The situations in which passengers take pets on the road vary. There are a large number of transportation of livestock, therefore, at the level of regulations of the state body of the Russian Federation, requirements for the transit of pets in vehicles, including bus transport, have been approved.
With routes between suburbs and cities, there are practically no problems with transporting domestic animals. There are many difficulties with traveling on intercity transport. A passenger with a pet is often not allowed into the cabin of a long-distance bus. Who is right in this situation: the person who bought the ticket, or the driver who is worried about his bus and the convenience of other passengers? There are legal laws that clarify the true state of affairs.
According to the decree, transportation of livestock is possible only within the state.
Carrying pets on international bus routes has been prohibited since 2014. When friends tell you that they traveled without problems with a cat or dog on a bus, find out in what year and where the trip took place.
According to clause 2.2 of the Rules for the use of intercity buses, the following animals can be transported in carriers with a solid base:
- birds;
- small breed dogs;
- cats;
- hamsters
Clause 2.3 of the Rules for the Transportation of Large Dogs refers to hunting or service breeds. Dogs are transported in accordance with transportation instructions. The dog must appear before the controller:
- with a shortened leash;
- with a protective device placed on the muzzle;
- with a document confirming the presence of a rabies injection;
- in its purest form.
Large dogs are transported only on the platform at the end of the cabin and are kept near the owner. Therefore, the ticket is purchased for seats at the end of the bus.
There is always a human factor and the owner of the vehicle may refuse to let you in with a dog or cat. The carrier defends personal interests, although there is a single law. Whether you go with this driver depends on your legal knowledge and willingness to defend your rights.
There will be no disputes when you consult about traveling with your pet when purchasing a long-distance bus ticket. Find out the main points of transportation from the intended carrier. If you receive a refusal, then dispute the situation in advance or look for another way to travel.
Preliminary preparation
If you have a long trip by bus or train, or a plane flight, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules for transporting animals on the carrier company’s website. Once theoretical knowledge has been obtained, practical training can begin. It consists of two actions:
- first, make sure that the veterinary passport contains notes on all necessary vaccinations, including rabies. The vaccination is done no later than a year before the trip, and no earlier than a month. If the cat does not have a veterinary passport, the veterinarian will issue one.
- secondly, buy a container for transporting the animal. What it should be - read below; depending on the type of transport, the requirements may vary greatly. And in order for the cat to get used to being carried, you need to introduce him to the temporary “home” in advance. The main requirements for a container are low weight with good strength.
Only healthy animals are transported - the cat should not look sickly. Infections and parasitic infestations that are dangerous to others must be cured. And six hours before departure, do not give your pet food. At bus and train stops, cats can be taken out or taken out.
Whiskers, paws and tail are my documents! But seriously?
The main document authorizing the carriage of a four-legged passenger is a veterinary certificate (certificate) with information about rabies vaccination. Moreover, the vaccination should be no more than a year and no less than 30 days. The certificate itself is valid for 5 days.
We provide an approximate algorithm of actions for preparing this document.
- If the vaccination has not been done or has been done a long time ago, a month in advance (add a few days to be on the safe side), vaccinate the animal.
- Don't forget to make a note about this in your veterinary passport. If you don’t have a passport, ask the veterinary clinic doctor to issue one.
- 30 days after vaccination, but not earlier than 5 days before the trip, go to the state veterinary hospital for a certificate along with the animal. He will be examined, his vaccination record will be checked and the required document will be issued.
Please note that the certificate must be original, with a “wet” stamp (not a copy).
Transportation by bus
The rules for transporting cats on intercity buses are regulated by specially established rules. According to them, transporting an animal is considered as carrying hand luggage. The container must have a solid bottom, and its dimensions must not exceed the permissible ones (length, width and depth in total do not exceed 120 cm). Otherwise, you will need to pay a certain amount and receive a receipt for your hand luggage.
The carrier with the cat on the bus is held in the hands, but if the trip lasts more than a few hours, then it is advisable to buy an additional seat to place the container on it.
In addition to a solid bottom, the container must have reliable locks and strong walls, and there must be good ventilation. To ensure that a passenger carrying a cat does not cause inconvenience, the animal should not be able to get out. This way, the driver will not worry that your pet will dirty the interior.
