What methods of transport does Gulf Air provide for my pet?
Gulf Air does not permit the carriage of animals (except for seeing eye dogs) in the passenger cabin of aircraft. However, animals may be shipped as cargo. Details may be accessed by clicking here.
What are the restrictions?
- Live animals must be loaded in special IATA approved containers. Your local Gulf Air office or its approved agent can advise where to obtain these.
- Gulf Air does not recommend sedatives for live animals; however, these may be used at the owner's discretion.
- If you wish to ship your animals on Gulf Air, please contact the airline or your travel agent at least two weeks before the planned date of travel.
- Certain countries only permit animals to be carried as cargo and not as accompanied baggage.
What are the fees associated with pet transport?
Please contact Gulf Air Cargo.
What health documentation is required?
Many countries require an import license, to be obtained in advance of the arrival of the animal. In addition, regulations in most countries demand that the animal is accompanied by a current health certificate, issued by a qualified veterinarian, to confirm the animal is healthy and disease-free.
Notice should be taken of any quarantine periods required for the importation of animals, as these can be as long as six months and may cause suffering to the animal as well as financial and emotional distress to the owner.
Further details of importation regulations for individual countries can be obtained from local embassies, chargé d'affaires, or consulate offices.
Gulf Air is recognized by the UK's Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) and EU Pet Passport System, which allows cats and dogs which have already been vaccinated against rabies and micro-chipped to be carried from Bahrain into London Heathrow (LHR), without the need for the lengthy six month quarantine period. For more information, see the UK Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs website.
Are there any other restrictions?
Gulf Air will refuse to transport an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports.
