| HOME FOOD

18 February 2022

📌 HOME FOOD Blog: Transportation of Dogs in Public Transport: Train, Bus, Airplane

Transportation of Dogs in Public Transport: Train, Bus, Airplane

Traveling with a dog is always a special adventure. Some take their pet on vacation, others move to another city or country, and for some, their four-legged friend is an indispensable companion in everyday life. However, regardless of the purpose, every trip requires thorough preparation, especially when it involves public transport—train, bus, or airplane.

In this article, we’ve compiled the main rules and tips for transporting dogs using various types of transport. We discuss not only the requirements of carriers but also comfort, safety, and care for the animal—so that your journey goes smoothly, without unnecessary stress for you or your furry passenger.

Transportation of Dogs by Train

In Ukraine, the transportation of animals by train is regulated by the "Rules for the Transportation of Passengers, Baggage, Cargo Baggage, and Mail by Railway Transport of Ukraine." Ukrzaliznytsia also provides practical clarifications for a comfortable and safe trip.

Small Dogs (up to 45 cm at the withers)

Transported in carriers (cage, backpack with a waterproof bottom, or other container) that do not damage the carriage and ensure passenger safety.
The carrier can be placed on your lap, under the seat, or on the overhead luggage shelf.
In higher-comfort carriages (SV, M)—only if the entire compartment is purchased.

Large Dogs (over 45 cm)

Can travel only in compartment carriages, provided:
	the owner purchases all seats in the compartment,
a muzzle and leash (chain or strap) are present.

	
Only one or two such animals are allowed per compartment, together with the owner.
In SV, RIC, and Intercity+ carriages—similarly, with full purchase.
Service dogs (representatives of the Defense Forces) can travel free of charge in any carriage with a muzzle and leash.

Documents and Payment

A veterinary passport with up-to-date vaccinations is mandatory.
A ticket for the animal is issued as a baggage receipt (priced as for 20 kg of baggage).

Practical Tips

Check the availability of veterinary passports and tickets online—this will save time at the station.
Use modern backpacks-carriers for small dogs—UZ allows them instead of a "rigid" structure.
For large dogs, a ventilated separate compartment is recommended—and it’s better to book it in advance.
If neighboring passengers have allergies or discomfort—contact the conductor. UZ is obliged to offer alternative seats.

Summary

	
			Parameter
			Small Dogs (up to 45 cm)
			Large Dogs (over 45 cm)
		
			Carrier
			Mandatory
			Not mandatory, but muzzle + leash—yes
		
			Placement in Carriage
			Hand luggage / under seat
			In compartment with all seats purchased
		
			Ticket
			As baggage, possibly online
			Escort ticket + seat purchase
		
			Documents
			Veterinary passport
			Same as small + tickets
		
			Free Conditions
			Service dogs—free
			Same (+ Intercity+ only with purchase)

Parameter	Small Dogs (up to 45 cm)	Large Dogs (over 45 cm)
Carrier	Mandatory	Not mandatory, but muzzle + leash—yes
Placement in Carriage	Hand luggage / under seat	In compartment with all seats purchased
Ticket	As baggage, possibly online	Escort ticket + seat purchase
Documents	Veterinary passport	Same as small + tickets
Free Conditions	Service dogs—free	Same (+ Intercity+ only with purchase)

Transportation of Dogs by Bus

In Ukraine, the rules for transporting domestic animals by bus are still being developed: the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development, together with UAnimals, is working on a new draft resolution that has already been published for discussion. This project defines clear boundaries for transportation in the cabin for different weight categories of dogs:

By Weight and Conditions

	
			Dog Weight
			Transportation Conditions
		
			up to 10 kg
			— Only in a container (cage, basket, bag with absorbent);

			— Placement: on lap, under seat, or on a separate purchased seat;

			— A mat is mandatory to protect the seats.
		
			10–20 kg (medium) and 20–45 kg (large)
			— Muzzle and leash mandatory;

			— Placement on the floor next to the owner;

			— Purchase of all seats in the adjacent block;

			— 1–2 animals may be transported per passenger.
		
			Over 45 kg
			— Transportation only on specialized transport—under carrier conditions.

