Aeroflot Pet Policy 2026: In-Cabin Rules, Russia Routes, and Current Flight Availability
By Anna Bykadorova · 5 min read
Aeroflot recently expanded its cabin service to allow a single passenger to transport up to two pet containers simultaneously—one under the seat in front and one on the adjacent seat—potentially accommodating as many as six animals for one traveler.
Aeroflot Pet Policy: At a Glance
In-Cabin Household Pets: Permitted for small dogs, cats, and birds.
Weight Limit (In-Cabin): Container weight (including pet) must not exceed 8 kg.
Baggage Hold: Available for cats, dogs, birds, and certain tamed small animals.
Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are strictly prohibited from cabin travel.
Operational Scope: No service to the US, EU, UK, or Canada; routes primarily serve Russia, the EAEU, and "friendly" nations in Asia, the Middle East, and the CIS.
Documentation: EAEU veterinary framework applies; no import permit required for 1–2 pets traveling with an owner.
In-Cabin Pet Rules
Aeroflot maintains a pet-friendly approach for domestic and select international flights within its currently operating network. You may bring small dogs, cats, or birds into the cabin if they remain in an appropriate carrier for the duration of the flight.
Carrier Requirements and Booking
To travel in the cabin, your pet's carrier (with the animal inside) must weigh no more than 8 kg. If you utilize the expanded service to place containers on an adjacent seat, ensure the container meets the specific dimension requirements provided by the airline during the booking process. Always contact the airline or use their official website to secure pet space well before your departure date, as capacity per flight is limited.
Cargo and Baggage Hold Rules
For animals exceeding cabin weight limits or those that are not eligible for cabin travel, the baggage hold is an available option.
Allowed Animals: Cats, dogs, birds, and tamed small animals like ferrets, rabbits, and hedgehogs are typically accepted in the hold.
Container Standards: Your crate must be IATA-compliant—meaning it is rigid, escape-proof, and large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally.
Booking: Arrangements for hold travel should be confirmed through the Aeroflot Cargo department or the airline’s booking channels to ensure your pet is manifested correctly for your specific aircraft.
Breed Restrictions
Due to health and safety concerns, Aeroflot enforces strict bans on brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds in the cabin. These breeds—which include Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Chihuahuas—are susceptible to respiratory distress, which can be exacerbated by the stresses of air travel. If you own a restricted breed, consult with the airline's cargo division, as some may still be eligible for transport under specialized conditions, though cabin access remains prohibited.
International Route Requirements and Entry
Following 2022, Aeroflot no longer operates flights to the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, or Canada. Your travel must be planned within their current network, which spans Russia, CIS countries, and select destinations in Asia and the Middle East.
Russia Pet Travel Guide 2026: Rosselkhoznadzor Requirements
Russia Entry Documentation
Russia operates under the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) veterinary framework.
One or Two Pets: If you are traveling with only one or two pets, you do not require a Rosselkhoznadzor import permit.
Required Docs: You must carry an international veterinary passport containing valid rabies vaccination records and a bilingual health certificate.
Guidance: Ensure your documents comply with Commission Decision №317.
Before organizing your logistics, visit petholidayclub.com to use our free checklist tool, which covers international documentation requirements for more than 190 countries. For a broader understanding of how these rules apply across various borders, browse the Pet Travel Country Guides | Import & Export Rules by Country | Pet Holiday Club
How to Book a Pet on Aeroflot
Check Route Eligibility: Confirm your destination is within Aeroflot’s current operating network.
Verify Space: Book your own ticket, then immediately request pet space via the Aeroflot website or contact center.
Prepare Documentation: Obtain a bilingual health certificate and ensure your pet’s vaccinations are current.
Carrier Preparation: Ensure your carrier meets the 8 kg limit for cabin travel or the IATA requirements for hold transport.
Airport Check-in: Arrive at the airport early with all original documents for veterinary inspection.
Tips for Flying With Your Pet
Crate Training: Begin acclimating your pet to their carrier weeks before your flight to reduce anxiety.
Check Transit Hubs: Since many routes currently involve transit through third-party hubs, verify the pet import rules for those transit countries even if you do not plan to exit the airport.
Vet Consult: Ensure your pet’s health certificate is issued in the format required by the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (FSVPS).
Comparison: Aeroflot vs. Competitors
Feature | Aeroflot | Western/Global Airlines |
In-Cabin Capacity | High (Up to 2 containers/6 pets) | Low (Typically 1 pet/person) |
US/EU Routes | No | Yes |
Documentation | EAEU Framework | Varies by destination |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I take my brachycephalic dog in the cabin?
No. Brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs and Shih Tzus, are strictly prohibited from flying in the cabin due to potential respiratory distress during flight.
Q: Do I need an import permit for my pet?
If you are traveling with one or two pets, no import permit is required for entry into Russia under current EAEU regulations.
Q: How many pets can I bring in the cabin?
A single passenger can now transport up to two pet containers, with up to three animals in each, provided the containers meet weight and safety requirements.
Q: Does Aeroflot fly to the US or Europe?
No. Aeroflot is currently banned from US, EU, UK, and Canadian airspace, and these regions have reciprocally closed their airspace to Russian airlines.
Q: What documents are needed for entry to Russia?
You need an international veterinary passport, valid rabies vaccination records, and a bilingual health certificate that complies with EAEU veterinary standards.
Q: Is my pet allowed in the baggage hold?
Yes. Cats, dogs, birds, and certain small tamed animals are permitted to travel in the aircraft's baggage hold if they are contained in an IATA-compliant crate.
Before flying with your pet on Aeroflot, make sure you have the right documentation for your destination. Pet Holiday Club covers 190+ countries with free, government-sourced, vet-verified pet travel checklists at petholidayclub.com — so you arrive prepared, not refused.
