In 2017, Steph Arauz-Marin and her family adopted a mixed-breed dog from a kill shelter in Florida. They named the pup Maui. Maui quickly settled into the family. At the time, the Arauz-Marins resided in the United States. However, eventually, Steph moved to Spain and her parents decided to return to Guatemala. Although they planned to take Maui with them, there was an unforeseen problem. 

Rescue shelter guessed her breed and now she can’t fly back with us…
byu/childishstephino inrescuedogs

When Maui was at the shelter as a puppy, there was no way for the shelter staff to know her breed. So, they guessed. On her paperwork, the mixed-breed dog is listed as a Bulldog and Beagle mixture. However, this guess quickly created issues as the family planned their travel. 

Many airlines prohibit snub-nosed breeds from flying. This is largely due to concerns for the animals’ safety. Snub-nosed breed dogs, such as bulldogs, may be in greater danger of experiencing respiratory distress during air travel. Indeed, there have been instances of these dog breeds becoming ill, or even dying, on flights. However, this left the family with few options for transporting Maui. 

Despite her paperwork, Maui’s family was fairly certain she was not a bulldog mix. In a picture of the pup, it can be seen that she does not have a short, flat snout like a bulldog. Instead, she appears to have a muzzle that more closely resembles that of a Pit Bull Terrier. Desperate for advice, the family posted on subReddit r/rescuedogs. 

Fortunately, Redditors had helpful advice for the family. They told them that they should seek to have Maui’s breed paperwork amended by a veterinarian. Most airlines will not prohibit a mixed-breed dog from flying, as long as they are not from snub-nosed breeds. The family could then use the updated paperwork to take Maui to Guatemala with them. Luckily the vet was willing to help, and Maui will be able to travel with her humans. 

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to adopt instead of shop. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!

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