Pets with a Passport

Interview with David Dávila Estefan Consul at the Embassy of Mexico in Beirut

1. What is your pet’s name, and what makes it unique?

My two pet’s names are Ashy and Luis Oreo. Both their personal story and personality makes them unique.

2. How did you get your pet, and what inspired you to choose it?

They say cats always choose their owners, so I like to believe that both Ashy and Luis chose me. Both of them are Lebanese (Arabian and domestic cat, respectively). I had recently arrived to Beirut as a diplomat in the spring of 2023 when kitten Ashy jumped on my lap during a meeting I had at the Asfari Institute for Civil Society Citizenship at the American University of Beirut, whose fabulous director Lina Abou Habib hosted a small cat shelter in its premises.

After petting her for a few minutes, and realizing how tiny and frail she was among the more senior cats, I asked whether she was up for adoption, and the rest is history. 

Luis Oreo found me leaving the office on a cold December night the same year. I noticed a very loud kitten meowing while a neighbor passing by told me the small kitten had been calling its mum all day. I went to look for him and found Luis Oreo hiding behind a bush. After sorting a few scratches from a fierce kitten, I took him home and he instantly snuggled into my neck.

I guess in both cases I was moved by kittens that seemed to need care and a home. But I realize my own projection as the one needing a home and a sense of belonging after moving to a new city was me. So, I gave them a home, and they also gave me one in return.

3. As a diplomat, you likely travel often—how does your pet adapt to traveling and new environments?

I have not been in this situation with them yet, but for sure they will help me bring home wherever I go.

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Key Pet Import Rules for the Czech Republic

Microchipping:
Pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) must have an ISO-compliant microchip.   

Rabies Vaccination:
A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory. There’s a required waiting period after the vaccination before travel.   

EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate:
Depending on the origin of the pet, either an EU pet passport (for travel within the EU) or an EU animal health certificate (for travel from non-EU countries) is necessary.   

Non-Commercial vs. Commercial Movement:
The rules differ based on whether the pet’s movement is considered “non-commercial” (traveling with the owner) or “commercial” (e.g., for sale or with more than five pets). Most diplomatic pet travel would fall under non-commercial.   

Health Certificates:
It is very important that the health certificates are endorsed by the correct authority within the originating country. For example, within the United States, this would be the USDA.

Entry Points:
Pets entering the Czech Republic from non-EU countries by air must do so at designated Border Inspection Posts, typically at major international airports like Václav Havel Airport Prague.

Choosing the right airline

Airline policies regarding pet transportation vary, with some carriers not permitting pets in any capacity. Notably:

EasyJet does not allow pets in the cabin or as cargo, except for assistance dogs.

Virgin Atlantic currently does not transport pets as cargo.

Vueling does not allow pets in the cabin or as cargo, except for service animals.

Ryanair permits only assistance dogs; other pets are not allowed on their flights.

Norwegian Airlines does not allow pets in the cabin or as cargo on long-haul flights, though they may allow small pets in the cabin on short-haul flights.

Wizz Air does not permit pets in the cabin or as cargo, except for service animals under specific conditions.

Eurowings generally does not allow pets on long-haul flights or certain routes, though they may allow small pets in the cabin on short-haul flights. Check their specific policy for your route.

Additionally, while some airlines may not allow pets in the cabin, they might still transport them as cargo. For example, certain major U.S. airlines have ceased accepting pets as cargo but continue to allow small pets in the cabin, subject to specific size and weight restrictions.