Last Updated: August 1, 2026
Who This Article Is For
- This article covers the international transport of brachycephalic dog breeds (such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus)Health Risks and Safety MeasuresThis explanation focuses specifically on these points.
- If you want to compare the checked baggage policies of different airlines side by sideWell,Summary of Checked Baggage Policies for Brachycephalic Dog Breeds by AirlinePlease see the following as well.
- What to Bring Up to the Day Before Your Flight and the Day-of ItineraryWell,Guide to Flying with Brachycephalic DogsThis is summarized in detail here.
What are the risks involved in the international transport of brachycephalic dog breeds?
The main reason why international transport of brachycephalic dog breeds is considered difficult lies in their physical characteristics. Breeds such as the Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug, and Shih Tzu have short noses and narrow airways, soShort-headed airway syndrome (BOAS)."They tend to experience difficulty breathing, a condition known as [...].
Risks Associated with Air Transport for Brachycephalic Dog Breeds
- I have trouble regulating my body temperature through breathing, and,Prone to heatstroke
- When breathing becomes labored due to stress or excitement,Prone to respiratory distress
- While the temperature and humidity in an aircraft’s cargo hold are generally controlled by air conditioning, during loading and unloading, as well as while being transported within the airport, the cargo is exposed to outdoor temperature and humidity fluctuations, which can place a significant strain on the body.
In July 2010, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) investigated 122 cases of dog deaths during air transport that occurred over the preceding five years or so (from around 2005 to around 2010), and of those,About half were brachycephalic dog breeds.has released statistics showing that (as an example of the breakdown: 25 cases involving English Bulldogs, 11 involving Pugs, etc.) (Source: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)(Published with references to DOT statistics; verified in July 2026). Although the data is somewhat outdated, these figures are still widely cited as indicative of the risks specific to brachycephalic dog breeds. The U.S. Department of Transportation continues to publish the “Air Travel Consumer Report” monthly; for the full year of 2024, a total of 13 animal-related incidents (10 deaths and 3 injuries) were reported across all airlines (Source: U.S. Department of Transportation(Verified in July 2026).
How do major airlines handle brachycephalic dog breeds?
Policies regarding the transport of brachycephalic dogs vary significantly by airline, and even within the same airline, conditions may differ between passenger and cargo flights. The key points for the two Japanese airlines are as follows (as of July 2026).
| Airlines and Services | Caring for Brachycephalic Dog Breeds | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| ANA Passenger Flights (Domestic and International) | We do not accept new clients from May 1 through October 31 each year (seasonal restriction). | 13 dog breeds, including Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus |
| ANA Cargo (International Cargo) | We do not accept brachycephalic dogs for boarding at any time of the year. | Rules separate from those for passenger flights |
| JAL Passenger (International Flights) | Restrictions and Suspensions on Accepting Certain Brachycephalic Breeds | We do not specify the number of dog breeds covered. Please be sure to check the source below for the latest list of eligible dog breeds and conditions. |
| JAL Group Cargo (Domestic and International Flights) | Restrictions or Suspension of Acceptance for Certain Brachycephalic Breeds (Eligible breeds and conditions are subject to change without notice) | We do not specify the number of dog breeds covered. Please be sure to check the source below for the latest list of eligible dog breeds and conditions. |
Source: ANA (International Flights)interpoint (interword separation)ANA (domestic flights)interpoint (interword separation)ANA Cargointerpoint (interword separation)JAL (International Passenger Services)interpoint (interword separation)JALCARGO (Domestic Cargo)interpoint (interword separation)JALCARGO (International Freight), Verified in July 2026. Be sure to check each company’s official website for the latest booking terms and flight status.
While ANA passenger flights are subject to seasonal restrictions during the summer only, ANA Cargo (international cargo) does not accept shipments year-round; JAL, on the other hand, has restrictions or suspensions on accepting shipments for certain short-haul aircraft types for both international passenger flights and group cargo (domestic and international). These are the key differences between the two.Since conditions vary depending on the dog breed, travel period, and service (passenger or cargo), it is not possible to make a blanket statement that “brachycephalic breeds are no longer accepted for check-in.”As of the time of this writing, ANA allows 13 specific dog breeds on board, but JAL has not publicly disclosed the exact number of breeds it allows. Since the list of allowed breeds and the terms and conditions are subject to change at the discretion of each airline without prior notice, please be sure to check the latest information on each airline’s official website. For a comparative list that includes other airlines,Article Summarizing Checked Baggage Policies by AirlineYou can check this information there. If you have a connecting flight, you’ll need to check the regulations of each airline—at the departure, layover, and arrival locations—separately.
Is it possible to travel overseas with a brachycephalic dog at this time of year and with this airline?
Please let us know the dog's breed, destination, and your preferred departure date.
Let's work through this together, starting with how to find airlines that accept your ticket.
How should I go about preparing for my trip abroad?
Just because a dog is a brachycephalic breed does not mean that the basic framework of the quarantine procedures changes. However,"Selecting an airline that accepts brachycephalic dog breeds" is a more critical step than usualThis is how it works. Preparations are generally carried out according to the following steps.
Gathering Information and Planning the Travel Itinerary
Check the entry requirements for your destination and start looking early for airlines that accept brachycephalic dogs. As mentioned earlier, some airlines—such as ANA and JAL—impose restrictions on carrying these dogs during the summer or year-round, so allowing for some flexibility in your travel dates will give you more options.
