The new regulations in the US are intended, among other things, to prevent rabies in dogs from re-entering the country.
“Due to new regulations introduced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of August 1, 2024, the possibility of bringing dogs to the United States is temporarily suspended,” LOT Polish Airlines announced in a statement published on its website. It added that from August 2024 until further notice, it will not be possible to book tickets for dogs on all trips to the US.
The carrier explained that the ban applies to the transport of dogs both on board the aircraft and in the hold on routes to the US, as well as travel with an assistance dog on routes to the US. However, the ban will not apply to other animals, including cats and ferrets. It added that the ban does not apply to flights from the US, i.e. return flights to Poland.
LOT requests contact
LOT also asked people who have already purchased a reservation for their dog for August 1 this year or later to contact them. It said that these passengers can receive a refund of both the ticket and the service of transporting the dog on board or in the luggage hold, and can also change their ticket to another airline flight free of charge (subject to availability of seats) before August 1.
The new rules go into effect on August 1 at 12:01 a.m. ET, according to the CDC website. It added that the CDC’s dog regulations apply to all dogs, including puppies and dogs that have left the United States and are returning. The regulations apply regardless of whether the passenger traveling with the dog is a U.S. citizen, resident or foreign national. The agency warns that if the requirements are not followed, the dog will be returned to the country of departure at the traveler’s expense.
US fears rabies risk
The CDC also explained that the U.S. eliminated canine rabies in 2007, but it is not controlled in more than 100 countries, which “poses a risk to the U.S. if dogs are imported.” “Through regulation, CDC seeks to protect American families, communities, and pets by preventing canine rabies from re-entering the United States,” it said.
The rules for transporting dogs on LOT flights to destinations other than the US have not changed. The carrier’s website explains that when travelling on board an aircraft, the animal must travel throughout the journey in a special container, appropriate for its weight and size. The weight of the animal transported in the passenger cabin, including the container, cannot exceed 8 kg. Heavier animals can be transported in the cargo hold.
The main shareholder of PLL LOT is the State Treasury, which has 69.3 percent of shares in the company. The second shareholder with 30.7 percent is the Polish Aviation Group (PGL), owned 100 percent by the State Treasury. PGL includes the most important companies in the aviation industry, which are in the State Treasury’s portfolio – including LOT, LOT AMS and LS Airport Services. (PAP)
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