Moving with animals

Before the flight, it is mandatory to consult with a veterinarian - prolonged stay in a carrier, noise, and pressure changes can negatively affect the physical and mental health of the animal. It is allowed to import no more than 5 pets to Georgia (to transport more, a special permit must be obtained from the revenue service).

In addition to approving the transportation in general, the veterinarian can also advise on feeding before the flight and during the trip, sedatives, and preparing the animal.

After approval, it is necessary to start obtaining and preparing all documents as soon as possible.

Full and up-to-date information on the rules of transporting animals is specified in the Georgia law.

1. International veterinary passport;
2. Veterinary certificate in form №5a;
3. For some countries (Russia and Ukraine are not included in this list) - Test for titration of antibodies against rabies, during transit through them, a declaration that the animal did not come into contact with other animals during transit must be provided;
4. Microchip.

If the animal has not previously received all documents and has not been vaccinated (or was vaccinated more than a year ago), the process of obtaining all documents and quarantine will take more than a month (quarantine after receiving a rabies vaccination lasts up to a month depending on the vaccine), so it is advisable to start obtaining the documents as early as possible.

The main document of the animal, which is issued together with the pet (in case of purchase or adoption), or during the first visit to the veterinarian. It contains information about the animal and its medical history.

The passport must contain:

• Marks on the animal's vaccination by time;
• A mark on the passage of the procedure for deworming (against endoparasites and ectoparasites);
• The person who transports the animal as the owner.

From January 1, 2023, a number of amendments have been introduced to the Georgian law on the movement of domestic animals (law). Microchip is now mandatory. The exception is animals under the age of 12 weeks (a special declaration in the form of Appendix 2 of the law or transportation with the mother is required).

All carnivorous animals must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccine is effective for 1 year, and re-vaccination must be done annually.

Dogs are also vaccinated against:

• canine plague;
• hepatitis;
• parvoviral infections and adenoviral infections;
• leptospirosis.

Cats:

• calicivirus;
• rhinotracheitis;
• panleukopenia.

After vaccination against rabies, the animal must be quarantined for 3-4 weeks depending on the vaccine. After all other vaccinations, the quarantine period is 2 weeks.

Treatment against helminths (flatworms/worms) is mandatory for domestic animals.

You can treat your pet yourself and then stick the medication sticker on the appropriate page in the passport, writing "medication issued by the owner" and indicating the date of treatment, but it is better to take the animal to a veterinary clinic, so you will have a signature and stamp from the clinic. After deworming, you need to wait at least 24 hours.

Each airline has a number of restrictions, and it is recommended that you call in advance and clarify the possibility of transporting animals and their requirements.

Pay attention in advance to the following airline requirements:

• Restrictions on the number of animals transported by each person and on board in general;
• Which animals can be transported (often snakes, insects, spiders, rodents are not allowed);
• Weight restrictions. Up to what weight can be transported in the cabin, up to what weight in the baggage compartment. Animals above a certain weight (for example, in Aeroflot - from 50 kg) can only be transported as cargo;
• Requirements for the carrier: soft or hard, its dimensions, requirements for dimensions relative to the size of the animals.