We understand how precious your household pet is to you. Once within our care, pets are brought to specialized rooms for safety and comfort and are transported to the airplane in dedicated vehicles. In order to further minimize the stress of traveling, we recommend the following:

1. Have IATA approved kennel for the size of your pet. Choose the right kennel.
2. Please ensure that zip ties AND bolts are added to secure the kennel. Please note that clips alone will not be accepted.
3. Get your pet familiar with the kennel. Purchase the kennel in advance so the pet may get familiar with the kennel.
4. Clearly indicate your pet’s name on the outside of the kennel.
5. Add a favorite object in the kennel.
6. Feed the animal with a light meal and drink two hours before leaving home.
7. Exercise the animal immediately before leaving home.
8. Make sure all travel arrangements are made and confirmed prior to transport, including a confirmed reservation

In order to comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard and data assurance regulations such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), AC Live and AC Live Pets shipments may be sent prepaid only.

The only exception will be if the shipper provides a valid cargo account number for the consignee at time of tender. Accounts on a “Cash Only” basis will not be considered valid to accept CC shipments.

AC Live (Aquatics / Insects) is exempt from this requirement and can continue to be shipped on a Prepaid (PP) or Collect (CC) basis.

Due to the variety and particular attention different animal types require, please contact our trained staff at your local Air Canada Cargo office.

The measurements in the following table are based on the animal standing in a natural position

A = length of animal from nose to root of tail.
B = height from ground to elbow joint. A + 1/2 B = length of container.
C = width across musters. C x 2 = width of container.
D = height of container (top flat or arched)/height of animal in standing position.

Buying your approved kennel

Overnight Kennel Services:

If overnight kennel services are required during transport  which is necessary by reason of weather or other conditions beyond our control (including, but not limited to acts of god, force majeur, labor disturbances, civil commotions, wars or hostilities) no compensation will be provided by Air Canada Cargo. The shipper and consignee will be advised of the overnight charges, and these will be added to the awb by the station where the overnight kenneling will occur, and will be collected by the consignee at destination. The shipment will be rebooked on the first available flight, and the shipper and consignee will be notified accordingly.