Traveling With Brachycephalic Breeds (AKA Snub-Nosed Pets)

Who doesn't love a smooshed face on a dog?

Bulldogs, Shih Tzu’s, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Pugs, even Persian cats have that cute little smoosy nose. But these breeds often have health issues and are riskier to fly due to their different respiratory systems. They just cant regulate their bodytemperature & breathing as a normal snouted dog or cat.

As our vet explains, these animals still have all the same anatomical parts as their longer-snouted friends, but their anatomy must fit into a more compact space: sinuses, soft palate, nostrils, hard palate, and nasal passages.

These animals have a harder time breathing and regulating body temperature on a regular basis. Add to that, the stress that travel can cause and the climate of where you're traveling to and from and this could be risky.

Transport of brachycephalic breeds by air has become increasingly difficult due to airline policy restrictions affecting the movement of these breeds.

Whilst airlines have the right to refuse carriage to any breed they see fit, the movement of Brachycephalic breeds globally, and the demand on airlines, remains at an all-time high due to the popularity of these breeds.

YES, WE CAN HELP!

Brachycephalic breeds can be transported humanely and safely by identifying those pets that SHOULD NOT FLY (severely BOAS affected) using a specific IPATA Fit-to-Fly Assessment Sheet, performed by a certified Veterinarian.

It is necessary to distinguish between a normal brachycephalic individual and one affected by BOAS. The term brachycephalic denotes a dog that is “short skulled”.

Contact Flying Dutch Pets to set up a BOAS accesment with our vet or for more information.

As an IPATA BOAS certified pet travel agent and expert is arranging relocations for brachycephalic pets, we  have some tips to make sure you're doing your part to keep your snubby safe during travel:

• Hiring a professional who knows which airline to use is also key. We only work with the pet friendly airlines, and we know which ones will accept a snub-nosed pet and which ones will not. We work with lots of great airlines, all of which have restrictions of some sort that can be hard to navigate: KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, just to name a few.

• We may even suggest a road trip to get to a different origin airport, just to catch a safer flight. 

• Use an 10% larger crate than a normal build breed.

• Consult with your pet travel coach before purchasing a crate.

• Acclimate your pet to his or her travel crate. Is your English Bulldog food motivated? Feed him daily in his crate. Is your Pug not at all food motivated and refusing to go in? Take the top off, toss treats and toys in there and make it a happy place. Add the top once she gets used to the bottom. Do this the very second you know you'll be moving. We want as much experience in those crates as possible, making it their happy place.

• Never punish using the crate- it's not a place for them to go after they've eaten your shoe- only positive vibes surrounding the crate. 

  
  

Your pet feeling comfortable in his kennel & crate training will reduce stress and ensure a comfortable & safe flight.