What you need to know about transporting dogs, cats and birds on an airplane abroad

The idea of taking a pet with you on a trip comes to mind in two cases: you cannot even imagine a short separation, or you simply have no one to leave your pet with (a pet hotel is not an option). The conclusion is obvious - prepare mentally and financially and be sure to read this article before traveling. The more difficult and longer the upcoming route, the more hassle and nuances.

Preparation: documents, vaccinations, insurance

As they say, the woman had no worries, but bought a pig. Before starting the journey, you have to:

1) visit a veterinarian and make sure your friend has no medical prescription for travel. The pet is healthy, the necessary vaccinations are made on time, the veterinary passport is valid;

2) read carefully the section on the airline's website dedicated to the rules for the carriage of animals. And don't be fooled by the first phrase from Lufthansa: "Traveling with us, you can not part with your four-legged friend." After opening a dozen links, you will find out how many restrictions there are depending on the weight, breed, age of your pet. For example, the native "Aeroflot" does not allow transportation of certain breeds of dogs with a flattened muzzle (brachiocephalic breeds). These are Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Boxers, Griffins, Boston Terriers, Dogue de Bordeaux, Japanese Chin. And the airline also has the concept of "domesticated" animals. What it is is not exactly explained. But even if your Tuzik or Murka seems to comply with all the rules and regulations and have always been affectionate and obedient at home, in new stressful conditions for them, they may bark loudly, hiss or howl sadly at registration. This can be regarded as aggression and, as a result, transportation is denied;

3) make sure in advance that it is possible to import certain animals to the country where you are going. For example, Malta does not accept cats and dogs in general, Israel does not allow the import of fighting dogs, and puppies and kittens under four months old cannot be imported into EU countries. And in some countries there is a mandatory quarantine of up to 60 days or more for imported animals. Your pets should be microchipped, in most cases this is necessary. A standard rabies vaccination is sometimes not enough. For example, an animal is required to be vaccinated against plague upon entry into Hungary, and Canada requires a worm-free mark. The timing of vaccinations is also important, be sure to check. Such information can be obtained in advance from the consular section of the embassy of the respective country;

4) veterinary certificates and documents. Think: "Mustache, paws and tail - these are my documents"? In fact, this is not the case. To transport animals, it is necessary to have a veterinary passport with marks of all vaccinations, a veterinary certificate (form No. 1-vet, should be obtained no earlier than three days before departure) and, in some cases, a permit to export the animal. It is better to issue documents in a state veterinary clinic or in a well-known licensed one. Details on the procedure for registering pets exported abroad can be found on the department's website;

5) today it is not necessary to insure pets while traveling abroad. But large insurers have similar products. You can insure your pet for the duration of the trip from illness and injury during the trip, as well as your civil liability in case your animals cause damage to third parties;

6) and most importantly. Your pet needs to be "mentally" prepared for the trip. Let him get used to a carry bag or cage (buy a month before the trip) or other means of transportation. This is important, because your friend will have to be in unusual conditions of a closed space for a long time and completely alone in some cases.

Booking and buying tickets

If you have read this far and the desire to take a pet has not left you, move on to the next important point. The airline should find out that you will be accompanied by a four-legged or feathered friend 36–48 hours before the departure date or earlier. You don't have to issue a separate ticket, but payment for the weight of the pet (along with the "container") according to baggage rates is required. Even if you are flying without luggage with carry-on luggage, your pet will not be included in the free pounds. The cost of carriage of an animal depends not only on its weight with the cage, but in some cases on the size (volume) of the container, flight distance, number of segments, etc. Aeroflot calculates the cost of carriage according to the rules of non-standard baggage. Lufthansa, for example, charges from € 50 for a small animal weighing up to 8 kg in the cabin on routes within Europe and up to € 300 for a large animal carried in the cargo hold on long-haul routes. Free exceptions are guide dogs for visually impaired people and dog handlers.

Check-in and seat on board

At the airport, 30-60 minutes before the start of check-in for the flight, you should contact the veterinary control desk, where the veterinary certificate will be changed to an international certificate filled out in English or the language of the host country. Then either you have to part with your pet during the flight (if it weighs more than 8 kg, then the luggage compartment), or you will be allowed to fly together in the cabin. By the way, most airlines do not allow more than two dogs in the cabin. The cage or container should be spacious, sturdy, with secure locks and an absorbent pad. There should be enough living space so that your pet can fully extend its legs in a supine position. And if you are traveling with a feathered friend, then his cage should be closed with a thick cape. Also, you should not feed the animal abundantly on the day of departure, so as not to feel sick in flight. But a sedative (only on the recommendation of a veterinarian!) Is best given an hour before takeoff. On the way, the usual dry food, a bowl, a removable bedding, and napkins will come in handy. And don't forget to take your veterinary first aid kit on the road.

Where and how to live together

Not all city or resort hotels allow pets. Carefully study the option you like and clarify all the details of the animal policy in advance. A hotel that accepts guests with a shaggy escort may require you to pay for a double room (1 adult + 1 dog), your pet should not disturb other guests, you cannot walk around the hotel, go to the restaurant and the beach, swim in the pool etc.

Even if the hotel website has a detailed description of all the rules for accommodating pets and the services provided, do not be too lazy to clarify all the nuances BEFORE booking. In some countries (Maldives, Dominican Republic), hotels do not accept animals at all. Only a few hotels in Cuba accommodate tourists with guide dogs. In Europe, Israel and Russia, hotels accepting guests with pets stipulate the weight of the animal (usually up to 5 kg) and certain categories of rooms: the ground floor of the main building, detached cottages or villas. As for the Mediterranean resorts, the most pet-friendly countries are Croatia, Greece, Spain, Tunisia, Morocco, Turkey. Among the ski destinations, Austrian resorts will be the most loyal to your pets.

So, we have touched on the most important aspects of traveling with pets. If you decide on such a trip, try to avoid difficult routes with transfers as much as possible. The shorter the road, the less stress: for you and for your companions.