Travelling with pets

You would like to bring your dog or cat on holiday with you? Then you should be well prepared for the trip with your four-legged friend. Not all airlines offer this service. What’s more, it can be quite stressful on your pooch or kitty. Linz Airport has summarised some important information on air travel with pets – so you and your furry companion can enjoy the flight.

Good to know: For an extra fee, pets in their carrier are transported either as an additional piece of hand luggage in the cabin or in the air-conditioned cargo hold. For guide dogs and other assistance dogs, special regulations apply.

Tips & tricks

1. Get a check-up at the vet to ensure your furry friend is healthy and fit for the journey!
2. Ask at the embassy or tourism bureau of your country of destination about current quarantine regulations and entry requirements – compulsory requirements for leashes and/or muzzles, a list of banned breeds, necessary treatment for parasites, etc.. The same applies to (re-)entering the EU.
3. Be sure to get the necessary travel documents and health certificate (in English language) for your pet! Since 2004, an EU pet passport is required, which can be issued by any vet.
4. Check for pet-friendly airlines and accommodation options and – if possible – choose direct flights to make the experience less stressful for your pet!
5. Because of regulations for how many dogs and cats are allowed on an aircraft, you need to make a reservation for your pet – ideally, as soon as you book your flight but at least 24 hours prior to departure.
6. When purchasing a transport carrier, keep in mind the airline’s specifications regarding size and dimensions – the animal must be able to stand in its crate or container!
7. Get your pets accustomed to being in the carrier in time and “practice” flying with them!
8. Don’t feed your pet for several hours prior to departure because the change of air, noises and stress might cause nausea!
9. You could place their favourite blanket or toy in the carrier to help them relax – however, make sure they still have enough space!
10. Animals who (including transport carrier) weigh more than 5 to 8 kilogrammes cannot be taken into the cabin, which means they must be dropped off at the outsize luggage counter and are then taken to the cargo hold of the aircraft.

Within and outside of the EU

There might be different regulations and entry requirements for pets in countries outside of the EU and these are subject to change. That’s why it’s important that you find out about the current requirements of your country of destination prior to your flight. Whenever cats, dogs and ferrets re-enter the EU, a titre test for rabies antibodies is required. It’s best to do this before your departure.

Since 2011, pets must be microchipped for travel within the EU.

Services & checklist

Both the airline you’re flying with and your travel agency will be happy to tell you more about travelling with pets. You’re planning to bring your four-legged friend on the plane with you? Besides the already mentioned tips and tricks, there are certain basic requirements for air travel with dogs, cats & co.

Your checklist

Passengers who would like to bring pets into the cabin have to consider the following:

• You’ll have to present an EU pet passport at check-in to confirm your pet is microchipped.
•  The transport carrier must not exceed the dimensions for hand luggage (8 kg, 56x45x25 cm).
• Bring enough water and food for your pet!