Travelling with your Pet

Travelling with your Pet

You’re welcome to bring your cat or small dog in the cabin with you provided it is small enough to stand, turn around and lie down in its carrier under the seat in front of you.

Just make sure to let us know in advance, as space is sometimes limited. See the ‘What else do I need to know’  section (at right) for details.

And a reminder that your pet cannot travel with you in the cabin if you:

  • Are an unaccompanied minor
  • Are seated in an exit or bulkhead row
  • Require the use of a medical device that needs to be stowed underneath the seat
  • Are travelling in our Premium Economy cabin, as the layout of Premium Economy seats does not allow for the safe stowage of a pet carrier.

Charges

Charge for one-way travel

Within Canada and Canada/U.S.
$50.00 CAD/USD

International¹
$100.00 CAD/USD

¹ See ‘Government Regulations’ for restrictions regarding certain international destinations.

Your pet and their carrier

  • The carrier will count as the one standard carry-on item which you are allowed to bring on board.
  • Your pet must always remain in its closed carrier under the seat in front of you.
  • Your pet’s carrier must be big enough to allow them to stand up, turn around and lie down safely and comfortably, with no part of them extending outside the carrier.  Your pet could be refused travel if the carrier is deemed to be too small for them.

Pet carrier

Maximum carrier size

Maximum carrier size allowed¹

Hard-sided²
Height: 23 cm (9 in)
Width: 40 cm (15.5 in)
Length: 55 cm (21.5 in)

Soft-sided²
Height: 27 cm (10.5 in)
Width: 40 cm (15.5 in)
Length: 55 cm (21.5 in)

¹ Pet carriers which exceed the maximum allowable size can be transported in the checked baggage compartment, provided they weigh no more than 45 kg (100 lb), or measure more than 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height). Contact Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals) for rates and assistance in shipping larger pet carriers.

² Please review exceptions below.

Carrier size exceptions based on cabin/aircraft type

  • On our Boeing 787-9 aircraft, pet carriers cannot exceed these dimensions:
    • Height: 20 cm (8.in)
    • Width: 40 cm (16 in)
    • Length: 43 cm (17 in)
  • On Boeing Boeing 787-8 aircraft, pet carriers cannot exceed these dimensions:
    • Height: 20 cm (8 in)
    • Width: 40 cm (16 in)
    • Length: 35 cm (14.50 in)
  • On Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200LR  aircraft, pet carriers cannot exceed these dimensions :
    • Height: 21 cm (8.25 in)
    • Width: 38 cm (15 in)
    • Length: 43 cm (17 in)
  • On  Boeing 333, 777, 77L, 77W, 788 and 789 aircraft, in Business Class with lie flat beds only, pet carriers cannot exceed these dimensions :
    Narrow Body aircraft, pet carriers must have soft-sided material and cannot exceed these dimensions :
    • Height: 28 cm (11 in)
    • Width: 21 cm (8 in)
    • Length: 41 cm (16 in)
  • Customers are briefed by Inflight Service on how to position the kennel under the footrest.

Other Restrictions

  • Only one cat or small dog in the cabin is allowed per passenger.
  • Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned
  • You’ll need to arrive a full 30 minutes prior to the recommended check-in time for your flight as you must see an agent at check-in. When travelling with a pet, it is not possible to check in online or at an airport self-service kiosk.

Pet restraint devices

If your pet is travelling in the cabin with you, pet restraint devices (e.g. pet strollers and car seats) are accepted as checked baggage only (all checked baggage rules apply).

This is because you are allowed one standard carry-on item and your pet in its carrier already counts as that one item.

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 most of our aircraft.

On which flights can I travel with my cat or dog?

Your cat or dog can travel with you if you're travelling on:

  • A flight operated by Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge
  • An Air Canada Express flight operated by Jazz.


Codeshare Flights and 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.

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.

Are there weight and size restrictions? And what will it cost?

