Traveling with pets has become even more common in recent times. If you also have a four-legged friend you're planning to travel with, be sure to read our blog and find out what you should know before the trip.
🔹 First of all, when purchasing/booking your ticket, you must inform your airline that you'll be traveling with a pet. In most cases, airlines only transport dogs and cats by air.
🔹 For your pet, there are generally two travel methods: in the passenger cabin of the aircraft, or in the checked baggage compartment.
🔹 The travel method is determined by the airline and mainly depends on the animal's height and weight. In many cases, if its weight doesn't exceed 8–10 kilograms and its height doesn't exceed 25 centimeters, the animal can travel on board the aircraft in a special carrier bag; if these limits are exceeded, it will have to travel in the checked baggage compartment.
🔹 You should also take the animal's age into account before traveling. The minimum age allowed for air travel is 8 weeks, though this also depends on the airline you're traveling with and your travel destination. Be sure to verify this information in advance.
🔹 Airlines also require a health certificate, which must be issued by an accredited veterinarian. The certificate includes a physical examination showing that your pet is healthy and has received various vaccinations (including rabies).
🔹 The certificate is valid for 30 days, and you'll need it both for departure and for the return trip. Keep in mind that preparing and gathering these documents will take some time, so plan accordingly to have all your documents in order before departure.
🔹 Also, if you're considering using a tranquilizer, be sure to consult a veterinarian beforehand. In many cases, the use of sedatives is not recommended, as it reduces animals' ability to react and may negatively affect them during travel.
🔹 Finally, keep in mind that transporting animals by air comes with additional costs - you may need to purchase an extra seat for them, or pay a fee along with checked/cargo baggage.
Be sure to verify all of the above information with your airline in advance, and only then plan your trip with your four-legged friend.
🔹 And whichever destination you're traveling to, remember that eConsul can help you plan your pre-travel process and obtain visa services.
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