Interstate Pet Transport for Brachycephalic Pets
At Jetpets, your furbaby’s safety, comfort and welfare during travel is our number one priority. Travelling by air can require additional care for certain breeds, particularly brachycephalic pets (also known as snub-nosed breeds).
With over 30 years of experience in interstate and international pet transport, Jetpets understands the additional care and planning required when flying brachycephalic pets across Australia or around the world.
Transporting Snub Nosed Breeds
Brachycephalic pets such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, British Bulldogs, Boxers, Boston Terriers and Persian cats can be more sensitive to heat and stress due to their shorter airways. Jetpets has strict guidelines that we follow and we assess each of these breeds eligibility for transport on a case-by case basis.
Many airlines including Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia and selected International carriers also have very specific guidelines that must be followed when transporting these breeds.
At Jetpets, the safety and wellbeing of every pet is our highest priority. Jetpets works closely with our airline partners and follows strict internal welfare protocols to ensure brachycephalic pets travel as safely and comfortably as possible.
All of our transportation services are carefully managed in line with the International Air Transport Association Live Animals Regulations (LAR) and the standards set by the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA).
Our experienced team, supported by in-house veterinarians, trained pet handlers and airline-approved travel equipment, ensures every pet’s journey is carefully planned and monitored.
Additional Care for Brachycephalic Pet Travel
Because brachycephalic pets may be more sensitive to temperature and airflow, airlines will require bookings to be arranged through an approved pet transport specialist like Jetpets.
Our experienced pet travel consultants coordinate every part of the journey including:
- Airline flight bookings
- Airline-approved travel crates
- Temperature-sensitive flight planning
- Veterinary checks and welfare assessments
- Airport handling and ground transport
Before confirming any pet travel, each pet undergoes a Jetpets welfare risk assessment, ensuring they are suitable to fly and that their journey can be planned with their safety and wellbeing as our number one priority.
What You Need To Know – Rules for Brachycephalic Breeds
For Domestic or Overseas Pet Transportation, the following airline policies generally apply:
- Jetpets policy stipulates that transport is only available from selected Jetpets approved travel ports.
- Jetpets will also determine the eligibility of your pet’s travel based on their specific breed, health, age and any pre-existing conditions, noting we may not be able to provide transport services in certain circumstances.
- Jetpets policy requires that pets must be a minimum of 12 weeks old and undergo an assessment before flying.
- Jetpets policy stipulates that we must use a larger crate for additional airflow and ventilation
- Airlines will not accept direct bookings from the public. Travel must be arranged through an approved pet transport specialist such as Jetpets.
- Travel itineraries cannot include transfers between different airlines.
- Flights must remain with the same carrier for the entire journey.
- Flight schedules are carefully selected to avoid heat exposure, with early morning departures preferred wherever possible.
Veterinary Oversight for Brachycephallic Pets
Animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do. Jetpets has experienced in-house veterinarians who support our operations and provide guidance on pet travel requirements. They are located at our Transit lounges in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.
Our veterinary team assists with:
- Assessing brachycephalic breeds history and required documentation for safe travel
- Advising on health considerations before flights are approved
- Supporting with any travel documentation where required
- Providing reassurance for pet owners with anxious pets
Having veterinary expertise within the Jetpets team ensures that animal welfare decisions are always prioritised throughout the transport process.
Temperature Safety & Seasonal Travel Policies
Jetpets has strict policies designed to protect brachycephalic pets from heat exposure during air travel. During the summer months (December to March), brachycephalic pets must generally be scheduled on early morning flights departing from our approved travel ports before 9am, regardless of the daily temperature forecast.
During the cooler months April through November, if the forecast temperature exceeds 28°C, pets must also travel on early morning departures. These policies help minimise the risk of heat exposure and ensure your furbaby travels during the coolest and safest part of the day.
In the case of severe rain, storms or unexpected weather conditions, your Jetpets pet travel consultant will contact you to adjust your pet’s travel schedule if necessary. Boarding arrangements can also be organised should your pet need to travel on an alternate day.
At all times, your pet’s safety, comfort and welfare remain our highest priority.
Pet Travel Experience You Can Trust
With over 30 years of experience in interstate and international pet transport, Jetpets is a trusted leader in pet travel across Australia. Jetpets is also proud to be the first pet transport company in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve the IATA CEIV Live Animals Certification.
This globally recognised accreditation ensures the highest standards of care in animal transport, covering:
- Animal welfare protocols
- Staff training and handling procedures
- Travel environment standards
- Documentation and compliance requirements
Our CEIV Live Animals Certification reflects our commitment to delivering safe, professional and welfare-led pet transport services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachy Pet Transport
Q: My pet isn’t listed as a restricted breed. Can they still travel?
Yes. If your pet is not listed as a restricted brachycephalic breed, they may still travel provided they meet Jetpets’ welfare and airline assessment requirements. Cross-breeds are typically assessed individually.
Q: Can I book my pet directly with Qantas or Virgin Australia?
No. Airlines will not accept direct bookings for pet travel. All bookings must be arranged through an approved pet transport specialist such as Jetpets.
Q: How old does my pet need to be to fly ?
Jetpets requires pets to be a minimum of 12 weeks of age before they can travel by air.
Q: Why do brachycephalic pets require additional precautions?
Flat-faced breeds have shorter nasal passages which can make them more sensitive to heat, humidity and stress. Airlines therefore apply additional welfare precautions when transporting these breeds.
Q: Can brachycephalic dogs fly with Qantas or Virgin Australia?
In many cases they can, however airlines require bookings to be arranged through an approved pet transport provider like Jetpets to ensure all welfare policies and travel guidelines are followed.
For more frequently asked questions relating brachycephalic specific pet travel, click here to visit our Resource Hub.
