Flying with pets

For inquiries regarding pet transportation on domestic Brazilian airlines (such as LATAM, GOL, or Azul), contact customer support via email in English rather than calling. LATAM support typically responds to English email inquiries within 12 hours.

Information is sought on how to transport a 65kg Labrador dog, along with its cage, from São Paulo, Brazil, to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Advice suggests consulting pet-specific chat groups for experienced guidance on international pet transportation.

Transporting large dogs (>8kg) on long-distance buses in Brazil is restricted; most companies limit pets to 8kg. Alternatives: 1. BlaBlaCar (direct negotiation with drivers is required). 2. Specialized pet transport services (expensive). Renting a car for one-way travel (drop-off in a different state) involves significant 'drop-off fees'.

Major domestic airlines in Brazil for pet travel are Azul, LATAM, and GOL. Each airline has specific policies regarding weight limits, carrier dimensions, and costs for pets in the cabin vs. cargo. Always check the official website of the chosen airline before booking, as requirements for veterinary documentation can change.

For pregnant travelers (e.g., 30 weeks) flying with airlines like Turkish Airlines, especially with pets considered 'brachycephalic' (like snub-nosed dogs), it's crucial to verify the acceptance of medical certificates. While a translated English version with official stamps might be considered, official airline policy should be confirmed to avoid issues during check-in or boarding.

On domestic flights in Brazil, pets must typically be older than 6 months. Passengers have faced issues at airports where airlines refuse boarding based on age, even if the pet is older. While willingness to pay extra or buy an additional ticket is expressed, airlines often cite strict rules, making it difficult. Attempting to negotiate with the shift supervisor might be an option, but it's not guaranteed to resolve the issue. Confirm specific airline policies regarding pet age and documentation before flying.

When flying to Brazil with pets, airlines have significantly different cargo/pet policies. Turkish Airlines has very strict kennel size requirements compared to Royal Air Maroc. It is essential to call the airline's customer service to confirm pet slot availability before purchasing tickets, especially for long-haul international flights.

Ethiopian Airlines allows small pets (e.g., Spitz) up to 8 kg (including carrier) to be transported in the aircraft cabin to Brazil. This route has been used for both dogs and cats.

Royal Air Maroc flights typically handle checked baggage through to the final destination on transit tickets. Brazil entry requirements for pets do not strictly enforce specific vaccine brands from Russia, provided valid international veterinary documentation is presented.

When traveling with pets, especially those under six months old, be aware of specific airline and destination country regulations. Even with valid import permits, airlines might enforce age restrictions. In Brazil, some travelers have faced issues with pets under six months, with airport staff citing internal policies. It's crucial to verify all regulations in advance, as rules can vary significantly by country and even by airline.

When traveling with pets to Brazil, check if transit countries require rabies antibody titers. Within 2-3 days before departure, secure a deworming treatment stamp in the pet passport and an official veterinary transit permit in English. Be cautious with Qatar Airways as they restrict pets in the cabin and may refuse pet boarding in cargo unexpectedly.