Transportation of dogs by air has its own specifics. In contrast, for example, from the same bus, you will have to think about paperwork and preparing the animal itself.
Basic transportation rules
Dogs on the plane can be transported, but only subject to several conditions. In this case, the animal can travel both in the luggage compartment and in the cabin itself. Anyway it all starts with the pet owner getting permission from the airlinewhose services he is going to use. In most cases, you cannot transport more than five animals at a time on an airplane, so transportation may well be denied. Interaction with the carrier is required at least three days before the immediate trip.
If a person arrives at the airport without warning, even with a puppy, he will simply not be allowed on the flight. The cost of transporting an animal depends on its size.
For example, in some cases a large dog will have to pay about 200 euros. A miniature animal will cost much less. Guide dogs fly for free on an airplane. In some cases, airlines may refuse to carry, which, of course, will be reported at the stage of ticketing.
We are talking about pregnant females, puppies whose age does not exceed 3 months, and elderly dogs (over 10 years old). It is also forbidden to transport animals whose weight exceeds the mark of 50 kilograms. Under the ban for transportation are experimental or sick dogs.The most dangerous diseases in this situation are considered problems with the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
In Russia
When flying around Russia, it is important to remember that you still have to send a large dog to the cargo compartment, and you can take small animals with you to the cabin. In both cases, the animal must be accompanied aboard by an adult. A good solution is to bring along a small veterinary medicine cabinet, since a high height can cause the dog discomfort or even pain. By the way, right before the flight, already at the airport, the animal will have to visit the veterinarian and get a document confirming this, therefore it is better to check the hours of his work in advance.
Before starting the trip, it is important to study the rules of transportation of a particular airline, and also remember to inform her that the dog will be present on board.
In this case, you will immediately have to indicate its dimensions and container parameters, therefore, the carrying should have already been purchased by that time. If the dog weighs from 5 to 8 kilograms, it is worthwhile to additionally find out if the airline allows it to be transported in a small soft bag. We must not forget to inform the carrier about the breed of the dog, as many refuse to transport brachycephalic individuals. The meaning of this restriction is that the short face of the animal can provoke problems with the respiratory system or heart.
Abroad
It is immediately important to mention that the transportation of dogs when traveling to other countries is subject to the requirements of the country of arrival. For example, the state may set the maximum weight of the pet or customs representatives will require a special certificate, which indicates the breed of the animal.
Documents required for dogs
The documents required to transport the dog across Russia and abroad are slightly different. In the first case, we are talking mainly about a veterinary passport, information which is entered by a veterinarian who carries out the vaccination for the first time. The doctor must prescribe the breed of the animal, color, age, weight and nickname. Information about the owner is immediately indicated - not only his name, but also the address with a contact phone. but the main information is still the vaccination marksamong which rabies vaccine must be present.
Vaccinations should be given no later than 30 days before the planned trip.
Based on the information specified in the veterinary passport, a veterinary certificate is issued that meets the statutory requirements of the state in accordance with form No. 1. The document contains information about the owner, nickname and breed of the dog, its gender and age, travel route, as well as the dates of vaccinations. They issue such paper in the veterinary service, and it is important to remember that its duration is limited to 5 days. Experts recommend applying for a certificate a day or even a couple of days before the direct flight.
If the pet is to be taken abroad, then a veterinary passport of an international standard will be required.
The main essence of such a document is to demonstrate affixed vaccines, indicated by special labels. To obtain such a document, you will first need to issue a state-issued certificate, which is then exchanged for a passport. The received document is valid for 90 days. Documents should be retained until their return to their homeland, as they are often required when leaving the territory of a foreign state.
Separately, mention should be made of chips. Pre-done this procedure helps with the loss of the dog. Its essence is that an empty capsule is inserted under the skin of the pet, in which a microchip with an individual number is placed.
Using a special scanner, it is easy to get information about who owns the dog.The export of animals that have not undergone the chipping procedure abroad is prohibited.
Carrying Requirements
In order for the dog to comfortably and calmly endure the journey, it is necessary to choose a suitable container. The dimensions of the box or cage - length, height and width - are determined depending on whether the dog will be transported in the luggage compartment or in the cabin. Naturally, in the first case, the required dimensions will be larger. By agreement with the airline, a soft and light bag can be used as a carry. Only one dog can be located in one cage, which is provided with a constant supply of fresh air through special windows.
A label with information about the transported animal is also glued directly to the container.
If the flight is carried out abroad, then it must be additionally translated into English. Even at home, the owner should take care of the bottom of the structure - cover it with a soft cloth, and protect it with a special absorbent diaper, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. Before the dog goes into the cage, a collar is put on, the leash from which is laid on the bottom of the carrier. The design door is locked.
Differences between air transportation of dogs in the cabin and in the luggage compartment
Whether the dog will travel in the cabin or in the luggage compartment is determined by its size. If the animal weighs 8 kilograms or less, it can be taken as “hand luggage”. In this case, the dog sits in a cage or container, the length of all sides of which does not extend beyond 1.15 meters. It is important to choose a carrier so that the pet feels comfortable and moderately spacious inside, having the ability to straighten its paws and also lie down. The cage or container will be placed in places near the toilet or emergency exit.
Those dogs that weigh more than 8 kilograms can only travel in the cargo hold.
Cells or containers in this case are selected much larger - at least 1.55 meters for each side. Arriving at the airport, the owner goes to check in baggage, where he prepares his pet. After filling out all the necessary papers, a special sticker with a bar code is needed for the distribution of cargo for the flight. Then the dog goes to the compartment in which the pallets for the cages are already fixed.
How to prepare the animal for the flight?
Dogs tolerate relatively good air travels, but only if they are properly prepared in advance. Somewhere 4 hours before departure, you must stop feeding the animal. In the event that the pet will fly in the cabin, it is recommended not to feed him throughout the trip. The dog will have to walk so that she already went to the toilet. As for sleeping pills and sedatives, many veterinarians speak out against this, since taking pills leads to a decrease in pressure.
Given the processes of takeoff and landing, all this can even lead to the death of a pet.
The animal should be accustomed to the cage in advance. You can simply put it at home, put a toy inside, a treat or place a drinker so that the dog calmly walks in without experiencing any stress.
Special Transportation Cases
Special transport cases are characteristic of guide breeds and service dogs. In the first case, the animal can travel even with a child over the age of twelve. You will not need to pay for transportation if you provide the required documents in advance: about the disability of a traveling person and the service category of a pet. Service dogs also travel for free and also in the cabin. Again, the only requirement is the availability of documents.
Both dogs enter the cabin before the passengers go there.
They travel in a muzzle and in a leash tied to the seat of an accompanying person. The owner must ensure that the animal does not spoil the property, does not interfere with other travelers, and also does not occupy passages and spaces near emergency exits.
In some exceptional cases, the dog can travel without the owner. Permission for such a service depends on the carrier. In addition to standard documents, in this case it is necessary to draw up a power of attorney for an airline employee who will play the role of an attendant. The owner brings the dog to the airport, who then writes a statement and transfers the animal to the employee.
How to transport an animal in an airplane, see below.
