The Beginning
Ms. Z has lived in Shanghai for eight years. Due to a job transfer, she was moving to Tokyo. The job itself was settled, and she had found an apartment. But one issue had been weighing on her for a long time — she owned two French Bulldogs named Latte and Mochi, a male and a female, both three years old.
Commercial airlines' restrictions on brachycephalic breeds (like French Bulldogs) are extremely strict. Many carriers simply refuse them outright. Even when cargo transport is allowed, the French Bulldog's nasal structure makes the risk of breathing difficulties during flight far higher than for other breeds. Not to mention that international flights involve quarantine, isolation, and a series of other complex procedures.
Ms. Z researched extensively online, growing more anxious with every article she read. Some suggested she board the dogs in China first, figure out how to bring them over once she was settled. But Latte and Mochi had been with her since they were puppies. She couldn't accept leaving them behind.
Then she came across a post on a pet forum mentioning that iFlyPlus could arrange private jet travel with pets. She called, half-hoping.
The Challenge
Bringing pets on a private jet isn't as simple as carrying them onboard — especially for cross-border travel.
Japan's pet entry requirements are among the strictest in the world. Both French Bulldogs needed rabies vaccination, antibody titer testing (requiring an antibody level of 0.5 IU/ml or higher), ISO-standard microchip implantation, and a minimum 180-day waiting period — from blood draw to permissible entry, the entire process takes at least six months.
Ms. Z first reached out in December 2025, planning to move to Tokyo in June 2026. The timing was just right, but any misstep along the way would delay the entire plan.
The Process
After receiving Ms. Z's inquiry, the iFlyPlus advisor prepared a detailed timeline and document checklist.
Phase One: Preparation (December to February)
Both dogs received their rabies booster vaccinations and antibody titer tests at a designated animal hospital in Shanghai. The samples were sent to a laboratory approved by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. During the three-week wait for results, the advisor simultaneously began microchip implantation and Japan entry application procedures.
In early February, the results came back — both Latte and Mochi had antibody levels that met the requirements.
Phase Two: Waiting (February to May)
This was the 180-day waiting period. During this time, Ms. Z needed to take the dogs for regular check-ups to ensure their health remained stable. Since French Bulldogs are brachycephalic and sensitive to temperature and pressure changes, the advisor specifically reminded her not to take the dogs to extremely hot or cold environments in the two months before travel.
Meanwhile, the advisor began coordinating the travel arrangement. The aircraft selected was a Hawker 900XP in a four-passenger configuration — Ms. Z was traveling alone with two dogs, so a large aircraft wasn't necessary, but ample space was needed for the dogs to move comfortably during the flight. Special pet mats, water bowls, her familiar dog food brand, and emergency medications were prepared onboard.
Phase Three: Travel (June)
Two days before departure, the advisor confirmed all documents once more: animal health certificates, rabies vaccination records, antibody test reports, microchip numbers, and Japan entry permits. Everything was in order.
June 15, morning. Shanghai Hongqiao Airport FBO. Latte and Mochi were in IATA-compliant carriers — but unlike cargo transport, the carriers were brought into the cabin. Ms. Z could see them the entire time and comfort them whenever needed.
Ten minutes after takeoff, Latte started getting restless, whining inside the carrier. Ms. Z, after getting crew permission, opened the carrier and both dogs were placed on the cabin carpet. Latte sniffed around, confirmed the environment was safe, and lay down. Mochi went straight to her owner's feet, closed her eyes, and fell asleep.
The flight lasted approximately two hours. No turbulence was encountered, and cabin temperature and pressure remained stable throughout. Ms. Z said this was the most reassuring flight she had ever taken — not because of how fancy the aircraft was, but because both dogs were by her side.
Landing
After landing at Kansai International Airport, Japan's animal quarantine officials were already waiting. The document inspection took approximately thirty minutes. Both dogs were in good health and passed smoothly. Ms. Z boarded the connecting car to Tokyo.
At her new home in Tokyo, Latte and Mochi circled the living room several times before lying side by side on the sunniest patch of carpet, as if nothing had happened.
Ms. Z sat on the sofa watching them and posted on social media: "Two little guys, we've arrived at our new home."
Perhaps You've Also Had Such a Moment
Perhaps you've been searching for a travel partner you can trust — no need to compare prices endlessly, no worry about hidden traps. Just one call and receive a tailored configuration. Every iFlyPlus advisor has accompanied clients through late-night emergency departures, seamless connections in foreign lands, and composed family gatherings. We understand deeply: what you need isn't just an aircraft, but certainty.
Afterword
Ms. Z later shared her experience on a pet community forum, and the post was shared over a thousand times. Many people asked about the process and costs in the comments. She didn't shy away from the price question — "It costs more, but it's far safer than commercial cargo transport, and far more reassuring than leaving them behind."
She said the greatest value of that flight wasn't saving paperwork — it was that both dogs were by her side throughout. From Shanghai to Tokyo, 2,000 kilometers, not a single second spent apart from them.
At iFlyPlus, pets are not luggage — they are family. And traveling with family should not be something that causes anxiety.
Good Fortune · Good Friends · Beautiful Life. For Ms. Z, Latte and Mochi are family.
爱飞嘉成就您的生活方式。