Your pet can't fly in the cabin with you? It can still travel safely and comfortably on the same flight as you, in the pressurized cargo compartment, provided you are travelling on:
- A flight operated by Air Canada
- An Air Canada Express flight operated by Jazz
- An Air Canada Express flight operated by Sky Regional between Montreal and Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Please also view additional information in the Codeshare flights/flights with other airlines section further down on this page.
| Charge for one-way travel (plus applicable taxes) |
Maximum allowable size of kennel | Maximum allowable weight |
|
| Within Canada and Canada/U.S. (except Hawaii)* |
$105 CAD/USD** | 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height)** | Up to 32 kg (70 lb)** (pet and kennel combined) |
| International*** | $270 CAD/USD** |
| * | Flights to/from Hawaii: pets are not accepted in the cabin or the baggage compartment. They must be sent via Air Canada Cargo (AC Live). Cargo rates differ from those listed above. |
| ** | For kennels exceeding 32 kg (70 lb) in weight, or 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height), please contact Air Canada Cargo (AC Live) for assistance. Cargo rates differ from those listed above. |
| *** | See restrictions regarding certain international destinations. |
Eligibility
- The service is available only on flights operated by Air Canada and on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz and Sky Regional.
- Please view important information in the ‘Codeshare flights/ Flights with other airlines’ section at the bottom of this page.
- Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned to be accepted for travel;
How to book
- You'll need to register your pet in advance for travel on the same flight as yours by contacting Air Canada Reservations.
- Pets that have not been registered in advance will not be accepted at the airport.
- You must provide the dimensions of the carrier and the weight and breed of your pet at the time of your call.
- We recommend that you register your pet within 24 hours of completing your booking. If your pet cannot be accommodated on the flight(s) and date(s) you selected, your ticket can then be refunded without charge. After 24 hours, any changes to your booking will be subject to applicable change and cancellation fees.
Restrictions
- You may not travel with more than two animals as checked baggage.
- Two pets travelling in one kennel are counted as two pets regardless of combined weight.
- The number of pets accepted is limited by aircraft type; it may be necessary to modify your reservation to allow us to accommodate your pet.
- You'll need to contact Air Canada Cargo (AC Live) no more than 30 days or less than 7 days prior to your anticipated travel date if:
- You are travelling with more than two pets;
- You are travelling with an animal that is being shipped for a commercial purpose;
- Your pet and kennel exceed a combined weight of 32.5 kg (70 lb);
- The kennel used to transport your pet exceeds 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height).
- Government Regulations
Many countries place restrictions on the entry of animals. It is imperative that you comply with all restrictions, and are in possession of all documents required by the destination country. Find out what you need to know before travelling with your pet to another country.
Seasonal restrictions
Pets may not travel in the baggage compartment of all or some of our aircraft on the dates and for the reasons listed below. Please note also that temperature controlled and ventilated baggage compartments are available only on certain aircraft.
| Heat restrictions | |
|
June 20 to Sep. 10 Pets as checked baggage |
No pets are accepted as checked baggage on any Air Canada flights or Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz, due to potentially high temperatures on the ground at some airports. Air Canada Cargo still accepts animals during this time (see exceptions below). |
|
May 15 to Sep. 30 Pets as cargo |
Due to extreme heat and USDA regulations, the transport of pets in the baggage compartment is prohibited or strictly regulated to and from airports in the following cities:
|
| Winter restrictions | |
|
Dec. 15 to Jan. 12 Pets as checked baggage Pets as cargo |
Due to increased passenger and cargo loads during the peak winter travel period, no pets are accepted as checked baggage or cargo. Exception: Air Canada Cargo will accept animals during this time on direct international flights only. |
|
Sep. 14 to Jan. 14 Pets as checked baggage |
Due to increased passenger loads during the peak winter travel period, no pets are accepted as checked baggage on flights AC991 and AC993 between Toronto and Mexico City. |
|
Nov. 1 to March 31 and at any other time when temperature is 0 °C (32 °F) or below Pets as checked baggage |
Cats and dogs weighing less than 4.5 kg (10 lb) are not accepted in the baggage compartment of any of our aircraft. Pets are not accepted on the following flights and aircraft:
|
Please contact Air Canada Cargo for assistance if you plan on travelling with your pet during one of these embargo periods (with the exception of December 15 to January 11, where pets are not accepted as cargo either).
The kennel
- Must be hard-sided to be accepted as checked baggage. The majority of carriers are made of hard plastic with holes for ventilation. No part of the animal is allowed to protrude from the carrier. As a result, wire carriers are not permitted. All carriers must be secure and leak proof. Collapsible kennels are not accepted.
- Must be big enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably, as per international regulations. If the pet carrier does not allow the animal to do this, Air Canada must refuse transport. Whether your pet is a Chihuahua or a Labrador, there's a pet carrier to match.
- Can contain a maximum of 2 dogs provided each dog does not weigh more than 14 kg (31 lb).
- Must not have wheels attached. Any wheels must be removed from the kennel prior to check-in.
You can purchase an Air Canada-approved kennel online delivered to your doorstep so that your pet may travel in safety and comfort. It's fast and convenient! Purchase must be made at least 72 hours prior to travel. Air Canada-approved kennels are now available from North America, the United Kingdom, and Germany (German-language website).
Your pet carrier must meet all of the conditions listed above or it will not be accepted for travel.
Preparation for travel
Since Air Canada assumes no responsibility for the care or feeding of pets while in transit, it is most important that you prepare both the cage and the animal ahead of time:- Feed your pet four to six hours prior to departure, as a full stomach may cause discomfort during travel.
- Give your pet water right up to the time of travel. Be sure to empty the dish at check-in, otherwise spillage during the flight will give your pet a wet and uncomfortable ride. Leave the dish in the kennel so that our Agents can provide water in the event of an extended wait before or after the flight, or during connections.
- Tranquilizers and other medications are not recommended. Consult your veterinarian.
- Cover the bottom of the kennel with absorbent material such as a blanket.
- Do not lock the kennel door as Air Canada personnel may need to access your pet in the event of an emergency.
Codeshare flights/ Flights with other airlines
If your itinerary includes a flight that is marketed by Air Canada but operated by one of our codeshare partners, you will not be able to travel with your pet.
A flight marketed by Air Canada but operated by another carrier will bear an Air Canada designator code (e.g. AC6984) and display a one-digit number next to the logo referrring to the operating carrier. See example.
If your itinerary includes a flight that is marketed and operated by another airline, you will be able to travel with your pet but you will need to contact the other airline to make separate arrangements for your pet for that portion of your trip. Naturally, you will also be subject to the pet travel policy and other rules of that airline. See example.
For the specific terms and conditions of any or our codeshare partners or other airlines sold on aircanada.com, visit the operating carrier's website directly.
