AC Live
Kennel Requirements
For the comfort and safety of the animals, all cats and dogs must be transported in kennels that comply with regulations set forth by the International Aviation Transportation Association (IATA) when travelling as air cargo.
Animals other than dogs and cats can be transported in kennels described below, as long as the kennel meets the container requirements of the IATA Live Animals Regulations. You can contact our AC Live representative to get more information.
As the kennel becomes the animal's home away from home, it's a good idea to purchase the kennel well in advance of travel so the animal can become accustomed to it before travelling.
Construction
Most pets can travel in the type of container included in IATA’s Container Requirement
Strong Dog Breeds
The following dog breeds are considered strong and must be placed in reinforced containers that fall under requirement 82 of the IATA Live Animal Regulations:
- American bulldog
- Pit-bull (all breeds)
- American Staffordshire terrier
- Caucasian Shepherd
- Dogo Argentina
- Fila Brasileiro
- Mastiff (all breeds)
- Anatolian Shepherd
- Presa Canario
- Rottweiller
- Band dog
- Wolf Dog Hybrids
To find out more about the specifications for these containers, please contact an Air Canada Cargo Live agent (number or email) or your local Air Canada Cargo station.
Kennel Size
Cats must be carried in appropriately sized kennels designed so that they cannot fit their paws through any of the openings on the kennel.
The kennel must be big enough to allow the animal to stand, turn
around and lie down in a natural position.
The measurements below 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.
C = width across musters.
D = height of animal in standing position.
The length of the kennel must be
equal to A + 1/2 B.
The width of the kennel must be
equal to C x 2.
The height of the kennel (top flat or arched) must be
equal to D.
Inside the kennel
- Food and water dishes must be attached inside the kennel with outside access for filling.
- Kennels will not be accepted for carriage if there are water bottles or receptacles attached to the outside of the cage door.
- Provide a light blanket, cushion or newspaper.
- Wood chips or shavings are not accepted.
Outside the kennel
- Clearly indicate your pet's name on the outside of the kennel.
- Attach a label with feeding and watering instructions, and indicate the date and time the animal was last fed and given water.
- A Live animal and This way Up label/tag is mandatory. If the kennel did not come with these labels, they can be provided for you when you tender the animal. Place the This way Up label/tag on all four sides of the kennel.
Additional security
Secure the top and bottom portions of the kennel together with the supplied hardware. Clips alone will not be accepted.