You can find useful information about travelling with pets from and to Rwanda.
1. Contact an Agent in Rwanda
Contact an Import/Export Agent in Rwanda before you purchase an airplane ticket for your pet. They will help you with the documents you will need, and will process the permits. You can find them here.
2. Book a direct flight whenever possible
Booking a direct flight will decrease the chances that your pet is left on the tarmac during extreme weather conditions or mishandled by baggage personnel during a layover.
If it is not possible, try to book a ticket where layover time is around 2 hours.
3. Make an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian
Prior to your trip, make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date and obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian dated within 10 days of your departure.
Additional planning and health care requirements may be necessary at destination. Contact the country you are traveling to for more information.
4. Purchase an IATA-approved shipping crate
The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around in comfortably, and lined with some type of bedding to absorb accidents.
Prior to your trip, tape a small pouch of dried food and a bottle of water outside the crate so airline personnel will be able to feed your pet during a layover.
Make sure the crate has all documents and proper identification taped to it with your name, address and phone number.
The crate door should be securely closed, but not locked, so that airline personnel can open it in case of an emergency.
5. Travel in Cabin, on Hold or in Cargo?
Your pet might qualify to travel in cabin with you. This is true for most cats and small dogs. As long as their weight with the crate is 8kg or less, they can travel in cabin.
If your dog is larger, they must travel on hold. They will be checked in at the same time with your luggage and you will be able to collect them at the final destination.
Your pet can also travel unaccompanied in cargo. This method will require further steps, as you will need a Pet Relocation Agency to transport your pet.
6. No Sedatives
In most cases, dogs should not be given sedatives or tranquilizers prior to flying. They can alter the pet's natural ability to breath and balance, which can be dangerous when the carrier is moved and the cabin pressure is changed.
While sedation is generally not advised, the decision on whether to prescribe a tranquilizer for your pet should be made by your veterinarian. If tranquilizers are medically necessary for the trip, indicate the name of the drug taken and the dosage on your dog's carrier.
7. Feeding on the go
Since a full stomach might be uncomfortable for your dog during travel, we recommend feeding them about 4 hours before the flight if possible. Continue giving them water right up until departure, but empty the water dish before checking in so it doesn't spill in the security checkpoint or during the flight.
If your pet will be flying in the cargo hold, leave the dishes in the carrier so an airline employee can provide them with food and water.
8. Arrive early to check in
Arrive at the airport early, but not too early; most airlines recommend arriving 2-3 hours before your flight when traveling with a pet. Passengers with pets must check in at the counter and leave time to account for long security lines.
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