Phone

+7 (495) 118-27-52

E-mail

sales@aviaplusgroup.com

Phone

+7 (495) 118-27-52

E-mail

sales@aviaplusgroup.com

Phone

+7 (495) 118-27-52

E-mail

sales@aviaplusgroup.com

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Air transport of live animals

Air transport of live animals

Transporting large consignments of live animals – pedigree livestock, day-old chicks for poultry farms, sport horses, marine animals, and large exotic animals for zoos – is a complex undertaking where the welfare of the live cargo depends directly on flawless logistics.
We specialise in the safe and legally compliant delivery of your valuable biological assets, offering optimal solutions – from scheduled cargo flights to dedicated charter arrangements for particularly large-scale or time-critical projects.

20+ years of real-world
expertise from our team

Direct access to
airline capacity

Deep expertise in
complex logistics

Dedicated account manager
& flexible solutions

Flawless turnkey
Charter solutions
Success is built on thorough planning at every stage.
We begin by analysing the specific species and the parameters of the consignment, then select the most suitable aircraft type and develop a detailed veterinary and logistics plan.
The entire transport process is planned in accordance with the strict IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR), with one primary goal: to minimise stress and risks to the animals while ensuring their maximum safety throughout the journey.
Our experts provide a full turnkey service – from securing all necessary permits and preparing documentation to supervising loading, monitoring in-flight conditions, and arranging reception at the destination airport.
In this way, we turn even the most complex transport challenge into a predictable, manageable, and reliable process – guaranteeing the integrity and timely arrival of your live cargo.

Why Us

20+ years of proven expertise from our team
We have experience with projects of any complexity — from unique and oversized to specialized cargo. We’ll deliver even the most non-standard shipments.
Direct access to airline capacity
Working with trusted airlines and partners, we provide access to scheduled and charter flights — ensuring the best terms, timeline control, and optimal pricing.
Deep expertise in complex logistics
In-depth logistics expertise — from dangerous goods and live animals to heavy, oversized, perishable, and urgent shipments. We know the documentation and requirements inside out.
Dedicated account manager & flexible solutions
We take an individual approach to every task — from initial analysis to successful delivery. Our team selects the optimal solution based on the nature of your cargo and your required timeline — while keeping your costs optimized.

Get a freight quote

Submit your request, and one of our specialists will get back to you within 30 minutes.
By clicking the «Send an enquiry» button, I confirm my consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the terms set out here.
Contact us any way that suits you
Phone

+7 (495) 118-27-52

E-mail

sales@aviaplusgroup.com

Frequently Asked Question

What documents are required for transporting live animals?
The following permits and accompanying documents are required for transporting live animals:
  • Veterinary certificate of the country of origin (or an export veterinary certificate). Issued by the state veterinary service after an animal health inspection. It confirms the animals’ fitness for travel and includes details of all vaccinations and treatments administered.
  • Pet passport (if available, for domestic or valuable pedigree animals). Serves as a supplementary document to the veterinary certificate, providing a record of vaccination history.
  • Import permit from the destination country. This document is obtained by the consignee from the veterinary authorities in their own country. It specifies any special import requirements, such as quarantine, additional tests, or other conditions.
  • Air Waybill (AWB). This must be clearly marked with «Live Animals» and include a 24-hour contact number for the shipper or a responsible person, enabling prompt communication in the event of delays or emergencies.
The container (cage, crate, or box) must comply with the international IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR). The main construction requirements are as follows:
  • Size requirements: The container must allow the animal to stand naturally (at full height), lie down, and turn around. For group shipments, minimum floor area per animal must be observed.
  • Safety and strength: The construction must prevent escape and injury to both the animal and handling staff. Materials (metal, impact-resistant plastic, plywood) must withstand loads without breaking or collapsing during loading.
  • Ventilation: At least 20% of each side wall must consist of ventilation openings to ensure adequate airflow, particularly when containers are stacked.
  • Leak-proof floor: The floor must be solid, leak-proof, and covered with absorbent material (bedding) to prevent liquid leakage and the spread of infection.
Comfort and stress minimization are priorities when transporting live cargo. Air transport conditions must ensure the following:
  • Temperature control: Selecting flights with climate-controlled cargo holds. For sensitive species, specialised climate-controlled or heated containers are used during ground waiting periods.
  • Access to water and food: For long-distance shipments, containers must be fitted with external water and feeding devices, allowing ground staff to feed and water the animal without opening the crate.
  • Interior design: Internal surfaces must be smooth and free of sharp edges. For birds, perches are mandatory and must be positioned so that the bird does not touch the walls with its head or tail.
  • Stress minimisation: Airport handling must be carried out as gently and quickly as possible, avoiding prolonged exposure to open air or direct sunlight.
Safety is achieved through strict compliance with regulations both on the ground and in the air:
  • Damage resistance: Door locks and fastenings on the container must be secure and prevent accidental opening due to vibration or turbulence. At the same time, they must be easy for ground staff to open in an emergency.
  • Proper restraint: Containers carrying live animals must be securely fastened to pallets or within the cargo hold to prevent shifting during take-off, landing, and flight.
  • Stowage on board: Live cargo must not be stowed next to dangerous goods (toxic, infectious materials) or in close proximity to strong sources of heat or cold. Containers must be positioned so that they remain accessible if needed.
Get a freight quote
Submit your request, and one of our specialists will get back to you within 30 minutes
By clicking the «Submit request» button, I confirm my consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the terms set out here.
Contact us
Submit your request, and one of our specialists will get back to you within 30 minutes
By clicking the «Submit request» button, I confirm my consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the terms set out here.
Calculate your air freight cost
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