aircanada.com - Travel Info - Pet Talk

Travelling with your Pet
Pets in the cabin

The "pets in the cabin" service is no longer available on Air Canada.

Only certified, professionally-trained service animals assisting customers with disabilities will continue to be carried, free of charge, in the passenger cabin at the customer's feet—provided they have a registered training certificate and have been pre-registered through the Medical Assistance Desk at Air Canada Reservations.

For exceptions on travel to international destinations, please see check specific government regulations of any countries you are travelling to.


Pets in the baggage compartment

For travel on flights within Canada and flight to and from international destinations, including flights to and from the U.S.A., your pet travels in a temperature controlled and ventilated baggage compartment on the same flight as you do when pre-registered with Air Canada Reservations within 24 hours of booking travel. Air Canada transports the majority of pets this way. Be sure to check specific government regulations of any countries you are travelling to with your pet.

  Charge for one way travel
(applicable taxes not included)
North America $105 CAD/USD
International $270 CAD/USD

Please note that these rates do not apply when your pet is travelling as Air Canada Cargo (AC Live Product).

Important information for passengers flying on code share flight(s).

The following animals are not accepted for travel in the cabin or in the baggage hold on any flights:
  • Birds
  • Snakes
  • Fish
  • Turtles
Please contact Air Canada cargo for shipping any of these animals.

Annual holiday blackout dates
Due to increased passenger and cargo loads, Air Canada is not able to transport pets:
  • From December 18 to January 7 (either as checked baggage or cargo).
  • From June 20 to September 10 (as checked baggage).
Clients wishing to travel with pets must book flights that fall outside this embargo period.

Additional winter restrictions
From 1 November through 31 March, and at any other time when temperature is 0 degrees Celsius and below, pets are not accepted on the following aircraft: Note: 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, so it is not recommended to transport animals on these aircraft during the winter season.



Making a request to travel with your pet

  • Please note that requests to travel with an animal must be made within 24 hours of completing your booking with Air Canada Reservations at 1-888-247-2262.
  • Pets that have not been pre-registered with Air Canada Reservations will not be accepted at the airport.
  • Dimensions of the kennel and weight and breed of your pet must be given at the time of your call to Air Canada Reservations.
  • A pet and kennel with a combined weight of less than 70 lbs (32.5 kg) is accepted for travel in the baggage compartment provided the owner is flying on the same flight.
  • A passenger may not travel with more than two animals.
  • Two pets travelling in one kennel are counted as two pets regardless of combined weight.
  • A passenger may not travel with an animal that is being shipped for any commercial purpose.
  • If the above conditions are not met, Air Canada Cargo (AC Live Product) must be used.
  • The number of animals accepted is limited by aircraft type and may require the modification of your reservation to allow us to accommodate your pet.

Choosing the right kennel

You can now 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.

All pet carriers must meet all of the following conditions or they will not be accepted for travel:

  • Only hard-sided kennels are 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 leakproof. Collapsible kennels are not accepted.
  • International regulations state that the pet carrier must be big enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. 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.
  • Animals over 31 lbs (14 kg) must have their own separate kennel. A maximum of 2 dogs not weighing more than 31 lbs (14 kg) each may travel together in same kennel.
  • Any wheels must be removed from pet carriers prior to check-in.

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, between or after the flight.
  • 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.

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. Failure to do so can lead to refused entry, lengthy quarantines or even the destruction of the animal on arrival.

All animals are inspected by government veterinary officials upon landing. Please note that veterinary inspection fees may be charged. Local veterinary health certificates obtained from animal clinics are not sufficient to clear government veterinary inspections. In order to obtain these additional documents, such as government approved health certificates, please contact the consulate or embassy of each destination country.

The following list of countries with restrictions on the entry of animals is partial and is intended only as a quick reference. For specific restrictions on bringing animals into a specific country, please contact the embassy of consulate of your destination country.

  Conditions
Australia Pets cannot be accepted for travel in the baggage compartment in/out of this destination due to government regulations. Pets can only travel via cargo and all bookings must be made through Air Canada Cargo office.
Canada For animals entering Canada, contact the Animal Health Division of Agriculture Canada.
European Union For travel to any of the countries in the European Union, a Health certificate information form must be filled out.
Hong Kong Pets cannot be accepted for travel in the baggage compartment in/out of this destination due to government regulations. Pets can only travel via cargo and all bookings must be made through Air Canada Cargo office.
Jamaica Pets cannot be accepted for travel in the baggage compartment in/out of this destination due to government regulations. Pets can only travel via cargo and all bookings must be made through Air Canada Cargo office.
New Zealand Pets cannot be accepted for travel in the baggage compartment in/out of this destination due to government regulations. Pets can only travel via cargo and all bookings must be made through Air Canada Cargo office.
Trinidad & Tobago Due to a veterinarian labour dispute, pets (including service animals) are not accepted for travel to/from this destination.
United Kingdom Pets are not accepted into or through the United Kingdom in the baggage compartment due to quarantine laws. Air Canada was the first North American carrier allowed to participate in United Kingdom's Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) which permits pet dogs and cats to enter U.K as cargo without the usual 6 months quarantine as long as certain conditions are met. Customers wishing to travel with a service animal should contact the Medical Assistance Desk at Air Canada Reservations.
United States Pets cannot be accepted for travel in the baggage compartment in/out of Hawaii due to government regulations. Pets can only travel via cargo and all bookings must be made through Air Canada Cargo office.

Limitation of liability

Air Canada will not be responsible in the event of loss, delay, injury, sickness or death of any pet or animal accepted for transportation.