Air Canada Pet Policy

Air Canada Pet Policy provides comprehensive guidelines for passengers wishing to travel with their canine companions, ensuring their safety and comfort. The policy covers various aspects of pet travel, including cabin pets, pets travelling in the cargo baggage compartment, pets travelling as air cargo, service animals, and emotional support animals, each with specific requirements.

Small dogs and cats may accompany passengers in the aircraft cabin, provided their carrier fits under the seat. The carrier’s maximum dimensions should not exceed 23cm x 40cm x 55cm for hard-sided and 27cm x 40cm x 55cm for soft-sided, with some exceptions based on aircraft type.

Dogs that are too large for the cabin can travel in the pressurized cargo baggage compartment. The hard-sided carriers used must not exceed 292cm in combined dimensions and/or 100lb/45kg in weight, and specific kennel requirements must be met to ensure your pet’s comfort and security. Certain dog breeds are not accepted, other breeds require reinforced crates, and certain temperature and country restrictions apply additionally.

For pets that cannot be accommodated in the cabin or baggage compartment, Air Canada Cargo offers a specialized service, also subject to specific conditions. 

Service dogs trained to assist passengers with disabilities are allowed in the cabin for free. These dogs must be properly trained and remain under control, either harnessed, leashed, or tethered, throughout the flight.

Emotional support dogs must travel in an approved carrier under the seat unless their size necessitates cargo travel. Passengers must provide documentation, including behavior confirmation and a health certificate, at least 96 hours before the flight.

Air Canada Pet in Cabin Policy

Air Canada pet in cabin policy allows you to bring a small dog or cat in the aircraft cabin as carry-on baggage, subject to certain conditions. The pet carrier must fit under your front seat and your pet should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier. 

Service animals accompanying passengers with disabilities are always accepted free of charge, subject to certain conditions.

The other pet travel requirements of Air Canada pet in cabin policy are as follows: 

• Pet Age. Must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned.
• Pet Reservations
  • Must be made no later than 24 hours after you’ve booked your ticket.
  • Call Air Canada Reservations to register your pet on your flight.
  • You’ll be asked to provide the following information:
    • The weight and dimensions of the pet carrier, and
    • The weight of your pet, and
    • The breed of your pet
• Pets Allowed Per Passenger. Only 1 small in-cabin dog or cat is allowed per passenger.
• Pet Check-in
  • When travelling with a pet, you cannot check in online or at a self-service kiosk.
  • See a check-in agent at least 30 minutes before your recommended check-in time.
• Pet Fee for Cabin Pets. The one-way pet fee is:
  • Within Canada and Canada/U.S. (excl. Hawaii) CAD/USD 50
  • International flights CAD/USD 100
    (subject to Government Regulations)
• Approved Pet Carrier (Cabin Pets)
  • Maximum Size (subject to exceptions below)
    • Hard-sided carriers (H x W x L) 23cm x 40cm x 55cm (9in x 15.5in x 21.5in) 
    • Soft-sided carriers (H x W x L) 27cm x 40cm x 55cm (10.5in x 15.5in x 21.5in)
  • Exceptions to Pet Carrier Size by Aircraft
    • Boeing 787-9 20cm x 40cm x 43cm (8in x 16in x 17in)
    • Boeing 787-8 20cm x 40cm x 35cm (8in x 16in x 14.5in)
    • Boeing 777-300ER/777-200LR 21cm x 38cm x 43cm (8.25in x 15in x 17in)
    • Airbus 321/A220/A320/319 and Boeing 737 MAX 8(7M8)
      • On narrow-body aircraft, the carrier must be soft-sided and must not exceed 20cm x 40cm x 43cm (8in x 16in x 17in)
    • Boeing 333, 777, 77L, 77W, 788, 789 28cm x 21cm x 41cm (11in x 8in x 16in)
      • Applies to Business Class seats with only lie-flat beds 
      • On narrow-body aircraft, the carrier must be soft-sided 
• Your Pet and Carrier
  • You’re allowed only one carry-on item and your pet carrier counts as that.
  • Your pet must always remain inside the pet carrier under your front seat.
  • The pet carrier must always remain closed.
  • The pet carrier must be big enough for your pet to comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down so that no part of its body extends outside the carrier.
  • Pet carriers that exceed the maximum permissible size must be transported as checked baggage, provided that they don’t exceed 100lb/45kg in weight and 292cm/115in in combined linear dimensions (L + W + H). 
  • To transport larger pet carriers, get in touch with Air Canada pet Cargo (AC Animals). 
• Restrictions
  • Your pet cannot travel in the cabin with you if:
    • You’re an unaccompanied minor.
    • You’re occupying a bulkhead or exit row seat.
    • You’ll plan to stow a medical device under the seat.
    • You’re travelling in a Premium Economy cabin, where seat layout does not allow for the safe stowage of pet carriers.
  • Pet restraint devices like car seats and pet strollers must be checked in and will be subject to checked baggage rules.
• Country Restrictions. Refer to Government Regulations.

