Rules for transporting animals (dogs) on buses and other public transport

Parliamentarians long ago developed and approved regulations on the use of buses, according to which the owner is obliged to comply with all rules for transporting dogs on public transport. The requirement applies to both intercity and urban/suburban services. It should be immediately clarified that employees working on the Moscow transport line do not have the right to refuse transportation to a citizen. Moreover, this applies not only to drivers, but also to the carrier and conductor. The only prohibition is the inability to travel with your animals on buses that carry out international travel.

Basic Rules

Federal law governing the carriage of dogs on public transport requires each party to adhere to the following requirements.

The passenger reserves the right to travel with animals and birds as part of their hand luggage. Special containers are used for this. When transporting a dog, the owner can place it on his lap, and no additional fee will be charged.
If the owner needs to transport a dog on the bus: a service dog or a hunting dog, he must sit in the back of the vehicle. Mandatory attributes are a leash and a muzzle. A dog will require a baggage ticket.
When an owner transports a guide dog, there is no additional charge. In this case, no mandatory documents are required for transportation. The requirements are quite simple - the pet must have a collar and muzzle, and the animal must sit in the minibus at the feet of the accompanying passenger.
When transporting other medium-sized animals without a special container or cage, the owner must purchase a child ticket for them. The animal itself is placed in a nearby place, in a harness or collar. A muzzle is put on. If in the latter case the animal cannot wear a muzzle, the owner must completely exclude contact with other passengers while traveling by bus or subway.
Perhaps one of the most important requirements. Regardless of where exactly the transportation is carried out - on a bus or subway, the owner is obliged to comply with the sanitary and hygienic regime.
The transportation of animals that can cause deterioration in health or death of the driver/passengers is strictly prohibited.
The animal must behave calmly, be limited in its movements (not walk freely around the cabin). Otherwise, the driver has the right to refuse to transport the pet.
According to the rules for transporting animals on the bus, they must be clean so as not to stain the clothes of other public transport users. If the dog is not well-groomed or is wet after rain, the driver has every right to refuse transportation. This rule applies not only within Moscow, but also throughout the rest of Russia.

Rules for transporting animals by different modes of transport

Different modes of transport have their own rules for transporting animals. The passage of animals is regulated by certain rules that the owner must follow. We have collected for you rules for all types of transport: ground, metro, personal car and airplane. Do not neglect them, so that later you will not have problems with the passage of animals in transport!

I. Rules for transporting dogs on city public transport

In ground transportation, you can transport your dog in the rear area. A large dog must be muzzled, collared and on a leash. A small dog can be transported in a special container. Travel for a large dog must be paid as baggage. If you are transporting a small animal in a transport container that does not exceed the required dimensions of hand luggage (the sum of three dimensions (height, length, width) is no more than 120 cm), then you can transport it for free.

And I highly recommend that you train your dog to ride public transport in advance. To do this, you can contact a specialist and get step-by-step advice without even leaving your home! Find out more about online counseling >> .

Excerpt from the resolution:

to the resolution of the Moscow Government Rules for the use of public ground public transport (trams, trolleybuses, buses) in the city of Moscow

6.3. The passenger has the right: 6.3.1. Carry with you free of charge: 6.3.1.6. Animals and birds - in a cage not exceeding the size of hand luggage. 6.3.4. Carry pets under conditions that prevent disturbance to passengers (dogs must be muzzled and on a short leash).

Advice : do not place the box with the animal on the floor, as it may be unpleasant for him there due to noise and vibration, which are stronger on the floor. There may also be drafts on the floor.

How it really is: Of course, not everyone follows the rules for transporting animals in land transport. In most cases, it all depends on the driver and passengers. Often, owners do not put muzzles on their dogs because their pets are not accustomed to them, since there is no particular need for this (the dog is a peace-loving dog, for example). Or it’s too hot outside and it’s hard for the dog to breathe in a muzzle. And some drivers may simply not be allowed into the salon without explaining the reason.

On commuter trains, things are as follows: separate tickets for dogs are sold at the ticket office, with a fixed price, regardless of which station you are going to. Of course, just like many people travel as a “hare,” they also try to transport dogs for free. It's up to you to decide.