When is payment required for transporting an animal?
A container is considered to be small in volume if you add up the height, width, length and get the number 120 (in cm). This container is classified as hand luggage and is not subject to payment. It should be located exclusively on your knees or feet.
Travel for a large dog is charged as baggage. Another option for transporting pets: you buy an additional ticket for 50%. Your rights in this case: you can put the cage in the purchased place, attach the dog to the arm of the chair with a leash.
When purchasing a child's ticket, the cage with the animal is entitled to a seat on the bus.
Transportation by train
The rules for transporting pets on long-distance trains are established by Russian Railways. You need to immediately buy a ticket for a carriage where traveling with animals is allowed. Next, you pay for a receipt for hand luggage weighing up to 20 kg, where a note is made that the cat is being transported in a container. You can pay for your pet’s travel in advance or buy him a “ticket” before departure.
The container for transporting an animal on a train must be well ventilated, have strong walls and a reliable lock, and nothing should leak or spill out of the carrier. The pet will travel to its temporary “home” in a special seat provided for carry-on luggage.
What mode of transport will you use?
Car, bus, train When transporting a cat by these types of transport, you may need a veterinary certificate (certificate in form No. 1) and a veterinary passport with notes on deworming and vaccination. Yes, usually on these types of transport they don’t ask for documents for a cat, but they can, so it’s worth having them on hand just in case. And, of course, we take into account all the above tips.
Train “ Transportation on trains of all categories of small pets, dogs and birds is allowed in excess of the established carry-on baggage allowance in all carriages, except for carriages with 2-seater compartments (SV) and luxury carriages. In this case, it is necessary to have a veterinary certificate and payment for transportation. Animals are transported in boxes, baskets, cages, containers, which must be placed in hand luggage areas. During transportation, owners or accompanying persons must observe sanitary and hygienic conditions.” from the Rules of Passenger Transportation
Simply put, the rules of Russian railways provide for the carriage of a cat in a reserved seat carriage in a carrier cage as hand luggage. For a cat, you can buy a baggage ticket for 20 kg of luggage. The conductor checks the tickets and veterinary certificate (the same certificate in form No. 1). And again, don’t forget the tips!
Airplane When choosing an airline, first of all, you need to find out what requirements it imposes on the transportation of pets, since each airline has its own rules for transporting animals, their placement on board, cage sizes, etc. Some allow you to carry animals with you in the cabin (Aeroflot "), and some - only in the cargo compartment ("Transaero"). Of course, the first option is preferable.
Therefore, when booking tickets, inform us in advance that you are going to take your pet with you, and find out all the necessary conditions for its travel.
Transportation by plane
You can take a cat on a flight if you pay for transportation, but if the carrier weighs more than 8 kg, then it will fly in the luggage compartment. The number of animals on board is limited, and when purchasing a ticket, immediately inform that you will not be flying alone. The airline may have internal rules regarding the transport of pets.
If the cat is flying in the cabin, then the container can be placed either on your lap or under the seat of the chair in front. The general rule is that carrying should be supervised. Passengers with animals are not allowed to sit in seats near emergency exits. You can let a cat into the salon with the permission of the staff.
Air carriers have stricter container requirements. For a small animal, a soft bag with a hard bottom is also suitable. Adult cats are transported in a durable metal, wooden or plastic ventilated container (not homemade) with maximum dimensions of 25x35x45 cm. Strong locks and handles are required.
If a carrier with a cat is checked in as luggage, then at the check-in counter you will need to weigh it, provide the receptionist with information about the animal, as well as your contact information. The compartment where the pet will fly will be heated, and if desired, you can go there during the flight.
What happens to a cat when it suddenly travels?
Transporting dogs in a car over long distances
An unsuspecting cat who is suddenly thrust first into a carrier and then into a car is inevitably faced with extreme stress. Therefore, owners should know in advance how cats cope with the road in the car.
A cat caught by surprise is not ready for such a test, which can negatively affect its emotional state. Especially when it comes to adults and elderly animals. It is easier for young people to adapt to changes than for adults.
