Pugs Require a Travel Carrier 1 to 2” larger than other breeds. Breathing, dry-eye, mobility and the tendency to over-heat quickly require special attention to the carrier and the Airline you choose.
Do Pugs and Snub Nose Pets Need a Special Carrier for Travel?
Yes, Airlines recommend a Pug carrier 1 to 2 inches larger than for other breeds. Breathing issues, dry-eyes, mobility issue and the tendency to over-heat quicker require special attention to the carrier you choose.
You Pug need a larger size than standard. A flexible, soft-sided carrier better suit snub nose breeds. These carriers have more room, thus more ventilation available, the top 1 or 2 inches are compressible allowing them to fit under the seat for take off and landing and, a bit more room to turn around inside when on the aircraft.
You know your Pug, that sweet little face is so special to so many and we know that Snub-Nose breeds have a few innate traits that not only make them adorable but, also require special attention when traveling.
Pugs, Lhasa Apsos, Pekinese, Shih Tzu, Bulldogs, Persian Cats and many more of breed are renowned for their companionship, loyalty, individuality, championship-winning build, but it’s that adorable little face that also gives them issues when traveling.
The right Pet travel carrier for a Pug or other snub-nosed Dog or Cat has the qualities that cater to their tendency to have breathing issues, difficulty regulating body temperature—that is, cooling off quick enough to maintain body temperature and some mobility issues.
How to Choose the Right Pet Carrier for Pugs and Other Snub Nose Dogs
Below I have compiled a list of all the Airlines that fly Snub Nose breeds IN-CABIN and their carrier dimensions.
Although I am a full-time Pet Parent and full-time traveler, my site CompanionPetTravel.com is about destination guides. My devotion to this site is helping other travels, new and seasoned, with the logistics of Travel with Pets, making is as smooth as possible.
To that End, I have researched the carriers that fulfill all the needs of a Snub Nose Dog (or Cat), surveyed many other Pet Parents gathering information on what airlines and carriers works for them and their Pets. Animal Travelers on Facebook is a great resource–I’ll see you there
Now, you don’t need a lesson on all the brachycephalic breed’s inherent traits that not only make this Dog a wonderful companion but, or their vulnerabilities. If you do need more information, I recommend the American Kennel Club (AKC) for that information.
You know your Dog (or Cat) and their Breed so, let’s talk about what Pet Carriers meet their needs and are ideal for Pug, Bulldogs, Shih Tzu and all of the Snub Nose breeds.
What to Look for Choosing a Travel Carrier for Snub Nose Dogs:
Proper Ventilation for their tendency toward breathing issues and dry eyes and tendency to over-heat quicker than others. Ventilation screens on at least 3 sides is best, the one I use often is the Petmate See & Extend. It has large vents screens on all 4 sides.
An IATA compliant pet carrier that is one standard size larger, or 1-2″ additional space. Most airlines require or at least recommend one size larger for Pugs.
Additional Space for potential mobility issues. Snub nose Dogs need a bit more room to allow them to turn around in a small space.
Look for Airline-approved and most importantly, International Air Transport Association (IATA) compliant tendency to over-heat quicker than other breeds.
Snub nose Dogs weight averages 9-13 lbs, pushing the limit for some Airline requirements In-Cabin so, a lightweight carrier is essential. The average weight of airline carriers surveyed is 3lbs. Look for one as light as possible giving more allowance for your Dog’s weight. The maximum weight allowed by airlines is often the combination of your Dog and Carrier so, the lighter the carrier the more weight allowance for your Dog.
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1. Petmate See and Extend Pet Carrier
- This Carrier is 18″ X 11″ X 11″.
- The 11 inch height allows the extra space Airlines require for a Snub Nose Dog. The extra height allows for Compression to fit under the Airline seat but, also allow a bit of extra space elsewhere in the airport, hotels and taxis.
- Ventilation on the top, sides.
- The extendable sides allow for that extra room on airlines that allow your Pet to fly in the footprint of the seat or on your lap (yes, there are these Airlines—I list them below).
- Snub nose Dog’s average weight is 9-13 lbs, pushing the limit for some Airline requirements In-Cabin so, a lightweight carrier is essential. This one weighs about 1lb and fits up to 15 lbs Dogs.
