Muscat – Reports of pets being abandoned at airports and border crossings during the ongoing regional conflict have prompted authorities to remind travellers that animals can accompany their owners if proper procedures are followed.

Regional media have reported incidents of pets being left behind after travellers discovered at the last minute that they could not continue their journey with their animals.

Officials say such situations are largely avoidable if passengers complete the required documentation and comply with airline and destination country regulations before travelling.

According to guidelines issued by Oman Airports, transporting pets requires adherence to operating procedures set by airlines, airports and the authorities of the destination country.

Passengers must obtain approval from the destination country and confirm with their airline that pets are permitted on board before booking tickets. Airlines apply their own conditions for travelling with animals, and these must be verified in advance.

Small pets weighing up to 8kg may travel on passenger flights through Muscat International Airport if they are placed in an airline-approved cage or pet carrier. Animals exceeding this weight must be transported through air freight in line with cargo regulations.

Travellers must also ensure that pets meet veterinary requirements in both the departure and destination countries. These typically include vaccination records, quarantine regulations and an official veterinary passport identifying the animal and confirming that the required immunisations have been administered.

Pets are subject to customs and quarantine rules in transit and destination countries. Airlines are responsible if the requirements for importing animals into Oman are not met.

For pets entering the sultanate through passenger terminals, travellers must obtain a veterinary import permit before travel through the Bayan customs platform.

Authorities urged passengers planning to travel with animals to complete all procedures in advance to avoid delays or the possibility of pets being left behind during urgent travel situations.

For more info, visit: www.omanairports.co.om/en/content/pets