Pet Transit and Layover Facilities for Tanzania Travellers
When relocating your pet from Tanzania, most international flights require connections through major hub airports. Understanding which connecting airports offer pet facilities can provide peace of mind during your pet’s journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide to airports with pet hotels and transit services that are commonly used on routes from Tanzania’s main airports (Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport).
Important Transit Considerations
Prior to booking, always verify current pet policies and facility availability directly with:
- Your chosen airline’s pet travel department
- The transit airport’s animal services
- Your destination country’s veterinary import office
Pet relocation requires careful planning, but understanding these transit options helps ensure your beloved companion travels as comfortably and safely as possible from Tanzania to their new home.
Transit vs. Entry Requirements
- True Transit: If your pet remains on the same aircraft during a fuel stop, no additional documentation is typically required
- Terminal Transfer: When changing flights in the same terminal without clearing customs, transit rules apply
- Country Entry: If layover exceeds 24 hours or you clear customs, you may need to meet the transit country’s import requirements
Planning Tips for Pet Owners
Booking Considerations:
- Book pet travel early, as space is limited on all routes
- Confirm pet hotel availability at transit airports during booking
- Verify required documentation (health certificates, vaccination records, rabies titers)
Documentation Checklist:
- Current health certificate from a licensed veterinarian
- Rabies vaccination (minimum 21 days old, maximum 1 year)
- Import permits for the destination country
- Transit permits, if required, for layover country
Comfort Measures:
- Ensure carriers meet airline size requirements
- Include familiar blankets or toys for comfort
- Arrange feeding schedules around flight times
- Consider direct flights when possible to minimise stress
Key Airlines Serving Tanzania and Their Hub Airports
European Connections
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Hub Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Netherlands
- Pet Facilities: Schiphol features a comprehensive Animal Hotel with:
- Professional grooming services
- Veterinary care on-site
- Comfortable rest areas for extended layovers
- Efficient cargo pet handling services
- Pet Policy: Small pets under 8kg allowed in cabin; larger pets up to 75kg in cargo hold
- Tanzania Routes: Direct service to Kilimanjaro (JRO), Zanzibar (ZNZ), and Dar es Salaam (DAR)
Lufthansa
- Hub Airport: Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany
- Pet Facilities: Frankfurt’s Pet Lounge offers:
- Individual kennels for different pet sizes
- Veterinary services and health monitoring
- Grooming and exercise areas
- Climate-controlled environment
- Pet Policy: Small pets up to 8kg in cabin; comprehensive cargo services for larger animals
- Connection: Available via connecting flights through European networks
Air France
- Hub Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), France
- Pet Facilities: CDG provides specialised pet handling services, including:
- Professional kennelling during transit
- Animal handling specialists
- Transit requirements met for layovers exceeding 4.5 hours
- Pet Policy: Pets up to 8kg in cabin; cargo options available
- Connection: Available through European connections
Middle Eastern Connections
Turkish Airlines
- Hub Airport: Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkey
- Pet Facilities: Istanbul Airport offers:
- Professional pet handling and kenneling services
- Transit facilities for animals
- Veterinary support when needed
- Pet Policy: Cats, dogs, and small songbirds up to 8kg in cabin; up to 50kg in cargo
- Tanzania Connection: Direct flights available; popular routing option from North America to Tanzania
Qatar Airways
- Hub Airport: Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar
- Pet Facilities: While Doha airport has limited on-site facilities, Qatar has excellent pet boarding nearby:
- Pet Vet Care Hotel and Clinic (Souq Waqif area)
- Modern boarding with bedding and feeding facilities
- Designated playtime areas
- Professional care (owners must provide food)
- Connection: Popular routing for intercontinental travel
African Regional Connections
Ethiopian Airlines
- Hub Airport: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), Ethiopia
- Pet Facilities: Basic pet handling services are available
- Tanzania Connection: Offers 36+ weekly connecting flights between Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro
- Consideration: Limited specialized pet facilities; shorter layovers recommended
Kenya Airways
- Hub Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Kenya
- Tanzania Connection: Regional connections available
- Pet Facilities: Basic services; check for extended layover requirements