Checklist
- 4+ months out: check the microchip (ISO, readable) and that the rabies vaccination was given after it. If not, chip and vaccinate now.
- 30+ days after vaccination: blood for the titer test. It is drawn in Baku but analysed abroad, in an EU-approved laboratory.
- Book flights only after you know the earliest legal travel date. AZAL takes pets up to 8 kg with carrier (40×30×20 cm) in the cabin; tell the airline at least 24 hours before departure. Heavier pets fly in the hold, up to 75 kg with the crate.
- Vet passport (form 031-VET/PET) is issued by AQTA regional offices — make sure the chip number matches everywhere.
- A few days before departure: AQTA export certificate (AQTA, 185b Heydar Aliyev Ave, +994 12 565 12 72). Processing time and fee are not published — call ahead.
- For the EU: the EU health certificate is valid for 10 days until entry; up to 5 pets per vehicle.
What catches expats out
- Leaving the titer test to the last month — the 3-month wait cannot be shortened.
- A rabies shot given before the chip, which means starting again.
- Assuming the airline handles documents: it only carries the pet.
- Flights rescheduled after certificates were issued — check validity against the new date.
PetMapa prepares the whole document set turnkey, from A to Z, including the blood draw and shipping the sample. Send a photo of your pet's passport on WhatsApp or Telegram with your moving date and we will check it for free.
Official sources
Requirements depend on the destination country, the type of animal and the travel date. Please check transport conditions with your airline or transport company.