II. Subway rules

But in the metro, the transportation of animals is allowed only in a transportation container. Transporting a dog on the subway in any other way (just on a leash and muzzle, for example) is prohibited by the rules for using the subway.

Don’t forget that your dog should be trained to use the shipping container in advance! To find out how to accustom an animal to a container (cage), read the article “ Cage for a dog”>> .

Excerpt from the resolution:

Appendix to the resolution of the Moscow Government Rules for using the Moscow metro

2.10. It is prohibited to carry in the metro (to be with it in the lobby of stations): 2.10.5. Animals and birds outside of cages or special containers (bags).

How it really is: And here it all depends on chance - they may miss it, or they may not. For example, at metro stations where dog shows are held, dogs are most often allowed in. At other stations they have every right not to let you and your pet in.

Recommendations : if you still plan to take your dog on the subway, put it in a box if it is small. If the dog is large, be sure to lead it on a leash and a collar. Beware of escalators! If possible, use the stairs. If not, be sure to take the animal in your arms on the escalator! Unfortunately, there are scary cases where a dog gets its paws stuck on an escalator and other similar situations.

III. Long distance trains

To travel on long-distance trains, you will have to collect certificates for your pet.

What you will need: • Veterinary certificate of vaccinations (vaccinations must be done no later than 30 days and no earlier than 12 months before the date of travel) and treatment against ecto- and endoparasites. • Veterinary certificate No. 1-vet. To obtain this document, you must visit a veterinarian at your place of residence no earlier than 3 days before departure and present a veterinary passport and the animal for examination. • To transport an animal by rail, you will also need a baggage ticket.

Small dogs or puppies are allowed to be carried with you, but only in special containers. Payment for transportation of dogs is carried out for one piece or 20 kg of luggage. Carriage of dogs whose weight exceeds 20 kg. paid according to their actual weight. Dogs are transported either in a container with an accompanying person traveling in the same carriage, or in a non-working vestibule of the first carriage behind the locomotive (no more than two dogs). It is also possible to transport dogs in a separate compartment (although no more than two dogs), but only except in luxury carriages. When transporting dogs in a compartment, the owner pays for the entire compartment. Care and feeding are carried out by the owner or accompanying person. Only guide dogs are allowed to be carried free of charge in carriages of any category in Russia.

From the “Rules of Passenger Transportation”: “Transportation of all categories of small pets, dogs and birds on trains is allowed in excess of the established carry-on baggage allowance in all carriages, except for carriages with 2-berth compartments (SV) and luxury carriages. In this case, it is necessary to have a veterinary certificate and payment for transportation. Animals are transported in boxes, baskets, cages, containers, which must be placed in hand luggage areas. During transportation, owners or accompanying persons must observe sanitary and hygienic conditions.”

Note! 1) Conditions for transporting animals in traffic with Western European countries (except Finland). It is allowed to transport small pets (cats, birds) as hand luggage if they are transported in special vehicles (boxes). Dogs are allowed in any class, i.e. in class I and II (but no more than 2 dogs per compartment). The passenger must pay the cost of a ticket and reserved seat according to the number of seats in the compartment, and also, in addition, for transporting a dog, half the cost of a ticket for travel in a second class carriage. 2) It is prohibited to transport dogs when traveling to Norway, Sweden, Yugoslavia, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia or in transit through these countries. 3) Dogs of aggressive breeds are prohibited from being transported to Germany or in transit through Germany. Dogs are allowed to be transported only in direct carriages. 4) Conditions for transporting animals in traffic with China, Mongolia, Korea and Vietnam. The passenger has the right to transport small pets with him, unless prohibited by veterinary regulations. Animals (cats, birds, etc.) are transported as hand luggage at the rate of 20 kg. a piece. Dogs are transported for a fee. Transportation of dogs is possible only in class II carriages and no more than 2 dogs per compartment. In this case, you need to pay the cost of a ticket and reserved seat according to the number of seats in the compartment, as well as additionally for transporting a dog, half the cost of a ticket for travel in a second class carriage. If the railway does not have the ability to provide a separate compartment for the transportation of animals, such transportation is not allowed.

