I recently traveled there with my dog, and it was a huge learning curve. I want to share my story so you know what to expect. This guide is for you if you love to travel and do not want to leave your best friend behind.
The Big Question: Is Azerbaijan Dog Friendly?
I wondered about this before I booked my flight. The short answer is that you can bring them, but the culture is very different from what you might know. Azerbaijan is a country where people love cats more than dogs. You will see many stray cats and dogs on the streets. Some people might even be afraid of your dog because of their culture or fear of strays.
Though the country is becoming more open, you will find that many places do not allow dogs inside. You must be ready for this reality. However, some high-end hotels and a few cafes in the capital, Baku, are happy to have you. Additionally, there are specific laws about how many pets you can keep in an apartment.
Planning Your Trip: The Paperwork
First of all, you need to handle the legal requirements. This part is not fun, but it is necessary. You cannot just show up at the airport with a dog.
1. The 15-Digit Microchip
Your dog must have a microchip. I recommend a 15-digit microchip that meets ISO 11784/11785 standards. This chip connects your dog to all the legal papers. Plus, it helps if you and your dog get separated. I always make sure the vet scans the chip before and after putting it in to be sure it works.
2. Rabies Vaccinations
The most important rule is the rabies shot. Your dog must be over three months old for this. You must get the shot at least 21 days before you enter the country. However, some airlines like Turkish Airlines might ask for 30 days. Azerbaijan does not recognize three-year rabies shots. They want the shot to be given within the last 11 to 12 months.
3. Other Required Vaccines
Azerbaijan wants your dog to be healthy. You must vaccinate against other diseases too. These include:
- Distemper (Carre’s disease)
- Hepatitis
- Viral enteritis
- Parvovirus
- Leptospirosis
- Adenoviral infections
4. The Health Certificate
You need an official health certificate from a licensed vet. If you are from the United States, a USDA accredited vet must sign it. This paper should be issued within 10 days of your trip. It proves your dog does not have any contagious diseases. Additionally, you should get a treatment for parasites like Tenia Echinococcus.
Flying with the Azerbaijan National Airline
When I planned my trip, I looked closely at the Azerbaijan national airline, also known as Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL). They have very specific rules for pets.
Azerbaijan Airlines Pet Policy
You must ask for permission to bring your dog at least 24 hours before the flight. I suggest you do this before you even buy your ticket. Here are the main points for the azerbaijan airlines pet policy:
- Cost: It costs about 90 EUR for each flight leg.
- Weight: The pet and the cage together cannot weigh more than 8 kg if they stay in the cabin.
- Size: The total size of the cage should not be more than 90 cm (40 x 30 x 20).
- Cage Quality: The cage must be leak-proof and strong. Your dog must be able to turn around and stand up naturally inside it.
Other Important Airline Info
I also checked other policies just in case. For example, the azerbaijan airlines infant policy is something to look at if you travel with a baby. When you get to the airport, you can use azerbaijan airlines check-in desks or do it online.
I always worry about my bags. If you face azerbaijan airlines lost baggage issues, they have a specific department to help you. On top of that, you should know the azerbaijan airlines cancellation policy in case your plans change. If your flight is late, you might be able to get azerbaijan airlines delay compensation. If you have questions, the azerbaijan airlines customer service team can be reached by phone or email.
| Service Category | Policy/Information Link |
| Pet Transport | Authorization required 24 hours prior. |
| Baggage | Specific rules for allowance and missing items. |
| Check-in | Online and airport options available. |
| Support | Azerbaijan Airlines customer service via 199. |
Arriving at Heydar Aliyev International Airport
Every pet must enter the country through Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. When I landed, a vet at the airport checked my dog and my papers. They want to see that your dog is healthy and not carrying diseases that can spread to humans.
There is usually no quarantine if you meet all the rules. However, if your papers are wrong, your dog could be put in quarantine for 30 days at your expense. In the worst case, they might send the dog back or even euthanize it. Therefore, you must be very careful with your documents.
Where to Stay: Pet-Friendly Hotels in Baku
Finding a place to sleep was the easiest part of my trip because many 5-star hotels allow pets. I found that Baku has several great options. Here is a list of some hotels that welcomed my dog:
- Baku Marriott Hotel Boulevard: This is a 5-star hotel near the Caspian Sea.
- Sheraton Baku Intourist: Another high-end choice located near the Old City.
- Four Seasons Hotel Baku: This is very luxury and allows pets.
- Radisson Hotel Baku: It is right in the heart of the city.
- Hilton Baku Hotel: A great spot near the Maiden Tower.
- Grand Hotel Baku Central Park: A more affordable choice that is still very good.
