Do you take the plane with your pet?Ten things to know

When to reserve your ticket?

Depending on your animal, its size, but also the airline, the duration of the flight or the country of stopover and destination, the rules are as complicated as it is.A watchword, therefore: to anticipate the trip as much as possible.First by preventing as soon as possible, at the time of the purchase of the ticket, the company that will transport you, the places for animals on board being limited.Then, by consulting your veterinarian who will prescribe, if necessary, a suitable calmant.Finally, at the time of online recording, recalling the company in order to confirm your animal's trip and know the procedure for its embarkation.

Which animals can travel in the cabin?In the hold?In freight?

Some companies do not accept any animal on board with the exception of assistance dogs.This is for example the case of low-cost Easyjet and Ryanair.At other carriers, dogs and cats (or even ferrets) are welcome in the cabin, with a size and weight limit (often between 5 and 10 kilos).Beyond that, your pet will have to travel in the hold, in a cage approved by the International Association of Air Transport (IATA).If your animal is not allowed to travel either in the cabin or in the hold, you will have the solution of freight transport.More information on the subject on the Air France-KLM Cargo website.

How much does it cost ?

From a few tens of euros on short-Courrier flights, the ticket can quickly fly to certain international destinations.An example, at Delta Airlines: the ticket between Europe and the United States will cost you 200 euros, that your animal travels in the hold or in the cabin.Each air carrier applying its own rules and its own prices, we advise you before your trip to take a look at our comparison.

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Which pets are prohibited from transport?

Due to respiratory problems, dogs and cats with rolled nose are only very rarely accepted on board planes (this is the case for carlin dogs, boxers, bulldogs, shih tsu).The same goes for Persian, British or European Shorthair cats, but also, for another reason, category 1 and 2 dogs ("attack" and "duty or defense" dogs).Unwanted puppies and kittens are also prohibited in planes.What about all other types of pets, from hamsters to ferrets, including reptiles and birds?Only one general rule: airlines reserve the right to make them travel or not.A good solution to see more clearly: contact the specialist air transport animal.

Which transport fund?

For dogs and cats allowed to travel in the cabin, a transport bag or a cage can be required within the limits of dimensions of a cabin baggage.In the hold, your animal will have to travel to a fund approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA): size, materials, ventilation, type of closure, etc. In the event of non-compliance with instructions, your animal can be refused to the'boarding.A French start-up, Pita (for Pets in the Air) designed a Ultramodern Support Transport Caisse.The latter offers water bowl, thermal and sound insulation, shock absorbers, GPS chip and even access to your animal vital data.It is available from 699 euros.

Passport, vaccine and electronic chip compulsory?

To travel within the EU, a European passport for animals is compulsory.The latter must be issued by a veterinarian and mentions the description of the animal as well as the name and address of the owner.He must attest that your animal has been vaccinated against rabies and that it is identified by an electronic chip or a tattoo.To travel outside the EU (as in Ireland, Sweden, United Kingdom or Malta) additional treatment and vaccinations may be requested.It is advisable to inquire about the health regulations in force in the country of destination as well as in the countries of correspondence.The exact conditions are available on the websites of embassies of the countries concerned or by contacting the Ministry of Agriculture.An example, to go to Australia, a cat must be vaccinated against parvovirosis, Carré disease and against Rubarth's hepatitis.

Do I have to use tranquilizers and sedatives?

As far as possible: no.First to avoid making your pet run unnecessary risks.Then because many companies refuse to transport animals under sedatives.Your veterinarian alone may prescribe an adapted treatment in the event of transportation of transport or prevent possible respiratory discomfort during the flight.For your cat, many sprays with pheromones (Feliway, Felisept, etc.) may be of great help.Number of veterinarians also advise to use Bach flowers to calm your pet and avoid it from transport.

What are the conditions with Air France?

With the Tricolore company, here are some of the rules in force:

Are there any destinations for animals?

Until further notice, the transport of animals in the hold is prohibited to all the destinations of China as well as from Moscow to Paris.

What responsibility in the event of a problem?

Companies decline any responsibility for the costs incurred in the event of refusal to transport the animal if the provisions are not respected.The same goes for a refusal of the animal at the borders of the destination country.In the event of an accident during transport in the hold, the situation is more delicate and sometimes ends in court.After 18 animal deaths aboard its aircraft on 2017 alone, the American company United, for example, had to release its checkbook and present public apology.