Does every short-nosed dog or cat have BOAS?

No. Brachycephalic describes a shortened skull or facial structure, while BOAS refers to a respiratory condition associated with airway obstruction. The severity varies between individuals, and veterinary evaluation is important.

Can a brachycephalic pet fly safely?

Some brachycephalic pets may be considered for air travel after appropriate evaluation, while others may face unacceptable risks. Suitability depends on the individual pet, veterinary findings, airline policies, and travel arrangements. No assessment can guarantee a risk-free journey.

Is a BOAS assessment required for every airline?

No single requirement applies to every airline or itinerary. Requirements vary by carrier, breed, route, and transport method. We help determine what documentation and assessments are applicable to the proposed journey.

Does Continental Pet Relocation perform BOAS assessments?

No. We have completed the IPATA BOAS Certification Program for pet transportation professionals, but we do not provide veterinary diagnoses or medical Fit-to-Fly certifications. Those evaluations must be performed by appropriately qualified veterinarians.

What if my regular veterinarian is not an IPATA-certified BOAS assessor?

Your regular veterinarian can discuss your pet’s health and travel risks with you. However, if an official IPATA Fit-to-Fly assessment is required, you should confirm whether the veterinarian is qualified to complete that specific assessment. We can help you understand the process and investigate appropriate assessment options.

What if my airline does not require a BOAS assessment?

Even when an airline does not specifically require an assessment, discussing air travel with your veterinarian is a prudent step. A pet’s medical needs should be considered separately from the airline’s minimum acceptance requirements.

Can my pet travel in the cabin instead of the cargo hold?

Possibly, depending on the pet’s size, the airline’s cabin policies, the carrier dimensions, and the route. Cabin travel is not automatically available for every pet or itinerary, so the options must be confirmed with the airline.

What happens if my pet does not pass the assessment?

If a veterinarian determines that your pet should not fly, that finding must be taken seriously. We can discuss whether postponing the trip or exploring practical alternatives is possible. We will not represent an animal as medically fit to fly against the veterinary findings.

How far in advance should I start planning?

As early as possible. Several weeks or months may be needed, depending on the destination, documentation, veterinary assessment, airline restrictions, and flight availability. More complex international relocations may require considerably longer.

Does an assessment guarantee airline acceptance?

No. Veterinary findings are only one part of the process. The airline must also approve the pet under its own current policies, and all other transport and documentation requirements must be met.

BOAS & Brachycephalic Pet Travel | Continental Pet Relocation

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At Continental Pet Relocation, your pet's health, safety, and well-being are our highest priorities. We understand that brachycephalic, or short-nosed, dogs and cats can face additional challenges when traveling by air, particularly during long-distance or international pet relocations. Every pet has unique health considerations, which is why we believe each animal deserves an individualized travel plan rather than a standard transportation arrangement.

Our approach combines education, careful planning, veterinary guidance, and coordination with airlines and other transportation partners. We help pet owners understand potential respiratory risks, identify appropriate veterinary assessments, and explore domestic and international pet transportation options based on their pet's individual circumstances. Whether you are relocating with a French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug, Persian cat, or another short-nosed breed, our goal is to provide clear information and responsible planning throughout the relocation process.

Continental Pet Relocation has completed the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) Brachycephalic (BOAS) Certification Program, which provides specialized education about the risks associated with transporting short-nosed breeds. Our role is to help you navigate the relocation process and coordinate necessary arrangements. Qualified veterinary professionals remain responsible for evaluating your pet's health and determining whether air travel is medically appropriate.

Our IPATA BOAS Certification

Continental Pet Relocation has completed the IPATA Brachycephalic (BOAS) Certification Program, demonstrating our commitment to understanding the additional considerations involved in transporting short-nosed dogs and cats. This specialized program provides education for professional pet transporters on brachycephalic anatomy, respiratory risks, veterinary Fit-to-Fly assessment procedures, and the importance of identifying animals for whom air transportation may not be appropriate.

