Flying with pets: rules, carriers and documents

Flying with a pet needs preparation in advance: each airline has its own terms, and some flights do not take animals at all. Here is the general scheme, so you know what to check before buying a ticket and how not to be refused at the check-in desk.

Important: the rules for carrying animals depend on the carrier, the route and the destination country, and they change. Everything below is general, and you should check the exact terms on the airline's official website and in the requirements of the arrival country.

Three ways of carriage

As a rule, airlines have three options:

• In the cabin. Usually small cats, dogs and birds are carried this way in a carrier. The weight of the animal together with the carrier and its dimensions are limited by the carrier.
• In the baggage hold. For larger animals in a rigid crate or container. The conditions on temperature, size and weight are set by the airline.
• As cargo. A separate service for large or specific animals, arranged through the cargo department.

The number of animals in the cabin on one flight is often limited, so the place needs to be requested in advance and not on the day of departure.

What to check before buying a ticket

1. Whether the carrier accepts animals on your flight and on your fare.
2. Whether carriage in the cabin is allowed and what the weight limit with the carrier is.
3. Whether there are restrictions on breeds, the animal's age or the season, for example in hot weather.
4. Whether an advance request is needed and how to make it: by phone or on the website.
5. How much the service costs. The price depends on the company and the method of carriage, so do not assume it without checking.

If you fly with a connection, the terms need to be checked with each carrier on the route: flights with a layover are often issued with different airlines.

The carrier and preparing your pet

Requirements for the carrier are usually these:

• soft or rigid, but well ventilated;
• the animal can stand, turn around and lie down;
• the bottom is waterproof, with an absorbent pad on it;
• the carrier closes securely and fits under the seat if it is carriage in the cabin.

Get your pet used to the carrier in advance: let it spend a couple of weeks in it at home, eating and sleeping. Before the flight it is usually recommended not to overfeed the animal. Give medicines and sedatives only as prescribed by a vet: you should not do this on your own.

Documents

The set of documents depends on the destination. Usually they ask for:

• a veterinary certificate or a document in the established form;
• vaccination records, including rabies;
• a microchip or a brand if the destination country requires it;
• for international flights, the permits and entry conditions of the arrival country.

Some countries introduce quarantine, extra tests or a ban on certain breeds. Certificates are valid only for a short time, so check the date of issue against the departure date. Check entry rules on the website of the country's veterinary or customs service. Arrange travel insurance for trips abroad separately: standard policies usually do not cover treatment of animals.

How to organize the day of the flight

• Arrive earlier than usual: processing an animal takes more time. Read about online check-in, because carriage of animals is often arranged only at the desk.
• At security you will be asked to take the pet out of the carrier and carry it in your arms, so bring a harness or a leash.
• A carrier with an animal usually counts as a separate carry-on piece or is included in its allowance, so check: carry-on size and weight.
• Do not leave the animal without water for long, but do not give water right before boarding either.

It is convenient to look for tickets in the HotTrip flight search or on Aviasales, and check the terms for animals right after choosing a flight. What the fare includes is in checked baggage rules.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take a cat or a dog into the cabin?

Often yes, if the animal is small and fits together with the carrier within the carrier's weight and size limit. The number of places for animals on a flight is limited, so apply in advance.

Do I need to buy a separate ticket for a pet?

As a rule the carriage service is paid for, not a passenger ticket. The fee and the procedure are set by the airline, so check on its website.

Which documents are needed to fly abroad with an animal?

Usually a veterinary certificate, vaccination data and, depending on the country, a microchip and additional permits. Check the requirements of the arrival country on the date of travel.

What should I do if the airline refuses to carry the animal?

Find out the reason: excess weight, the size of the carrier, the limit of animals on the flight or missing documents. If the reason cannot be fixed, move the departure or choose another carrier.

Can I give my pet a sedative before the flight?

Only as prescribed by a vet. You should not give drugs on your own: at altitude the body's reaction may differ.

Cover: photo by Josh Withers on Pexels