Yes, you do not have to be traveling to send your pet to a destination.

We require for the customer to provide a water dish with a funnel device attached to allow for filling without opening the container. Food should not be included inside the container but accompanied with the shipment in the rare case of prolonged delay.

It is recommended that you do not sedate your pet. It can be dangerous to their health. Drugs act differently under different atmospheric pressures. Please consult your local vet for further information regarding this matter.

Most of our aircraft are temperature controlled in the cargo compartment, our cargo staff will advise you if the plane is not, we will do our best to get your animal on a plane that is heated. If no option is available we will advise of a different routing, time or alternate day where we can try to accommodate your needs.

For pets traveling within North America, please reference Pricing for Pets. For pets traveling to international destinations, please contact your local Air Canada office.

Visit our sections Transport Regulations.

Yes, IATA’s Live Animal Regulations states that "a maximum of two adult animals (Dogs or cats) of comparable size up to 14 kg each, that are used to cohabitation, may be shipped in the same container. Animals over that weight must travel individually. Animals up to six months old from the same litter, up to a maximum quantity of three, may be shipped in the same container (providing there is enough room in the kennel as per the previous question)." (IATA LAR)

EXCEPTION: DOGS AND CATS TO/FROM THE USA: A maximum of 1 dog or cat over 6 months will be accepted per kennel or a maximum of 2 pets of comparable size and if between 8 weeks and 6 months old and weighing less than 20lb (or 9kg) each.

Visit our sections Transport Regulations.

Most Air Canada Final Destination Stations do not allow collect shipments.

It is recommended that reservations for travel for pets be made as long in advance as possible. Our systems will allow reservations 14 days prior to departure.

Strict rules exist for importing animals in the UK Animals may need to be placed in quarantine for a period of 6 months unless you are able to meet the conditions under DEFRA’s PET travel scheme program. Visit Defra’s (link to www.defra.gov.uk) website or contact your local Air Canada Cargo office.

Visit our sections Preparing for travel and Travel restrictions.

In the rare case that there is an irregular operation where a flight is cancelled or the weather does not permit the flights to move as scheduled, Air Canada Cargo will contact the shipper to immediately update the customer.

As per IATA’s Live Animal Regulations (LAR) the shipper is responsible for -

1. Finalizing the route and any special care required by the shipment upon reservation and prior to acceptance.
2. Advising the carrier if female animals are in oestrus "heat".
3. Advising the carrier of the gender of the mammals being shipped.
4. Obtaining all documents and correct information for the Shipper’s Certification.
5. Complying with national, carrier and IATA regulations as applicable.
6. Providing containers that conform to IATA’s Live Animals Regulations.
7. Providing suitable bedding and food for the species that does not contravene any regulations.
8. Providing the scientific and common name of the animal(s) and quantity of each animal contained in the container, as shown on the shipper’s certification.
9. Affixing special feeding and watering instructions to the container and attaching a copy to the documents that accompany the shipment.
10. Recording on the container instructions, the date and time that food and water was last given to the animal, prior to acceptance.
11. Declaring the condition of animals when pregnant or has given birth in the last 48 hours.
12. Recording of any medication given, i.e. drug, dosage, time given and route. This information must accompany the documents and a copy be affixed to the container.
13. Providing a 24 hour phone number that the air carrier can obtain instruction from the shipper in the event of unexpected changes in plan.
14. Advising the receiving party of the flight details in order to arrange immediate collection on arrival.

As per the IATA Live Animal Regulations, we are responsible to verify the presence of mandatory documentation as applicable -

1. Air Waybill
2. Shippers Certificate
3. Presence of an Import/export permit
4. Presence of a health certificate
5. Presence of CITES permit if applicable (IATA LAR)

If possible, purchase your kennel a couple of weeks ahead of your pet's trip so you can crate train by giving treats and positive reinforcement while in the kennel and gradually increasing the amount of time being spent in the kennel. NEVER USE THE KENNEL FOR PUNISHMENT. Visit our section Preparing your pet.

We ship a wide variety of animals, from common dogs and cats to larger and more exotic animals such as horses, tigers, elephants, moose, storks, and much much more depending on the routing and aircraft capabilities. Please contact our cargo customer service agents for assistance in shipping for your different needs.

Yes, all of are airplanes are pressurized including the cargo hold area. Your animal in the aircraft hold will be secured so not to move about, and placed so there is maximum ventilation all around the kennel. Please visit our travel restriction section.

Not all cities that are served by Air Canada have cargo facilities. Please reference our worldwide office list. Also not all aircraft types can accommodate live animals at all times of year. Our cargo agents will check all alternatives for you.

Within North America,your pet should be ready for carriage two (2) hours prior flight departure. See Ready for Carriage instructions under Tools and References. For travel outside North America, tender time is four (4) hours prior flight departure.

There could be other animals on the same flight as yours, however there is a restriction on how many pets we can carry depending on how long the flight is and the type of aircraft we use. We will ensure your animals comfort and safety at all times.