Pet Travel in Cargo Baggage Compartment

If your pet (dog or cat) can’t travel with you in the cabin, it can still travel with you on the same flight in the pressurized cargo baggage compartment of most aircraft. However, restrictions apply for international destinations, including flights to/from Hawaii, where pets are not allowed in the baggage compartment (or as cabin baggage), and can only travel as air cargo baggage with Air Canada pet Cargo.

The major pet travel requirements for pets travelling in the cargo baggage compartment are as follows:

• Applicability. Pets travelling in the baggage compartment can travel on the following flights:
  • Flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge
  • Air Canada pet policy Express flights operated by Jazz
    Note. You will not be able to travel with your pet on itineraries that include partner codeshare flights marketed by Air Canada.
• Pet Age. Should be 10 weeks or more and fully weaned.
• Pet Weight. Must not be more than 100lb/45kg in weight (pet + pet crate) 
• Pet Reservations
  • Must book within 24 hours of purchasing your ticket.
  • Contact Air Canada Reservations to register your pet on the same flight.
  • You will need to provide:
    • The pet crate’s weight and dimensions, and
    • Your pet’s weight, and
    • Your pet’s breed 
• Pets Allowed Per Passenger (as Checked Baggage)
  • Up to 2 pups/kittens can be placed in the same kennel on the following conditions:
    • Must be fully weaned and between 12 weeks and 6 months
    • Must be of the same specie
    • Will be counted as 2 pets, regardless of total weight
      Note. If you’re travelling with more than 2 pets, contact Air Canada pet Cargo at least 7 days but not more than 30 days before departure.
• Pet Fee for Cargo Baggage/Checked Pets. The one-way pet fee (inclusive of tax based on your itinerary) for pets travelling in the baggage compartment is:
  • Within Canada and Canada/U.S. (excl. Hawaii) CAD/USD 105 – 120.75
  • International flights CAD/USD 270 – 318.60
    (subject to international restrictions)
• Approved Pet Carrier (Cargo Baggage Pets)
  • Maximum Size (combined linear dimensions)
    • Hard-sided carriers (H + W + L) Must not exceed 292cm/115in
  • Pet carriers must meet the following criteria for the pet to travel in the baggage compartment:
    • Must have hard sides and a top without mesh covering, though lids with ventilation holes are acceptable.
    • Collapsible/wire carriers are not permitted.
    • Must be secure and leakproof, with a door that fastens well to prevent pets from opening it.
    • Must be spacious enough for pets to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, in compliance with international standards.
    • Carriers not meeting the size requirement for comfort will lead to denial of transport.
    • Locking pins should protrude beyond the container’s edges by a minimum of 1.6cm (5/8in).
  • Ensure your pet’s leash is unfastened before placing the pet in the carrier/crate.
  • A single carrier can accommodate up to 2 dogs, each not exceeding 31lb/14kg, familiar with each other, with fees applied for each.
  • Remove any wheels from the carrier before checking in.
  • Refer to the section (below) on Dog Breeds Classified as Strong or Aggressive for details on specific containers or crates needed for these breeds.
  • Fasten the pet carrier with resealable zip ties supplied at check-in.
  • Pet carriers exceeding the maximum permissible size (292cm/115in) and/or weight (100lb/45kg) must be transported as air cargo baggage. 
• Restrictions
  • Heat Restrictions. Since not all aircraft have ventilated and temperature-controlled baggage compartments, your pet may not be allowed to travel if the temperature exceeds 85°F (29.5°C). During such periods, travel when temperatures are lower, such as early in the morning or late in the evening, and try taking a nonstop flight. Pets are not allowed to travel in the baggage compartment during the following dates and for these destinations:
    • All Year Round: Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, Jamaica, Dubai, Doha, Curaçao, Cuba, Costa Rica, Cayman Islands, Belize, and Aruba.
    • Travel Periods Based on Season:
    • Mar 1 – Oct 31: India
    • Apr 1 – Nov 30: Turks and Caicos, St Maarten, St Lucia
    • Apr 1 – Oct 31: Egypt
    • May 1 – Sep 30: Dominican Republic
    • May 1 – Oct 31: FROM Cuba, Bahamas
    • May 1 – Nov 30: Puerto Rico
    • May 15 – Oct 31: United States Cities: West Palm, Tampa Bay, Sarasota, Phoenix, Palm Springs, Orlando, Nashville, Miami, Las Vegas, Houston, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Atlanta
    • Jun 1 – Sep 30: Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China
    • Jul 1 – Aug 31: Mexico, Italy, Israel, Hawaii, Greece
    • Jul 1 – Sep 30: Morocco, Bermuda
  • Winter Restrictions. Your pet may not be allowed to travel in the baggage compartment on certain dates as not all baggage compartments are equipped with temperature control and ventilation facilities.
    • From Nov 1 to Mar 31: No pet carriage when temperatures drop to 0 °C (32 °F) or lower.
    • Pets under 10lb/4.5kg are never allowed in the baggage compartment.
    • Aircraft-Specific Limitations
      • Embraer 190 (E90) and Embraer 175 (E75) flights do not accept pets.
      • On Airbus A319-100, A320-200, and A321-200, transporting animals in checked baggage is discouraged due to potentially low cargo temperatures around 2 °C (36 °F).
      • From Nov 1 to Mar 31: The Boeing 737 MAX 8 (7M8) does not accept pets in the cargo hold due to limited heating.
    • Restrictions in Peak Winter Season
      • Between Dec 18 and Jan 4: Due to passenger and cargo volumes, pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or cargo baggage.
      • From Sep 14 to Jan 14: Flights AC2891 and AC2890 (Mexico City to Toronto) on Air Canada, along with flight AC8891 (Mexico City to Montreal) on Air Canada pet policy Rouge, do not allow pets as checked baggage due to increased passenger traffic during the peak winter.

