TAROM Pet Travel Policy

Flying with Your Pet on TAROM: What You Need to Know

I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, and I've learned that getting the airline rules right from the start saves enormous stress. TAROM (Tarom Romanian Air Transport) does allow pets to travel, but the rules are specific—and they matter. This guide walks you through exactly what TAROM requires, what your pet needs, and how to book.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin pet fee: €50 one-way
• Cargo pet fee: €125 one-way (varies by route and weight)
• Cabin carrier max dimensions: 115cm (L) × 75cm (W) × 65cm (H)
• Cabin pet weight limit: 10kg (pet + carrier combined)
• Minimum pet age: 16 weeks (cabin/cargo); 10 weeks (checked baggage)
• Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
• Advance booking required: 24 hours (cabin); 48 hours (cargo)
• Max pets per flight: 2 (cabin)
• Max pets per passenger: 1 (cabin)
• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination
• Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) at origin or destination

Does TAROM Allow Pets?

Yes. TAROM accepts both dogs and cats in the cabin, as cargo, and (in limited cases) as checked baggage. Your choice depends on your pet's size, your budget, and how comfortable you want them to be during the flight.

One critical requirement applies to all travel methods: your pet must be microchipped, have current rabies vaccination, and carry an EU Pet Passport (if traveling within the EU). This is non-negotiable. I learned this the hard way when Cooper's paperwork was flagged at check-in on my second move—we nearly missed our flight.

Cabin Travel: The Best Option for Small Pets

If your pet weighs 10kg or less (including the carrier), cabin travel is your best bet. Your pet stays with you in the cabin, which means less stress and no temperature concerns.

Cabin Carrier Requirements

TAROM requires a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Here are the exact dimensions:

• Maximum length: 115cm
• Maximum width: 75cm
• Maximum height: 65cm
• Combined weight (pet + carrier): 10kg maximum

The carrier must have:

• Mesh or ventilated sides for airflow
• An absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents
• Proper ventilation on all sides

I used a soft-sided carrier for Cooper on one shorter flight, and it worked well—though at 28kg, he was well over the limit, so cargo was my only option for longer journeys. For cats and small dogs, soft-sided carriers are ideal because they compress slightly to fit under the seat and keep your pet close to you.

Cabin Booking & Fees

• Fee: €50 one-way per pet
• Booking method: Phone or online
• Advance booking required: At least 24 hours before departure
• Maximum pets per flight: 2
• Maximum pets per passenger: 1

Book early. TAROM limits cabin pets per flight, and spots fill up. Call or book online at least 24 hours ahead—don't assume you can add your pet at the airport.

Cabin Health Requirements

• Health certificate issued by a vet within 10 days of departure
• Current rabies vaccination
• Microchip
• EU Pet Passport (if applicable)

Cargo Travel: For Larger Pets

If your pet weighs more than 10kg, cargo is your only option. This is what I used for Cooper on all three of my international moves. It's more expensive and requires more planning, but it's safe and reliable.

Cargo Carrier Requirements

Cargo requires a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate—not soft-sided. The crate must have:

• Hard sides (plastic or wood, not fabric)
• IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) compliance
• Ventilation openings on at least three sides
• An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
• An absorbent mat or liner inside
• Live Animals labels with orientation arrows on at least two sides

When I shipped Cooper, I invested in a proper IATA-certified crate. It cost more upfront, but it was reusable and gave me peace of mind. You can buy these online or rent them from pet relocation services.

Cargo Booking & Fees

• Fee: €125 one-way (varies by route and weight)
• Booking method: Phone or at the airport
• Advance booking required: At least 48 hours before departure

Cargo booking is more involved than cabin. Call TAROM's cargo department at least 48 hours ahead—don't wait until the last minute. They'll confirm availability, discuss weight-based pricing, and walk you through drop-off and pickup procedures.

Cargo Health Requirements

• Health certificate issued by a vet within 10 days of departure
• Current rabies vaccination
• Microchip
• EU Pet Passport (if applicable)

Temperature Embargoes for Cargo

This is critical: TAROM will not transport pets in cargo if temperatures at the origin or destination exceed certain thresholds.

• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
• Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)

If you're traveling during summer or winter, check the forecast. If temperatures are borderline, your vet can issue an acclimation certificate that may allow travel in colder conditions. I always booked Cooper's flights in spring or autumn to avoid these restrictions entirely.

