Traveling to Russia already requires some preparation… but if you’re bringing your dog or cat (or any other pet), get ready to plan even further in advance! Don’t worry, it’s not impossible. I’ve helped friends organize this kind of trip, and if you know the steps to take, everything goes quite smoothly.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through, step by step, what you need to know to travel to Russia with your pet without any surprises: what documents you’ll need, what vaccinations are required, how to pass airport control, and what to do if your pet is exotic or larger than usual.
Before the Flight: Start with the Airline (and Leave Nothing to Chance)
The first thing you need to do—as soon as possible—is contact the airline you plan to fly with. Each company has its own rules about transporting animals: some allow small pets in the cabin, others only in the hold, and many have restrictions based on weight, size, or even breed.
When you buy your ticket, inform the airline that you’ll be traveling with an animal and get their confirmation in writing. Some airlines don’t accept pets on all flights and many require advance booking because there’s a maximum number of animals allowed in the cabin.
Check the airline’s website for more information, as they all have specific sections about pet transportation. For example:
- Turkish Airlines: Traveling with pets.
- Aeroflot: For passengers flying with pets (a VPN is required to access this site)
The Documents You’ll Need (Yes, There’s Paperwork)
For dogs and cats (up to two per person, for personal use), you only need an international veterinary passport. This passport must show that the animal has been examined by an official veterinarian within 14 days prior to travel. You don’t need special permission from Russian authorities or quarantine.
If you’re traveling with more than two animals, or if you’re bringing another species (parrots, reptiles, rabbits…), things change:
- A permit from the Russian agency Rosselkhoznadzor may be required.
- The animal must have a specific veterinary certificate (instead of the passport), depending on the species: form No. 15, No. 41, etc.
- If the animal travels without the owner, special permission is also needed.
Updated information on how to import a pet into Russia can be found at the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance – Rosselkhoznadzor (website in Russian, but you can use Google Translate).
Vaccination: Rabies, No Exceptions
All dogs and cats (and any other carnivorous animal) must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccine must be up to date: between 30 days and 12 months before the trip. If it’s the first time being vaccinated, at least 20 days must have passed before flying.
Additionally, other vaccines are recommended depending on the type of animal (panleukopenia in cats, distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis in dogs…). The veterinarian must record all this in the passport.
Note: Puppies or kittens under 3 months without a rabies vaccine can only enter with a special certificate (form No. 15).
What Happens at the Airport: Mandatory Veterinary Control
When you arrive in Russia, you’ll need to go through a veterinary control point. These points are set up at several international airports like Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo, or Zhukovsky.
There, a veterinarian will check your pet and the documentation. If everything is in order, they’ll exchange your documents for an international health certificate. If something is missing or there’s a problem, they might hold the animal or deny entry, so it’s best to be prepared.
My advice: contact the veterinary control at your destination airport a few days before traveling to notify them. This way, you can avoid last-minute issues.
For more information, visit the specific section each airport has about veterinary control upon arrival:
- Domodedovo Airport: https://www.dme.ru/en/flight/control/veterinary/
- Sheremetyevo Airport: https://www.svo.aero/en/passengers/animals
- Vnukovo Airport: https://www.vnukovo.ru/en/for-passengers/for-passengers/for-passengers-with-pets/
- Zhukovsky Airport: https://zia.aero/en/services/animal-and-plant-transportation/
The Carrier: Not Just Any Will Do
The container (carrier or cage) must meet quite strict rules:
- Enough size for the animal to turn around and stand up.
- Waterproof bottom with absorbent material.
- Adequate ventilation.
- Secure door and sturdy locks.
- Feeders and water containers inside (though not all airports require them).
- Visible labels: “Live Animals”, “Top”.
- For birds: the cage must be covered with an opaque cloth.
You can buy one at pet stores or check if your airline sells or rents approved carriers.
Cabin or Hold? It Depends on the Size
In most cases, if your pet (with the carrier) weighs less than 5 kg, it can travel with you in the cabin. If it weighs more or the cabin is already “full” of animals, it will go in the cargo hold, in a pressurized and temperature-controlled compartment.
Guide dogs accompanying visually or hearing-impaired individuals can always travel in the cabin for free, with their training certificate.
How Much Does It Cost to Bring a Pet to Russia?
Each airline applies its own rate, but it’s most common to be charged as if you’re carrying extra luggage, based on the total weight of the animal and its cage.
Certified guide dogs travel for free.
And If You’re Traveling with an Exotic Animal…
If your pet is on the CITES list (like some reptiles, birds, or endangered species), you need a special permit from your country’s CITES authority. Additionally, some species (minks, birds) require additional tests before entering Russia. More info on the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance website (in Russian, but you can use Google Translate).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bring more than two pets to Russia?
Yes, but you’ll need additional permits from the Rosselkhoznadzor agency and specific veterinary certificates.
Can my dog travel in the cabin?
Only if it weighs (including the carrier) less than 5 kg and if the airline allows it. There’s a limited number per flight.
Do I need to contact the airport before flying?
It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended to notify the veterinary control and avoid delays or issues at the destination.
Can unvaccinated puppies enter Russia?
Only if they are under 3 months and travel with a specific veterinary certificate. Generally, it’s recommended to travel only when they are vaccinated.
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