Dog Breeds Classified as Strong or Aggressive 

Brachycephalic Dog Breeds

The breeds below, characterized by their short or snub noses, are more prone to respiratory difficulties and heatstroke in stressful or hot conditions, making them unfit for travel in the cargo baggage compartment. 

• Tibetan Spaniel
• Teddy Bear (Shichon/Zuchon)
• Shih Tzu
• Shar-Pei
• Pug (all varieties, incl. Chinese Pug)
• Pekingese
• Lhasa Apso
• Japanese Chin
• English Toy Spaniel
• Chow Chow
• Chihuahua (apple-headed)
• Bulldogs (all breeds)
• Brussels Griffon
• Boxer
• Boston Terrier
• Affenpinscher

Dog Crate Requirements for Strong Dog Breeds

The transportation of strong dog breeds in the baggage compartment requires a reinforced dog crate due to the robust nature of these breeds. Strong or aggressive breeds and their hybrids (including crossbreeds) include:

• Wolf Dog Hybrids
• Rottweiler
• Pit-bull Varieties (including American Pit-bull, American Bully, Amstaff, British Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier)
• Mastiffs (including breeds such as American, Argentine Dogo Argentino, Bandog, Brazilian Fila Brasileiro, English, French Dogue de Bordeaux, Italian Cane Corso, Neapolitan, and Presa Canario)
• Karabash (Anatolian Shepherd Dog, also known as Kangal Dog)
• English Bull Terriers
• Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd Dog)

Crate Requirements for Strong Dog Breeds.

Must be made of metal, wood, wire mesh, or sturdy synthetic materials (excluding plastic), with a secure locking mechanism on a door made of metal, wire mesh, or wood.

Note

• Puppies aged 3 to 6 months are not included.
• Dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior or damaging their crates will not be accepted.

Air Canada Pet Cargo Policy

Air Canada pet Cargo accommodates a broad range of animals as air cargo baggage—including cats, dogs, horses, and other warm and cold-blooded animals, hatching eggs, insects, tropical fish, etc. However, certain restrictions apply, depending on the animal you propose to transport as air cargo baggage and the flight route.

