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United Airlines Announces 21 Dog Breeds That Won’t Be Allowed on Its Airplanes

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A small dog in a suitcase won't be allowed on United Airlines.
Brian Johnson & Dane Kantner

After the tragic death of a French bulldog on one of its flights earlier this year, United Airlines has updated its policy on what dog breeds it will accept on its aircraft.

It just announced 21 dog breeds will be banned from flying on its airlines, citing that they are more likely to experience physical ailments from the heat or travel-induced stress.

Related: The Pet Polices of Top Airlines You Need to Know About

The move comes after the enormous backlash United Airlines received when a flight attendant reportedly told a customer she must put her French bulldog in the overhead compartment during a flight. The dog, named Kokito, died as a result.

Image Credit: Instagram/kokito_the_savage

The airline took responsibility for the death, issuing this statement at the time. “This was a tragic accident that should never have occurred, as pets should never be placed in the overhead bin,” the statement reads. “We assume full responsibility for this tragedy and express our deepest condolences to the family and are committed to supporting them.”

Related: What Owners Need to Do to Keep Their Dog Safe While Flying on an Airplane

Since then, United Airlines has been working with animal-welfare organization American Humane to improve its pet policies. The airline will resume transporting animals on July 9, but the below breeds (some were already banned) will not be allowed on its flights. (There were also four cat breeds — Burmese, exotic shorthair, Himalayan, and Persian — prohibited.)

  1. Affenpinscher
  2. American Bully
  3. American Pit Bull Terrier/Pit Bull
  4. American Staffordshire Terrier/”Amstaff”
  5. Belgian Malinois
  6. Boston Terrier
  7. Boxer
  8. Brussels Griffon
  9. Bulldog
  10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  11. Chow Chow
  12. English Toy Spaniel/Prince Charles Spaniel
  13. Japanese Chin/Japanese Spaniel
  14. Lhasa Apso
  15. Mastiff
  16. Pekingese
  17. Pug
  18. Shar-Pei/Chinese Shar-Pei
  19. Shih-Tzu
  20. Staffordshire Bull Terrier/”Staffys”
  21. Tibetan Spaniel

By Andrea Huspeni

Andrea Huspeni is the founder and CEO of This Dog's Life. Her mission it to help dogs live a happier, healthier and longer life. When she isn't working, she spends time with her two dogs, Lola and Milo. She resides in Brooklyn, NY.

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