New rules for transporting animals on buses and crossing borders | KLR Bus

Traveling with pets has now become more predictable, but requires careful preparation. Ukraine has introduced uniform rules for transporting animals on buses and updated requirements for crossing the border with animals. For passengers, this means that without proper documents, an appropriate carrier, and compliance with weight and size requirements, a carrier has the right to refuse transportation without compensation.

Rules for transporting animals by bus

The basic rules for transporting animals by road are now enshrined in the updated Rules for the Provision of Passenger Road Transport Services. Detailed information is also contained in the CMU resolution “Rules for the Transportation of Animals” , and is further specified by the carriers themselves (in particular, KLR Bus ).

The new rules for transporting animals by bus establish uniform safety and hygiene standards. When transporting animals, a veterinary passport is required, special equipment (carriers, muzzles) must be used, and the weight of the animal must be taken into account. Compliance with these state and internal regulations is mandatory for admission to the route.

Can dogs be transported on buses?

Dogs can be transported on intercity and international buses, but only taking into account the weight category, purchasing the required number of seats, and having a muzzle and leash. The transportation of dogs is regulated by both general standards and the carrier's internal rules. You can find them in clause 5.31 of the KLR Bus terms and conditions .

So, if you are wondering whether it is possible to travel with a dog on public transport, the answer is yes, provided that you comply with the following rules.

12. Small dogs (up to 10 kg) They can only be transported in closed carriers — this can be a bag, container, or cage. An absorbent bottom that will absorb moisture and odors is required. Small breeds can be placed on your lap, under the seat, or in a separate seat during the trip. The latter option is possible if you purchase a ticket for the adjacent seat at the adult ticket price.
13. Medium-sized dogs (10–20 kg) They must be muzzled and on a leash (chain or strap). The passenger must purchase the entire back row (4 seats) and sit there with the animal if all these seats are free.
14. Large dogs (20–45 kg) Dogs must also wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash. The passenger must purchase the rear row (4 seats) as well as two seats to the right and left in front of it, effectively creating a designated “zone” for the dog.
15. Dogs over 45 kg Carriers usually do not transport them due to the lack of specially equipped vehicles. Unfortunately, KLR Bus also does not transport dogs in this weight category.

Can guide dogs be transported on the bus? Yes. In this case, the transportation of animals is free of charge without the need to purchase a seat, as they are assistants to humans. However, animals must still wear a muzzle and be on a short leash, close to their owner. Unfortunately, KLR Bus buses are not equipped to transport large dogs without purchasing a seat, so the carrier has introduced a weight limit of 20 kg for guide dogs.

In addition, the rules for transporting animals by bus stipulate that the passenger (animal owner) must always control the dog's behavior, prevent aggression, and not disturb other passengers. In case of violation, the driver has the right to remove the passenger without refund.

How to transport a cat on a bus

A cat may be transported in the bus cabin only in a closed carrier or a special bag with a rigid frame and a liquid-absorbing bottom. Therefore, answering the question of how to transport a cat on a bus — the only acceptable option is a carrier or a special cage; transporting the cat in your arms is not allowed. It is recommended to:

• use a carrier of the appropriate size so that the animal can stand up, turn around, and lie down, but cannot escape;
• place a disposable pad or other moisture-absorbing material inside the carrier, as this is directly required by the rules for transporting animals by road;
• place the carrier under the seat or in your arms; if placed on a separate seat, the carrier may require the purchase of a full ticket.

Before the trip, it is advisable to allow the cat to get used to the carrier, limit feeding a few hours before the flight, and place a familiar blanket or toy inside to reduce stress.

Transportation of birds, rodents, and other animals

Birds, small rodents, and other small pets may only be transported in special closed cages or containers that are securely fastened and protected from damage. Such animals usually fall into the small-pet category, so the same requirements apply to them as to cats and small dogs. Basic conditions include:

• the cage must be spacious enough and equipped with a feeder and a drinker (especially for birds);
• the bottom of the cage must be lined with a material that absorbs moisture and unpleasant odors and can be easily replaced;
• the container or cage must be placed under the seat or held in your arms; placement on the seat is possible if you purchase a seat.

For exotic animals or species covered by CITES, additional restrictions and separate permits may apply, which should be checked in advance.

Rules for transporting animals abroad

For international flights, not only the carrier's rules apply, but also the requirements of the country of departure, transit, and entry; violation of these rules may result in refusal to cross the border without a refund of the ticket price. Crossing the border with animals is considered non-commercial transportation, but requires a complete set of veterinary documents.

