To be honest, bringing our pets from Pakistan to Bosnia wasn’t easy; it came with its fair share of challenges. The main hurdle was that Pakistan is not listed in Annex 4 of the Bosnia and Herzegovina pet import regulations (you can find more info here: Bosnia Vet Website). Because of this, we were required to complete the rabies antibody titration test for each of our pets.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the rule:
- The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and no less than three months before travel.
- The result must show a minimum antibody level of 0.5 IU/ml.
- The test must be conducted in an approved lab.
Since the approved lab for us was in the UK, we had to ship the samples internationally; leading to long waiting times. We couldn’t take our pets with us initially and had to leave them in the care of our trusted vet. The entire process took around 4 to 5 months.
Then came the logistics of flying them. We explored several options, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. Emirates allows pet transport without the owner, but only through registered agents, and the prices were incredibly high. Turkish Airlines seemed more feasible, but the agents in Pakistan weren’t specialized in pet travel; they were commercial exporters. We didn’t feel confident entrusting our pets to them.
Another critical tip: some airlines like FlyDubai do not allow pet travel during the summer months in the hold, because their luggage compartments aren’t climate-controlled or ventilated. Always double-check with your airline about seasonal and aircraft-specific restrictions!
In the end, I made multiple trips back to Pakistan to bring our pets myself. Turkish Airlines allows one pet in-cabin (small dog or cat) and one in the aircraft hold, so I traveled with two at a time. We made quite a scene at Islamabad Airport 🙂 despite having all the paperwork ready and the airline informed the authorities in advance , pet travel from Pakistan is still uncommon, so I had to explain everything to several curious (but kind and amused) airport security staff.
On our layover in Istanbul, we discovered a pet relief room at the airport, complete with space to stretch, eat, drink, and do their business. It was a lifesaver! Our cats even made some furry friends and showed off their “global citizenship” status, what a scene!
Onboard, our pets received lots of love from flight attendants and fellow passengers. Watching them be doted on mid-flight was honestly a highlight.
When we arrived at Sarajevo International Airport, no one asked to see the paperwork, but this isn’t always the case. We heard that if your documents aren’t in order, your pet will be sent to quarantine, so make sure everything is complete and up to date. Airport staff were helpful, especially with carrying the pet carriers.
There are also European pet transport companies that coordinate the full process, often flying your pets into places like Hungary, Croatia, or Austria, and delivering them to your door in Bosnia via pet taxis. These services are convenient but significantly more expensive.
When we moved our pets from Uganda to Nigeria, we used a pet relocation company that even provided a pet nanny to fly with them, such a comforting service! I wish that option were available everywhere.
Although the process from Pakistan to Bosnia was long and stressful at times, nothing compares to the joy of seeing your furry companions reunited with your family. The moment they lock eyes and those big smiles appear, you know it was all worth it.