Do you want to finally relax and recharge your batteries for a new trip, but aren't ready to leave your pet at home? You don't have to, because your furry friend can travel with you! Learn more about the rules for transporting dogs on an airplane

A furry friend is more than just a pet, they are part of your family. If you travel by air frequently, your dog can travel with you. All it takes is a little preparation and planning, and you'll be ready to go.

If you are worried about your pet's safety, don't worry. Traveling with your dog by air is safe as long as the airline allows it and you take the necessary precautions, taking into account the size and health of your pet. In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know to make your best friend's trip as comfortable as yours.

You can learn more about the rules for traveling with pets in Europe, the United States, and Canada here.

Basic rules for transporting dogs on an airplane

The transportation of animals on board an airplane is regulated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and all airlines follow its rules, so the requirements for transporting pets are almost the same for all carriers. The first thing you need to do is to make sure that the airline you choose allows the transportation of animals. This can be found on the airline's official website along with the requirements for transportation.

Many low-cost airlines, such as Wizz Air and Ryanair, do not allow the transportation of animals, except for guide dogs. Before booking, make sure that your dog does not belong to the breeds prohibited for transportation. For example, it may be some fighting breeds or brachycephalic dogs (dogs with a flattened nose) that have problems breathing at altitude. A detailed list of breeds can be found on the website of the carrier you have chosen.

If you are convinced that your chosen airline allows the transportation of animals, there are a few important rules to consider when planning a trip with your pet:

1. The cost of transportation. Transportation of an animal is paid separately. You can buy a ticket online or at check-in. It is important to reserve a ticket in advance by calling the airline's contact center no later than 48 hours before departure. Some airlines limit the number of animals in the cabin to 3-4;

2. Weight and container. Animals weighing up to 8 kg are allowed to be transported in the aircraft cabin in a special carrier or container. The container can be hard or soft, and baskets, cages, and travel bags for animals are also allowed. It is important that the animal cannot escape from the container and has access to fresh air and drinking water. The dimensions of the carrier should not exceed 55x40x20 cm;

3. Behavior in flight. During the entire flight, the animal must remain in the container. It is forbidden to take it in your arms;

4. Animals over 10 kg. If your animal weighs more than 10 kg, it will travel in the baggage compartment of the aircraft. Animals weighing up to 75 kg are allowed to travel there, but they must be in special containers or cages. The container must be large enough for the animal to stand and turn, have ventilation on three sides, and be securely fastened;

5. Comfort in the luggage compartment. The container in the luggage compartment should have fixed bowls for water and food, and be installed so that it does not slide on the floor.

Following these rules will help ensure a comfortable and safe flight for your pet.

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Rules for transporting dogs on low-cost airlines Wizz Air, Ryanair, easyJet

Low-cost airlines such as Wizz Air, Ryanair, and easyJet do not allow animals on board, except for guide dogs that accompany passengers with disabilities. These assistance dogs can fly free of charge on flights within the European Union and on flights departing from the EU to other countries.

In order to travel with a guide dog, a passenger must notify the airline when booking a ticket, as well as contact the special assistance call center or send an email to the appropriate address. This must be done no later than 48 hours before departure.

In addition, you must provide the following documents:

- Certificate of certification of the dog as a guide dog.

- All relevant documents required by the countries of departure and arrival.

Only one guide dog is allowed per flight, which does not occupy a passenger seat, ensuring comfort and safety for passengers with disabilities.

Traveling with dogs on LOT Polish Airlines aircraft

LOT Airlines allows the transportation of dogs, cats or ferrets in the cabin, provided that their total weight does not exceed 8 kg. Animals can also travel in the luggage compartment or as cargo. There are no weight limits for guide dogs and they do not need a container. However, they must be leashed and muzzled.

The airline must be notified of the transportation of the animal at least 48 hours before departure when booking. Payment for pet transportation is made at LOT booking and sales offices, as well as at agents. The pet check-in procedure takes longer, so please arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure.

