Caspian Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Caspian Airlines Pet Travel: What You Need to Know

I've been reviewing pet travel paperwork at my clinic for years, and the most common mistake I see is people booking their pet on an airline without understanding the actual rules. With Caspian Airlines, there are some important distinctions between how you can travel with your dog or cat—and what's required before you step foot in the airport.

Here's what I tell my clients: start your planning at least 4–6 weeks before departure. That gives you time to get the right carrier, schedule a vet appointment, and confirm your pet's booking. I learned this the hard way when I tried to fly Pixel, my 7kg Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, on short notice. The paperwork alone took two weeks.

Cabin vs. Cargo vs. Checked Baggage: Your Options

Caspian Airlines does not allow pets in the cabin. This is a key difference from some other carriers. Instead, you have two main options:

• Cargo transport – Your pet travels in a climate-controlled cargo hold with other cargo
• Checked baggage – Your pet travels in the hold with checked luggage

Both require hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates. Both have temperature restrictions. Both require advance booking and a health certificate. The main difference is logistics and cost—contact Caspian Airlines directly for pricing and which option suits your route.

Key Numbers at a Glance

Carrier Requirements for Cargo & Checked Baggage

The most common mistake I see is people buying the wrong type of carrier. For Caspian Airlines, you must use a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for cargo or checked baggage travel.

Your Crate Must Have:

• Hard sides – Plastic, metal, or wood. No soft-sided carriers.
• Ventilation openings on at least three sides – Per IATA Live Animals Regulations
• An attached water bowl or trough – Must be fillable from outside the crate without opening it
• An absorbent mat or liner inside – To manage accidents during flight
• "Live Animals" labels – On at least two opposite sides, with orientation arrows pointing up

When I flew Pixel in cargo, I used a Vari Kennel hard-sided crate with a clip-on water bowl. The absorbent liner was essential—even though Pixel is well-trained, the stress of travel can affect any pet's digestion.

Health Certificate: Non-Negotiable

Here's what I tell every client: you will not board without a health certificate. Even if Caspian Airlines doesn't explicitly list it on their website, it will be checked at the airport. I've seen people turned away at the gate because their certificate was dated 11 days before departure instead of 10.

Health Certificate Checklist:

• Issued by a licensed veterinarian
• Dated within 10 days of your departure
• Confirms your pet is fit to fly
• Includes microchip number (if applicable)
• Documents current vaccinations (especially rabies)
• States your pet is not visibly pregnant

Schedule your vet appointment for 5–7 days before departure. This gives you a buffer in case the vet finds any health concerns, and ensures your certificate is fresh.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Dogs & Cats

Caspian Airlines restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds in both cargo and checked baggage due to respiratory risks during flight. This is an industry-wide safety standard.

Restricted Dog Breeds Include:

• Bulldogs (all types: English, French, American)
• Pugs (all types)
• Boxers
• Boston Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• Pekingese
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Japanese Chins
• Mastiffs (all types)
• Pit Bulls and related breeds (American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully)
• Chow Chows
• Shar Peis
• Lhasa Apsos
• Brussels Griffons

Restricted Cat Breeds Include:

• Persians
• Exotic Shorthairs
• Himalayans
• Burmese
• British Shorthairs
• Scottish Folds

If your pet is on this list, contact Caspian Airlines directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions with additional documentation from your vet. For more information, see our brachycephalic breed flying guide.

Temperature Embargoes: Timing Matters

Caspian Airlines will not transport pets in cargo or checked baggage if temperatures are outside safe ranges:

• Cold embargo: Below –6.7°C (20°F) at origin or destination
• Heat embargo: Above 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination

If you're traveling in summer or winter, check the forecast at both airports. If temperatures exceed these thresholds, your pet cannot fly that day. Airlines check tarmac temperatures, not just the weather forecast.

Acclimation certificates: If you're traveling in cold weather, your vet may issue an acclimation certificate stating your pet is accustomed to cold conditions. This may allow travel below the standard embargo. Ask your vet about this option if you're traveling in winter.

Advance Booking: You Cannot Show Up at the Airport

The most common mistake I see is people assuming they can just bring their pet to the airport. You must pre-book your pet with Caspian Airlines before your travel date. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight for safety and logistics reasons.

Booking Steps:

• Contact Caspian Airlines at least 2–4 weeks before departure
• Confirm your pet's age, weight, and breed
• Discuss cargo vs. checked baggage options and pricing
• Provide your pet's microchip number and vaccination records
• Confirm temperature conditions at origin and destination
• Get written confirmation of your pet's booking

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

6 Weeks Before Departure

• Contact Caspian Airlines to confirm pet travel is available on your route
• Check if your breed is restricted
• Verify your pet meets the minimum age requirement (10 weeks)
• Book your pet's spot on the flight

4 Weeks Before Departure

• Purchase or confirm you have an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate
• Test the crate at home—your pet should be comfortable in it
• Attach the water bowl and absorbent liner
• Order "Live Animals" labels if not included with the crate

2 Weeks Before Departure

• Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate (5–7 days before departure)
• Discuss any health concerns with your vet
• Confirm your pet is not visibly pregnant
• Check weather forecasts at origin and destination for temperature embargoes

1 Week Before Departure

• Visit your vet and obtain the health certificate
• Make copies of the certificate
• Confirm your pet's booking with Caspian Airlines
• Pack your pet's food, water, and comfort items for the journey
• Practice crate training if your pet is not used to it

Day of Departure

• Arrive at the airport early (check Caspian Airlines' specific timing)
• Have your health certificate ready
• Ensure the crate has water and absorbent liner
• Label the crate clearly with your contact information
• Confirm your pet's flight with the cargo or baggage team

Important: No Sedation Allowed

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA Live Animals Regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide, including Caspian Airlines.

If your pet is anxious about flying, talk to your vet about calming supplements or training techniques—not sedation.

Pregnant or Animals in Heat

Caspian Airlines does not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, do not attempt to book travel. Similarly, animals in heat may not be accepted—contact the airline directly to confirm.

Service Dogs & Emotional Support Animals

We're still verifying Caspian Airlines' policies on service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs). Contact them directly to confirm whether your service dog can travel in the cabin or if an ESA is recognized.

Questions? Contact Caspian Airlines

For specific questions about pricing, available routes, or special circumstances, contact Caspian Airlines directly. They can provide the most current information about pet travel on your specific flight.

For a comprehensive overview of pet travel documents and costs, see our pet travel documents checklist and pet travel costs guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure you don't miss any requirements for your specific route and destination.

This guide is based on industry-standard pet travel regulations and Caspian Airlines' verified policies. Data was last updated in January 2025. Always confirm directly with Caspian Airlines before booking, as policies may change. For international travel, check destination country import requirements separately.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026