Dog Weight	Transportation Conditions
up to 10 kg	— Only in a container (cage, basket, bag with absorbent); — Placement: on lap, under seat, or on a separate purchased seat; — A mat is mandatory to protect the seats.
10–20 kg (medium) and 20–45 kg (large)	— Muzzle and leash mandatory; — Placement on the floor next to the owner; — Purchase of all seats in the adjacent block; — 1–2 animals may be transported per passenger.
Over 45 kg	— Transportation only on specialized transport—under carrier conditions.

General Requirements for All

Veterinary documents: a valid passport with vaccinations—without them, the carrier may refuse.
Written consent of the carrier and a separate ticket, as provided by company rules—often as a full seat.
Muzzle and leash—for all dogs during the trip.
Container for small dogs—mandatory even in the cabin if the weight is up to 10 kg.

Carrier Requirements (e.g., LEV BUS, LikeBus, and TransTempo)

The animal is transported only with a separate ticket for a designated seat, in a special box.
The conductor or driver may request documents or refuse transportation if the animal is aggressive or poses a risk.
In all cases—responsibility for health, cleanliness, and safety lies with the passenger.

Tips for a Comfortable Trip

Clarify the rules of the specific carrier in advance—they may differ until the new regulations officially take effect.
For small dogs, use containers with absorbent or mats—it’s clean and safe.
For large dogs—purchase adjacent seats, otherwise the carrier may refuse.
Always bring a veterinary passport—even in city buses, they may ask to check it.
These rules are unified among carriers: all basic elements—ticket, container/box, muzzle, and leash—are mandatory.

This draft resolution aims to standardize the rules for traveling with pets, making them predictable and comfortable.

Transportation of Dogs by Airplane

Flying with a dog has its own clear rules—ensuring comfort and safety not only for your pet but also for other passengers. Let’s review the key requirements and tips based on examples from Ukrainian airlines and general aviation standards.

1. Cabin (In-Line): Small Dogs up to 10 kg

SkyUp allows the transportation of dogs (and cats) weighing up to 10 kg with the container. The maximum container dimensions are 55×40×20 cm. The limit was previously 8 kg, but it has now been increased.
MAU also permits small dogs in the cabin up to 8–10 kg.
The container must be:
	comfortable: the dog can stand, sit, and turn around;
with three ventilated sides and a waterproof bottom with an absorbent;
securely closed and preventing the animal from escaping.

	
During the flight, the animal must remain in the container—release is incompatible with safety rules.

2. Cargo Hold: Medium and Large Dogs

If the weight with the container exceeds the cabin limit, transportation in the cargo hold is allowed:
	SkyUp—up to 23 kg for 80 € online or 100 € at the airport, over 23 kg—+5 €/kg (but total weight up to 32 kg, dimensions up to 310 cm);
MAU—up to 75 kg.

	
The container for the cargo hold must meet standards:
	always be sturdy, rigid with mesh ventilation, a waterproof bottom with an absorbent, and impact-resistant;
allow the animal to stand, lie down, and turn within the container;
have no sharp edges or large gaps;
be equipped with handles, a fixed bottom, and no wheels or with wheels fixed during transport.

	
For breeding (service) dogs or guide dogs, there are separate rules—flight without payment or container (muzzle and leash).

3. Documents

For any type of transportation (cabin or cargo), the following are required:

Veterinary passport with current vaccinations, especially against rabies, administered no earlier than one month and no later than one year before the flight.

	International passport and microchip, especially for international flights. Veterinary certificate form 1; veterinary certificate for rabies antibody titer, valid for border crossing—with detailed virological status requirements.

4. Organizational Tips

Arrange transportation in advance, at least 24–48 hours before departure—SkyUp, MAU, and others require operator notification.
Register at the airport in person; a check of the container size and documents may be required.
Following the updated SkyUp rules, it allows easier in-cabin flight for small dogs and cats up to 10 kg.
Low-cost carrier policies (Wizz Air, Ryanair, easyJet) mostly prohibit animal transportation, except for service guide dogs.
The container does not count toward hand luggage limits—it’s a separate item.