On the contrary, some resorts outside the city like Shahdag ski resort might not be dog friendly. You should always call the hotel to confirm their pet fee and rules before you arrive. Some hotels might charge more or have noise rules.
Walking Your Dog: Parks and Public Life
Azerbaijan has some strict rules for when you are outside. First of all, your dog must be on a leash at all times. If your dog is large, it must wear a muzzle too. Additionally, if you own a large dog like a German Shepherd or Doberman, you must put a sign or photo on your door to warn people.
The Best Parks in Baku
I enjoyed walking in several places, but I had to be careful.
- Baku Boulevard: This is a long path by the sea. It is beautiful, but it can get very windy.
- Heydar Aliyev Center: The grass here is nice, but watch out for packs of stray dogs that live nearby.
- Central Park: This park has upper parts that are good for walks.
- Central Botanical Garden: Dogs are generally allowed here in the open-air areas.
Similarly, you must know that kids under 15 years old are not allowed to walk a dog by themselves. Plus, dogs are not allowed in children’s play areas, schools, or hospitals.
Dining Out with Your Dog
This was the hardest part of my journey. Most restaurants in Azerbaijan do not allow dogs inside. It is a law that pets cannot enter places where food is sold or eaten. However, some cafes with outdoor seating are more relaxed.
I found a few gems in Baku that allowed my dog:
- Benedict Cafe: Very popular and pet-friendly.
- Barista & Chef: A good spot for coffee.
- Gloria Jean’s Coffees: Only the ones that are not inside malls.
- CoffeeBar: A nice place for a morning outing.
- United Coffee Beans: Another friendly cafe.
If you have a very small dog in a carrier, you might have more luck. But for the most part, you should plan to eat at places with a terrace or leave your dog at the hotel.
Transportation: Getting Around
I used the Bolt app to get around Baku. They have a specific Pets category. When you use it, you should call the driver to tell them how big your dog is. I always brought a blanket to cover the seat so my dog did not leave hair behind. If your dog makes a mess, you might have to pay a cleaning fee.
Public transport is a bit different. Generally, pets are not allowed on buses. However, you can take them on trains if you put them in special carriages. You will need a ticket for your dog and their health certificate.
Health and Safety: Vets and Strays
If your dog gets sick, do not worry. There are several good vets in Baku. Many people recommend Alfavet. They have professional staff and can help with papers for leaving the country. Another option is the Customs Clinic Vet, which some say meets international standards.
The Stray Dog Issue
You must be aware of the stray dog situation. There are many strays in the city and they can be territorial. Some activists have protested because they say the government treats these dogs poorly. There is a place called the Toplan Animal Care Centre, but people have different opinions about it. Some claim the dogs disappear or are treated cruelly.
Because of this, stray dogs might be aggressive to protect themselves. I always kept my dog close to me to avoid any fights with local strays. It is also wise to make sure you have your own rabies shots up to date.
Leaving Azerbaijan
When your trip is over, you cannot just leave. You need an export permit. You must get a health certificate from the State Veterinary Department before you go. I suggest working with a local vet like Alfavet to get this done 1 to 2 days before your flight.
FAQ
Can I bring my dog to Armenia?
I can tell you that the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is native to that country and the surrounding region. Plus, you should check local laws if you plan to cross the border from Azerbaijan.
Does Azerbaijan Airlines allow pets?
Yes. You must get permission from the Azerbaijan national airline before you fly. Small pets can stay in the cabin if they weigh under 8 kg with their cage. Additionally, you should check the azerbaijan airlines pet policy before you buy your ticket.
Which country is the most dog friendly?
Some people note that stray dogs in Tbilisi, Georgia, live very comfortably and are treated well by the public. Azerbaijan is not usually considered very dog friendly because of the local culture.
What not to bring to Azerbaijan?
Do not bring single-use plastic items into the country. The law bans thin plastic bags and plastic tools like forks, spoons, and plates. On top of that, make sure you do not bring a dog without the right health papers.
Does Turkish air allow dogs?
Yes. They have specific rules for pets on their planes. They require a 30-day wait period after your dog gets its first rabies shot. Similarly, you must check their specific weight and cage rules.
Concluding words
Azerbaijan is a beautiful place that allows you to visit with your pet if you follow the strict rules. You must get the right vaccines, a 15-digit microchip, and an official health certificate before you arrive. Though many people in Baku prefer cats, you can find luxury hotels and a few cafes that welcome dogs.
You must keep your dog on a leash and watch out for packs of stray animals in public parks. Therefore, a safe trip requires careful planning and a good understanding of the azerbaijan airlines pet policy. Finally, enjoy your time by the Caspian Sea with your furry best friend.
