How to properly transport a cat on a plane in Russia?

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It's complicated with cats. Firstly, there are unlikely to be more than two flights in their life. This usually happens when moving infrequently. Secondly, it is not you who decide how the cat should live, it is he who decides how you and your entire family will live. But don't worry.

We analyzed other people's examples and explained in detail how to prepare a cat for flight. Learn from other people's mistakes.

Is it possible to take a cat on a plane?

Airlines do not prohibit the transport of pets on board aircraft . They regulate certain rules on how to transport a cat on an airplane. You can do this in two ways:

• take the animal with you to the salon;
• “check in” as special cargo.

The choice of the appropriate method depends on the weight of the pet. It must be remembered that transporting a cat is impossible without documents for it.

What papers are required?

It is appropriate to begin preparing for your trip by studying the list of documents that will be needed to present at control. Each carrier requires this package of papers, and the list looks like this:

• veterinary passport with a photo of the pet and stamps from the veterinary clinic;
• a document confirming that the cat has received the necessary vaccinations;
• serological blood test;
• paper on treatment against ticks and parasites.

To travel within the country you will need a veterinary passport.

It is appropriate to take care of collecting documentation a month before the expected departure date, since most procedures are supposed to be carried out no later than two weeks before the departure date . You can get a passport at every veterinary hospital. The document is processed quickly, so passengers receive the paper within 24 hours after applying. When planning to fly abroad, travelers apply for an international veterinary certificate. The veterinarian issues this paper based on information from the veterinary passport.

You will have to apply for an international passport no later than one week before takeoff. In addition, it is advisable to start collecting the necessary documents by familiarizing yourself with the rules for importing animals into the countries where you plan to fly. This information is provided by veterinary services or state embassies.

At the airport, passengers with pets go through the veterinary control area and receive a special certificate, which confirms that the animal is allowed to fly. Don't forget that you will also have to book a flight ticket for your pet. Such actions are advisable when purchasing an itinerary receipt.

Animals are allowed on board the aircraft by the airport veterinary control service.

Tell the airline employee that you are going to fly with the beast, and the employee will automatically process the request. Transportation prices vary, but in most cases the cost of transportation will be the same as luggage weighing 20 kg .

Rules for transporting cats on an airplane and in “baggage”

No more than 5 animals can be in the aircraft cabin at the same time. Therefore, when booking or purchasing a flight ticket, you must inform a company employee that the passenger is flying with his pet.

Animals whose weight does not exceed 8 kg are allowed into the salon. In this case, the cat must be in a special container or cage. They can accommodate a maximum of 2 animals. Their total weight should not exceed the established 8 kg.

Note! A cat can be transported on an airplane in a soft bag with a hard bottom. But this is provided that it is small in size.

When transporting such animals on board an aircraft, you need to pay a certain amount.

Airlines prohibit leaving containers or cages with animals near emergency exits. There is also a ban on placing them under the passenger seat. Pets must always be under the supervision of their owners. Therefore, passengers with them are placed on seats near emergency passages or in the first seats in economy class.

To transport pets in the cargo hold, you will also need a container. There can only be one cat in it. The container should not hinder his movements.

Animals flying in the cargo hold are checked in as special baggage. To do this, their owners need to go to the reception desk. The container with the pet will be weighed and a sign will be placed on it indicating the following information:

• breeds;
• nicknames;
• age;
• vaccination data;
• Owner's name and telephone number.

This must be done so that if the cat is lost, it can be delivered to the owner. During the flight, you are allowed to visit your pet, which is located in the heated compartment of the luggage compartment.

How to prepare a cat for a flight and what to take with you

Traveling on an airplane can be very stressful for your pet, especially if he doesn't leave the house often. Therefore, the cat needs to be prepared for the flight in advance.

You will still have to visit the veterinarian to complete the paperwork, but it is better to do it early and have your pet examined to make sure he is healthy and has no contraindications for traveling on an airplane. Flight is accompanied by pressure changes and stress on the vascular system, so it is not recommended to fly by plane:

• pregnant and lactating cats;
• pets after recent injuries and surgeries;
• cats with heart disease.

Preparing for the flight also includes:

• Getting to know the shipping container. Accustoming to it should begin a few days before the flight. You can put your pet there for a few minutes every day and even carry the container around the room so that the cat gets used to the feeling of movement.
• Taking your pet sedatives to reduce your pet's anxiety. It is better to consult your veterinarian about the need for these products and specific names. Some medications, when dosed incorrectly, have the opposite effect, causing the cat to become overexcited and aggressive. Such an animal may not be accepted on the flight.

  Calming collars can help relieve stress, but they should be placed on your pet a few days before the flight.

It is recommended to feed your pet at least 4 hours before the flight. During the trip, the cat will not have time to eat, but in any case, it is better for her to starve a little than to experience digestive problems. But if the trip lasts more than a day in total, then you will need to take some dry food and a stable water bowl with you.

