International Travel with a St Bernard: Large Dog Logistics and Airline Cargo Rules
St Bernards are gentle giants with devoted owners, many of whom refuse to leave their dog behind when relocating internationally. The practical challenges are real but not insurmountable. Here is a straightforward guide to the key considerations.
Size and Weight
Adult St Bernards typically weigh between 55 and 80 kg and stand 65 to 90 cm at the shoulder. Combined with the crate, you may be handling total cargo weights of 90 to 120 kg. This places a St Bernard in the same logistical category as Irish Wolfhounds and Great Danes – well outside the range of standard cargo booking processes.
Crate Requirements
You will need a large hard-shell crate or a custom-built wooden crate that meets IATA specifications. The key measurements are:
- Length: nose to base of tail, plus a few centimetres
- Width: width across shoulders, multiplied by 1.5 as a minimum
- Height: from floor to top of ears when standing, plus a few centimetres for clearance
For most adult St Bernards, this means a crate in the Kennel 700 range or a custom wooden build. Custom wooden crates can be made by specialist pet relocation suppliers and are sometimes the only practical option for dogs of this size.
Airlines and Routing
The same constraints that apply to other giant breeds apply here. Wide-body aircraft routes (747, 777, A330, A350) have larger freight compartments and are more likely to accommodate oversized live animal crates. Narrow-body routes (A320, 737) are generally unsuitable.
Work with a specialist IPATA pet relocation agent rather than attempting to book direct. They have established relationships with cargo carriers for large animals and know which routes and which airlines can accommodate the specific dimensions and weight.
Heat Sensitivity
St Bernards have a thick double coat and are a cold-weather breed. They do not tolerate heat well. Summer embargoes and temperature restrictions are particularly relevant for this breed. If you are relocating during warm months, the timing of your flight (early morning, late evening, winter shoulder season) and the routing via a cooler hub can make a meaningful difference.
Discuss with your vet the specific risks of heat stress for your dog and whether any precautions (such as a cooling pad in the crate during ground handling) are appropriate.
Breed Restrictions
St Bernards are not subject to breed-specific legislation in the UK, EU, USA, Australia, Canada or New Zealand. They are not classified as dangerous dogs.
Health Certificate and Timing
Standard documentation (microchip, vaccinations, health certificate, titre test where required by the destination country) applies. Given the logistics involved in arranging a suitable crate and airline slot for a large breed, start the planning process earlier than you would for a standard-sized dog – ideally 6 to 9 months before your intended travel date.
For destination-specific requirements, see the relevant country import guides: