How to transport an animal abroad without problems
Miscellaneous / / March 17, 2022
These tips will come in handy for both air travelers and those traveling by train or car.
How to prepare your pet for travel
If you can do without a pet on a trip, then it is better not to take it with you. Even for a well adapted animal, a flight or a trip in a car, being in a noisy airport or train station is a huge stress. But if you have no choice, try to create conditions so that the pet is at least less nervous.
What you need to transport a pet
First of all, portability. Cover the bottom with absorbent diapers. And be sure to keep wet wipes on hand in case of excesses. If you are bringing a cat, you can put a ball of catnip on the bottom of the carrier, lay a soft blanket or even your old T-shirt there - the smell, which is familiar to the animal, will calm him down. If it's a dog, put her favorite bedding or toy on the bottom.
It cannot be guaranteed that during transport the animal won't get lost. Therefore, put on a collar with an address book on your pet in advance, where your name, the pet's nickname and your contact phone number should be indicated. So there will definitely be a chance that the animal will be found and called.
For dogs you will also need a harness, leash and muzzle. The first two items may be needed by the cat.
What medicines will help the animal to move the road easier
Many homeowners prefer essential oil-based sedatives, which come in the form of sprays, drops, and diffusers. On sale you can even find collars treated with anti-stress impregnation. Another option is products that include synthetic pheromones.
To reduce stress, artificial cat pheromones can be applied to the edges of the carrier, so take them with you. The volume of the vial usually corresponds to the requirements for the carriage of liquids on board.
Marina Zherebilova
Felinologist, zoopsychologist
True, there is no consensus among veterinarians about the effectiveness of such drugs. There is no confirmation of their sedative effect yet. However, as evidence of harm, so many owners use them just in case.
What will definitely help a nervous pet to endure a trip well is prescription sedatives. But about their appointment, you must definitely consult with a specialist in advance.
If the animal is severely motion sick on the way, before the trip, he can be given an injection of an antiemetic drug. But be sure to check with your veterinarian before doing this. The effect of such an injection lasts approximately 24 hours.
How to transport a pet on an airplane
What animals can not be taken on a plane
It all depends on the carrier. For example, earlier Aeroflot forbade taking on board dogs of brachycephalic breeds: pugs, boxers, bulldogs, Pekingese, Shih Tzu. It is believed that due to the structure of the muzzle, such animals can suffocate during the flight. But in June 2021 these rules softenedAeroflot has made changes to the rules and procedures for transporting animals
.Some carriers also do not allow potentially dangerous dogs to fly. So, on board Turkish Airlines will not fallWhich pets are allowed on board / Turkish Airlines American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, Brazilian Fila.
Sometimes they can refuse to transport and cats brachycephalic breeds. Also, not all airlines allow ferrets, turtles, rabbits, hares to be taken on board. Therefore, first make sure that you can transport your animal with this company at all. The list of allowed and prohibited pets is usually on the website, and if in doubt, just call the call center.
Also, many airlines transport kittens and puppiesonly if they have reached a certain age. Usually it is 10-12 weeks. For example, the same Turkish Airlines won't allowTraveling with animals / Turkish Airlines on board animals under 10 weeks of age, as well as pregnant dogs and cats.
What documents does a pet need for a flight
To find out what documents your cat or dog will need specifically, you can use online formsOnline form for import into the Russian Federation, export from the Russian Federation and transportation on the territory of the Russian Federation of dogs and cats by owners for purposes other than entrepreneurial on the Rosselkhoznadzor website. But you will absolutely need the following papers.
1. International Veterinary Passport
If your animal has passed vaccination, he probably already has an international veterinary passport. It doesn't matter if you have a thoroughbred pet or a "nobleman" - this document is necessary for everyone. You can buy it at any pet store - the main thing is that the passport is correctly filled out and contains all the necessary data and stamps. Your veterinarian will help you with this.
The document must contain marksInstructions: how to travel with an animal abroad / Rosselkhoznadzor about chipping, vaccinations and deworming. In Russia, animals are not often microchipped, but this is required when entering most countries. Be sure to check that the chip is of international standard. By the way, it must be installed strictly before the rabies vaccination.
For most countries, vaccination against this disease must be completed no later than 21 days before flight. This is done so that antibodies against the virus have time to develop in the blood. But it is better to play it safe and get vaccinated at least 30 days in advance. It is also worth paying attention to the vaccine itself: it must be approved in the country you are going to.
