With proper preparation, your dog or cat will travel safely. We guide you through the necessary documents and steps.
Entry regulations for animals are strict to protect everyone's health. Requirements may vary by airline and route. Always check current conditions with your vet and airline before departure.
Not all airlines accept pets. Check early if your pet can travel in the cabin or must go in the cargo hold.
Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip. This must be implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination.
A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory. It must be at least 21 days old but usually not older than one year.
You need the EU Pet Passport (or equivalent) with all vaccinations and the chip number recorded.
Shortly before departure (often max 5-10 days), you need an official veterinary health certificate for export.
Register the pet at check-in. Upon arrival in Russia, documents will be checked by the veterinary service.
Each airline has its own weight and size limits for pets. Check these carefully on their website.
Small animals (often up to 8kg incl. carrier) may go in the cabin. Larger dogs must travel in a sturdy box in the hold.
Get your pet used to the carrier weeks before the flight. This reduces anxiety during the trip significantly.
Have all documents ready at arrival. The veterinary counter is usually before or near customs control.
| Item | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Microchip implant | 30 – 60 EUR |
| Rabies Vaccination | 40 – 80 EUR |
| Health Certificate | 20 – 50 EUR |
| Translation (if needed) | variable |
| Item | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Transport Box (IATA) | 50 – 200 EUR |
| Airline Fee (Cabin) | 50 – 100 EUR |
| Airline Fee (Cargo) | 100 – 300 EUR |
Spots for pets on planes are limited. Book your pet's ticket directly when buying yours.
Start weeks ahead to associate the box with good things (food, sleep). A relaxed pet travels safer.
Feed lightly on travel day, but offer plenty of water. Place absorbent pads in the carrier.
Clearly attach your name, contact details, and destination address in Russia to the outside of the box.
Dogs and cats are standard. Other animals (birds, exotics) often have special, stricter requirements.
Yes, without an ISO-standard microchip, vaccination papers cannot be verified, and entry will be denied.
Rabies is the most important mandatory one. For dogs, distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus are often recommended.
For entry from the EU to Russia, usually no. But for returning to the EU, a rabies antibody test may be required. Check this beforehand.
The pet must fit in a soft bag under the seat and (incl. bag) usually weigh no more than 8 kg.
The vet checks the chip and papers. If everything is fine, you get a stamp or entry form for the pet.
With complete papers, nothing stands in the way of the adventure.