An animal on an aeroplane
European Parliament and Council's order number 998/2003 from the 26th of may 2003 concerns the requirements about animal's health condition that have to be fulfilled in order to transport pets 9for non-commercial purpose). It also changes the Council directives 92/65/EWG and enumerates detailed rules concerning pets transporting between Member States of European Union or other countries.
An animal can be transported in the plane by three methods:
- as a personal luggage on plane's board (in concerns only domestic pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits);
- as a passenger luggage in luggage locker;
- as a cargo – an animal travelling without a passenger
According to an order transported animals ought to be possible to identify, which means that they should have legible tattoo or have implanted microchips. That will allow to determine the surname and address of their owners. Animals should also have valid immunization record book, called passports, which are issued by veterinarian authorized by appropriate authorities. It is important to take into consideration veterinarian laws binding in departure country, as well as laws of the destination country and through countries.
When travelling to European Union Countries, Andorra, Island, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norwegian, San Marino, Switzerland or Vatican passenger has to take animal's passport, which is in accordance with the standards accepted by Union, and remember that an animal has to have microchip or legible tattoo.
When going on a trip to Great Britain, Ireland, Sweden or Malta also an actual antibody tests results are required (The time when such tests ought to be carry out is different for each of these countries. It is necessary to familiarize oneself with them before the departure). Information about the treatments or vaccinations have to be written down in the passport.
Pets have to be transported in appropriate containers. Their measurements are usually established by an airline.
The amount of animals that can be transported on a plane's board is limited. That is why it is valid to inquire about the possibility of travelling with an animal and book an appropriate flight. Most airlines considers animals to be an excess baggage, which means that an additional payment is required for them (a price depends on the total weight of an animal and cage). It is recommended to make sure that its measurements are suitable for a pet – it should be able to stand, turn and lay down. The cage ought to be bought earlier so that an animal could get used to it.
In the case of the guide dogs there are no weight limitations. Usually cages are not necessary for them and they are transported for free (it is good to inquire about it). Such dogs have to be transported in harness and muzzle.
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