Pre-Booking Information for Air canada pet Cargo

• First, find out which animals can be shipped as air cargo baggage. 
• Use the schedule search tool based on your route, because not all flights can accommodate animals in the cargo hold.
• Understand the restrictions that apply to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet/animal. 
• Be aware of the limitations regarding the number, breed, age, weight, and size of the animals, including kennel requirements and customs information.
• Determine the correct container for air transport based on the International Air Transport Association’s Live Animals Regulations (LAR) or consult a specialist.
• Prepare all necessary shipping and receiving details, including the consignee’s and shipper’s 24/7 contact information, as well as the origin and destination cities.
• Check the charges and fees section for pricing details, which vary based on origin, destination, and size.
• Door-to-door service is not available for animals, and not all cities with Air Canada pet policy have cargo facilities.
• Certain animals, such as non-human primates for research, threatened species, and specific dog breeds like wolf-dog hybrids and bulldogs, are not accepted for carriage.
• Expert booking agents are available to guide you through the process, ensuring a secure and comfortable journey for your animal. Contact details are provided for bookings within Canada and international/U.S. bookings, with a recommendation to use a registered IPATA agent for the latter.
• Shippers are responsible for compliance with all regulations and ensuring the animal’s readiness for transport. Air Canada Cargo adheres to strict regulations to guarantee the safety and well-being of animals during transit, with current restrictions clearly outlined.
• For more information or assistance, contact cargo.customerservice@aircanada.ca or refer to Air Canada Cargo.

Air Canada Dog Policy

Air Canada pet travel policy has specific policies for the transportation of dogs, depending on the travel category. Here’s a snapshot of the airline’s policy for dogs.

Air Canada Dog Policy for Cabin Pets

• Small dogs are allowed in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat in front of you. Advance notification is required due to limited space.
• Restrictions include no pets for unaccompanied minors, passengers in exit or bulkhead rows, those needing medical devices under the seat, or travelers in Premium Economy.
• Fees are CAD/USD 50 for domestic and Canada/U.S. flights (excluding Hawaii) and CAD/USD 100 for international flights.
• The carrier counts as your standard carry-on item and must remain closed under the seat during the flight.
• For pet carrier dimensions and other important information, refer to the section titled Air Canada Pet in Cabin Policy above.

Air Canada Dog Policy for Pets Traveling in the Cargo Baggage Compartment

• Pets that cannot be accommodated in the cabin may travel in the pressurized cargo compartment, subject to the aircraft’s capability.
• This option requires advance booking and adherence to specific kennel and health requirements to ensure the safety and comfort of the pet during the flight.
• For pet carrier size, weight limit, pet carrier measurements, dog breed restrictions, etc., refer to Pet Travel in Cargo Baggage Compartment above.

Air Canada Dog Policy for Cargo Pets

• Larger or unaccompanied dogs (and other pets) can travel via Air Canada Cargo, which offers specialized animal transport services. This service is designed for animals that do not meet the requirements for air canada pet travel in cabin or baggage compartment travel.
• Booking through Air Canada pet Cargo ensures pets are handled according to IATA Live Animals Regulations, focusing on their welfare.
• For more information, refer to Air Canada Pet Policy above.

Air Canada Dog Policy for Service Animals

• Service animals include dogs only. 
• Service dogs trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities are allowed in the Air canada pet in cabin policy at no extra charge.
• Passengers may be required to provide documentation proving the dog’s service status and may need to meet destination-specific entry requirements.
• For more information, refer to the section titled Air Canada Pet Policy for Service Animals below.

Air Canada Dog Policy for Emotional Support Animals

• Emotional support dogs must travel in an approved pet carrier under the seat unless their size necessitates use in the pressurized baggage compartment.
• The dog must remain in its carrier for the entire flight.
• The owner must provide documentation 96 hours before the flight, including behavior confirmation, a mental health professional’s form, a veterinary health form, and compliance with destination regulations.
• For details, refer to Air Canada Emotional Support Animal Policy below.
• Always check the latest guidelines directly with Air Canada, as these policies continue to evolve in line with regulatory standards and practices.

For all categories, it’s important to check the specific entry and exit requirements of the destination country, as well as to ensure all health, vaccination, and documentation are in order. Advance arrangements and confirmations with Air Canada are crucial for a smooth travel experience for you and your dog.

Air Canada Pet Policy for International Flights

Air Canada Pet Policy for International Flights offers guidelines for international pet travel with Air Canada. The policy is designed to accommodate small dogs and cats within the aircraft cabin as carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or air cargo baggage under specific conditions, including the pet’s age, weight, and the suitability of the pet carrier.

Upon arrival in any country or region, animals may undergo inspection by government veterinary officials. Charges for these inspections may apply. Local veterinary health certificates from animal clinics do not suffice for government inspections. Additional documents like government-approved health certificates are necessary and can be obtained by contacting the relevant consulate or embassy.

Air Canada Animal Travel Regulations. Air Canada adheres to the animal entry and exit requirements outlined in IATA’s Travel Information Manual, accessible via the IATA Travel Centre website.