- 4-Sided Ventilation. No matter what the carrier is fitting next to, it will have ventilation elsehwere.
- Folds down to about 2 inches so it’s easy to store
2. Mr. Peanut’s Expandable Airline Approved Soft Sided Pet Carrier
- Dimensions: 18″ x 10.5″ x 11″ inches–Compressible on the plane and expandable for use at the hotel, taxis and home. This versatility is worth the additional money for those longer international flights, at the hotel and in a taxi or ferry.
- 3-Sided Ventilation. Mesh windows for ventilation.
- Locking zippers for safety,
- Weighs 2.7 pounds
- Seat Belt Strap, machine-washable
- Faux Lambskin Liner
- Spring Wire Frame allows the carrier to compress several inches to fit under-seat allowances.
- Telescoping Handle is Ergonomic
- Fits Snub Nose Dogs Up to 25 pounds
3. Mr. Peanuts Rhodium
- I use this one often. It has Large Mesh Ventilation/Windows on 3 Sides.
- I really appreciate the Privacy Cover.
- Fits More Airlines than many others (use chart link).
- BONUS: Since it weighs only 2.7lbs, it provides more allowance for airline weight requirements. This carrier is Airline-Approved for Snub Nose Dogs Up to 18lbs
- My two fur-babies do not like the feeling of being surrounded. I think they appreciate the carrier as a sanctuary. The privacy cover help keeps them calm. Once acclimated to this carrier, they have privacy and ventilation.
- This one is made with a very sturdy wire frame to eliminate that sinking fabric found on other carriers that have a less structured frame, but still compressible.
AIRLINES THAT ALLOW PUGS AND SNUB NOSE PETS IN-CABIN
| AIRLINEs Flying Snub Nose Dogs and Cats IN Cabin | Restrictions on Dogs or Cats Flying IN Cabin and Pet Crate Sizes for International Flights | Restrictions for Dogs or Cats Flying IN Cabin and Pet Crate Sizes for DOMESTIC Flights |
|---|---|---|
| UNITED $125usd Each Way | Yes Soft=18”Lx11”Wx11”H Hard=17.5″Lx12”Wx7.5”H | Yes Soft=18”Lx11”Wx11″”H Hard=17.5’Lx12”Wx7.5”H |
| LUFTHANSA 17.6lbs Max w/ Carrier Domestic=$57usd Int’l-$69-$150usd | Yes Soft Sided Only 22″L x 16″W x 9″H | Yes Soft Sided Only 22″L x 16″W x 9″H |
| SOUTH WEST $95usd Each Way | No Snub Nose Pets Allowed In Cabin | Yes 18.5”Lx8.5”Hx13.5”W |
| KLM 17.6lbs Max w/ Carrier $88-$465usd Each Way | Yes 18″Lx11″Hx9.5″W | Yes 18″Lx11″Hx9.5″W |
| ALASKA AIR $105usd Each Way | Yes 17″L x 11″Hx 7.5″W | Yes 17″L x 11″H x 7.5″W |
| KOREAN AIR 15.5lbs Max w/ Carrier $150-$300usd Each Way | Yes Sum Total (LxHxW=45″ Soft Max Height=10″ Hard Max Height=8″ | Yes Sum Total (LxHxW=45″ Soft Max Height=10″ Hard Max Height=8″ |
| COPA AIR 20lbs Max w/ Carrier M-F Only for Int’l Int’l=$125 Domestic=$25 | Yes 17″Lx7.5″Hx13″W | Yes 17″Lx7.5″Hx13″W |
| FINNAIR 17lbs Max Europe, Russia & Middle East=$60 Intercontinental= $100 | Yes Soft=22″Lx9″Hx16″W Hard=14″Lx12″Wx8″H | Yes Soft=22″Lx9″Hx16″W Hard=14″Lx12″Wx8″H |
| AIR CANADA Int’l= $100-$120usd Canada & US(Excluding HI= $50-60 | Yes -Except HI Soft=21.5″Lx15.5″Wx 10.5″H Hard=21.5″Lx15.5″Wx9″H | Yes Soft=21.5″Lx15.5″Wx10.5″H Hard=21.5″Lx15.5″Wx 9″H |
| AIR FRANCE 8kg/17lbs w/ Carrier Int’l= | Yes 18″Lx11″Hx9″W | Yes 18″Lx11″Hx9″W |
| AEROMEXICO Dogs Only 7-9kg/15.5-19lbs w/Carrier Int’l-$125 Domestic=$50 | Yes Aircraft E-145= 16″Lx12″Hx 7″W All Other Aircraft= 19″Lx12″Hx 10″W | Yes Aircraft E-145= 16″Lx12″Hx 7″W All Other Aircraft= 19″Lx12″Hx 10″W |
