۱۰ Tips for Air Shipping Dogs and Cats | cargonet
In this article, we present ۱۰ essential tips for air shipping your dogs and cats, making your travels smoother and more convenient.
Although we mentioned the possibility of bringing your pet along on your trip, this doesn’t mean you can play with your animal during the flight! Unless you’re flying with airlines like Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, pets are not allowed in the cabin. The regulations for pet transport by air in Iran vary depending on the destination country. Be sure to check the specific rules of your airline before booking your flight. If you’re unsure, contacting the airline will ensure you’re prepared and avoid any last-minute issues with your pet’s travel arrangements.
Conditions for Sending Pets Abroad by Air
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Air Shipping Methods for Live Animals
There are two main methods for shipping pets by air, depending on the airline’s rules and your preferences:
- Accompanied Cargo Method
In this method, your pet travels as an accompanied passenger, but not in the cabin. It will be placed in a special cargo area on the aircraft. You’ll need to receive the AVIH code (Live Animal Transport Service) from the airline. After handing over your pet at the airport, it will be delivered to the destination airport’s cargo area. This method is ideal for small, domesticated pets, with a cage weight typically not exceeding ۵ kg. - Unaccompanied Cargo Method
For heavier or non-domestic pets, or when the airline doesn’t allow pets in the cabin, the pet is accepted in the cargo terminal. You or your designated person will pick it up at the destination airport. Even if you’re traveling with your pet, its cage will be placed in the cargo hold, where the temperature is adjusted to suit animals’ needs.
The unaccompanied cargo method is often more reliable and cost-effective, especially for long-haul flights or specific pets. Some countries like Dubai, Oman, and the UK only allow this method.
Pet Transport by Air in Iran
In Iran, transporting pets by air is subject to specific regulations. Unlike some countries, carrying pets in the cabin of domestic flights is prohibited. Pets can only be transported in the cargo hold under specific conditions.
Each passenger can carry up to two dogs or cats or ten birds in the cargo hold, provided they meet the airline’s guidelines. Make sure your pet complies with all requirements to avoid any issues during check-in.
For international flights, the rules are more flexible. However, if you’re flying within Iran, check the Civil Aviation Organization’s rules and the airline’s policies to ensure a smooth journey.
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Types of Animals Transported by Air
Airlines transport various animals depending on their size and purpose, often through either the accompanied or cargo method:
- Domestic Pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits, squirrels, and birds (parrots, canaries), typically moved by either method.
- Marine Animals: Shrimp, crabs, and aquarium fish, which are transported only by cargo.
- Exotic Pets: Rare parrots, ornamental fish, and pigeons, transported by cargo.
- Large Mammals: Cows, horses, camels, and sheep, usually only transported by cargo.
- Zoo Animals: Lions, tigers, bears, and elephants, all moved by cargo.
- Circus Animals: Animals used in circus performances, typically moved by cargo.
- Endangered Species: Animals facing extinction, transported with special permits via cargo.
- Therapeutic Amphibians: Leeches and other animals used for medicinal purposes, shipped by cargo.
- Police/Search Dogs: Specially trained dogs are transported by cargo.
All these shipments must comply with relevant regulations and obtain the necessary permits to avoid legal issues.
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Bringing a Cat in the Cabin
- Domestic Flights in Iran
Bringing a cat into the cabin of domestic flights in Iran is prohibited. Cats can only be transported in the cargo hold under special conditions. - International Flights
Some international airlines, including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, allow cats in the cabin under certain conditions:- The total weight of the cat and its cage should be under ۸ kg.
- The cage should be standard-sized with enough space for the cat to move and breathe.
- A valid health certificate and vaccination records are required.
- The cat should be at least ۷ weeks old.
Pre-Flight Preparations
- Inquire about the airline’s pet transport policy before booking.
- Request special services for bringing your cat into the cabin (e.g., PETC code for pets in the cabin).
- Pay the pet cabin transport fee (usually separate from ticket cost).
- Prepare the pet passport and valid health certificate from a veterinarian.
Transporting a cat in the cabin is the best option, providing direct access and minimizing stress, but make sure you adhere to airline regulations and provide the necessary documents.
Bringing a Dog in the Cabin
Airlines have different rules regarding dogs in the cabin, depending on whether it’s a domestic or international flight:
- Domestic Flights in Iran
Pets like dogs are not allowed in the cabin on domestic flights within Iran. They must be transported in the cargo hold. - International Flights
Certain international airlines allow dogs in the cabin, provided the dog meets certain conditions:- The dog should be healthy, with a health certificate from a veterinarian.
- The dog’s cage must be standard-sized, providing space for the dog to rest.
- The dog should not disturb other passengers or pose a risk.
- The combined weight of the dog and its cage should typically be under 8 kg.
Pre-Flight Procedures
- Verify the airline’s dog transport policy when booking tickets.
- Make sure you understand the airline’s pet transport rules, including fees, cage size, and required documents (e.g., pet passport and vaccination records).
Important Note
If the airline doesn’t allow dogs in the cabin, transporting them in the cargo hold is a reliable and secure option for many travelers.
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Conditions for Sending Pets by Air with Kargonet
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Conclusion
Transporting pets like dogs and cats by air involves specific rules. On domestic flights within Iran, these animals can only be transported in the cargo hold.
However, international airlines such as Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates allow pets in the cabin, but only under conditions such as using a standard cage, ensuring no disturbance to other passengers, and providing a valid health certificate. For larger pets or when cabin transport is not possible, cargo services are the ideal solution.
Before flying, ensure you confirm the exact regulations with your airline. Additionally, kittens must be at least ۷ weeks old to fly. For more information on transporting other animals, please refer to the article on sending pets abroad.