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 of the aircraft you are travelling on.
You can leave us your pet at the airport check-in counter and retrieve him again at the baggage claim area once you've reached your final destination.
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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 Product). Cargo rates differ from those listed above. |
| ** |
Regular checked baggage allowance permits bags up to 160cm (63 in) in linear dimensions and up to 23 kg (50 lb) in weight. If the size of the kennel and/or the combined weight of the pet and kennel exceed the limits allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply. 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 Product) for assistance. Cargo rates differ from those listed above. |
| *** |
See restrictions regarding certain international destinations. |
Eligibility
- The service is available on flights operated by Air Canada and Jazz. Please view important information if you’re travelling on a codeshare flight (a flight carrying the Air Canada designator code “AC” in the flight number but operated by another carrier, e.g. United Airways).
- For all flights, you’ll need to register your pet for travel on the same flight as yours by contacting Air Canada Reservations within 24 hours of completing your booking. Pets that have not been pre-registered 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.
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 Product) 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.
| Summer restrictions |
June 20 to September 10
Pets as checked baggage
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Due to potentially high temperatures on the ground at some airports during summer, Air Canada and Jazz are not able to transport pets.
Air Canada Cargo still accepts animals during this time with the exception on the cities listed below.
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June 20 to September 28
Pets as cargo
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Due to extreme heat and USDA regulations, airports in the following cities cannot accept pets in the baggage compartment:
Atlanta (ATL), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Houston (IAH) Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO) and Phoenix (PHX) |
| Winter restrictions |
December 18 to January 7
Pets as checked baggage
December 15 to January 11
Pets as cargo
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Due to increased passenger and cargo loads during the peak winter travel period, Air Canada and Jazz are not able to transport pets. |
November 1 to March 31 and at any other time when temperature is 0 °C (32 °F) and below.
Pets as checked baggage
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Cats and dogs weighing less than 4.5 kg (10 lb) are not accepted in the baggage compartment of any of our aircraft during the winter season.
Pets are not accepted on the following aircraft:
Important:
Although not restricted, the cargo compartments on our Airbus A319, A320 and A321 aircraft are not heated and temperatures can be as low as two degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit), so it is not recommended to transport animals on these aircraft during the winter season.
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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.
