Travelling Internationally with an English Bulldog: What You Must Know
If you own an English Bulldog, you have probably already discovered that air travel with them is complicated. This breed sits at the top of almost every airline’s restricted list, and for good reason. Understanding why – and what your actual options are – is essential before you start planning an international move.
The Breathing Problem
English Bulldogs are brachycephalic: their skulls are shortened and their airways are compressed as a result. Many have narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and a narrow trachea. Under normal conditions, most Bulldogs breathe adequately. Under stress, heat, or exertion, the same anatomy can become life-threatening.
Aircraft cargo holds are pressurised and temperature-controlled – but they are also stressful environments. The noise, vibration, and unfamiliarity cause elevated heart rate and breathing effort. For a dog with already-compromised airways, this combination has led to serious incidents.
Airline Policies: The Current Landscape
The picture changes regularly. As of May 2026:
- Most major US carriers (United, American, Delta) do not accept English Bulldogs in cargo at all
- Some airlines (notably certain Middle Eastern and Asian carriers) still accept brachycephalic breeds under specific conditions – health certificate, temperature limits, specific crate design
- Cabin policies vary: some airlines allow small Bulldogs in cabin if under the weight limit, but English Bulldogs typically exceed cabin weight limits by adulthood
Do not rely on cached or general information. Call the airline’s cargo or special cargo desk directly and get confirmation in writing before booking.
The Vet’s Role
Before any flight, your vet needs to assess your Bulldog specifically for fitness to fly. Ask for a written fitness-to-fly declaration. Some vets will decline to provide this for severe BOAS cases. That is the vet’s professional judgement, not a bureaucratic obstacle.
If your Bulldog has had BOAS corrective surgery (nares widening, soft palate resection), document this and mention it to the airline. Some carriers may take a different view for surgically corrected animals.
Alternative Approaches
When air freight is not possible:
- Ferry routes: London to Spain (Brittany Ferries), UK to Ireland (Irish Ferries), UK to France via P&O. Your Bulldog travels in a vehicle or in the pet area, avoiding the stress of cargo holds entirely.
- Chartered pet transport: For some routes, specialist operators use smaller aircraft with different hold configurations. Not cheap, but sometimes the only viable option.
- Slower relocation via ship: Some container shipping lines allow pets in appropriate containers for long-haul moves.
Countries That Ban Bulldogs
Several countries restrict or ban English Bulldogs at the border regardless of airline policy:
- Denmark bans English Bulldogs under its Animal Welfare Act (2010)
- Various other countries have welfare-based import restrictions on extreme brachycephalic dogs
Check the destination country’s rules as well as the airline’s – both need to permit your dog for the move to work.
Always verify airline and country policies before making any bookings. Policies change, and the consequences of a last-minute refusal are severe.