Most rabies vaccinations are valid for no moreOn the export of dogs and cats from the territory of the Russian Federation 12 months.
2. Veterinary certificate form No. 1
This is a note about state of the animalwhich is free issueVeterinary certificate form No. 1 / GBU "Mosvetstanciya" in any state veterinary clinic. You will need to come there with an international passport, where there should already be marks about chipping, vaccinations and deworming, and the animals themselves.
Please note: the certificate is valid for 5 days, and then "burns out". If you are late even for one day, the pet will not be released from the country.
Already at the airport, a certificate of form No. 1 to you re-registerRosselkhoznadzor / Import. Export. Transit for an international veterinary certificate No. 5a, according to which the animal can enter back into the Russian Federation. This certificate is valid for 90 days.
If you have been in another country for too long and the allotted time has expired, your pet canTranslation of a veterinary certificate for fur-bearing animals, rabbits, dogs and cats exported to the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union import back according to the veterinary certificate No. 15.
If you are traveling to Europe, then instead of certificate No. 5a, you should be issued an EU veterinary certificate (Euro certificate).
How to buy a ticket for a pet
As a rule, the possibility of transporting animals in the cabin aircraft limited. Therefore, first of all, you need to call the airline you are flying with and clarify which flights have free places for animals. And only after that reserve tickets.
Cat and dog can not let1. Transportation of animals / airBaltic, 2. Traveling with animals / Turkish Airlines together in the salon, even if they belong to the same owner. Accordingly, if another passenger has already informed the carrier that he will fly with a dog in hand luggage, you will have to check in your cat or choose another flight.
Restrictions regarding the joint flight of animals of different species also apply to birds. For example, by rulesTraveling with pets | Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines cats cannot fly with birds and dogs on the same flight. But the dog can become a bird's companion, but at the same time they should be as far apart as possible.
After making sure that the quota for animals has not ended, redeem ticket. After that, call the airline again and ask how you can pay for the transportation of a pet. Sometimes this can be done immediately, online, and sometimes already at the airport.
Just in case, warn the airport veterinary service that you are flying with an animal. This can be done by e-mail or by phone, which is available on the website of each airport in the appropriate section.
Also, 15 days in advance, write a letter in English to the veterinary control of the airport of the country of entry. In it, indicate the date of arrival, flight number and the fact that you will arrive with a pet.
What rules to follow when transporting animals on an airplane
Be sure to make sure that the dimensions of the carrier are suitable for the requirements of the carrier, because each company has its own.
The material of the bag also matters. If you are going to carry a pet in a soft carrier, it cannot fly in the luggage compartment - there takeTransportation of animals on S7 Airlines flights only a rigid plastic container. Sometimes airlines in general forbidTransportation of animals on S7 Airlines flights use soft bags.
Different carriers have different shipping rates. animals by weight. Most companies letHelp / Turkish Airlines pets in the salon, only if, together with the carrier, it weighs no more than 8 kilograms.
Sometimes the rules allow you to carry the animal in a carrier, holding the latter on your lap. But still much more often askTraveling with animals / Turkish Airlines put under the passenger seat in front of you.
Under the rules of most airlines, take your pet out of the carrier or put it on your lap during the flight it is forbiddenRules for transporting animals in the cabin / Ural Airlines. Feeding animals during the flight is also usually not allowed. Sometimes the flight attendants make an exception, but if you were not given the go-ahead, then just drink or feed through a syringe with the needle removed.
Animals that, along with the carrier weigh more regulations, unfortunately, will fly in the luggage compartment. Therefore, think twice whether it is worth taking them with you at all. Traveling for pets is already stressful, and in luggage it is double.
If this cannot be avoided, insulate the carrier. In that part of the cargo compartment, which is equipped for the transportation of animals, as a rule, the temperature is quite comfortable. But it cannot be ruled out that it can be cool there.
Carefully check all locks, clasps and fasteners: the animal may try to get out of the cramped space due to excitement. Some restless dogs may even chew the lock off from the inside.
How to transport a pet on a train
Usually, traveling abroad means flights, but you can also travel outside the Russian Federation by land. So, from St. Petersburg to Helsinki is still walksOn the resumption of communication with Finland branded trainAllegroTickets for the train "Allegro" RZD St. Petersburg - Helsinki». And from Moscow to Gomel you can get on "Sozh" 055B/056BRoute of the train 055Б "Sozh" Moscow - Gomel / "Yandex Timetables". But before the trip, you should rely on up-to-date information on the entry rules for each country separately - the information changes too quickly.
