The Cabinet of Ministers has approved new rules for transporting pets on intercity and international bus services. They were developed by the Ministry of Community and Territory Development together with UAnimals.
The press service of the Ministry of Regional Development reported this.
New rules for transporting pets: what is known
Changes were made to Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 176 during a government meeting that took place on July 7.
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— Before this, we had unclear and ambiguous regulations that defined how exactly to transport animals in intercity and international buses. This created confusion for passengers, drivers and carriers. The new rules are a step towards safer, more predictable and humane transport. They take into account the needs of passengers, animals and market operators. And importantly, this is another element of harmonizing Ukrainian regulations with European standards, — noted Deputy Minister of Communities and Territories Development Serhiy Derkach.
The updated rules detail the procedure for transporting animals depending on their weight and size.
- All pets must have a veterinary document.
- For small animals (in particular, dogs, cats, ornamental birds and rodents weighing up to 10 kg), it is recommended to use a special container, bag or cage with an absorbent bottom.
- Such an animal may be placed in your arms, under a seat or in a separate seat, for which the ticket price must be paid as for an adult passenger.
- Medium and large sized dogs (10 to 45 kg) are allowed to be transported only with a muzzle and on a leash.
- The owner must purchase all adjacent seats in one row of the bus, and the animal must be on the floor on a special mat. No more than one animal can be in the cabin at a time, or two if they are accompanied by one passenger.
- Dogs weighing more than 45 kg are permitted to be transported only under the individual conditions of the carrier, on a specially equipped vehicle.
- As for guide dogs accompanying persons with disabilities, their transportation is free of charge, without the need to purchase additional seats. Such dogs must be muzzled and on a short leash, staying close to their owner.
The rules approved by the government will come into force after their official publication. All carriers engaged in intercity or international bus passenger transportation are obliged to comply with them.
