Flying with pets is entirely doable if you prepare in advance — airline rules, fees and required documents vary widely. This guide covers which airlines flying from Tbilisi accept pets in the cabin, what carriage costs and which papers you need to enter the European Union.
🐕 Where your pet travels — three options
- In the cabin (PETC): a cat or small dog in a carrier — usually max 8 kg including the carrier
- In the hold (AVIH): animals over 8 kg in a rigid crate — the compartment is heated and ventilated
- As cargo: very large animals or unaccompanied shipment — the most expensive option
Flat-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds — bulldogs, pugs, Persian cats — are banned from the hold by many airlines due to breathing problems. For them, the cabin is the only option to consider.
✈️ Airline rules from Tbilisi
Policies differ noticeably between the airlines flying from Tbilisi. Fees depend on the route, and the pet's spot requires a separate reservation, since the number of animals per flight is limited:
- Turkish Airlines: in cabin ≤8 kg (with carrier), fee by destination ≈$70-180
- Pegasus: in cabin ≤8 kg, ≈$65-110 (€60-100) on international flights
- Wizz Air: does not accept pets at all — only certified assistance dogs
- airBaltic, LOT: accept pets both in cabin and hold — ≈$55-110 (€50-100) per segment
Reserve your pet's spot via the airline's call center as soon as you buy the ticket — cabins usually allow only 2-5 animals and the slots fill up fast.
📋 Documents and vaccination
To bring a pet into the European Union, the sequence of documents is strict — each step follows the previous one:
- An ISO-standard microchip — must be implanted before vaccination
- Rabies vaccination — after the chip, at least 21 days before departure
- A rabies antibody titre test — mandatory for entering the EU from Georgia: blood is drawn at least 30 days after vaccination, and travel is allowed no sooner than 3 months after the test
- A veterinary health certificate — issued within 10 days of departure
Because of the titre test's 3-month waiting period, start preparing a European trip with your pet at least 4-5 months ahead — the last week is far too late.
🧳 What the flight itself looks like
In the cabin your pet stays in its closed carrier for the entire flight, under the seat in front — taking it out or holding it on your lap is forbidden. The allowed carrier size is around 40×30×20 cm depending on the airline; a soft-sided carrier fits under the seat more easily.
Arrive at the airport earlier than usual — pet check-in can't be done online and takes extra time at the desk. At security you carry the animal in your arms while the carrier goes through the scanner separately — see airport security tips.
💡 Tips for a calm journey
- Feed your pet 4-6 hours before the flight — a slightly hungry animal handles flying better
- Get your pet used to the carrier in advance — let it sleep in it at home for a few weeks before the trip
- Give sedatives only with your vet's approval — some medications are dangerous at altitude
- Prefer direct flights — a connection doubles the stress for the animal; for cabin bag limits see the carry-on luggage rules
For getting around Tbilisi's airport, see the Tbilisi airport guide, and find a direct flight and compare dates on Travel365's price calendar — the shorter the route, the calmer the journey for your four-legged companion.
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