| La COMPAGNIE Dogs and Cats | Yes Up to 33 lbs! All Business Class Limited Departure and Destinations | Cost: Fare is about 8k Your Pet’s Fare is 10% of your Ticket Price |
| JSX Airlines | Snub Nose Dogs Up to 65 lbs! | Cost: Regular Seat Fare Medium and Large Dogs In Cabin will be Travel on the Floor Space Next to Your Seat–All Business Class-Limited Cities |
| Chartered Air Travel with Pets | Large Dogs Accepted and Encouraged. No Weight, No Size Restrictions Average of 5k to 8k for International Flights | You Can Travel with Your Large Dog In-Cabin, More Room on an International Flight with Less Custom Hassle and Little Wait at the Airport |
| AEROLINIUS Book Via: WhatsApp line (54 9 11 4940 4798) Pet Fee: $150 $236 | Yes Up to 20lbs/9kg Pet & Carrier Max: 17″x12″x8″ | Yes Up to 20lbs/9kg Pet w/Carrier: 17″x12″x8″ |
| Viva Aerobus Airlines | Yes, 27lbs Max Weight Pet & Carrier Max: 18″x14x8″ | Yes, 27lbs Max Weight Pet & Carrier Max: 18″x14x8″ |
| TAP Portugal Soft-Sided Carriers Only | Yes, 17lb Max Weight w. Carrier | Yes, 17lb Max Weight w. Carrier |
| avianca air Pet Fee: $70 to $220 | Yes 22lbs Max Weight w/ Carrier Max Carrier Dimensions: 16″x13″x7″ | Yes 22lbs Max Weight w/ Carrier Max Carrier Dimensions: 16″x13″x7″ |
Airlines recommend a Snub Nose Pet carrier that is 1 to 2 inches larger than for other breeds. Breathing issues, dry-eye, mobility issue and the tendency to over-heat quicker. The standard size for Dogs In-Cabin is 22”Lx14”Wx 9” and 8kg or 17lbs for your Pet’s weight. So, special attention to the carrier you choose is important.
How to Get Through TSA Security Check Point with Your Pet
Your pet must go through TSA Security. Some airports allow a private screening in a separate room so you can remove and replace your pet in a secure room.
You can either have your pet on a leash and walk them into the screener or carry your pet through.
Place your Bags, shoes first. Separate your pet food items and electronics in another bin.
Keep your lease/harness on the outside of the carrier. When you put your bags on the conveyor belt, you don’t want to scramble to get your leash.
TSA may ask you to remove their collar. Collars with metal such as clasps or Rabies Tags will be detected, and you may be subject to additional pat-down or inspection.
A Velcro-type harness works well instead of a collar with metal.
Put the carrier on the x-ray conveyor belt first so, it is ready when you get through security, and you don’t have to wait to put your pet back in its carrier.
Even for Cats that you intend to carry through, have a harness/leash on them. If you are picked for screening, often TSA Agents may not easily let you place your pet back in the carrier before your pat-down.
Working Canines are regularly at Security Check Points. Keep a leash handy even if you intend to carry your pet through an x-ray. Often, the presence of a working dog can scare or spook your pet.
RELATED: Extreme Temperature Restrictions for Pet on Airlines
SEE ALSO, Where Do Dogs Pee on an Airplane?
OR, for more information on flying with Pugs and other Snub Nose Pets: Airlines that Allow Snub-Nose Dogs and Cats In Cabin in 2022