Microchipping and Vaccinations
If your destination country requires microchipping or rabies vaccination as part of its entry requirements, be sure to complete these procedures well in advance. Please note that microchipping is not a requirement for exporting pets from Japan itself, but may be required as part of the entry requirements of the destination country. Since specific microchip and vaccination requirements vary by destination, please also check the latest information from the authorities in your destination country (Source: Animal quarantine office "to export dogs and cats."(Verified in July 2026).
Rabies Antibody Titer Test (if required by the destination country)
Antibody tests may be required as part of the entry requirements for your destination.If there is a possibility that you may return to Japan in the future (when entering from a region other than a designated area)must be conducted at an inspection facility designated by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in accordance with the regulations of the Animal Quarantine Service. If you are entering Japan from designated areas in Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, the Fiji Islands, Hawaii, or Guam, different procedures apply, and these conditions may not apply as stated. Furthermore, for destinations where you do not plan to return to Japan, the requirements of these designated facilities may not apply directly, and you must comply with the conditions set by the authorities of your destination. Please verify the applicable conditions using official information from both the Animal Quarantine Service and the authorities of your destination before proceeding with the necessary procedures (Source: Animal quarantine office "to export dogs and cats."interpoint (interword separation)Animal Quarantine Station “Designated Area”(Verified in July 2026).
Airline Final Confirmation and Reservation
Please review the policy regarding the acceptance of brachycephalic dog breeds (particularly seasonal restrictions and eligible breeds) before booking your flight. If your flight includes a layover, please confirm the airline for the entire route.
Application for Export Inspection at the Animal Quarantine Station (must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the desired inspection date)
For export inspections, the desired inspection date isUp to 14 days agoSubmit the application using NACCS (Animal Quarantine-Related Operations) (Source: Animal quarantine office "to export dogs and cats."(Confirmed in July 2026). Since preparing for your trip may take time depending on the entry requirements of your destination, it’s important to start the process early. Please check the link above for the latest information on required documents.
Pre-Departure Medical Examination and Document Preparation
Have a veterinarian assess whether your dog is healthy enough to withstand air travel. For brachycephalic breeds, it’s a good idea to have the veterinarian thoroughly check their respiratory system.
Export Inspection (Generally within 10 days of the scheduled departure date. Also confirm the requirements of the destination country.)
As a general rule, export inspections at the Animal Quarantine Station must be conducted within 10 days of the scheduled departure date, and an export quarantine certificate must be issued (Source: Animal quarantine office "to export dogs and cats."(Verified in July 2026).Depending on your destination, separate entry requirements may apply regarding the validity period of documents or the timing of inspections. Since Japan’s export inspection requirements and the destination’s entry requirements are not mutually exclusive, you must plan your schedule so that you can meet both sets of requirements.Be sure to check the official information from the Animal Quarantine Service and the authorities in your destination country for the exact dates and locations where testing is available, as well as the specific requirements for each destination.
How much will it cost?
The main cost items associated with shipping brachycephalic dogs overseas are as follows. Since amounts vary depending on the veterinary clinic, testing facility, airline, and time of year, please contact us individually for a specific quote.
| Cost Categories | Main Factors Affecting the Amount |
|---|---|
| Microchip Implantation (if required by the destination country) | Veterinary Clinics and Animal Size |
| Rabies Vaccinations and Issuance of Various Certificates | Veterinary Clinics and Number of Vaccinations |
| Rabies Antibody Titer Test (if required by the destination country) | Designated inspection agency |
| Airline Pet Transportation Fees | Weight, including the airline, route, and crate |
| A crate with extra space designed for brachycephalic breeds | Size and Material |
| Costs When Hiring a Shipping Agent | Scope of Services to Be Commissioned |
For details on procedures such as microchipping, vaccinations, and antibody titer testing,Animal quarantine office "to export dogs and cats."Please check the fare and crate requirements on the official website of the airline you plan to use (as of July 2026).
What are some common mistakes and things to watch out for?
There are several common pitfalls to watch out for when transporting brachycephalic dogs internationally.
What steps can pet owners take to reduce the risk?
Many of the risks associated with traveling abroad with a brachycephalic dog can be minimized through advance preparation.
Information from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)—including its stance against the use of sedatives—is also a useful reference. For more details,AVMA Official WebsitePlease check here (verified in July 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary: Understand the risks properly and carefully choose the timing and airline
When moving abroad with a brachycephalic dog, you must address both the risks associated with their physical characteristics and the varying cargo policies of different airlines. That said, it is by no means impossible if you fully understand the nature of these risks, choose an acceptable travel date and airline, and proceed with preparations in close consultation with your veterinarian.
If you want to compare the checked baggage policies of different airlines,Summary of Checked Baggage Policies for Brachycephalic Dog Breeds by AirlineHere's what to bring up until the day before your flight and what to expect on the day of your flight:Guide to Flying with Brachycephalic DogsPlease see the following as well.
🐾 If you're planning to travel abroad with a brachycephalic dog, please contact us first.
Please let us know the dog's breed, destination, and your preferred departure date.
We'll walk you through the process, starting with how to find airlines that accept your ticket.
Written by: PetAirJPN Editorial Department
*The information in this article is current as of August 2026. Quarantine regulations in various countries and airline policies are subject to change without notice. This article is intended to provide general information only; to determine whether travel is permitted in your specific case and to confirm the conditions for transporting your pet, please be sure to check the latest official information from the respective airlines and animal quarantine offices.
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