Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026
Requirements for transporting a dog to another country
Please note that the rules and requirements for transporting ferrets to other countries are the same as for dogs.
Documents:
1. Veterinary passport
2. Chipping (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
3. Vaccinations:
rabies;
complex against canine distemper, adenovirus (adenovirus infection), parvovirus (parvovirus enteritis), leptospirosis and parainfluenza in dogs
After vaccination with both the rabies vaccine and the complex vaccine, at least 21 days must pass before you can get a certificate to leave the country.
If this is a revaccination before the expiration of the previous vaccination, then quarantine is not required, including if the revaccination was due to the installation of a chip.
4. Rabies Antibody Titers
Some countries require a rabies antibody titer test to confirm that the dog has developed all the necessary antibodies after the rabies vaccination and that the dog will not become infected with rabies if exposed to an infected animal. This test is done 30 days, not including the day of vaccination, after the last rabies vaccination in an accredited laboratory.
5. 5-7 days before departure, obtain a certificate of your pet’s health.
Preparing for the trip
How to Choose the Best Airline-Approved Dog Travel Carrier
For the cabin you can choose a soft carrier with ventilation holes (or a mesh) on three sides. It should not have a rigid frame so that if something happens, it can be pressed to the size of the calibrator, but it should not be completely shapeless.
You should not choose a carrier with transparent walls or a porthole: such carriers are impractical, since air circulates poorly in them and pets do not feel safe in them. You should put an absorbent diaper in the carrier, and put at least a couple of spare diapers in your carry-on luggage.
The baggage carrier should be additionally reinforced if it has holes for this. Strengthening the carrier is a requirement for many airlines, so you should not neglect this, otherwise your pet may not be allowed on board.
Please note that you should not put toys and treats in the carrier in your luggage: the dog may start gnawing on them when nervous and has every risk of swallowing the toy or choking on the treat. You should put an absorbent diaper on the bottom, preferably securing it with double-sided tape. Instead of disposable diapers, many use bath mats or something similar, because the dog may get nervous on the road and rip up the disposable diaper.
Read more about pet carriers here.
IATA regulations regarding dog carriers
Leash and muzzle
A leash and muzzle are mandatory for moving the dog around the airport outside the carrier.
What to feed and water a dog while traveling
It is not recommended to feed the dog before the flight, the last meal should be at least 3 hours before departure. Feeding during the trip can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Never leave food in the carrier in your luggage, this can cause suffocation, vomiting, diarrhea on the road.
However, the dog should always have access to water.
If the dog is traveling in the cabin, then it is worth preparing a special travel water bottle for the trip. If the dog is traveling in luggage, you need to buy a special water bottle that is attached to the door of the carrier. To prevent water from splashing out of the water bottle when loading the dog onto the plane, you can put ice in it before checking the pet in as luggage.
Dog toilet while traveling
Look in advance at the walking areas at the departure and destination airports.
Sedatives
Sedatives can be given to the pet strictly as prescribed by the veterinarian. Remember that many airlines do not accept pets under sedation on board.
To reduce stress, it is better to accustom the dog to the carrier in advance, put an item of clothing with your smell in it.
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