I decided to take my furry best friend on a grand adventure to the Land of Fire. My heart was set on Baku. However, I soon realized that Azerbaijan Pet Import Requirements are something you must study carefully before you pack your bags. This guide comes from my own journey of moving my pet to this beautiful country. I want to share every little detail so your trip is as smooth as silk.
First Steps and the Microchip Mystery
First of all, I had to think about identification. I learned that Azerbaijan does not strictly require a microchip for your azerbaijan pet to enter the country. Plus, some official documents say it is not a rule for everyone. However, I found that having one is a very smart move for safety. My airline actually made it a requirement even if the country did not.
Similarly, if you are looking into india pet import requirements, you might find different rules, but for Baku, the ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 standard is the way to go. This is a 15-digit chip that scanners at the airport can read easily. I made sure my vet scanned the chip before they put it in. Later, they scanned it again to be sure it worked. You should always record the chip number on the vaccination record. Additionally, the vet needs to write down the name of the chip maker and the date they put it in.
The All-Important Rabies Shot
The next big hurdle was the rabies vaccination. I found out that all dogs and cats over three months old must have this shot. You must do this at least 30 days before you arrive in Azerbaijan. I played it safe and waited the full month. Azerbaijan is very strict about the timing. They do not recognize the three-year rabies vaccine that many people use in other countries. Therefore, your pet must have had their shot within the last 11 or 12 months.
On top of that, I made sure my dog had other shots too. These are not always mandatory, but they are highly recommended for a healthy azerbaijan pet import. For dogs, I looked at:
- Distemper
- Hepatitis
- Parvovirus
- Leptospirosis
For cats, you should consider:
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
- Calicivirus
- Panleukopenia
I kept all these records in a neat folder. You do not want to lose these papers at the border.
Gathering the Right Documents
Gradually, I started collecting the official paperwork. First of all, you need a Veterinary Health Certificate. This is the golden ticket for your azerbaijan pet. A licensed vet in your home country must sign this paper. It must state that your pet is healthy and free from diseases that humans can catch. I also learned that this certificate must be issued within 10 days of your arrival in Baku. Some people say it can be done within 15 days, but the 10-day rule is much safer.
Additionally, if you are coming from the United States, a USDA vet must endorse the certificate to make it valid. Similarly, other countries have their own government offices for this. I also carried a pet passport and the original rabies certificate. Do not forget that all these papers must be the originals. Photocopies might cause a lot of trouble at the airport.
Visas and Entry Rules
At that time, I also had to look into my own travel papers. I needed to know about the azerbaijan visa requirements for us citizens. I found that most expats and travelers need a valid visa to enter. I saw some people asking is azerbaijan visa free for pakistani citizens, but the show that foreigners generally need visas and potentially temporary residence permits if they stay long.
I even heard someone ask how much is azerbaijan visa from nigeria, but the price can change, so you should check the latest embassy fees. When I arrived, the customs officers wanted to see my passport and my visa before they even looked at my dog. If you are moving your whole house, you might need a pro-forma invoice and a packing list in English.
The Flight and the Crate
The flight was the most stressful part for my little companion. I had to choose between the cabin or the hold. Azerbaijan Airlines says the pet and the cage together must be under 8 kg to stay in the cabin. The cage size for the cabin must not be more than 90 cm when you add the length, width, and height together. It costs about 90 EUR per flight leg for a pet in the cabin.
However, my dog was too big for the cabin. He had to go into the aircraft hold. The cost for a pet in the hold is also 90 EUR if the total weight is under 32 kg. If the pet and crate are between 32 kg and 75 kg, the price jumps to 170 EUR. I made sure the crate was very sturdy and made of hard plastic.
The rules for the crate are very specific:
- Four sides of ventilation are required for international flights.
- The pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down easily.
- The crate must be at least 2 inches taller than the top of the pet’s head or ears.
- No wheels are allowed on the crate during the flight.
- I put absorbent material like newspaper on the floor, but I did not use straw or hay.
Finally, I attached two empty dishes for food and water to the inside of the door. I made sure I could fill them from the outside without opening the crate.
Arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport
The moment we landed in Baku, I felt a mix of joy and nerves. All live animals must enter through this specific airport. I had to find the airport vet right away. They checked my dog and all the paperwork I brought. They were very nice and spoke English well.
