Snub-nosed dogs also called brachycephalic, are some of the most popular dog breeds primarily due to their playful nature and good looks. However, when flying with snub-nosed breeds, they are subject to stricter regulations than other dog breeds. If you want to travel with your furry friend, it can be difficult. Let me look at the airlines that allow snub-nosed dogs.
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Airlines That Allow Snub-Nosed Dogs
One of the primary reasons why most airlines are strict because brachycephalic breeds are because they are prone to heat stroke and breathing issues which can be made worse by travel. Therefore, you have to take safety precautions to keep them safe.
Here are some airlines that will accept your snub-nosed dogs.
Lufthansa Airlines
Lufthansa airlines stopped allowing snub-nosed dogs in the cargo hold in January 2020. However, the dogs are still allowed to fly in the cabin. Ensure that when booking your flight, you let the airline know that your furry friend will tag along. You will be required to book online.
Lufthansa representatives will email you 72 hours before your departure time to let you know whether it is okay to travel with your furry friend. If they approve, you will pay the necessary fees when checking in at the airport. If unsuccessful, you can choose another flight with the airline and wait for their response.
Other regulations imposed by the airline include
- Your dog should be above three months old to be allowed to travel with the airline
- The carrier you are using to transport your dog in should be softly padded and have enough space for your dog to stand in without any restrictions, and it should also be odor-proof and leak-proof
- Your dog’s total weight and carrier should be at most 17.6 pounds
- Have all the necessary documents
KLM Airlines
If you decide to book your flight with KLM, you should know that they have limited space in the aircraft for pets. The number of pets allowed on a particular flight depends on certain factors, such as
- The type of aircraft
- Operating airline
- Destination
KLM allows you to travel with your snub-nosed dog in the cabin or as cargo; however, your pet cannot travel in the hold. They have a list of snub-nosed animals that they can transport on their website. If you have any questions, contact their customer contact center and seek assistance.
Your pet will not be allowed to fly with KLM if it meets any of the following conditions:
- The total weight of your dog plus its carrier should be at most 165 pounds
- You are not traveling on the same flight with your dog
- The country you are flying to does not allow pets to be transported as cargo
Hawaiian Airways
This airline allows snub-nosed dogs to be transported in cargo. The kennel you use should have a solid top and ventilation on four sides. The catch is that the ventilation has to be manufactured, which means you cannot make the ventilation yourself by drilling holes in the kennel.
Other regulations you must abide by include the following:
- The kennel should be one size larger than the one you usually use
- The container should be leakproof and have absorbent bedding
- Your dog should be able to sit, stand, lie, or usually turn in the kennel you provide
- There should be directional arrows indicating “This Side Up,” and labels are written “Live Animal” on the four sides of the kennel. The letters have to be more than an inch tall
- Your health records and vet certificate should be up to date. Ensure that the proof of a rabies vaccine falls within 30 days of your departure date
While you have to abide by the conditions above for the airlines to transport your furry friend, the airline may refuse to board any cats and dogs as long as the temperature, forecasted or actual, is less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the cities along the route.
Copa Airlines
Copa airline allows snub-nosed dogs to be transported in both cabin and cargo. However, if your dog weighs more than 20 pounds, it must travel in Cargo. Also, for them to accept your furry friend, it has to be more than 16 weeks old.
Other regulations that have been put in place by Copa Airlines include the following:
- You will only be allowed to travel with your dog if you are booked on the same flight. You are also allowed to carry only one pet
- Unaccompanied minors or children under 10 cannot travel with their dogs or other pets
- Your dog’s weight plus the weight of the carrier should not be more than 20 pounds
- The container you use should be soft-sided, and it should be able to fit the area that is under your seat at the front. This is where your legs are
- The carrier should have safety latches and be sturdy enough to prevent your furry friend from escaping
- It should have holes for ventilation and be large enough to prevent any part of your pet from being left out
- Have the proper documentation for your dog, including proof of up-to-date vaccinations, proof of good health, entry documents for your country of destination, and a duly filled copy of the terms and conditions Copa air forms for flying with your dog
You should also know that this airline does not allow pets in the executive class, and only 3 pets are allowed per flight.
Conclusion
Do you plan on traveling with your snub-nosed dog? While it may be a lot of fun, finding the right airline may be more challenging than expected. Luckily, it is possible. Plenty of airlines are willing to accept your snub-based dog. You simply need to take the necessary precautions. When in doubt, speak to your airline and get their advice.