SCAT Airlines Pet Policy: How to transport a pet in 2026

Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026

SCAT Airlines primarily treats pets as Checked Baggage, keeping them in a specialized, temperature-controlled hold. However, there is a unique twist for aircraft without isolated holds—so read on!

Where Does My Pet Sit? (The Cabin vs. Hold Mystery)

Unlike most airlines that have a strict “Yes or No” for the cabin, SCAT’s policy depends on the plane you’re flying:

The Standard Rule: Pets are typically transported as Checked Baggage in an isolated, heated cargo hold.
The “Small Plane” Exception: If your flight is operated by an aircraft without an isolated cargo hold, SCAT will allow the pet carriers to be placed in a specially designated area of the passenger cabin.
Pro-Tip: You won’t know for sure until you check your aircraft type! Always call SCAT support (+7 7252 99 88 80) to confirm if your pet will be your “cabin mate” or a “downstairs neighbor.”

The Cost of the Adventure

SCAT uses a weight-based pricing model for pets.

The Price Tag: Fees range from $40 to $250 USD depending on the weight of the pet + carrier and the distance of your flight.
Domestic vs. International: Expect to pay on the lower end (~5,000–12,500 KZT) for domestic hops within Kazakhstan.

🛑 The “No-Fly” List & Strict Restrictions

SCAT is quite selective about who gets a boarding pass.

Banned Species: SCAT does not transport livestock, wild animals, rodents (guinea pigs/hamsters), bees, or fish. It’s a Cats and Dogs Only club!
The “Antagonist” Rule: To keep the peace, SCAT prohibits transporting “antagonistic” animals (like a cat and a dog) in the same cargo compartment. It’s a literal game of cat and mouse… without the mouse.
UAE Ban: Thinking of heading to Dubai? SCAT prohibits the transportation of all pets on flights to/from the United Arab Emirates.

Approved Carrier Sizes

Whether in the hold or the cabin area, your pet’s “travel suite” must meet these 2026 standards:

Size Limits: Generally, the height should not exceed 20 cm, and the sum of the three dimensions (L+W+H) must be no more than 115 cm.
Construction: The carrier must be sturdy, well-ventilated, and leak-proof. If it’s going in the hold, a hard-sided IATA-approved crate is mandatory.
Comfort: Your pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down. If they look like they’re in a sardine can, SCAT will deny boarding.

The “Paws-port” Paperwork

SCAT requires you to be a master of bureaucracy. You cannot just show up; you need confirmed consent from the airline at least 48-72 hours before departure.

Your Checklist:

Pet Passport: Complete with up-to-date vaccination records.
Veterinary Certificate: A “Fit to Fly” health certificate issued shortly before departure.
Import/Transit Permits: Essential for international flights.
The “One Pet” Rule: Only one pet per passenger is allowed.

💡 Expert Tips for 2026:

The Feeding Rule: SCAT recommends feeding your pet no later than 2 hours before departure. A full stomach at 30,000 feet is a recipe for a messy crate!
Bird Owners: If you manage to get a bird approved, their cage must be covered with a light-blocking cloth during the flight to keep them calm.
Early Check-In: Since pets are handled as special baggage, arrive at the airport at least 3 hours early. There is no “online check-in” for furry travelers!