.

The reason for refusal of transportation even at the request stage may be the following:

the quota for this flight is completely filled;
The luggage compartment is not heated.

During registration, the owner of an animal may be refused for the following reasons:

an attempt to take a dog without prior approval;
the dog is not the same breed as was originally declared;
there are no necessary veterinary documents;
transportation of the dog is not paid for;
the dog is excessively anxious or aggressive and poses a threat to the safety of other air passengers;
unsuitable container.

If the weight of the pet together with the cage exceeds 50 kilograms, travel by passenger airlines is excluded. Such giant animals can only be transported by cargo flights.

Preparing your pet for flight

To make the journey painless, accustom your pet to carrying in advance. Place the container at home open, put toys or a drinking bowl inside. This will protect the animal from stress when it is left alone during the flight.

If the air travel will last longer than 8 hours, the dog can be given food before departure. Otherwise, it is better not to feed the animal five hours before transportation, as well as during the flight. Before boarding, take a walk with the dog, give it the opportunity to go to the toilet.

Do not give your pet sleeping pills or sedatives. Sedatives reduce blood pressure, and when gaining altitude this can lead to death.

Veterinarians do not recommend transporting puppies, elderly or pregnant dogs in the cargo compartment.

Is it necessary to transport a cat in a carrier?

As a rule, when the whole family leaves home for a couple of days, the cat is left with friends, neighbors, and relatives. But often you need to take your pet with you, then the question arises of how to transport it correctly and whether a special carrier is needed for this.

We’ll answer right away - if you’re flying on an airplane, traveling on a train or bus, you definitely need a carrier. For example, you and your pet will not even be allowed on the plane without it. At the same time, there are even requirements for carrying (that is, not every one will fit), and below we will tell you which ones.