Chapter 1
If Reincarnation Is Real… I’m Coming Back as One of My Frenchies
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — if reincarnation is real, I’m putting in a formal request to come back as one of my Frenchies. The humanization of pets is no longer a trend — it’s a lifestyle shift. I know I’m not alone, either: US research backs me up.
According to the American Pet Products National Pet Owners Survey 2023–2024, 66% of US households now own a pet, with dogs firmly in the lead — 65.1 million households have at least one dog (MarketWatch/Guides/Pet Insurance, 2023). Closer to my European home, the TGM Pet Care Survey Portugal says 57% of Portuguese families own multiple pets.
So maybe I’m just another dot on that statistic — an empty-nester, embracing this beautiful chapter of my life as mum to two spoiled, four-legged kiddos: Beluga and Luna.
On a recent poll, I asked my friends and family if they’d travel internationally with their pets. Guess what the result was? An overwhelming 89% said YES!
So then came the real question: How do I actually fly with them to the US, when most airlines won’t take brachycephalic breeds (that’s fancy talk for our squishy-faced Frenchies). On top of that, Beluga — not even a year old — is already outside the airline weight restrictions for cabin pets. Add in that their Dog Dad works exceptionally hard to ensure our fur babies live their best lives… well, you know where this thought process led:
A private jet, of course.
Why K9 Jets?
K9 Jets offers something no regular airline can: stress-free, pet-first flights with zero cargo holds and zero tearful goodbyes. Just a calm, plush cabin shared with like-minded pet parents who totally get it.
Launched in 2023 as the world’s first pet-dedicated private jet service, K9 Jets sold out their international routes in 4–5 hours — which tells you everything you need to know about how ready we all were for this.
The Perks: Gulfstream Style
✨ Stress-free for humans and pets alike
✨ Maximum of 9 humans per plane, each with 1–2 pets up to 22 kg (50 lbs)
✨ Easy check-in just 1 hour before departure — dogs and humans mingle, bags disappear, humans breathe
✨ Seats allocated by the temperament and size of your pups
✨ Full bar service, refreshments, and a 3-course meal (yes, ordered in advance — my kind of planning)
✨ Soft pillows and blankets
The Paperwork: What You Need
No matter how glamorous the ride, you still need your paperwork in order:
✔️ Your dogs must be older than 6 months
✔️ They need an ISO-compatible microchip
✔️ You must complete the CDC Dog Import Form
✔️ K9 Jets also asks for a Fit to Fly letter from your vet
✔️ Our pups have EU Pet Passports — so their health certificates were done right there, within 30 days of arrival to the US
Worth It?
Would you spend $8,000+ to fly with your dogs on a private jet? I did — along with 8 other travelers who know exactly what it means to treat pets as family. To date, K9 Jets has flown over 3,500 dogs internationally.
While Beluga and Luna snored softly beside me, I clinked a glass of champagne with my seatmate. Zero stress (well maybe a little pet anxiety), zero crates, just furry snores and bubbles at 40,000 feet.
Was it worth every mile — and every dollar? Absolutely.
🐾 Want to hear more? Tune in to this month’s podcast where I chat with Adam Golder, the founder of K9 Jets, about how he turned his passion for flying into a game-changing business for pet lovers like us. Listen here!
May we all come back as our own Frenchies. 🐶✨
