As of 1st June 2022 Finnair accepts live animals (AVI) for transport on European narrow-body aircraft routes. AVI shipments for wide-body flights might be accepted on request. Please note that Finnair carries live animals only on flights to its direct destinations and for animal shipments with final destination in Finland the destination must be Helsinki (HEL). For pricing information please see: Send your shipment section -> Animal transportation -> Instructions - Before the flight.

Animal Transport

Finnair Cargo provides safe and quick animal transport services to most direct Finnair destinations. Bookings for animals must be made through a forwarding company, for example Travelcargo-Petexpress. Finnair Cargo transports animals from outside Finland as far as Helsinki. Animal shipments are generally not available within Finland as no special cargo is allowed on domestic flights. Jetpak can provide information on goods that can be accepted for transport within Finland.

When shipping live animals, it is important to book the flights well in advance, and to ensure that you have all the necessary documents in compliance with the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Each destination country may also have additional regulations and agreements in place. The easiest way to find more detailed country-specific information is to contact the local consulate of the destination country.

Please note! Primates and canines intended for laboratory, experimentation or other exploitation purposes are never accepted. 

  • Obtain the necessary documents for the animals.
  • Make a cargo booking and check the details.
  • Ensure compliance with IATA and airline regulations.
  • Purchase a suitable animal container.
  • Check what kind of food is allowed during transport.
  • Provide feeding instructions.
  • Check the physical state of the animal and notify the carrier.
  • Notify the carrier of medication.