最終更新日：2026年10月3日
What this article will tell you
- Airlines That Restrict Pet Transportation During the Summer (Generally May–October) and Their Reasons
- Differences in How Various Companies Handle Brachycephalic Dog Breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs, etc.)
- Comparison of Japan's Six Major Airlines (ANA, JAL, Skymark, StarFlyer, Solaseed Air, and Air Do)
- 2026年9月1日出発便から変わった、JAL国内貨物（JALCARGO）の夏季ルールと雑種（ミックス）のワンちゃんの扱い
- A Checklist for Pet Owners to Prepare for Safe Transportation
- Additional Procedures Required When Considering a Move Abroad
First, the bottom line: Rules for transporting pets vary significantly by airline.
The rules for checking in pets on domestic flights vary significantly depending on the airline. In particular, there are two key points you should be sure to check before departure.
Two Points You Should Be Sure to Check
- Restrictions on Accepting Orders During the Summer (Generally May through October) — To avoid the risk of heatstroke due to high temperatures, some airlines have implemented special restrictions during this time of year.
- Special Rules for Brachycephalic Dog Breeds (Dogs with Short Noses) — Due to their physical structure, breeds such as Pugs and French Bulldogs are considered to be at a higher risk of respiratory problems than other breeds, and airlines take a cautious approach on a case-by-case basis.
These rules are in place to ensure the safety of pets. For example, ANA specifies the applicable periods and dog breedsOfficial SiteWe provide specific details here. First, let’s understand “why” this is necessary, and then take a look at the specific differences between each airline.
Why are there strict rules regarding summer transportation and brachycephalic dog breeds?
Both the summer intake restrictions and the special rules for brachycephalic dogs boil down to a single reason: “to minimize the risk of heatstroke and respiratory distress as much as possible.”
Summer Flights: The Risks Lie More on the "Ground" Than on Board
Airlines state that they strive to maintain conditions in the cargo hold that are similar to those in the passenger cabin. However, special care is needed during the time spent on the ground before and after boarding.
| Months | Guidelines for Heat Stroke Risk |
|---|---|
| January | Low |
| February | Low |
| March | Low |
| April | A little expensive |
| May | high |
| June | high |
| July | high |
| August | high |
| September | high |
| October | A little expensive |
| November | A little expensive |
| December | Low |
*This is a general guideline for the risk of heatstroke based on the season. Risks may vary by region, and brachycephalic dog breeds are at even higher risk. Please check each airline’s official website for the latest conditions, such as summer restrictions on pet transport.
The asphalt on the apron tends to become very hot under direct sunlight in the summer, and the process of loading and unloading aircraft is also affected by outside temperatures. ANA and Solaseed Air have established a specific period—"May 1 through October 31"—because they place a high priority on mitigating these ground-based risks (Reference:ANA Official Website: “Notice Regarding the Transport of Brachycephalic Dog Breeds”(Verified in July 2026).
Brachycephalic Dog Breeds: Physical Risks That Come with Being Loved
Bried-nosed dog breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus are considered to be prone to the following two risks due to the structure of their short noses.
Risks Common to Brachycephalic Dog Breeds
- Poor thermoregulation by breathing — Unlike humans, dogs do not have well-developed sweat glands and primarily release heat through shallow, rapid breathing known as “panting.” Because brachycephalic breeds have short, narrow airways, they are prone to overheating.
- Stress or excitement can easily cause irregular breathing — Unfamiliar surroundings and loud noises can cause stress, and when they get excited, their breathing quickens. Because their airways are narrower, they tend to have more difficulty breathing than other dog breeds.
The fact that airlines have established cautious rules regarding brachycephalic dog breeds is likely a preventive measure based on these physical characteristics.
Regarding the travel of brachycephalic dog breeds by airplane,The Complete Guide to Flying with Brachycephalic DogsWe provide a more detailed explanation here. Since this article focuses primarily on seasonal checked baggage restrictions for domestic flights, please also refer to that page if you’d like to learn more about the rules for brachycephalic dogs by airline.