Maximum carrier size allowed 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions
(length + width + height)1
Maximum allowable weight Up to 45 kg (100 lb)1
(pet and kennel combined)
Fee for one-way travel
(plus applicable taxes)

Within Canada and Canada/U.S.
$105 CAD/USD2

International3
$270 CAD/USD


1 Please contact Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals) for rates and assistance in shipping kennels that exceed 45 kg (100 lb) in weight, or 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height).
2 Fees are inclusive of the minimum (0%) to maximum (18%) tax which may apply, based on your itinerary.
3 See restrictions regarding certain international destinations.

 

What restrictions apply to travelling with a cat or dog in the baggage compartment?

Click on the links below to learn about very important rules and restrictions that apply to travelling with your pet in the baggage compartment.

Minimum age restriction

Your cat or dog must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned to be accepted for travel.

Maximum number of pets allowed

Maximum number of pets allowed

Customers can send up to two pets in the same kennel in the baggage compartment following these conditions:

  • Only fully weaned puppies or kittens from 12 weeks to 6 months can be placed together in the same kennel;
  • Both animals must be of the same specie (no cat and dog mixed together)
  • Two pets travelling in one kennel are counted as two pets regardless of combined weight.

You'll need to contact Air Canada Cargo Opens in New Window (AC Animals) no more than 14 days or less than 7 days prior to your anticipated travel date if you’re travelling with more than two pets.

Summer heat restrictions

Because not all our aircraft are equipped with temperature controlled and ventilated baggage compartments, it may not always be possible to accommodate your pet when summer temperatures exceed 29.5°C (85°F).

During these periods of high heat, we recommend that you travel early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are lower and, whenever possible, that you choose a direct or non-stop flight to limit the time your pet will be spending in the baggage compartment. We offer priority handling upon departure, where pets remain with our airside personnel to be loaded last and offloaded first upon arrival.

Pets are not permitted to travel in the baggage compartment between the following dates and for these destinations.

All year Aruba, Belize, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curaçao, Doha, Dubai, Jamaica, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago
March 1 to October 31 India
April 1 to November 30 St Lucia, St Maarten
April 1 to November 30 Turks and Caicos
April 1 to October 31 Egypt
May 1 to September 30 Dominican Republic
May 1 to October 31 Bahamas, FROM Cuba
May 1 to November 30 Puerto Rico
May 15 to October 31 In the United States:
Atlanta (ATL), Austin (AUS), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Houston (IAH), Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA), Nashville (BNA), Orlando (MCO), Palm Springs (PSP), Phoenix (PHX), Sarasota (SRQ), Tampa Bay (TPA), West Palm (PBI)
June 1 to September 30 China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea
July 1 to August 31 Greece, Hawaii, Israel, Italy, Mexico
July 1 to September 30 Bermuda, Morocco

Winter 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.

Cold weather restrictions

November 1 to March 31 and at any other time when temperature is 0 °C (32 °F) or below

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:

It is not recommended to transport animals as checked baggage on our Airbus A319-100, A320-200 and A321-200 aircraft: the cargo compartment is not heated and temperatures can be as low as 2 °C (36 °F).

November 1 to March 31

Cats and dogs are not accepted in the baggage compartment of our Boeing 737 MAX 8 (7M8) aircraft due to minimal heating in the cargo hold.

Peak winter travel restrictions

December 18 to January 4

Due to increased passenger and cargo loads during the peak winter travel period, no pets are accepted as checked baggage or cargo.

September 14 to January 14

Due to increased passenger loads during the peak winter travel period, no pets are accepted as checked baggage on:

  • Air Canada flights AC1980 and AC1982between Toronto and Mexico City
  • Air Canada Rouge flight AC1988 between Montreal and Mexico City

Pets can be accommodated by Air Canada Cargo during the winter months on certain aircraft. Find out more about the transport of pets in the cargo hold during winterOpens in New Window.

