Brachycephalic Breeds Regulations
Brachycephalic breeds of dogs and cats are typically purebred animals with shortened or flattened noses. These breeds are known as: brachycephalic, snub-nosed or flat-faced breeds.
These breeds are becoming extremely popular around the world, but when choosing to adopt one of these breeds be aware that they have a significantly higher risk of health complications due to their short snouts which can result in a compromised respiratory system. This condition is known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
Symptoms of BOAS are:
Noisy Breathing
Snoring
Coughing
Reverse Sneezing
Nasal Congestion
Shortness of Breath
High Blood Pressure
Low oxygen concentration in blood
Fainting or collapsing
Excessive flatulence (from gulping air)
Exercise Intolerance
Animals that suffer from BOAS experience breathing difficulties which can intensify during exercise, warmer conditions or when they are anxious due to stress or unfamiliar surroundings.
If BOAS is not handled within the correct manner, it can quickly lead to a life-threatening situation.
It is therefore vital that extra precautions are taken when transporting animals known to be of higher risk of BOAS. To assist you make the decision about tranporting your pet, we highly recommend reading the Brachycephalic Breed information on the RSPCA website, and where possible consult with your vet prior to transport.
The below is a list of breeds known to potentially suffer from BOAS:
DOGS | DOGS | CATS |
Affenpinscher | French Bulldog | Exotic Shorthair |
American Bully | Japanese Chin/Japanese Spaniel | Persian |
American Bulldog | Lhasa Apso | Himalayan |
Australian Bulldog | Neapolitian Mastiff | |
Boston Terrier | Pekingese | |
Boxer | Pug | |
Brussels Griffon/Griffon Bruxellois | Chinese Pug | |
British/English Bulldog | Dutch Pug | |
Chow Chow | Japanese Pug | |
Dogue De Bordeaux | Shih-Zhu (Tsu) (Tzu) | |
English Toy Spaniel/King Charles Spaniel | Tibetan Spaniel | |
French Mastiff | Valley Bulldog |
Our Policy
If you are planning to transport a Brachycephalic breed of animal with Domestic Pet Transport, you (sender and receiver) will be required to acknowledge your animal/s have not shown any symptoms or been treated by a veterinarian for BOAS, respiratory problems and/or heat stress prior to transporation.
Non-Acceptance for Transportation
At Domestic Pet Transport our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our client’s pets while they are in our care. Therefore, sometimes it is not possible for us to accomodate all animals.Domestic Pet Transport staff may decide your pet should not be transported if it be exhibiting any of the following symptoms:
Loud of Unusual breathing
Nasal Congestion
Shortness of breath
Obesity
Unusally hot weather conditions
Signs of over excitement or stress
If your pet ever shows any of the above symptoms at any time, it would be highly recommended that you seriously consider the need to transport your pet. If transportation is unavoidable, it would be recommended to consult with your vet about your pets individual needs and determine the best method of transportation to ensure your pets safety during transport.
Please Note: Domestic Pet Transport’s acceptance of your pet does not absolve you of full liability in the event of an adverse occurence. It is your responsibility to properly assess your pet’s condition and suitablity for transport. At all times when transporting Brachycephalic breeds we recommend consulting your veterinarian prior to transportation.
Additional Precautions taken when Transporting Brachycephalic Breeds
COLLARS AND/OR HARNESSES – As BOAS affects your pets ability to breathe, we recommend any Brachycephalic breed is transported without harnesses, collars or choker chains.
INSURANCE – Domestic Pet Transport has public liability insurance as well as transit insurance, but these insurances do not cover veterinary bills, death or loss associated with BOAS or any other existing condition an animal may have prior to transportation.
AIR CONDITIONING – All Domestic Pet Transport vehicles provide your pet climate control during transportation, however, as previously stated BOAS is not always triggered by heat alone, other factors can also cause this condition, therefore this does not guarantee the wellbeing of your pet during transportation.
EXTREME WEATHER – In the event of extremely hot weather, Domestic Pet Transport reserves the right to postpone or cancel the transportation of seriously affected breeds. Where possible, we will always attempt to contact client’s affected by the decision to postpone or cancel in advance if we have any concerns in relation to the temperature prior to the trip. In these situations, rebooking or refunds can be arranged.
Sadly, BOAS is a condition which can progress extremely rapidly. Your pet can go from seemingly normal to severe heat stress withing a very short timeframe. Unfortunately, the nature of pet transportation means that pets are unable to be monitored at all times, and therefore we cannot guarantee that we would be able to get your pet to a veterinarian quickly enough to save it’s life in the event of heat stroke due to it’s condition.
If an animal in our care requires veterinary attention or passes away due to BOAS during transportation, Domestic Pet Transport will not refund any prepaid transportation fees. This does not absolve Domestic Pet Transport from normal duty of care, or liability in the event of Domestic Pet Transport staff being negligent in their care for your pet.
Where Dometic Pet Transport feels the need to seek veterinary attention for your pet, any costs associated with treatment will be your responsibility. We will make every effort to contact the owner to authorise this treatment. If we are unable to contact the owner, you acknowledge Domestic Pet Transport will make the necessary decisions based on veterinary advice and our duty of care for the animal.
Should BOAS be the cause of the need to take your animal to the veterinarian, please be aware that the animal will likely be required to stay at the vets for an extended period of time. In these instances, Domestic Pet Transport will not be able to wait for treatment to be finalise, and this may result in additional costs to the owner for extended care, boarding and/or alternative transporation to complete the journey.
If you are unsure if your dog or cat classifies as a Brachycephalic breed, please contact us.