Can my dog fly with me? 🐶✈️
Alice Lopez
Important Things to Know Before You Travel with Your Pup
Planning to travel with your furry best friend? 🐶✈️ While many dogs can hop on a plane with the right prep, some breeds and situations are more complicated. Before you book your tickets, here’s a helpful guide on the kinds of dogs that may not be allowed on flights — and why.
1. 🐾 Snub-Nosed Breeds (a.k.a. Brachycephalic Dogs)
These adorable, short-nosed pups are super popular — but sadly, they’re at higher risk when flying, especially in cargo. Their shorter airways can cause breathing issues in stressful or warm environments.
Commonly restricted breeds include:
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French Bulldogs
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English Bulldogs
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Pugs
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Boston Terriers
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Shih Tzus
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Pekingese
✋ Heads-up:
Many airlines no longer allow these breeds in the cargo hold and may only permit them in the cabin if they meet strict size/weight limits.
2. ❗ Breeds Considered “Aggressive” or High-Risk
Some airlines or countries have breed-specific restrictions for safety reasons. Even if your dog is the sweetest, certain breeds may be banned or require extra paperwork.
Examples of restricted breeds:
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Pit Bulls (including American Staffordshire Terriers)
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Rottweilers
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Dobermans
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Presa Canarios
🔎 Pro Tip:
Always check both the airline’s rules and the destination country’s pet import regulations before flying.
🛑 3. Very large dogs – may not be allowed in cargo
Giant breeds may exceed the size or weight limits for crates allowed in cargo.
Examples:
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Great Danes
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Mastiffs
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Saint Bernards
Workaround: These dogs may need specialized pet transport services.
🛑 4. Dogs that are too young or unvaccinated
Most airlines require puppies to be at least 8 to 10 weeks old and fully vaccinated before flying.
Most airlines have a minimum age requirement — usually around 8 to 10 weeks old. Unvaccinated puppies may also be denied boarding due to health and safety concerns.
Final Thoughts
Every airline is different, and international travel adds another layer of rules. When planning a trip with your pup:
✅ Check airline policies
✅ Review destination country import laws
✅ Consider your dog’s breed, age, and size
With the right prep, your travel experience can be smooth and safe — for both you and your dog!