IV. Traveling abroad in a personal car

What documents will you need: 1) veterinary passport - information about all vaccinations (required with rabies)). Validity of the vaccination: no more than 12 months, but it must be done at least a month before the trip - about deworming - your full name 2) certificate of export of the animal 3) veterinary certificate form No. 1 4) certificate of microchipping. In European countries, a cage or dividing net between the dog and the car is mandatory. The dog is not allowed to be free in the cabin. The dog must be wearing a seat belt in the back seat. Read the article about this: “Accessories for transporting dogs in the car”>> .

V. Traveling abroad by plane

1. Documents that are presented to the veterinary service at the border, as well as to customs officers:

1) Veterinary passport of the established form with all marks. It is required when leaving a plane with a dog abroad. It must contain all the data: - for the dog (full name of the dog (as in the pedigree)); — its owner (full name); — owner’s address; - information about the vaccinations she received during her life, including pasted coupons, stamps and signatures of the veterinarian; — Brand number and microchip number (since 2006, the entry of dogs into Europe is allowed only if they have a microchip). The microchip number in the veterinary passport must match the microchip number in the dog’s pedigree; — vaccination marks. Rabies vaccination is required (preferably Nobivak vaccination). The date of vaccinations must be at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before departure. — information about treatments against ecto- and endoparasites (from fleas and worms). Note! Veterinary officials in the European Union only recognize microchips of ISO 11784 standards for dogs and cats and ISO 11785 for ferrets. In other countries, it can be replaced by the brand that is given to purebred animals in clubs; An incorrectly issued veterinary passport or vaccination with uncertified vaccines is grounds for refusal at the airport to issue permission for the temporary export of your pet abroad. 2) Veterinary certificate (form No. 1) This form is required for veterinary certification. control at the border. It is exchanged for an international certificate. On the way back, you must submit this certificate when passing veterinary control and receive your certificate back. You can obtain this form at the regional state veterinary station on the basis of a correctly executed veterinary passport. You need to come there with an animal (in some it is possible without an animal, you need to clarify) and its veterinary passport 2-3 days before the trip. This veterinary certificate is valid for 3 days. Note! It is very important that the international certificate is correctly issued. Therefore, ask the veterinarians at the border veterinary control point to fill it out in English (for Germany in German). In case of refusal, contact the Department of Veterinary Control at the State Border and Transport of the Department of Veterinary Medicine of the Ministry of Agriculture and Nature of Russia. The procedure for exchanging Form No. 1 for an international veterinary certificate is usually lengthy, so you need to arrive at the airport in advance. 3) Permission for the temporary export of a dog abroad (Certificate of the absence of breeding value of the animal). To do this, you need to visit one of the divisions of the RKF or SCOR: - for service dogs - TsKSS; - for hunting breeds - the club of the All-Russian Council for Hunting Dog Breeding; - for decorative and outbred dogs - club of the Federation of Amateur Dog Breeding. There you will receive a certificate on a special form stating that the animal does not have breeding value. The certificate indicates the breed, color and age of the dog, pedigree number, the estimated value of the dog, as well as the purpose of the trip.

Read more about how to transport a dog from Russia to Israel HERE>> .

2. Requirements for transporting dogs on an airplane.

1) Availability of a box for transportation. According to the rules of air transportation, dogs must be transported in special containers in a specially equipped insulated luggage compartment, separated from the rest of the luggage by a partition. Requirements for an aviation box: - only one dog can be transported in one box; — the height of the box should be 10 cm higher than the dog’s height above his head; — the dog should be able to turn around freely, as well as lie down with its front legs extended; — the box must be equipped with special openings for sufficient air access; — there should be a drinking bowl with water inside the box; — the dog placed in the box must be wearing a comfortable collar (DO NOT wear a noose or muzzle!). There should be a leash on the floor NOT attached to the dog's collar; — all information about the dog must be attached to the box: nickname, name, address, owner’s phone number in English; as well as copies of veterinary certificate and insurance, if any. 2) Small dogs can be transported in the aircraft cabin in special boxes. But no more than 2 dogs per salon. The weight of the animal should not exceed 8 kg. 3) Carriage of a dog is paid as excess baggage weight, but is not deducted from the total weight of the group’s baggage. Those. you weigh your dog along with the container and pay the total weight at the airline ticket office immediately before boarding and one way.