[Comparison] Summer Restrictions and Rules for Brachycephalic Breeds at Six Major Japanese Dog Breeders
The six major domestic companies each have different policies regarding summer booking restrictions and accommodations for brachycephalic dog breeds. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the rules of each of these six companies. The table below shows general trends; however, conditions are subject to change, so be sure to check the latest information on each company’s official website.
| Airlines | Restrictions on Accepting Orders During the Summer (Approx. May–October) | Key Considerations for Brachycephalic Dog Breeds |
|---|---|---|
| ANA | Available (May 1–October 31; we are not accepting dogs of certain breeds during this period) | Provide specific details on the period and eligible dog breeds |
| JAL (Domestic Flights) | Checked baggage（飼い主さま同乗）: 期間を定めた受託中止の案内は確認できず（2026年9月以降の最新条件はJAL公式で要確認） 国内貨物（JALCARGO）: あり（5月1日〜10月31日はすべてのワンちゃん・猫ちゃんが原則不可。2026年は9月1日出発便から適用） |
受託手荷物: ブルドッグ・フレンチブルドッグは通年不可、他の短頭種犬は受託条件を要確認 国内貨物: 上記2犬種は通年不可、雑種（ミックス）のワンちゃんも通年で原則不可、指定21犬種は夏季不可 |
| skymark | No specific seasonal restrictions are stated. | We cannot accept many brachycephalic dog breeds year-round. |
| star flyer | No specific seasonal restrictions are noted for the cargo hold. | "FLY WITH PET!" Allows Pets in the Cabin |
| Solaseed Air | Allowed (May 1–October 31; eligible dog breeds are largely the same as those for ANA) | Cage covers and double cages are also prohibited during this period. |
| Air Do | There are specific requirements for brachycephalic dog breeds (details subject to change). | You must check the official website in advance. |
※各社の情報は、以下の各社公式サイト(本文中にリンクを掲載)を基に2026年7月に確認したものです（JAL国内貨物の変更点のみ、JALCARGOの案内を2026年8月に確認）。条件は予告なく変更される場合があるため、ご利用前に必ず最新の公式情報をご確認ください。
What are ANA's summer baggage allowance restrictions?
ANA does not accept eligible brachycephalic dog breeds for check-in from May 1 through October 31 each year. A key feature of this policy is that it clearly specifies the dates and eligible breeds, making it easy to plan ahead. The latest list of eligible breeds and dates is as follows:ANA Official Website (Passengers Traveling with Pets)please check there.
What are JAL's rules for brachycephalic dogs on domestic flights?
JAL国内線で飼い主さまが一緒に搭乗して預ける場合（「ペットとおでかけサービス」）は、ブルドッグとフレンチ・ブルドッグは預けられませんが、パグやボストン・テリアなど他の短頭種犬は受託条件を満たせば預けられる案内になっています（2026年4月時点のJALの案内。2026年9月以降の最新条件は必ず公式サイトでご確認ください）。これは旅客の受託手荷物のルールで、次に説明する国内貨物（JALCARGO）や国際貨物のルールとは別のものです。詳細はJAL公式サイト（国内線 ペットとおでかけサービス）please check there.
【2026年9月1日出発便から】JAL国内貨物（JALCARGO）でワンちゃん・猫ちゃんを送る場合の新ルール
飼い主さまが搭乗せずにワンちゃん・猫ちゃんだけを送る場合や、ペットとクレートの合計重量が32kg以上の場合は、JALでは「貨物扱い」になります。この国内貨物のルールが2026年9月1日出発便から変わりました。JALCARGOの案内（2026年8月確認）では次のとおりです。
- 夏季（5月1日〜10月31日）は、犬種・猫種を問わずすべてのワンちゃん・猫ちゃんが原則お預かり不可（2026年は9月1日出発便から適用。2027年以降は5月1日から）
- 雑種（ミックス）のワンちゃんは、季節を問わず通年で原則お預かり不可（外見だけでは短頭種の血統を除外できないため、と案内されています）
- ブルドッグ・フレンチ・ブルドッグは従来どおり通年不可（国際貨物・国内貨物共通）。パグ・シーズー・ボストン・テリア・チン・ペキニーズなど指定21犬種は夏季不可（11月1日〜4月30日は条件を満たせば可）
- 夏季は2区間以上の経由便輸送（他社との相次運送を含む）も不可
- 例外として輸送を引き受ける枠あり: 搭乗する飼い主さまが「ペットとおでかけサービス」を使えない場合（重量制約など）、公的機関や動物園からの依頼、離島路線での動物病院受診が目的の場合、国際線⇔国内線の乗り継ぎ輸送、その他JALが特別に認めた場合。受付時に証明書などの提示が必要で、対象になるかどうかは予約前にJALCARGOへ要確認is
Source: JALCARGO「犬・猫（哺乳類）」（国内貨物）interpoint (interword separation)JALCARGO お知らせ（2026年7月16日）。本記事は2026年8月時点の案内内容を掲載しています。運用の詳細は予告なく変わることがあるため、ご利用前に必ずJAL公式ページで最新の条件をご確認くださいThe following is a list of the most common problems with the
Does Skymark impose year-round restrictions on brachycephalic dog breeds?
