ir transportation of brachycephalic dog breeds poses a significant challenge due to airline policies restricting their movement in certain cases. Therefore, a program has been developed in which qualified veterinarians conduct Fit-to-Fly Assessments, and BaggagePets has experts to grant the BOAS certificate.
The importance of having the BOAS Certificate
Ensuring the humane and safe transportation of brachycephalic breeds involves identifying pets inappropriate for air travel, especially those severely affected by Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). This determination is achieved through a specific evaluation, the IPATA Fit-to-Fly Assessment Sheet, conducted by a certified veterinarian.
It is crucial to differentiate between a typical brachycephalic pet and one suffering from BOAS, where “brachycephalic” refers to a dog with a “short skull.” It is important to note that less than 5% of brachycephalic dogs in our data show severe BOAS symptoms.
¿What does the BOAS certificate guarantee?
BOAS encompasses various anatomical abnormalities causing airway obstruction, including narrow nasal openings, an elongated soft palate, a fleshy and thick tongue, abnormalities in the larynx (voice box), and a narrow trachea.
IPATA’s Research and Development (R&D) Task Force has introduced the Brachycephalic Fit-To-Fly Assessment, designed to individually assess the overall health and qualify the respiratory function of the animal (BOAS assessment). Animals identified with severe respiratory compromise are considered unfit for air travel.
This assessment supports the widespread belief that certain brachycephalic breeds, such as all Bulldogs (French, English, American, Australian), Pugs, and Boston Terriers, pose a higher risk and require more thorough scrutiny than other flat-nosed breeds.
The BOAS Certification Program ensures consistency in veterinary assessments, emphasizing the importance of identifying the small number of animals unsuitable for air travel throughout the process. Another reason to trust BaggagePets, not only for our extensive experience but also for all the official certifications that endorse our professionalism to ensure compliance with all regulations for pets to travel safely.
