Important update for pet owners: Emirates’ yearly restrictions for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds begin 27th March. If you’re planning to travel with a French Bulldog, Pug, Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Persian, Exotic Shorthair (or another snub-nosed breed or cross), this may affect whether Emirates will carry your pet on your planned route.
This can feel frustrating – especially when your own flights are booked and you’re working to a relocation timeline.
The key thing to know is: you still have options, and the right solution is the one that protects your pet’s welfare as well as your schedule.
Why this embargo happens
Brachycephalic pets can be more vulnerable during air travel because of their airway anatomy. Add stress and warmer temperatures, and the risk of breathing difficulty rises – which is why many airlines apply tighter, seasonal rules. Veterinary guidance also highlights the need for careful planning around air transport, particularly for higher-risk pets.
What to do if you’re affected from 27th March
If Emirates was part of your plan, the best next step is to re-plan the routing, rather than trying to force a route that no longer fits the airline’s acceptance criteria. Emirates’ own guidance sets out restrictions for certain breeds and crosses, and these are enforced seasonally.
At PetAir UK, we’ll typically help in one of two ways:
- Find an alternative airline/route that remains compliant and keeps total travel time sensible.
- Offer a lower-stress premium option for suitable cases: our Superior In-Cabin travel option delivered by K9JETS, designed for owners who want the calmest, most controlled journey possible – particularly valuable when cargo routes become restricted.
A quick, practical tip before you rebook anything
Don’t change your own flights first. Pet carriage rules vary by airline, aircraft type, routing and season – and a quick check can save you time, money, and repeated disruption.
The reassurance
If the Emirates embargo starting 27th March has thrown your plans into question, you’re not alone – and you’re not stuck. PetAir can advise on the safest available route for your pet, and when appropriate we can arrange Superior In-Cabin travel delivered by K9JETS so you’re not at the mercy of seasonal cargo restrictions.
K9 JETS is a public charter operator. It is not a scheduled airline, or a direct air carrier, and does not own or operate any aircraft. All flights are operated by licensed U.S. and EU air carriers.
If you tell me the destination (e.g., UAE, Thailand, USA) and the month you’re aiming to fly, I can tighten this further into a short, destination-specific news post for your website and social channels.
