Breeds such as:

French Bulldogs
Pugs
Boston Terriers
English Bulldogs
Shih Tzus

are considered brachycephalic, meaning they have short noses and compact airways. This makes them more sensitive to:

heat
humidity
stress
air pressure changes
prolonged confinement

Because of this, many airlines have strict breed-specific rules — some will not transport brachycephalic dogs at all, while others allow them only under certain temperature and safety conditions.

This does not mean your dog can’t travel. It just means extra planning is required.

Using a Professional Relocation Company: Our Experience With PetRelocation

One of the best decisions we made was hiring PetRelocation to assist with Loki’s export and import process. They handled the complexities of international pet travel that most owners don’t realize exist until it’s too late.

PetRelocation helped us with:

identifying airlines that actually transport brachycephalic dogs
securing a flight route with safe temperatures at every stop
preparing all export and import paperwork
communicating with vets involved in the process
ensuring Loki met every requirement for each airport
coordinating his layover care

For us, this expert guidance removed an enormous amount of stress — and ensured Loki traveled safely according to stricter breed standards.

How Loki Traveled: Cargo, Safe Temperatures, and a Doggy Hotel Layover

Because he is a French Bulldog, Loki could not fly in-cabin. He was approved for cargo travel only with an airline that accepts brachycephalic dogs under controlled conditions.

PetRelocation helped arrange:

a flight path with climate-controlled cargo
temperature checks at all departure, layover, and arrival airports
proper paperwork and inspection
a supervised stay at a dog hotel in Istanbul, Turkey during his layover

This ensured Loki was safe, monitored, and comfortable for the entire journey.

He arrived healthy, happy, and only mildly confused about the time zone — but otherwise himself completely. The process was long and detailed, but entirely worth it.

Step-by-Step Requirements for Moving a Dog Internationally

Every country has its own regulations, but these are the universal steps all pet owners must follow.

1. Microchip Your Dog (ISO Standard 11784/11785)

Most countries require your dog to have an internationally readable microchip before any vaccines or certificates.

If the microchip comes AFTER vaccines, some countries will not accept them.

2. Ensure All Vaccines Are Current — Especially Rabies

Typically required:

Rabies vaccine (must be 21–30 days old before travel)
Annual core vaccines (DHPP/DA2PP)
Sometimes leptospirosis

For many countries, rabies titers are NOT required unless traveling from high-risk regions — but always verify.

3. Work with a Veterinarian Who Has International Travel Experience

This is critical.

Your vet should understand:

export paperwork
international health certificates
USDA/APHIS endorsements (for U.S.-based travelers)
timing of vaccines and documentation
breed-specific flight considerations

A general vet may not be experienced enough for international procedures.

4. Prepare Airline-Approved Travel Crates

Your crate must:

meet IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards
be hard-sided
be large enough for your dog to stand, turn, and lie naturally
include food & water containers
be labeled properly

Airline-Approved Pet Crate Here

For French Bulldogs, crate comfort is extremely important because of their breathing needs. I know this is a pricey crate but this was highly recommended by the PetRelocation team. Make sure you measure your pet to get the right size crate for their needs. I also lined the bottom with puppy pads and a blanket from home, so he could have some comfort on the long journey.

5. Secure an Airline That Accepts Brachycephalic Breeds

This can be the hardest step without a relocation company.

Airlines often:

restrict snub-nosed dogs due to heat stress risk
restrict them during summer months
require temperature-controlled cargo only
require specific aircraft types
limit certain connection cities

PetRelocation handled this for us, and it was worth every penny.

6. Confirm Climate Restrictions

For brachycephalic breeds, flights are often only allowed when:

temperatures are under certain limits at all airports
flights occur during cooler times of day
layovers are protected climates (like Istanbul’s pet hotel)

Dogs like Loki should NOT fly in extreme heat or humidity.

7. Complete All Import/Export Paperwork

This typically includes:

international health certificate
rabies certificate
microchip documentation
import permit (if required by country)
customs forms
airway bill
additional country-specific forms

PetRelocation prepared and submitted all documents on our behalf.

8. Prepare Your Dog for Travel

Crate Training

Begin early — let your dog associate the crate with comfort.

Practice Car Rides

Helps reduce travel anxiety.

Avoid Sedation

Most airlines DO NOT allow sedation in dogs due to respiratory risks — especially brachycephalic dogs.

Keep a Calm Routine

Your dog will feel your stress.

What to Expect on Travel Day

Early check-in
Vet clearance and temperature checks
Cargo placement
Monitoring (if available)
Layover procedures (hotel or pet holding facility)
Customs clearance on arrival

Most dogs handle the journey better than owners expect — especially confident, well-trained dogs like Loki.

Arrival Experience: Loki’s Story

When Loki arrived after his long journey, he was:

alert
curious
surprisingly calm
ready for water, cuddles, and a walk

He adjusted quickly to Thailand’s climate with gradual exposure, cooling tools, and avoiding midday heat.

Seeing him arrive safe made every minute of preparation worth it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Booking flights without checking heat restrictions
Using the wrong crate size
Not microchipping early enough
Vaccines not aligned with travel dates
Trying to coordinate everything without professional help
Flying during peak heat seasons
Choosing budget airlines that don’t handle pets well

These mistakes can delay or even prevent travel — especially for French Bulldogs.

**Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Move Abroad With a French Bulldog**

It requires planning, patience, and professional help, but relocating with a brachycephalic dog is absolutely possible.

For our family, moving Loki internationally wasn’t optional — he is our family. With the right airline, the right crate, proper paperwork, and the support of PetRelocation, he made the journey safely and happily.

If you’re planning to move abroad with a French Bulldog or another snub-nosed breed, preparation is everything. Start early, work with experienced professionals, and don’t take shortcuts when it comes to their safety.

More guides are coming soon on:

Moving pets to Thailand
Preparing for hot-weather climates
Airline comparisons for brachycephalic breeds
How to crate train for long-haul flights
Family travel abroad with pets

Link to the Doggy Lounge on Turkish Airlines: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMkb3bERqh3/?igsh=NTRlbDNldmlxZTVm

Why French Bulldogs and Brachycephalic Breeds Require Extra Planning