Most major airlines restrict or outright ban brachycephalic (short-nosed, flat-faced) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Persian cats, and Himalayan cats from cargo transport because their airway structure makes them prone to respiratory distress and overheating during flight. Some airlines allow these breeds in climate-controlled cabin travel only, if size permits, but ban them entirely from the cargo hold.

Why brachycephalic breeds are restricted

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) makes flat-faced animals significantly more likely to suffer heat stress, oxygen deprivation, or cardiac events under the stress and altitude changes of air travel. Because of this, most carriers have moved to blanket restrictions rather than case-by-case veterinary review.

Commonly restricted dog and cat breeds

While exact lists vary by airline, the following breeds are the most frequently banned from cargo and sometimes restricted from cabin travel as well:

  • Dogs: English and French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, Chow Chows, Japanese Chin, Brussels Griffon.
  • Cats: Persians, Himalayans, Burmese, Exotic Shorthairs, British Shorthairs (in some cases).

It's worth checking the IATA Live Animals Regulations manual, which many carriers reference as the baseline standard even when their individual policies go further.

Cabin vs. cargo: where restrictions differ

Some airlines that ban brachycephalic breeds from cargo still allow them in the cabin as carry-on pets, provided the animal fits in an approved soft-sided carrier. Professional shippers such as Starwood Pet Travel's dog transport services routinely assess whether a flat-faced breed qualifies for cabin travel versus needing an alternative routing.

Working around breed restrictions

If your pet's breed is restricted, options include booking cabin travel where size and airline policy allow it, using a pet-only charter service, choosing airlines with less restrictive policies for that specific breed, or traveling during cooler months or overnight flights to reduce heat-related risk. Shippers with broad international networks, including UK-based PetAir UK and Australia's Jet Pets, often maintain relationships with multiple carriers precisely so they can route restricted breeds through an airline that will accept them.

Size and weight restrictions beyond breed

Breed isn't the only factor — many airlines also cap the combined weight of pet plus crate for cargo travel, and some routes are restricted seasonally regardless of breed due to temperature.

Are brachycephalic breeds banned everywhere, or just on certain airlines?

Policies vary by airline — some ban these breeds from cargo entirely, others allow cabin travel, and a few permit cargo travel with added veterinary documentation and temperature restrictions.

Can I get a veterinary exception for a restricted breed?

Rarely for cargo; most airlines have moved away from case-by-case exceptions, though a veterinary fitness-to-fly certificate may still be required regardless of breed.

What should I do if my pet's breed is banned on my preferred airline?

Contact a professional pet shipping company to identify alternative carriers, cabin travel options, or private charter services that accept the breed.