Restriction on Commercial Dogs

• Starting September 28, 2022, Canada has banned the entry of commercial dogs from high-risk dog rabies countries. This includes dogs for resale, adoption, fostering, breeding, showing, exhibition, and research. No import permits will be issued for such dogs.
• For further details, consult the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Country-Specific Animal Entry Restrictions

• United States
  • Puppies must be at least 16 weeks old to enter.
  • A valid rabies vaccination certificate is mandatory for all dogs from rabies-prevalent countries.
  • A specific CDC suspension applies to dogs from Egypt or those that have been in third-party countries for less than six months.
• United Kingdom
  • Pet bookings to or via the U.K. must be done through an approved pet shipper (IPATA listed).
  • Pets traveling from the U.K. can be in the cabin or baggage compartment.
  • For service animal travel, contact Air Canada Reservations’ Medical Assistance Desk.
• Antigua and Barbuda
  • Incoming pets need an Official Health Certificate and an Import License from Antigua’s Veterinary and Livestock Division.
  • Pets can travel to and from Antigua and Barbuda in the cabin or baggage compartment.
• Australia
  • Government rules prohibit pets in both cabin and baggage compartments for flights to and from Australia.
  • Pets can only be transported as cargo, with arrangements made through Air Canada Cargo.
• Barbados
  • To Barbados: Pets are welcome in both the cabin and baggage compartment. Verify entry requirements with the nearest Barbados consulate or embassy.
  • From Barbados. Pets are allowed in the cabin and baggage compartment.
• European Union
  • For details on bringing pets to EU countries, consult the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.
• Ireland
  • To Dublin: Pets are permitted in the cabin and baggage compartment.
  • To Shannon: Only service animals are allowed due to government restrictions; other pets are prohibited in both cabin and baggage compartments.
  • From Ireland: Pets can travel in the cabin and baggage compartment.

Note: Pets are not allowed in the baggage compartment on departures from Dublin.

For international pet travel to/from other countries not mentioned above:

• Refer to the Government Regulations section by country.
• Consult the embassy or consulate of your destination.

Air Canada Pet Policy for Service Animals 

Each traveler is allowed one service dog free of charge in the aircraft cabin, with an exception for flights to/from the U.S., where two service dogs are permitted if they fit within the seat area. 

Air Canada pet policy for service animals requires service dogs to be trained by a recognized organization or individual in service dog training. When travelling, the service dog must remain under the passenger’s control, either harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless contained in a kennel.

Space and Comfort

• The service dog should comfortably fit at the passenger’s feet, maintaining a curled position.
• Contact Air Canada’s Medical Assistance Desk 48 hours before departure to request extra floor space if needed.
• Extra floor space is provided at no extra cost within Canada; charges apply for international flights.

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure your service dog complies with all travel and entry/exit regulations for your destination.
• For U.S. flights, complete the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation and Relief Attestation Forms if the flight exceeds 8 hours.
• For all other flights, submit the Air Canada Service Animal Form to the Medical Assistance Desk 48 hours before departure.
• Provide identification or documentation from a service dog training organization, which verifies the disability and training of the service dog.

Special Note for CNIB Cardholders

Canadian National Institute for the Blind cardholders are exempt from completing the forms but must still arrange their service animal’s travel through the Medical Assistance Desk.

Air Canada Emotional Support Animal Policy

The major highlights of Air Canada emotional support animal (ESA) policy are as follows:

• Your emotional support dog must fit securely and comfortably in an approved pet carrier placed under the seat in front of you. More information is available about in-cabin dog travel and approved carriers.
• If the dog cannot travel comfortably in its carrier, it may be accommodated in the pressurized baggage compartment, accessible on most aircraft.
• The emotional support dog must stay in its carrier throughout the journey.
• You must submit the following documents at least 96 hours before your flight:
  • An Emotional Support Dog Request form, acknowledging and confirming your dog’s behavior.
  • A form completed by a licensed medical or mental health professional, verifying your treatment for a mental health disability and the necessity of an emotional support dog.
  • A Veterinary Health Form, certifying your dog is free from diseases, ticks, and fleas, behaves well, and can comfortably fit in a carrier under the seat.
  • Proof that your emotional support dog complies with all travel, entry, or exit regulations of your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Canada Pet Policy

Navigating the skies with your furry companion involves understanding specific guidelines set by airlines. For those flying with Air Canada, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the nuances of the airline’s protocols. To assist pet owners in preparing for their journey, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide addressing FAQs about Air Canada Pet Policy, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience for you and your pet.