Travelling with pets

Travelling with a pet requires preparation. Requirements for documentation, vaccinations, and pet transportation may vary depending on your destination country, transit countries, and airline.

We recommend reviewing all requirements well before your trip.

What documents may be required?

The exact list of documents depends on your itinerary and destination.

Commonly required documents include:

  • a pet passport or veterinary certificate;

  • proof of microchipping, where required;

  • vaccination records, including proof of rabies vaccination;

  • an import permit, if required by the destination country;

  • other veterinary documents required under local regulations.

Some countries may also require blood tests, quarantine, or additional veterinary procedures.

What should I do before travelling?

1. Check the requirements of your destination country

Pet import regulations vary from country to country and may change over time.

Before travelling, make sure your pet is allowed to enter the destination country, as well as any countries where you will be transiting.

2. Check identification requirements

In many countries, pets must be identified with a microchip.

In some cases, vaccinations administered before microchipping may not be recognised.

3. Check vaccination requirements

Valid rabies vaccination is required for most international journeys.

Some countries may also require a rabies antibody blood test, additional vaccinations, or a waiting period before travel.

4. Obtain the necessary veterinary documents

Before travelling, you may need a veterinary certificate or other documents issued by an authorised veterinarian or government authority.

Please note that some documents are only valid for a limited period before departure.

Can I travel with my pet in the cabin?

Many airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin.

Typically, you must:

  • transport your pet in an approved carrier;

  • keep your pet inside the carrier throughout the flight;

  • comply with the airline's size and weight restrictions.

Specific requirements vary by airline.

How are larger animals transported?

Larger animals are usually transported in the aircraft hold.

A suitable container is required and must allow the animal to:

  • stand in a natural position;

  • turn around freely;

  • lie down comfortably.

The container must meet the airline's requirements and ensure the animal's safety during the flight.

Travelling with a guide dog or service animal

Guide dogs and other service animals may be subject to different transportation rules.

In some cases, they may be allowed to travel in the cabin under conditions different from those applicable to pets.

We recommend contacting your airline in advance to confirm the requirements.

Important

Some airlines limit the number of animals allowed on a flight and require advance approval for pet transport.

Before travelling, make sure to check:

  • your airline's pet transportation policy;

  • the entry requirements of your destination country;

  • the requirements of any transit countries included in your itinerary.

It is the passenger's responsibility to ensure that all documents required for travelling with a pet are obtained before departure.