Summary Table

	
			Type of Transportation
			Weight + Container
			Transportation Location
			Container / Container Requirements
			Cost
		

	
			Cabin
			up to 8–10 kg
			under seat
			soft or rigid, ventilated, with absorbent
			~€40–50
		

			Cargo Hold
			up to 23 kg (SkyUp), up to 75 kg (MAU)
			cargo hold
			sturdy, rigid, ventilated, no sharp edges
			€80–100 + €5/kg over
		

			Service / Guide Dogs
			unrestricted
			cabin
			muzzle, leash, no payment
			free
		

Type of Transportation	Weight + Container	Transportation Location	Container / Container Requirements	Cost
Cabin	up to 8–10 kg	under seat	soft or rigid, ventilated, with absorbent	~€40–50
Cargo Hold	up to 23 kg (SkyUp), up to 75 kg (MAU)	cargo hold	sturdy, rigid, ventilated, no sharp edges	€80–100 + €5/kg over
Service / Guide Dogs	unrestricted	cabin	muzzle, leash, no payment	free

A Few Tips

Let the animal get used to the container a few weeks before the flight—this will reduce stress.
Remember that feeding or releasing the animal in the container during the flight is not allowed.
Check the airline’s rules before booking—there may be local breed restrictions (brachycephalic, etc.).

Transporting a dog by airplane is a responsible but manageable task. It’s important to plan everything in advance: documents, container, and payment.

How to Prepare a Dog for a Move in Advance: Focus on Health

A move or trip is a serious challenge for a dog. Even if the animal appears calm outwardly, changes in environment, transport noise, new smells, and unfamiliar people can cause stress or even health issues. Therefore, preparation for the trip should start not with packing suitcases but with careful attention to the physical and emotional state of your pet.

1. Veterinary Visit—Don’t Delay

Before any trip, it’s essential to:

Undergo a preventive checkup. Even if the dog seems healthy, hidden issues may arise during travel.
Check that the following have been done:
	rabies vaccination (not older than 12 months, not fresher than 30 days),
vaccination against infectious diseases (distemper, leptospirosis, parvovirus),

		parasite treatment (worms, fleas, ticks).

	

2. Psycho-Emotional Preparation

Dogs are sensitive to changes in your mood, so:

Start training for staying in a carrier (or muzzle) 1–2 weeks before the trip.
Conduct short "rehearsals" of the trip: 10–15 minutes in the carrier, a car ride, station or airport noise.

	Create positive associations—treats, toys, the owner’s calm voice.

3. What to Bring for Health

Don’t forget:

Veterinary documents (passport, certificates, records),

	Medications the dog takes regularly (with a reserve),
Disinfection and hygiene products: wipes, mats, diapers,
First-aid veterinary kit: sorbents (e.g., HomeFood Detox), antiseptic, scissors, bandage, thermometer (preferably electronic for animals).

4. Nutrition and Hydration

Do not feed the dog 6–8 hours before the trip, especially if it’s a long journey.
Water is mandatory but in small portions.
Bring familiar food in sealed containers and bowls for feeding on the road.

Calming Remedies: When a Dog Needs Emotional Help

Even a well-prepared dog may show signs of anxiety during a move: trembling, whining, drooling, aggressive behavior, or attempts to escape. In such cases, mild calming remedies that reduce stress without the side effect of "switching off" may be needed.

Main Substances Used in Veterinary Practice:

Cannabidiol (CBD)

	A natural compound from hemp (without psychoactive effects). Has a moderate sedative effect, reduces anxiety, and aids adaptation to new conditions. Non-toxic, well-tolerated. Applied as oil.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

	A precursor to serotonin that supports emotional stability. Helps with anxiety, fear of transport, and loud noises. Found in some veterinary supplements.
Casozepine

	A natural peptide from milk protein (casein) that affects GABA receptors in the brain—causes a mild sedative effect. Safe for daily use, does not cause drowsiness.
Phenibut

	A nootropic with anxiolytic properties. Acts on the nervous system as a calming, anti-anxiety agent. Often used before trips or vet visits.

What If Nothing Helps?

In exceptional cases—when a dog is very agitated, panics, or may harm itself or others—a veterinarian may prescribe medicinal sedation. This is a controlled state using short-acting drugs (e.g., dexmedetomidine). Sedation is performed only for medical reasons, under a doctor’s supervision, considering cardiovascular health and age.

Never give human sleeping pills without veterinary approval—it can cause respiratory or cardiac arrest or other complications.

Caring for emotional well-being is as much a part of responsible ownership as vaccinations or a passport. Sometimes support and affection are enough; other times, mild pharmacological help is needed. It all depends on your pet’s individuality—and your attention and preparation for the trip.