LOT accepts pet containers of different sizes depending on the type of aircraft:

1. For Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft: 55/40/20 cm;

2. For DH4, E70, E75, E95 aircraft: 45/30/20 cm.

The container for transportation of the animal must meet the following requirements:

1. Have enough space for the animal to move, stand, turn and lie down freely;

2. It must be clean, tight, well closed, and its base must be covered with absorbent material;

3. Be equipped with a container with water and food;

4. Ventilated on at least three sides;

5. Made of fiberglass, metal, hard plastic, solid wood or plywood, without attached rings (if any, they must be removed during check-in).

If the animal is traveling in the luggage compartment, the temperature will be adjusted accordingly to ensure comfortable conditions for it.

Transportation of dogs on Lufthansa aircraft

Lufthansa allows you to carry a small dog or cat on board if the weight of the animal and its container does not exceed 8 kilograms. The dimensions of the container should not exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm. If the animal does not meet these requirements, it can be transported in special containers in the air-conditioned baggage compartments of the aircraft.

Passengers can use their own shipping containers for transporting animals if they comply with IATA rules. The container must be large enough for the animal to move freely and stand on straight legs. The door must close tightly and the inside of the container must be smooth. Ventilation holes must be on all four walls of the container and be small enough or covered with grilles so that the animal cannot expose body parts to the outside.

Lufthansa guarantees that the temperature in the baggage compartment will be adjusted accordingly if an animal is traveling there.

Guide dogs accompanying blind and deaf passengers, as well as other service dogs required by the passenger during the trip, are transported free of charge on Lufthansa flights and can travel in the cabin.

New CDC rules for flying with a dog

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently introduced new rules for dog owners planning to travel to the United States. These changes apply to people arriving in the country by land, airplane, or cruise ship from countries considered to be free of rabies or at low risk of the disease.

Starting August 1, 2024, dog owners entering the United States must fill out a special CDC form to import dogs upon arrival. Owners can fill out the form on the day of travel, but the CDC recommends doing so in advance, at least a few days or up to six months before traveling from a country with a low rabies risk. The form is valid for six months and can be used multiple times, provided that the dog has not been in a country with a high rabies rate. Filling out the form is free, but a separate form is required for each pet.

To travel from countries with a high risk of rabies, owners must complete the CDC form and have a rabies vaccination certificate issued in the United States or an export health certificate approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

All pets arriving in the United States must appear healthy at the time of arrival, be at least six months old, and have a microchip inserted prior to receiving a rabies vaccination. These rules will help simplify the entry process and ensure the safety of both animals and people.

The cost of traveling with a dog by plane

Transportation of an animal by plane is paid separately. Tickets can be purchased online or at check-in. The cost of transportation can vary significantly. For example, KLM charges from 75 to 400 euros one way for the transportation of a cat or dog. Such a wide range of prices is explained by the difference in cost depending on the airport of departure and destination. 

You can find out the exact price for transporting your pet when booking your ticket. It is worth noting that guide dogs are transported free of charge.

Documents required for traveling with a dog by plane

To travel with your pet, you need to prepare certain international documents:

1. International veterinary passport. This document must contain all the information about the animal, its chip number, vaccination marks (they must be made at least 30 days and no more than 1 year before departure) and information about parasite treatment;

2. Chip. The chip number must match the mark in the passport. If the animal has a special tattoo, it must also be recorded in the veterinary passport;

3. Certificate of blood test for titration of antibodies to rabies virus. This test is performed once and is valid for life.

Before traveling, you should also find out about the rules of entry for animals in the country of destination, as additional documents or certificates may be required. Have a safe and successful trip with your four-legged friends!

We remind you! Do you like to travel without heavy bags and heavy suitcases? To simplify your travels, we have prepared a detailed guide with the requirements of various popular carriers. Read more about the rules of hand luggage transportation on Ryanair, Wizz Air, Lufthansa and other popular airlines.

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