Our BOAS certification strengthens our ability to recognize when additional veterinary guidance may be necessary, understand the purpose of assessment documentation, and coordinate brachycephalic pet transportation with greater awareness of the associated risks. This specialized knowledge supports our approach to domestic and international pet relocation, particularly for breeds that may face additional airline restrictions or require individual medical consideration before travel.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a respiratory condition associated with the shortened skull and facial structure of certain dog breeds. These anatomical characteristics can narrow or obstruct the upper airways, making breathing more difficult, particularly during physical exertion, periods of stress, or exposure to warmer temperatures. Common anatomical abnormalities may include narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, excess tissue in the throat, and other airway abnormalities that affect airflow.

Common Brachycephalic Breeds and Respiratory Considerations

Breeds commonly associated with brachycephalic anatomy include:

French Bulldogs
English Bulldogs
Pugs
Boston Terriers
Pekingese
Shih Tzus
Boxers

Certain cats, including Persians and Exotic Shorthairs, may also have shortened facial structures that contribute to respiratory concerns.

Not every short-nosed pet has BOAS, and the severity of respiratory difficulties can vary significantly between individual animals. Signs of possible respiratory compromise may include noisy breathing, snoring while awake, excessive panting, exercise intolerance, gagging, or difficulty recovering after activity. Some affected pets may appear comfortable during everyday activities but experience greater difficulty when exposed to additional stress or heat. Because outward appearance alone cannot reliably determine the severity of an animal's airway problems, a veterinary examination is an important part of responsible brachycephalic pet travel planning.

Does every short-nosed dog or cat have BOAS?
No. Brachycephalic describes a shortened skull or facial structure, while BOAS refers to a respiratory condition associated with airway obstruction. The severity varies between individuals, and veterinary evaluation is important.
Can a brachycephalic pet fly safely?
Some brachycephalic pets may be considered for air travel after appropriate evaluation, while others may face unacceptable risks. Suitability depends on the individual pet, veterinary findings,
airline policies, and travel arrangements. No assessment can guarantee a risk-free journey.
Is a BOAS assessment required for every airline?
No single requirement applies to every airline or itinerary. Requirements vary by carrier, breed, route, and transport method. We help determine what documentation and assessments are applicable to the proposed journey.
Does Continental Pet Relocation perform BOAS assessments?
No. We have completed the IPATA BOAS Certification Program for pet transportation professionals, but we do not provide veterinary diagnoses or medical Fit-to-Fly certifications. Those evaluations must be performed by appropriately qualified veterinarians.
What if my regular veterinarian is not an IPATA-certified BOAS assessor?
Your regular veterinarian can discuss your pet’s health and travel risks with you. However, if an official IPATA Fit-to-Fly assessment is required, you should confirm whether the veterinarian is qualified to complete that specific assessment. We can help you understand the process and investigate appropriate assessment options.
What if my airline does not require a BOAS assessment?
Even when an airline does not specifically require an assessment, discussing air travel with your veterinarian is a prudent step. A pet’s medical needs should be considered separately from the airline’s minimum acceptance requirements.
Can my pet travel in the cabin instead of the cargo hold?
Possibly, depending on the pet’s size, the airline’s cabin policies, the carrier dimensions, and the route. Cabin travel is not automatically available for every pet or itinerary, so the options must be
confirmed with the airline.
What happens if my pet does not pass the assessment?
If a veterinarian determines that your pet should not fly, that finding must be taken seriously. We can discuss whether postponing the trip or exploring practical alternatives is possible. We will not represent an animal as medically fit to fly against the veterinary findings.
How far in advance should I start planning?
As early as possible. Several weeks or months may be needed, depending on the destination, documentation, veterinary assessment, airline restrictions, and flight availability. More complex international relocations may require considerably longer.
Does an assessment guarantee airline acceptance?
No. Veterinary findings are only one part of the process. The airline must also approve the pet under its own current policies, and all other transport and documentation requirements must be met.

If you are planning an international or domestic move with a short-nosed dog or cat, early

preparation is especially important. Airline restrictions and veterinary assessment requirements

can limit the available options, so waiting until the last minute may make travel more difficult to

arrange.

We recommend the following steps:

Step 1: Contact us early.

Provide your pet’s breed, age, weight, origin, destination, and anticipated travel date. This allows

us to begin reviewing potential routes and transportation options.