The transportation of animals across the border is regulated by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1402 “On the Transportation of Animals”, as amended, currently in force, laws on veterinary medicine, and EU requirements for the non-commercial movement of domestic animals. General rules for taking animals abroad include:

49. Identification of the animal (microchip according to ISO standard).
50. Valid rabies vaccination and, for most EU countries, the results of a rabies antibody titer test taken at least 3 months after blood sampling.
51. Issuance of a veterinary passport and veterinary certificate for travel.

Documents for transporting animals abroad are issued by a state veterinarian and must be completed within a clearly defined time frame (usually 1–5 days before departure, depending on the form of the certificate and the requirements of the destination country). At the same time, border-crossing rules for animals may contain exceptions and simplifications for certain countries, which often change, so it is worth checking the latest information on the official website of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection before traveling.

What is required to take a dog abroad: list of documents

To understand how to transport your dog abroad, you need to start with the basic EU requirements for the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats, and ferrets from Ukraine as a third country. The list of documents for taking a dog abroad usually includes several mandatory steps. The main requirements for taking a dog abroad are:

58. Microchip. Identification of the dog by implanting a microchip before vaccination against rabies. Information about this chip must be included in the documents for taking the dog abroad.
59. Rabies vaccination. Vaccination is carried out no earlier than 12 weeks of age; after the initial vaccination, at least 21 days must pass before crossing the border (in the absence of a titer requirement), but no more than 12 months.
60. European veterinary passport. The passport contains information about microchipping, vaccinations, parasite treatment, and sometimes a photo of the animal; it is issued by a state or authorized veterinary institution.
61. Blood test for rabies antibody titer (for most EU countries). Blood is taken no earlier than 30 days after vaccination, and departure is allowed 3 months after the date of sampling, provided that the antibody level is sufficient.
62. Veterinary certificate (form No. 1 or international certificate). Issued by a state veterinarian a few days (usually up to 5) before departure and confirms the animal's satisfactory health.
63. Treatment for parasites. Many countries require treatment for worms, fleas, and ticks 1–5 days before entry with a mark in the passport.

When answering the question of what documents are required to take a dog abroad, you should focus on the following combination: microchip, vaccination, antibody test (if necessary), passport, veterinary certificate/certificate and, in some cases, special permission from the importing country.

How to take a cat abroad: documents

The conditions for cats are almost identical to those for dogs, so when answering the question of what is needed to take a cat abroad, the same logic applies: identification, vaccination, documents, and compliance with timelines. The key steps determine what is needed to transport a cat abroad within the current rules. A typical list includes:

• An ISO-standard microchip that can be read in the destination country.
• Rabies vaccination and antibody titer test 3 months prior to departure.
• A European-style veterinary passport with all marks and signatures.
• A veterinary certificate (form No. 1 or international form for a specific country), issued by a state veterinarian a few days before departure.
• Records of parasite treatment, which are often mandatory before entering some countries.

Therefore, when answering the question of what documents are required to take a cat abroad, it is always necessary to check the requirements of the destination and transit countries, as they may differ from the basic EU standards. Documents for taking a cat abroad should be prepared in advance, as the overall preparation for the trip can take several months.

Transporting birds across borders

Transporting birds across borders is subject to specific requirements, as birds can be a source of specific infections, including avian influenza. Most countries require prior import approval, quarantine, or a special certificate, so preparation can be more complicated than for dogs and cats. Key points:

80. A veterinary certificate is required with vaccination records (if required for the breed) and a health check for the bird.
81. Transportation is only allowed in a special cage that provides sufficient space and contains a feeder, water dispenser, and species-specific elements (perches, etc.).
82. Restrictions on the number of birds, species (especially for wild or rare ones), as well as requirements for CITES permits for certain species.

As with other animals, transporting animals abroad, including birds, requires prior study of the requirements of the specific country, as some countries may temporarily ban the import of birds from certain regions. Compliance with the above rules allows you to safely and legally plan to cross the border with animals and comfortably use bus transportation with your pets.

Therefore, to ensure that your trip with your pet is stress-free and without unpleasant surprises, it is worth combining two components: compliance with the carrier's rules (carrying, placement in the cabin, control of the animal's behavior) and advance preparation for crossing the border (microchip, rabies vaccination, if necessary — antibody titer, veterinary passport, and certificate within the specified time limits). That is why the answer to the question of how to transport a cat abroad boils down to planning several months in advance, carefully checking the requirements of the destination and transit countries, and taking your time to complete the paperwork with the state veterinarian. That way, the trip will be legal and comfortable for both you and your cat.