The pet carrier

  • It’s important to always remove your pet’s leash before placing it in its carrier.
  • The carrier can contain a maximum of 2 dogs (each weighing no more than 14 kg/31 lb) who are used to cohabitation. Note that the applicable fee will be charged twice.
  • Locking pins must engage the container beyond the extrusions by at least 1.6 cm (5’8 inches).
  • If the carrier is equipped with wheels, these must be removed prior to check-in.
  • To be accepted for travel in the checked baggage compartment, the pet carrier must be:
    • Hard-sided. The container top must not be covered with mesh. However, ventilation holes are allowed in the lid.
      • Collapsible carriers are not accepted, nor are wire carriers as no part of your pet may extend outside the carrier.
    • Secure and leak proof. The door of the pet carrier must close securely and your pet must not be able to easily push the door open.
    • Large enough to allow your pet to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably, as per international regulations.
      • If the pet carrier is not large enough for your pet to do this, we must refuse transport.
  • See the ‘Dog breeds classified as strong or aggressive’ section below for important information on special containers or crates required for the transport of such breeds.
  • Please note: Customers travelling with a pet in the baggage compartment will be required to secure their kennels with resealable zip ties for transportation. These zip ties will be provided at the check-in counter by our Customer Experience Specialists.

Short/snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds

These short/snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds of dogs cannot travel in the baggage compartment because they are susceptible to increased risks of heat stroke and breathing problems when exposed to extreme heat or stressful situations.

Dog breeds classified as strong

Certain dog breeds are classified as strong dogs and must be transported in a special reinforced container or crate when travelling in the baggage compartment.

About the container or crate:

The container must be constructed of weld or wire mesh, metal, wood or a synthetic material other than plastic. The crate door must be made of wire mesh, metal or wood and should have a secure lock that can’t be opened accidentally.

We reserve the right to refuse any animal that exhibits aggressive behavior and/or cage destruction.

Pets travelling via Air Canada Cargo

When your pet has to travel alone, for a variety of animals, including cats and dogs.

Air Canada Cargo ships a wide variety of animals, from cats and dogs to hatching eggs, insects and tropical fish. You can be sure that your pet will travel safely and comfortably to its destination.

Please contact Air Canada Cargo for complete details on their AC Animals serviceOpens in New Window.

All animals, upon landing in any country/region, may be inspected by government veterinary officials. 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. To obtain these additional documents, such as government approved health certificates, please contact the consulate or embassy of the country/region to which you are travelling.

Please note, Air Canada applies animal entry and exit requirements contained in IATA’s Travel Information Manual, available on the IATA Travel Centre websiteOpens in New Window. Please note that the IATA website is only available in English.

New measure prohibiting the entry of commercial dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies.

As of September 28, 2022, the entry of commercial dogs into Canada from countries at high-risk for dog rabies will be prohibited until further notice. As of this date, commercial dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies will not be permitted to enter Canada and import permits will no longer be issued. Commercial dogs include dogs intended for purposes such as being given/transferred to another person, resale, adoption, fostering, breeding, show or exhibition and research.

Visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for more information.

Below is only a partial list of countries/regions with restrictions on the entry of animals. For specific restrictions, as well as information on vaccination and documentation requirements when bringing animals into a particular country/region, always contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country/region.

Antigua and Barbuda

Flights to Antigua and Barbuda:

Pets are accepted in the cabin and the baggage compartment if they’re accompanied by an Official Health Certificate and an Import License issued by the Veterinary and Livestock Division in Antigua.

Flights from Antigua and Barbuda:

Pets are accepted in the cabin and the baggage compartment.

Australia

Due to government regulations, pets are not accepted for travel in the cabin or in the baggage compartment on flights to and from Australia. They may travel only as cargo, and all bookings must be made through Air Canada CargoOpens in New Window

Barbados

Flights to Barbados:

Pets are accepted in the cabin as well as in the baggage compartment. Please contact your closest Barbados consulate or embassy to ensure all entry requirements are met.