What documents does a pet need to travel by train abroad?
1. Veterinary certificate form No. 1
It is in any case needInstructions: how to travel with an animal abroad / Rosselkhoznadzor for issuing certificate No. 5a. When traveling to Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, a veterinary certificate of the Customs Union form No. 1 is sufficient, which is also issued at the regional animal disease control station.
2. International veterinary certificate No. 5a or European certificate
When crossing the border by train, you will need an international veterinary certificate No. 5a, but you need to issue it have toInstructions: how to travel with an animal abroad / Rosselkhoznadzor on one's own.
The procedure for registration is as follows: first you receive certificate No. 1 at the state veterinary clinic, and then you are goingTerritorial departments of Rosselkhoznadzor to the territorial bodies of the Rosselkhoznadzor, where it will be changed to an international certificate.
How to buy a pet ticket for a train abroad
Be sure to read the rules of the railway companies you intend to use. Sometimes a pet needs to buy a separate ticket, which, upon boarding, On the train must be presented together with a veterinary passport. If you have a large animal, be prepared that for him have toRules for the transport of small pets, dogs and birds / UFS.Travel buy the whole compartment.
Often, special places are allocated for passengers with pets, and their number is limited. When buying a ticket on the website, pay attention to which carriages are suitable for traveling with a pet. Usually they are marked with a special icon.
For more information about the rules for traveling with pets to a particular country, please contact the Russian Railways Help Desk at 8 800 775‑00‑00 (toll-free within Russia).
What rules to follow when transporting animals on the train
Arrive at the station in advance so as not to scare the beast in a hurry. On the platform, try to stay away from noisy companies and other passengers with animals. Get on the train among the last, behave as calmly as possible.
The rules don't usually allow feed and water the animals on the train. The main thing is to carefully read the rules of a particular carrier or, if in doubt, ask the conductor for permission. When you feed your pet, keep in mind that when moving, water from the bowl may spill. Therefore, it is most convenient to give water through a pipette or syringe with the needle removed.
If you are traveling in a separate compartment, you can release the animal from the carrier. Just do it not immediately, but 10-15 minutes after the train leaves. If you are taking a cat, it should be on a leash or harness: this way it is easier to control its movements.
If this is a long-distance train, the pet will want to go to the toilet on the way. You can probably walk the dog during parking, but if this is not possible, take absorbent diapers with you. For a cat, you can grab a compact tray. Put it under a table in a compartment or, if you are traveling in a seated car, under a chair that is occupied by fluffy.
How to transport a pet in a car
Crossing land borders is by far the most unreliable way to travel. For example, in Georgia, recently canGeorgia opened land borders / TASS had to pass through the Verkhniy Lars checkpoint in North Ossetia. But now there are difficulties with the exit, so stay tuned news and stay tuned for up-to-date information. Until recently, travel to Belarus was also limited by a number of conditions due to the pandemic. But on March 18 filmedRussia and Belarus remove all restrictions on travel between countries / RIA Novosti.
If you are traveling to the European Union, crossTravelers' points of entry / European Commission website you will be able to cross the border by car with a pet only through those checkpoints that process the movement with animals.
In any case, the paperwork algorithm remains the same as in the case of trains: getInstructions: how to travel with an animal abroad veterinary certificate form No. 1 at the nearest state veterinary clinic and change it at territorial administration of Rosselkhoznadzor for a veterinary certificate of international standard form No. 5a or eurocertificate.
What rules to follow when transporting animals in a car
It’s good if your animal is accustomed to traveling to car. If there is no time for this, follow simple rules. Do not use fragrances with a strong odor in the car, so as not to disturb the pet's sense of smell once again.
If your pet is in a carrier, do not forget to secure it with seat belts: in no case should it fall. The pet can warm up and walk around inside the cabin. But in this case, his movement should be controlled by someone who does not drive a car. In this case, the animal must have a harness with a leash.
Particular attention should be paid to those who travel with cat. A few seconds are enough for a frightened pet to slip unnoticed even into a small gap. Therefore, the doors and windows in the cabin must be tightly closed.
During the stop, the cat must not walk around the cabin: the animal must be closed in the carrier. And only after that, passengers can get out of the car. Hygiene tray you also need to practice only when the cat is securely closed in the bag.
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