Skymark refuses to accept many brachycephalic dog breeds—such as pugs, bulldogs, and Shih Tzus—year-round, regardless of the season. What sets Skymark apart from other airlines is that this policy applies year-round, not just during the summer. For details on the affected breeds,Skymark Official Website (Pet Check-in)please check there.
What is StarFlyer's "FLY WITH PET!"?
In addition to transporting pets in the cargo hold, StarFlyer offers a service called “FLY WITH PET!” that allows passengers to travel with their pets in the cabin. The additional fee is 50,000 yen per pet, and as of January 15, 2024, this service is available on all domestic routes and flights (Source:StarFlyer Official Website (FLY WITH PET!)(Confirmed in July 2026). This service is a good option for pet owners who are concerned about the cargo hold. Rates and terms of use are subject to change, so please check the official website before making a reservation.
Solaseed Air is also limiting its charter operations during the summer.
Solaseed Air has also suspended the transport of certain dog breeds—the list of which is nearly identical to ANA’s—from May 1 through October 31. During this period, the use of cage covers and double-caging are also prohibited (Source:Solaseed Air Official Website (Pet Boarding)(Verified in July 2026).
Advance confirmation is required for Air Do
Air Do also has its own specific conditions regarding the transport of brachycephalic dogs. However, since the applicable period and breed details may have changed, this article does not provide definitive information; please check before using the service.Air Do Official WebsiteWe recommend checking the latest terms and conditions directly.
"Can my child ride?" Please feel free to contact us first.
If you let us know the dog's breed, age, and planned travel dates, we'll work with you to identify the key points to check.
Preparation Checklist for Safe Transport
Even if airlines have established rules, it is ultimately the owner’s preparation that determines the pet’s safety. Please make sure to check the following points.
If you're moving overseas, there are even more procedures to handle.
So far, we’ve been discussing domestic flights, but when it comes to moving abroad or traveling with dogs or cats, the number of required procedures increases exponentially. When leaving Japan with a dog or cat, you must apply to the Animal Quarantine Service for an export inspection (specifying the desired inspection dateAt least 14 days before), and then we set offWithin 10 daysThis test must be performed (Source:Animal quarantine office "to export dogs and cats."(Confirmed in July 2026). If you are traveling with animals other than dogs or cats, the procedures vary depending on the type of animal, so please check with the Animal Quarantine Station individually.
If you plan to return to Japan with your dog or cat in the future, you’ll need to check the requirements for your return as well. When entering the country from areas other than designated regions, upon arrivalUp to 40 days in advancePrior notification, implantation of a microchip that complies with ISO standards, and rabies vaccinationTwice or more, Antibody Titer Test0.5 IU/mL or more, after the blood drawMore than 180 daysYou will be required to stand by, etc. (Source:Animal Quarantine Service: "Procedures for Importing Dogs and Cats"(Confirmed in July 2026). Since entry requirements vary by country, please check the official information from the authorities of your destination for details.
The general process for traveling abroad with a pet is as follows:Guide to Traveling Abroad with Your PetPlease see this as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here, we answer frequently asked questions about transporting pets on domestic flights. For basic information on quarantine procedures related to international travel and relocation, please seeOfficial Website of the Animal Quarantine ServicePlease also check this.
Summary: Knowing the rules and preparing early is the best way to ensure peace of mind.
国内線でのペット輸送は、夏期の受託制限も短頭種犬への対応も、航空会社によって内容が異なります。「うちの子は乗れるのか」「この時期は大丈夫か」は、利用予定の航空会社に個別で確認することが欠かせません。飼い主さまが同乗して預けるのか、ワンちゃん・猫ちゃんだけを貨物として送るのかでルールが変わる点にもご注意ください。
In addition, taking steps that only pet owners can do—such as consulting with a veterinarian in advance and preparing a crate—will help ensure a safe flight for your pet. If you’re moving overseas or need to handle more complex procedures, please feel free to contact PetAirJPN.
🐾 Air Travel for Pets: Start with a Free Consultation
Please let us know the dog's breed, the planned travel dates, and the pet's current condition.
Here is a summary of the rules you should check and key preparation points.
Completely free of charge｜Online support available｜Open on weekends and holidays
Written by: PetAirJPN Editorial Department (International Pet Transportation Operations Team)
※この記事の情報は2026年9月時点のものです。各航空会社のペット受託ポリシー・料金、動物検疫の手続きは予告なく変更されることがあります。本記事は一般的な情報提供であり、個別の搭乗可否・料金・手続きの確定判断は、利用予定の航空会社・動物検疫所・渡航先当局の最新の公式情報を必ずご確認ください。
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