Step 2: Speak with your veterinarian.

Discuss your pet’s respiratory health, medical history, and the potential risks of air travel. Ask

whether a BOAS or Fit-to-Fly assessment is appropriate and identify any additional evaluations

your veterinarian recommends.

Step 3: Complete the required assessment and documentation.

Where applicable, we help coordinate the assessment paperwork and communicate the relevant travel details. The assessment must be completed by an appropriately qualified veterinarian.

Step 4: Review airline options.

We investigate available services and applicable breed restrictions, documentation requirements, crate specifications, and seasonal limitations.

Step 5: Prepare your pet for travel.

Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding health, fitness, weight management, and any medical concerns. Allow sufficient time for positive, gradual crate acclimation before

departure.

Step 6: Confirm the arrangements.

Before travel, we review the applicable documentation and transportation requirements with you and the relevant service providers.

Not every trip will be feasible by air. If the veterinary findings or available airline policies

present unacceptable concerns, postponing travel or exploring alternatives may be the more

responsible decision.

A veterinary BOAS or Fit-to-Fly assessment helps evaluate a brachycephalic pet's respiratory function and other health factors relevant to transportation. The IPATA Brachycephalic Certification Program includes a standardized Fit-to-Fly assessment process intended to help identify pets that may be at unacceptable risk during air transport. This assessment must be performed by a veterinarian qualified under the applicable program.

Depending on the assessment process, the veterinarian may evaluate respiratory signs, airway function, body condition, temperament, medical history, and other factors that could affect the animal during travel. A proper BOAS assessment is not simply a visual inspection of a pet's muzzle or breed. It is an individualized veterinary evaluation intended to provide a clearer understanding of the animal's respiratory health and potential travel-related risks.

Continental Pet Relocation helps owners understand the veterinary assessment process, coordinate required documentation, and communicate relevant travel information to the veterinary professional. Our team can also assist in determining which documentation or assessment requirements may apply to a proposed international or domestic relocation.

A veterinary assessment does not guarantee that an airline will accept a pet, nor does it eliminate every risk associated with air travel. Airlines retain their own acceptance policies, and travel arrangements must satisfy all applicable requirements. Not every veterinarian is qualified to perform an official IPATA BOAS assessment, so owners should confirm the qualifications required for their intended airline and transportation arrangements.

Understanding Our Certification and Veterinary Responsibilities

It is important to distinguish between professional pet transportation certification and veterinary certification. Continental Pet Relocation's IPATA BOAS certification applies to our professional training in brachycephalic pet transportation. It does not authorize us to diagnose BOAS, perform veterinary assessments, or independently determine whether an animal is medically fit to fly. These decisions remain the responsibility of qualified veterinary professionals.

We believe responsible pet relocation means understanding when to proceed, when additional evaluation is needed, and when alternative transportation arrangements should be considered. Our certification supports this proactive, safety-focused approach while maintaining a clear distinction between transportation coordination and veterinary medical care.

Why There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Approach to Pet Relocation

Every pet is an individual, and two dogs of the same breed, age, and size may have very different respiratory function, medical histories, stress responses, and transportation needs. One French Bulldog, for example, may have relatively mild respiratory signs, while another may experience significant breathing difficulties during exertion or exposure to heat. Breed alone cannot establish whether an individual animal is suitable for air travel.

The same principle applies to cats with shortened facial structures. Their individual anatomy, health, temperament, and transportation arrangements must all be considered before determining the most appropriate travel options. For this reason, Continental Pet Relocation does not assume that a particular breed is automatically safe to fly or that every pet of the same breed should travel under identical conditions.

Instead, we consider the individual animal, the proposed travel route, available airlines, transportation methods, veterinary recommendations, and applicable airline requirements. Depending on the circumstances, our recommendations may involve obtaining additional veterinary guidance, investigating alternative flight arrangements, considering ground transportation where practical, or discussing whether a journey should be postponed or avoided.

Our goal is not simply to find a flight for your pet. It is to help your family make a responsible transportation decision that considers your pet's individual health, comfort, and welfare throughout the relocation process.

BOAS & Brachycephalic Pet Travel

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