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The first obstacle that owners of French bulldogs, pugs, and other short-horned dogs face when preparing for overseas assignments, emigration, or travel is the question, "Will my dog be able to ride on an airplane? is the first obstacle that owners of shortbreds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs face when preparing for overseas assignments, emigration or travel. Let me conclude first,There are certainly many restrictions, but there is no possibility of traveling togetherThe choice of airline, route, and preparation will expand your options.
Many airlines restrict short-horse breeds because of their high risk in cargo compartment transportation due to their respiratory structure.
ANA international flights stopped accepting short-breed dogs throughout the year; JAL excluded some breeds from all flights.
There are airlines that can accept foreign, Middle Eastern, and other airlines.
Utilizing freight and specialized transportation services expands your options.
Preparation 6-12 months prior to travel is key
📋 What this article will tell you
- Medical reasons why shorthorns are considered dangerous on airplanes.
- Acceptability of Shorthorns by Major Airlines [2026].
- A practical way to go abroad with a shorthorse.
- Preparation and documents required before traveling to Japan
- Common mistakes and workarounds
What kind of dog or cat is a short-headed breed?
List of typical short-horned breeds
The term "short-headed" refers to breeds of dogs and cats with short noses and flat faces. While their adorable appearance makes them popular, their structure poses a risk factor in air transportation.
| classification | Typical varieties |
|---|---|
| Dogs (short-headed) | French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu, Boxer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pekinese, Chow Chow, Affenpinscher |
| Cats (short-headed) | Persian, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Bermese, Scottish Fold (some) |
Why are short-horned aircraft dangerous (medical reasons)?
Shorthorns have an anatomical feature called "short-airway syndrome" (BOAS). Specifically, they have a narrow nasal cavity, a long soft palate, and a narrow trachea, all of which make breathing difficult even under normal conditions.
Pressurization and temperature control in the cargo hold of an aircraft are more variable than in the passenger cabin, which increases the load on pets during the summer months when temperatures tend to be higher, and on long flights. For short-headed breeds, which have less breathing room, this environment can increase the risk of heat stroke and breathing difficulties. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) also urges caution when transporting shorthorns in the cargo hold, which is why many airlines have their own restrictions.
Acceptance of shorthorns on international flights [2026].
List of Shorthorns Accepted or Not by Major Airlines
| airline company | Short-breed (dog) accepted | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| ANA (All Nippon Airways) | ❌ International flights are not accepted year-round | In principle, domestic flights are also not allowed during the summer season (May 1 to October 31). (Prior confirmation is recommended since a wide range of breeds that fall under the definition of short-headed dogs are subject to this rule. |
| JAL (Japan Airlines) | ⚠️ Varies by breed | Bulldogs and French Bulldogs are not eligible for all flights. Other short-headed breeds (Pugs, Boston Terriers, etc.) may be accepted with conditions. Please check the latest official information. |
| American Airlines (AA) | ❌ Not acceptable, including shortbreds and mixed breeds | Acceptance in cargo is also stopped. Some airlines only accept if it fits in carry-on size (must be confirmed). |
| United Airlines | ❌ No short-headed dogs accepted in cargo. | Suspended due to breathing risk in cargo hold. Subject to change depending on conditions. |
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | ⚠️ Only some shortbreds are allowed. | English Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers are not accepted for cargo. Other short-breeds may be accepted with conditions. |
| Turkish Airlines | ✅ Acceptable with conditions | Acceptable conditions include a cage one size larger than normal, a temperature of 80°F (approx. 27°C) or less, and submission of a health certificate. |
| Deutsche Lufthansa (German airlines) | ⚠️ Inquiry required | Individual decisions may be made on short-horned breeds. Prior confirmation is required. |
| Emirates Airline | ⚠️ Inquiry required | Acceptance conditions may vary by route and time of year |
Summer restricted period (rules vary by season)
Many airlines tighten restrictions on short-haul transport during the summer months (primarily May through October). ANA has a year-round ban on international flights, but domestic flights are banned during the summer months; JAL may also impose stricter conditions during the summer months, so you should check with them early, especially if your travel plans fall during the summer months.
Difference between cargo compartment (cargo) and carry-on
Restrictions on the acceptance of shorthorns are primarily directed toward "transport in the cargo compartment (cargo)". Some airlines allow small shorthorns as carry-on if they fit into the carry-on cage size specified by the airline. However, on international flights, there are many routes and airlines that prohibit carry-on pets.
For overseas migration and long-distance travel, a "dedicated cargo service" or "specialized pet transport service" is a realistic option for medium-sized and larger short-haired pets.
Short-headed pet travel, don't give up.
Even if you think, "My child can't ride," in some cases a solution can be found by checking with a specialist. First, please contact us for a free consultation.
How to still go abroad with your pet
Using freight and specialized transportation services
If regular passenger cargo is difficult, we follow IATA (International Air Transport Association) accredited standards.Air transportation service specializing in petsThere are several ways to transport pets. Pet-specific flights with strict temperature control and ventilation standards, or transportation arrangements through specialized brokers, can be expected to provide a safer environment than regular passenger aircraft cargo.
PetAirJPN assists you in selecting the appropriate transportation route, airline, and arrangement company for your shorthorse travel. For details, please contactThe Complete Guide to International Pet Air TransportationSee also.
Devise a transit point, season, and route
The likelihood that your pet will be accepted depends on "which airline," "which season," and "which route" you choose to fly to the same destination. For example, avoiding summer travel in the fall and spring, choosing routes with fewer connections than direct flights, and using airlines with flexible policies toward short-headed pets may be effective.
Obtain a suitability check at a veterinary clinic in advance.