A water container must be installed inside the container so that the animal has the opportunity to drink when it needs it.

A container with water should be attached to the container so that the pet can quench its thirst on the road

Video: how to prepare a cat for a trip

What is important to know when booking

Before transporting a cat on an airplane, passengers should know the following:

• whether there are bans on the import of animals into the territory of the country to which the passenger is flying;
• required documents for transporting pets within Russia and beyond its borders;
• how many animals can be on one flight on an airplane (in the cabin or in the cargo compartment);
• Are there any restrictions on transporting pets from the company from which tickets are purchased;
• requirements for a container, cage or bag for a cat;
• amount of surcharge for transporting a pet.

When purchasing or booking a boarding pass for a flight, you must indicate that the passenger is traveling with an animal.

We create comfort for your pet

Red tape with documentation is a tedious procedure for the passenger. However, while solving current issues, do not forget to take care of your pet. Studying the rules that govern how to carry a cat on a plane is only part of the task for a traveler, because preparing the animal for the trip is no less important.

A visit to the veterinarian before the trip is a mandatory procedure for pets.

Before purchasing tickets, visit your veterinarian and inform him of your intention to fly. The veterinarian will examine the pet and leave recommendations on what to feed the animal, what conditions will need to be created and warn about possible problems. In addition, the doctor will carry out antiparasitic treatment and other necessary procedures before departure. Don't forget to take a veterinary first aid kit in your hand luggage.

It is very important to take care of the cat carrier. It is appropriate to choose a spacious cage with dense walls and a water container. Check the security of the basket's latches so that the pet does not get out of there on its own.

Show the animal the carrier in advance so that the cat gets used to the basket and does not panic during the flight . If an animal behaves aggressively at the airport, veterinary control workers will not allow such animals to board the plane. So, the pet, accustomed to the transport bag, calmly endures the journey and inspection procedures. To feel confident, it is advisable to give the animal a sedative to drink. However, it is inappropriate to give your pet food before departure.

The passenger will have to find a comfortable and spacious travel basket for the pet.

Some travelers put baby diapers on the cat to avoid soiling the cage. Try to calm your pet so that the animal does not panic. When your pet travels in the luggage compartment, it is advisable to ask the company manager if there is heating in this compartment. To prevent accidental harm to your pet, cover the bag with special “Up” and “live animal” stickers .

Airline employees do not recommend transporting animals that fall into the following categories:

• pregnant or lactating cat;
• animals that suffer from heart disease;
• pets with consequences of injuries;
• sick animal.

Airline employees are not responsible for the health of animals. Therefore, the owner will have to take care of the convenience of the cat’s flight and take responsibility for the pet’s normal travel on the road.

Documents for transporting a cat in Russia

The air carrier must be notified that the passenger is traveling with their pet no later than 36 hours before departure. By this time, you will also need to collect certain documents.

1. Veterinary passport. It is given out at the veterinary hospital. At the same time, the cat is given the necessary vaccinations. Information about them is indicated in the document.
2. State certificate No. 1. It is obtained at the State Veterinary Station only if you have a veterinary passport. This certificate may also be called an F1 veterinary certificate.
3. Information about chipping.

Recommendations

It is worth remembering that it is prohibited to transport sick or injured animals. In addition, airlines do not recommend transporting:

— pregnant or lactating cats;

— kittens that are under 2-3 months old;

- elderly animals;

- animals suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

By the way, some airlines have bans on the transportation of cats of certain breeds, in particular, brachycephalic cats (they are distinguished by a shortened skull shape and a flattened muzzle). These are Persian, Himalayan, exotic, British or Scottish breeds. Such pets are prone to breathing problems, and pressure changes during flight can be fatal. However, deaths with brachycephalic breeds have so far been recorded only in dogs (for them, a ban on transportation is active at most air carriers).

Animals are accepted for transportation on the condition that the owner takes full responsibility for the life and condition of the pet (with the exception of cases where intentional misconduct or gross negligence of the carrier is proven).

Transporting an animal both in the aircraft cabin and in the luggage compartment is a paid service. The cost of air tickets depends on the current tariffs of the air carrier. In most cases, such a service is regarded as carrying baggage weighing 20 kg.

Please note that transporting an animal is not included in the free baggage allowance, so even if you travel light, you will have to pay. Just tell the airline manager that you plan to fly with pets, and they will automatically process your request.

Another important point is that the cat must sit in a carrier. You have the responsibility to provide her with everything she needs: food, water, and, if necessary, medications. It is also necessary to visit a veterinarian in advance, fill out documents and get the required vaccinations.

Documents for taking a cat abroad

When transporting an animal on international flights, the rules become slightly stricter. The following documents will be required:

1. International veterinary passport;
2. A certificate containing information about the breeding value of the transported animal;
3. State certificate according to form No. 1;
4. Microchipping certificate is required!

The last document must be exchanged at the reception desk. Instead, a veterinary certificate of international standard is issued. It is accepted in all states.

