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)
- 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. First, let’s understand “why” they’re necessary, and then take a look at the specific differences between airlines.
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.
| 月 | 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.
| airline company | 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) | No fixed time period specified | Bulldogs and French Bulldogs are not allowed year-round; other breeds are subject to consultation. |
| 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. |
*The information for each company was verified in July 2026 based on their respective official websites (links provided in the text). Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice, so please be sure to check the latest official information before using the service.
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?
On JAL domestic flights, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs (and other brachycephalic breeds) cannot be checked as baggage; however, other brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs and Boston Terriers, may be eligible for consideration on a case-by-case basis. These are the rules regarding passenger pets on domestic flights, which are separate from the rules for international cargo flights. For details,JAL Official Website (Domestic Flight Pet Services)Please check there.
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 pets, the number of required procedures increases exponentially. When leaving Japan, you must apply to the Animal Quarantine Service for an export inspection (specifying the desired inspection dateUp to 14 days ago), and then we set offWithin 10 daysThis test must be performed (Source:Animal quarantine office "to export dogs and cats."(Verified in July 2026).
If you plan to return to Japan in the future, you should also confirm the conditions for re-entry. For entry 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 vaccination2 or more times, 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)
Summary: Knowing the rules and preparing early is the best way to ensure peace of mind.
When it comes to transporting pets on domestic flights, policies—including summer restrictions on checked baggage and accommodations for brachycephalic dog breeds—vary by airline. It is essential to check directly with the airline you plan to use to confirm whether your pet is eligible to fly and whether travel is permitted during that time of year.
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.
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Written by: PetAirJPN Editorial Department (International Pet Transportation Operations Team)
*The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Each airline’s pet transport policies and fees, as well as animal quarantine procedures, are subject to change without notice. This article is intended to provide general information only. To confirm specific details regarding eligibility, fees, and procedures, please be sure to check the latest official information from the airline you plan to use, the animal quarantine office, and the authorities at your destination.
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