We are planning to shift to Canada. We have a pug named Leo who cannot go by plane as brachycephalic dog breeds are not permitted to travel by most airlines. We cannot leave him behind so the only option is to travel by ship from India to Canada. But we do not know of any way to travel by ship. Can anyone offer guidance on this issue?
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A similar previous question: Journey from India (Bombay/Mumbai) to USA on ship gives some useful leads.– Weather VaneCommented Aug 16, 2019 at 11:43
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1With one of our dogs [mixed race but resembling a Shih-Tzu, i.e. also having a "flat face"] I found out that Lufthansa is relatively pet-friendy [I have made 2 intercontinental moves [neither to/from India/Canada, though] having the above dog in the cabin]. So, while I don't know about their current policy, and while I do recognize that a pug may be even more challenging, unless you already did, please check with them! The travel is anyway so long [regardless from where in India and to where in Canada] that e.g flying via Frankfurt [and resting a few days there in between] would make sense.– TuomoCommented Aug 16, 2019 at 13:46
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1Note that there are reports that it is no longer possible for passengers to embark or disembark on a cargo ship in India. If so, you would have to travel overland to... Dhaka, maybe? Karachi? (As far as I know, there is currently no ferry service to Sri Lanka, and the borders with Myanmar and China can be tricky.)– Michael SeifertCommented Aug 16, 2019 at 14:46
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It would help if your dog was classified as a service animal. That way it could travel with you and won't cost you a dime either.– nikhilCommented Sep 1, 2020 at 3:43
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any updates finally how did you managed to go?– Aniket SaveCommented Aug 24, 2021 at 8:46
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2 Answers
Have you looked into in-cabin travel for your pet? A few airlines do allow pets to travel in-cabin on international flights. See this Q&A on this site (which may be a bit out of date by this point), this 2016 guide from dogjaunt.com, and this more recent run-down of airline policies (focusing on North-American-based airlines.)
In-cabin travel is generally considered less risky for brachycephalic breeds than cargo-hold travel, and airlines will allow some breeds in the cabin that aren't allowed in the hold. For example, Air Canada bars brachycephalic breeds from the cargo hold, but has no such restriction for in-cabin travel, and Air France allows it as well (though they note that there is still a risk and encourage you to consult with your veterinarian.)
In general, this will only work if your dog is under a certain weight (pugs are small breeds, but I've known some tubby pugs who wouldn't meet some of these limits) and will fit comfortably in an under-seat carrier. If this might be feasible, and you haven't done so already, I would call as many airlines as you can and inquire about their policies before resorting to the hassle of freighter or cruise ship travel.
answered Aug 16, 2019 at 15:03
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Good advice above! To add, sorry for repeating myself, but I would recommend first checking with Lufthansa. [I am not German, I don't work for them etc.] lufthansa.com/de/en/travelling-with-animals. Site also includes dedicated info on "snub-nosed" dogs. With my smaller dog in the cabin, my bigger dog has traveled in their cargo hold. Also on two inter-continental flights. The cabin crew was professional about dog travel! On board before taxing they told me they checked the she was aboard. During the flight they frequently went to check that she was fine, and kept me up-to-date.– TuomoCommented Aug 16, 2019 at 23:52
Unfortunately it could be very difficult and costly.
Personally I would check with airlines and cargo airlines about solution. Often there are much more possibilities (with extra prices).
Cruise ships usually do not allows pets (but for blind people, and often not in such case: a dog cannot help in case of emergency, so now cruise ships requires an accompanying person).
There is one lines/cruise ship: Queen Elizabeth of Cunard which allow dogs in kennels (you may visit it just for limited time, every day). But this ships do usually UK to US (and back).
Cargo ships are also a possibility, but it would often not be comfortable (across the pacific ocean). Or car + train to UK.
So I think it will be much easier to check possibilities with plane, and look for specialized pet transport companies.
answered Aug 16, 2019 at 13:12