Important! This document must be kept throughout the entire trip. It is needed not only to allow entry into the country, but also to leave it.

In addition, the animal must be vaccinated against rabies. The veterinarian enters information about vaccination into the veterinary passport. He also issues an additional certificate confirming that the pet has no diseases.

How much does transportation cost?

Transportation of animals by airliners must be paid for, including transportation of cats on the plane. Tariffs vary between carriers. In some airlines, the fee is determined by the weight of the cat, in others the cost of transportation is fixed.

Transporting a cat within the Russian Federation will cost 3,750 rubles, on international flights - 75 EUR/USD.

Traveling by plane is a challenge for a cat. An unknown smell, pressure changes, loud sounds will make even the most fearless animal feel uncomfortable. However, with the right preparation, you can make the flight less stressful for your cat.

Cost of transporting a cat on an airplane

In many cases, transfer of animals is carried out for a fee . As a rule, owners try to take their pets onto the plane. You'll need to pay for your boarding pass and register your pet as "special cargo."

On average, the cost of transporting cats in the cabin of an airplane in Russia will be about 4,000 rubles. The cost of transportation abroad is 5000-6000 rudders.

Important! When transporting an animal in the cabin, it is important to notify the airline in advance.

As a rule, passengers with cats who are in transport containers are given more comfortable seats. But this is provided that they are not booked by passengers with children or with disabilities.

Receiving cats after a flight

After the plane lands at the airport, your pet can be collected in a special locker located next to the baggage claim point. The specific location depends on the design of the premises and is determined directly at the airport. Animals are usually handed over on special trolleys after luggage has been handed over to passengers.

For your information! If the flight involves a transfer, then pets located in the luggage compartment will be moved to another aircraft by airport staff. No action is required from the owner.

Carrying requirements

Transfer of a furry pet is carried out only in special cages, containers or bags. They must be made of durable material. Doors must be equipped with locks. They will not allow the animal to get out and cause discomfort to other passengers.

The bottom of the carrier should have smooth transitions and no sharp corners. You can line it with a diaper napkin or soft cloth. This will make the animal much more comfortable.

Carriers must be equipped with holes for air intake. They should also have handles for carrying the animal. If the pet is large, it can be transported in a container on wheels.

Preparing your pet for travel

Before deciding to fly, visit a veterinarian and find out whether the trip will harm the health of the animal. He will tell you what vaccinations the cat needs for the flight.

Important! Rabies vaccination is carried out no earlier than a year before the flight, and no later than a month.

Receive Form No. 1 certificate immediately before your trip; it remains valid for 3-5 days.

It is important to note when planning a flight with a cat on an airplane that you need to prepare the animal for the trip - because it is a huge stress for him. Preparation includes the following:

1. Show your pet the prepared cage in advance. Let him get used to it, try to sit inside. You can put cat treats, a diaper familiar to the cat, etc. there.
2. If you've already traveled with your cat and it's not doing well, talk to your veterinarian about sedating your cat. It is not recommended to prescribe them on your own; some cats react in the opposite way: they become overly excited. The airline will not accept aggressive cats on board.

Air carriers do not advise transporting cats:

• pregnant women or during lactation;
• with previous injuries;
• with heart disease.

Should I feed and drink before the plane and during the flight?

If you are flying with a cat, you need to take care of how to provide him with optimal conditions on the plane.

It is not recommended to feed your cat either before a flight or during the trip. Usually she can easily go without food for this period of time, and on board the ship she will not be interested in food at all. The last meal is allowed no later than 4 hours before departure from home.

It is better for your cat to fast a little if the entire trip (including transfer to the plane and from the arrival airport) is expected to last less than 24 hours. For longer travel times, you can take dry food, water and small bowls with a stable bottom.

Carrying requirements

According to the rules for transporting cats on an airplane, they are placed in plastic container cages or bags with a thick bottom. You will have to find a suitable carrying option in stores.

Keep in mind that a cat feels safe in a small container. She will be uncomfortable in a bulky cage.

The shipping container must meet the following requirements:

1. The size of the cat carrier on an airplane should provide the pet with freedom of movement and access to fresh air. The animal must be able to stand up to its full height and make a full turn around itself. Some companies limit the height of the cabin container to 20 cm, so it will fit under the chair.
2. The cat cage is equipped with a lock so that the cat, while on the plane, cannot get out.
3. The bottom of the carrying bag is made of dense material, but without sharp corners and protrusions. A soft absorbent cloth is placed on the base.
4. The material used to make the container must be durable and light, so that its weight together with the cat does not exceed that allowed for transportation in the cabin of an airplane.

Important! Homemade carriers are not allowed for transportation on an airplane.

How does a cat cope with flying?

Most cats do well on an airplane, especially when they are previously trained to be carried. But animals experience more stress in the luggage compartment than next to their owner. In this case, it is better to cover the top of the carrier with a breathable fabric cover. It is open on one side, so the pet will have limited vision, hearing and less worry.