We recommend that you consult with your veterinarian regarding your dog or cat's breathing and health before considering travel. In some cases of severe BOAS, breathing may be improved by surgery (e.g., soft palate resection). It is important from an animal welfare perspective to first have a veterinarian check the suitability of your dog or cat for travel before making a decision on whether or not to travel.
Things to prepare before traveling to Japan
More than 6 months prior to travel: Policy decision/route confirmation
- Research short-horse policies by airline.
- Check the animal quarantine requirements of the destination country (extra time is needed especially if a rabies antibody titer test is required)
- Consult with your family veterinarian to see if you can travel
- Free consultation with PetAirJPN to understand the overall schedule
5 months before travel: Start of quarantine procedures
- microchipMounting confirmation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, 15 digits)
- rabies vaccineInoculation and acquisition of certificates for
- Arrange for blood collection and testing if the destination country requires rabies antibody titer testing (0.5 IU/ml or higher)
3 months before departure: Confirmation with airline and preparation of documents
- Check directly with your airline for the latest conditions for shorthorse acceptance.
- Airline certifiedSelection of cage/crate
- Begin obtaining health certificates, export permits, etc.
- Prior import permit application required for some destination countries
1 month before departure: Final documents and preliminary arrangements
- Appointment for export inspection to animal quarantine station (Animal Quarantine Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)
- Issuance of health certificate (note expiration date immediately prior to travel)
- Final confirmation of pet onboard reservations with the airline
- Arrangement of transportation to the airport and pet cab on the day of the event
1 week before departure: Final check
- Confirmation of expiration date and contents of all documents
- Practice breaking in pets to cages
- For shorthorns, pay special attention to the temperature and physical condition on the day of travel.
- Confirmation of schedule for attending animal quarantine at the airport on the day of the visit
List of main required documents and conditions
| required items | Contents | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| microchip | ISO 11784/11785 compliant, 15 digits | If not fitted, must be fitted at a veterinary clinic |
| Proof of rabies vaccination | Documents proving that the vaccination is still within the validity period | Note the time period between inoculation and issuance of certificate. |
| Rabies antibody titer test | Certificate of Result for more than 0.5 IU/ml | EU, UK, Hawaii, and other countries/regions that require it. |
| Health Certificate (in English) | Certificate of health issued by a veterinarian | Airline and country of destination form required. Validity may be short. |
| export inspection certificate | Issued by the Animal Quarantine Service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries | Inspection and application required at the animal quarantine station prior to departure. |
| Import license (if required) | Prior authorization issued by a government agency of the destination country | Advance application is required in some areas such as Hawaii, Guam, Australia, etc. |
| IATA Certified Crate | Crate conforming to IATA LAR standards | One size larger than usual may be recommended for short breeds |
Common mistakes and cautions
There are cases where passengers are told at the check-in counter that "short-horse breeds are not acceptable" despite having confirmed this at the time of reservation. Cases have also been reported where airline policy changes are implemented without notice or where information is not shared among personnel.It is also important to reconfirm the details just prior to the trip (1-2 weeks before).
Health certificates often have a set expiration date of "within 0 days of travel date" and may be invalid on the date of travel if obtained too early. Since each document has a different expiration date, it is necessary to keep a list.
There have been cases where pets were able to board without problems at the departure airport, but became ill due to inadequate temperature control at the temporary pet care facility at the transit point, or where the airline staff at the transit point requested separate documentation. If you cannot take a direct flight, it is important to confirm in advance how your pet will be handled at the transit point.
There is a standard for "a size that allows the pet to stand and turn around in a natural posture" inside. Many short-headed breeds are stocky in comparison to their physique, and judging from their appearance that "this size will be fine" may result in incompatibility. Please be sure to check with your airline's size regulations before you travel.
If the ground temperature is high on the day of departure, the airline may refuse to carry the aircraft, claiming that the temperature is above the standard value. Be especially careful on daytime flights during the summer season. For short-haul flights, selecting early morning or evening flights may be a practical measure.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What PetAirJPN can do to support shorthorse travel
In short-horse travel, professional assistance is especially helpful in the following situations
Advice on airline selection and route selection
Together, we will search for the airline and route combination most likely to be acceptable for "this time of year, this destination, and this breed." Airline policies change frequently, so it is important to make selections based on the most up-to-date information.
Support for document arrangements and veterinary hospital coordination
We manage schedules and make arrangements on behalf of our clients to ensure that multiple documents such as export quarantine, health certificates, antibody titer tests, and import permit applications are prepared on time. In some cases, especially in the case of shorthorse breeds, the form of medical certification required by airlines may be specified, and the support of experienced professionals will help reduce the risk of incomplete documentation. For more information, please contactThe Complete Guide to Vaccine and Antibody Titer TestingSee also.
We will work with you to address your fears that you may not be able to get on board.
PetAirJPN's staff, who have extensive experience in short-horned travel, will work with you to find a realistic solution to your situation.Safety Guide for Flying Shorthorns (English version)Please also refer to
Short-cow travel, please consult with us before giving up.
PetAirJPN provides comprehensive support from airline selection to arrangements for routing, documentation, and animal quarantine.
Please start with a free consultation and free estimate.
summary
While it is true that international travel for short-haired breeds is "highly restrictive," it is not "absolutely impossible. The key is to move early and explore your options with an expert who has accurate information.
ANA's international flights are suspended year-round, and JAL's response varies depending on the breed of the dog, but there are airlines that accept pets with conditions, and there are routes using specialized pet transportation services. First of allThe Complete Guide to International Pet Transportto get the big picture, and then find the best way to fit your case through consultation with an expert.
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