Against this background, the cat may lose its appetite. Being in a prolonged state of fear will make her intimidated, nervous, perhaps even aggressive. Those who have ever carried cats in a car are well aware of the problems with the toilet: the cat may shit in the car or start burping.
To avoid such problems, owners should think in advance about how to prepare their cat for traveling by car.
Travel to another country
If you have to go to another country, then the preparation will be more serious. First, check to see if entry to four-legged animals is prohibited. Also, individual countries set their own import rules.
Things are more serious with the cat's documents. To get everything done, go to the veterinarian 3-4 months in advance and get all the necessary vaccinations, specifying which ones are needed for a visit to a specific country. In addition to a completed veterinary passport (in English and with a color photo), to leave the country you will also need a veterinary certificate in Form No. 1 with a stamp. It is registered with the state veterinarian. When crossing the border, the certificate is changed to an entry permit.
Before traveling, the animal must be microchipped. A chip with a number will be implanted under the cat’s skin - this will make it easier to find the owner if the pet gets lost. The chip is valid for 25 years, and the owner receives a corresponding certificate.
Possible problems during the trip
If the owner is thinking about how to transport a cat in a car without a carrier, then he should familiarize himself with the list of problems that may arise during the trip.
How to get a cat to eat if he refuses to eat
Cats tend to be afraid of unfamiliar surroundings. Therefore, even a calm and balanced animal can forget about exemplary behavior and scratch the owner’s hands and exposed parts of the body not out of malice, but out of fear.
Often there are problems with the toilet. You should take care in advance about the availability of a tray, bag, filler and, of course, be patient, especially when it comes to traveling with a kitten. Pets accustomed to walking can be periodically taken outside to do their business.
Note! Wondering how to transport a cat in a car over long distances, some owners decide to sedate it with sedatives for the duration of the trip. This is a good way for owners of lively cats.
Transportation of animals by air:
Transportation of small pets and birds in the aircraft cabin is carried out only with the consent of the airline and subject to the accompaniment of an adult passenger. As a rule, only one pet in a cage (cat, dog, bird) is allowed for transportation in the aircraft cabin. The weight of the animal should not exceed 8 kg. Animals must be kept in containers (cages) with access to air. The size of the cage/container in the sum of length, height, width should not exceed 115 cm. Passengers with pets are prohibited from being placed near emergency exits. If the weight of the animal with its cage exceeds 8 kg, then travel for it is provided only in the luggage compartment. The size of the container should allow the animal to stand up to its full height and turn 360 degrees. The bottom of the container must be waterproof and covered with absorbent material. The weight of the animal and the container for its transportation is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid only as excess baggage.
Documents for transporting animals (on domestic flights):
1. veterinary passport.
2. health certificate (form No. 1).
Rules for the international transport of animals
Pets are allowed for air transportation only with prior approval from the international air carrier. You must inform us that you want to take your cat on board when ordering your ticket.
The main document for moving animals is an international veterinary certificate (!)
To leave the country with an animal you will need the following documents:
Veterinary certificate (certificate in form No. 1). When crossing the border, the veterinary certificate is replaced with an international veterinary certificate (usually a veterinary certificate is issued in exchange for a veterinary certificate at the airport).
Export license. It can be issued by any felinological club. The correctness of paperwork on the day of departure is checked by customs veterinary control.
If you check a cat as luggage, copies of its documents and the owner's address are included with the cage, and a number of international airlines only accept documents in English.
In addition, each airline has its own additional conditions and restrictions that should be clarified before departure.
When crossing borders in different countries, other additional documents may be required (!). Therefore, find out in advance what requirements the country whose border you are going to cross imposes on the import of animals (for example, animals imported into the UK and Iceland are required to undergo quarantine for six months in specialized institutions, and to enter some countries an animal’s blood test is required for the presence of antibodies to the rabies virus, etc.). You can get information from the consulate of the country you are going to visit, and if you are traveling in transit, then from the consulate of the countries you are transiting through.
Even if all the cat’s documents are in perfect order, the carrier has the right not to take on board a dirty or foul-smelling animal. In addition, the carrier is not responsible if the pet gets sick on the way or if the country of arrival refuses to accept it.
Well, that's all, business! Bon Voyage!