Note! Requirements may vary between airlines. Therefore, first of all, make a request to the airline you are flying with and act in accordance with the instructions you receive. If you incorrectly filled out the documents for your pet, then the following sanctions apply: complete or temporary isolation of the animal, quarantine, fines, ban on the entry or exit of the animal.

Recommendations . It is recommended to arrive at the airport with your pet in advance, no later than 4-5 hours before departure. On an airplane, it is not recommended to let the animal out of the box during the flight, because... his behavior can be unpredictable.

3. Preparing the dog for the flight.

There is no need to feed the dog before the flight, just give it a good drink and walk it. It is recommended to place moisture-absorbing bedding or disposable diapers at the bottom of the box. It makes sense to give your dog a sedative (consult your veterinarian). Note! When transporting an animal across the border, other additional documents may be required in different countries. You need to find out what rules for importing animals apply in the country you are going to. You can obtain information about this from the consulate of the relevant country. Not all animals can be exported outside our homeland. “Not allowed to travel abroad” include: parrots, turtles, monkeys, pythons and others. To transport these animals, permission from the State Committee of the Russian Federation for Environmental Protection is required. It's difficult to get. You must prove that your animal was purchased legally or document the fact that your pet was born in Russia. You will not be able to bring kittens and puppies under 4 months of age into the European Union. The fact is that vaccination is done no earlier than 2 months, and rabies vaccination is done 2-3 weeks after the first vaccination. And formally, you can export an animal only 30 days after all vaccinations. So that turns out to be 4 months. If you cannot, or do not want, or are afraid of filling out all the necessary documents incorrectly, there is already an opportunity to contact a special agent who will do all this work for you, and you will be calm in the correct execution of all these papers.

4. What you may encounter when traveling by air.

— some airlines may refuse to transport a dog exceeding 40 kg. and will offer to use the CARGO system (transportation of an animal without the participation of an accompanying person); — it makes sense to insure the animal in order to receive compensation in the event of its death; — pay attention to the requirements for the air box; for example, some airlines only allow their own boxes for flights. Find out about this in advance; — the air box should be comfortable in size (the dog should be able to sit, lie down and turn around freely); — the airbox must have a metal door and a spring lock. External handles on the box are desirable so that loaders do not put their fingers inside the box during transportation; — reserve a seat in the luggage compartment for your pet and ask for a document confirming this reservation (not all airlines transport animals due to the lack of insulated luggage compartments); — not all breeds are allowed to be transported by plane. Therefore, please indicate the breed in your booking confirmation. The air carrier may refuse to transport dogs of breeds with a shortened muzzle (bullmastiffs, bulldogs, etc.) - do not forget to indicate the weight of the animal, otherwise there may not be appropriate equipment to load it on board.

In conclusion, I would like to say that transporting your pet will be much smoother if you have previously accustomed it to public transport and to the container. Specialists from the Gilda school can help you with this .

Author: Evgenia Volchkova

Basic documents

To prevent the transportation of animals from becoming a source of additional problems, it is recommended to have special documents certified by a seal. These include:

veterinary passport, which contains all the marks on completed vaccinations;
certificate of current health status. According to the rules for transporting dogs on the bus, this gives the driver the opportunity to familiarize himself with information about age and vaccinations.

Note! A mandatory document is a record of vaccination against rabies. This is what the carrier always pays attention to. The vaccination must be done no earlier than a year before traveling in a vehicle.

Microchipping on the territory of the Russian Federation is an optional requirement. The procedure is performed only if the owner plans to travel with his animal outside the country.

Helpful advice! If you are planning to transport your dog intercity, you have all the necessary papers; no one can prohibit you from riding on a bus (provided that the coat is kept clean). If the carrier insists, he must request a refusal in writing, obliging the driver to indicate the reason why he does not want to travel with the dog. After this, you need to go with the received document to the carrier’s administration, the city municipality and the police. Even if the owner planned to transport dogs on the subway, but the inspector refused, this may result in the deprivation of the official license. Such actions usually change the attitude of the driver, conductor or cashier. No one forbids going to court, where you can demand payment of moral compensation for ruining your holiday or mood. Knowing your rights can always be turned into an advantage!