I was so happy to find out that there is no quarantine for healthy pets. If your papers are correct and your pet looks good, you can leave the airport together. On the contrary, if something is wrong, your pet might be sent back or put into a quarantine facility at your expense. I might have had to pay a small fee of about $70 at the border, so I kept some cash ready.
Living the Pet Life in Baku
Now that we are settled, I can tell you that Baku is quite friendly to pets. You can find pet stores in almost every district. They sell plenty of food and toys. However, I did learn about some local rules for pet owners. First of all, you can only have one dog and two cats in an apartment. This was a surprise to me.
Similarly, you must keep your dog on a leash in public. If you have a very large dog, it must also wear a muzzle. I also saw that dogs are not allowed in cafes or restaurants where people eat. They are also banned from children’s play areas.
If you are looking for a place to live, Fountain Square is the heart of the city. It is near the Boulevard, which is a great place for long walks by the sea. Some landlords do not like pets because they worry about smells or noise. I spent a lot of time searching for a pet-friendly apartment before I moved.
What About Other Animals?
I know some of you might have pets other than cats and dogs. If you have a bird, it can come to Azerbaijan too. But you cannot bring pigeons. Rabbits, rodents, and reptiles also need a health certificate. On top of that, you must check if your pet is on the CITES list of endangered species. If it is a rare parrot or a turtle, you might need extra permits.
Gradually, I also learned about importing livestock like sheep or goats. These rules are much tougher. These animals must stay in quarantine for 21 days in the home country and another 30 days once they get to Azerbaijan. They have to be tested for many diseases like brucellosis and anthrax. It is a very long process.
Helpful Tips for Your Journey
I want your trip to be perfect. Therefore, I have a few extra tips. First of all, use blue ink for all signatures on your pet’s papers. This proves they are original and not copies. Similarly, write all dates in the international format, which is day/month/year.
Before you leave, clip your pet’s toenails. You do not want them to get stuck in the crate door. Also, give your pet a good walk or some exercise right before you head to the airport. This helps them sleep better on the plane. I also put a t-shirt I had worn inside the crate so my dog could smell me and feel safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Azerbaijan?
Yes, dogs are welcome in the country. However, you must follow specific local rules once you arrive. For example, families living in apartments are limited to owning only one dog and two cats.
How do I import a dog?
You need to provide a pet passport and a vaccination certificate. First of all, your dog must have a rabies shot at least 30 days before the trip. Additionally, a vet must sign an international health certificate within 10 days of your arrival.
What to avoid in Azerbaijan?
You are not allowed to import pigeons into the country. On top of that, customs rules strictly prohibit weapons, narcotics, and pornography. Similarly, you cannot import right-hand drive cars or vehicles with tinted glass.
How can I import a puppy?
Puppies must be at least three months old to receive their rabies vaccination. If a puppy is younger and unvaccinated, you need a government certificate proving it was born in a rabies-free area and had no contact with wild animals.
Can a pet be shipped?
Yes, pets can travel to Azerbaijan in various ways. They can be shipped as cargo, carried in the plane cabin, or travel as checked baggage.
How to bring a dog internationally?
You must use a sturdy, hard plastic crate that meets international standards. The crate needs ventilation on all four sides. Also, it must be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
How to apply for an import permit?
You do not actually need an import permit if you are traveling with your own pet dog or cat.
Can I bring pets on a plane?
Yes, you can bring them, but you must get prior authorization from the airline first. Azerbaijan Airlines allows small pets in the cabin if they stay under 8 kg with their carrier.
How much does pet cargo typically cost?
Azerbaijan Airlines charges 90 EUR for a pet and c#age weighing under 32 kg. If the total weight is between 32 kg and 75 kg, the price increases to 170 EUR.
Concluding words
The process for Azerbaijan Pet Import Requirements is straightforward if you stay organized. You must ensure your pet has a rabies shot between 30 days and 12 months before travel. A health certificate signed within 10 days of your arrival is also mandatory.
While microchips are not a strict legal rule for entry, they are highly recommended for safety and airline compliance. Healthy pets with the right papers will not face quarantine at the airport. Finally, remember that local laws in Baku limit apartment owners to one dog, so plan your living situation carefully.
