Ukraine may revise rules for transporting pets: what the Cabinet of Ministers plans

The government proposes to clearly regulate the transport of cats, dogs and other pets, dividing them into weight categories and detailing the responsibilities of owners and carriers. Find out how the rules for transporting them may change

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The Cabinet of Ministers plans to amend the rules for transporting animals. The innovations include specific restrictions, according to a draft published by the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development.

Why do they want to change the rules?

Under the current rules, road and bus carriers are practically unregulated - each sets its own restrictions on the weight, size of the animal and the location of the animal in the cabin. The Ministry of Communities and Territories Development has published draft updated Rules for Road Passenger Transport to

▪️ bring Ukrainian requirements in line with European practice;

▪️ clearly separate the responsibilities of the carrier, driver and animal owner;

▪️ eliminate contradictions between the SDA and industry rules.

Read also: Pets at the border: what documents for a pet can be used to return to Ukraine?

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New rules for transporting animals: what is proposed

Small pets

The category of small pets includes: rodents, rabbits, ferrets, decorative birds, cats and small dogs ≤ 10 kg.

This category of pets can be transported in a carrier/cage/bag with a moisture-resistant absorbent bottom. They can also be held: 1) in the arms; 2) under the seat; 3) in the next seat - if it is purchased at the adult passenger fare.

At the same time, it is proposed to allow a maximum of one carrier per person (two if accompanied by one owner).

Medium dogs 10-20 kg

Such dogs will have to be transported in a muzzle and on a leash (chain, belt). In order to travel by bus or other public transport, the owner will have to buy a whole block of seats next to him or her.

Such dogs are allowed to be placed on the floor under the seats on an absorbent mat. Seats are not allowed for these categories of dogs.

Large dogs 20-45 kg

These dogs are subject to the same rules as medium-sized dogs, but only one dog (or two, if the owner is the only companion) is carried in the cabin. However, the owner will have to control their behaviour so as not to compromise the comfort and safety of other passengers.

Very large dogs > 45 kg

According to the new rules, such pets should be transported only ‘according to the rules of the carrier’ in specially equipped vehicles (a separate van, luggage compartment with ventilation and lashing points).

Reservations for such places are agreed with the transport company in advance.

Earlier, we told you whether you can take your pets to a shelter during an air raid.

Responsibilities of the pet owner

1. Veterinary documents. You must have a veterinary passport (with vaccination marks and a chip, if required).

2. Behavioural control. The owner is responsible for the safety and peace of passengers, as well as for the cleanliness of the cabin.

3. Compliance with limits. No more than one animal is allowed in the cabin at a time (two if a person is travelling alone).

Violation of the rules will result in denial of boarding or early disembarkation without a refund.

What will change for carriers?

First of all, carriers will have to include a separate section on animals in their service rules: a list of permitted carriers, seating arrangements, and the size of bedding.

At the same time, the driver will be given the right to refuse a passenger if the carrier or leash does not meet the standards.

There will also be an obligation to inform passengers about the availability of seats for transporting an animal at the stage of buying a ticket online.

When the new requirements will come into force

Public discussion of the draft will last until mid-May 2025. After that, the Cabinet of Ministers will approve the rules around June, if there are no significant changes.

They will finally come into force after a 30-day transition period following the publication of the decision in the Uryadovyi Kurier newspaper.

We remind you! Ukraine has launched the State Register of Pets, which is a database of pets.

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