Checked Baggage: Limited Availability

TAROM does not typically allow pets as checked baggage. If you're considering this option, contact TAROM directly to confirm current policy—we're still verifying this detail.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Dogs & Cats

TAROM restricts certain flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds due to respiratory risks, especially in cargo. The restricted breeds include:

• Pugs, Bulldogs (all types), Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, French Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and others

For cats, restricted breeds include Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans, British Shorthairs, Burmese, and Scottish Folds.

Cabin travel may be allowed for some brachycephalic breeds, but cargo is typically banned. If you have a flat-faced pet, contact TAROM directly before booking. See our brachycephalic breed flying guide for more details.

What You Cannot Do

• Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. Unless your vet and TAROM explicitly approve it (extremely rare), don't do it.
• Do not book a pregnant pet. Most airlines, including TAROM, refuse visibly pregnant animals due to health risks. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with TAROM before booking.
• Do not travel with pets in heat. We're still verifying TAROM's specific policy on this—contact them directly.

What You Need to Do: Step-by-Step Checklist

6-8 Weeks Before Departure

• Confirm your pet meets the minimum age requirement (16 weeks for cabin/cargo)
• Check if your pet is a restricted breed (brachycephalic list above)
• Verify your pet's microchip is registered and current
• Ensure rabies vaccination is up-to-date
• If traveling within the EU, confirm your pet has an EU Pet Passport

4 Weeks Before Departure

• Decide: cabin (if under 10kg) or cargo (if over 10kg)?
• If cabin: measure your pet and confirm a soft-sided carrier fits the dimensions (115 × 75 × 65cm)
• If cargo: purchase or rent an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate with water bowl and Live Animals labels
• Check weather forecasts for your destination; avoid travel if heat/cold embargoes apply

2 Weeks Before Departure

• Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate (must be issued within 10 days of travel)
• Prepare your pet's documents: microchip proof, vaccination records, passport
• If traveling to a non-EU country, research import requirements for your destination

10 Days Before Departure

• Get the health certificate from your vet (valid for 10 days)
• Gather all documents in one folder

3 Days Before Departure

• Cabin: Call or book online with TAROM to reserve your pet's cabin spot (24-hour advance booking required)
• Cargo: Call TAROM's cargo department to book and confirm weight-based pricing (48-hour advance booking required)
• Confirm drop-off/pickup times and locations

Day Before Departure

• Pack your pet's essentials: food, water, bowls, medications, comfort items
• If cargo: prepare the crate with absorbent liner, water bowl filled, and Live Animals labels visible
• Confirm all documents are with you

Day of Departure

• Arrive early (check TAROM's specific timing for pet check-in)
• Present health certificate, microchip proof, vaccination records, and passport
• Pay the pet fee (€50 cabin, €125+ cargo)
• If cargo: say goodbye and confirm pickup details at your destination

Practical Tips from My Experience

• Book early. TAROM limits pets per flight. Don't assume availability—call or book online at least 24 hours ahead.
• Get documents early. Vets can be busy. Schedule your health certificate appointment 2 weeks before travel, not 3 days before.
• Invest in a good crate. If you're shipping cargo, buy an IATA-compliant crate. It's reusable and worth every euro.
• Avoid extreme seasons. Summer heat and winter cold can trigger embargoes. Spring and autumn are safest.
• Microchip is mandatory. Don't skip this. It's required by TAROM and is your pet's best protection if they escape.
• EU Pet Passport is essential for EU travel. Get it from your vet before your first trip. It's valid for years.

Still Have Questions?

TAROM's pet policies are detailed, but edge cases come up. If you need clarification on:

• Your specific breed's eligibility
• Weight-based cargo pricing
• Destination-specific import requirements
• Checked baggage availability
• Animals in heat policies

Contact TAROM directly. They're responsive and can answer questions that don't fit the standard rules.

For a broader understanding of pet travel costs, see our pet travel costs guide. For document preparation, check our documents checklist.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to streamline your booking and ensure nothing is missed.

Data Accuracy Note

This guide is based on TAROM's official pet travel policies, auto-verified and last updated April 10, 2026. Policies can change. Always confirm details directly with TAROM before booking, especially for edge cases like breed restrictions, destination-specific rules, or seasonal embargoes.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 10, 2026