Flights from Barbados:

Pets are accepted in the cabin as well as in the baggage compartment.

Canada

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is responsible for establishing requirements for all animals entering Canada, including pets. Please visit their website to determine what rules apply to you.

Pit bulls are banned in Ontario. For more information on Ontario's pit bull ban, visit the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General website. Customers who decide to travel to Ontario with their pit bull do so at their own risk. Air Canada cannot be held liable for the application of Ontario rules to the carriage of pit bulls.

China (mainland)

Flights from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG):

Pets are accepted in the cabin and the baggage compartment.

Flights to mainland China airports:

Due to government regulations, the following entry requirements apply when travelling with a pet to mainland China:

  • Only one cat or dog per passenger is permitted.
  • Pets are accepted in the cabin and in the baggage compartment.
  • Passengers travelling with a pet must present a valid quarantine certificate and vaccination certificate issued by the competent authorities of the country of origin.
  • Pets may be quarantined for up to 30 days upon arrival in China.

Seeing eye/guide dogs accompanied by a training certificate will be exempt from quarantine.

Other exceptions apply; contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country/region for more information.

European Union

Visit the Canadian Food Inspection AgencyOpens in New Window website for information on travelling with your pet to a country that is part of the European Union.

Hong Kong SAR, China

Flights to or through Hong Kong SAR, China:

Due to government regulations, pets are not accepted in the cabin or in the baggage compartment. However, they may travel as cargo, and all bookings must be made through Air Canada CargoOpens in New Window.

Flights from Hong Kong SAR, China:

Pets are accepted in the cabin and the baggage compartment

Ireland

Flights to Ireland:

  • Flights to Dublin:
    Pets are accepted in the cabin and baggage compartment.

  • Flights to Shannon:
    Due to government regulations, pets are not accepted for travel in the cabin or baggage compartment except for service animals.

Flights from Ireland:

Pets are accepted in the cabin and baggage compartment.

Exception: Pets are not permitted in the baggage compartment on flights from Dublin.

Jamaica

All pets must be inspected by a veterinarian upon arrival and must have an Import Permit issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Veterinary Services Division.
Tel: 1 876 927 0594 or 1 876 977 2489/2492.
E-mail: vsd@moa.gov.jm or vsdpermits@gmail.com.

Cats and dogs can be imported from Canada. If you are travelling from another country, please contact the embassy or consulate of Jamaica before you travel to confirm if your departure country is on their approved travel list.

Cats and dogs can be transported in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as manifested cargoOpens in New Window. They must arrive during normal Customs working hours, otherwise additional fees will be charged.

The cat or dog must be fitted with an ISO standard microchip that can be read by an Avid or other ISO compatible reader and must be vaccinated against rabies with an approved vaccine.

For a full list of all requirements and guidelines consult Jamaica s Ministry of Agriculture & fisheries websiteOpens in New Window.

New Zealand

Due to government regulations, pets are not accepted for travel in the cabin or in the baggage compartment on flights to and from New Zealand. Pets may travel only as cargo, and all bookings must be made through Air Canada CargoOpens in New Window.

Peru

On flights to and from Peru, only cats and dogs weighing up to 6 kg (13 lb) and seeing eye/guide dogs are accepted in the cabin. Cats and dogs over 6 kg (13 lb) must travel in the checked baggage compartment or via Air Canada CargoOpens in New Window.

Pets must be accompanied by one of the following: a veterinarian good health certificate, rabies vaccination certificate or other vaccination and deworming certificate (if applicable), issued at the point of origin.

Seeing eye/guide dogs must be accompanied by a training certificate and remain muzzled during the entire flight.

Trinidad and Tobago

Due to quarantine laws, pets are not accepted into Trinidad and Tobago in the cabin or in the baggage compartment. For more information, visit Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Food Production, Land and Marine AffairsOpens in New Window website.

United Kingdom

Flights to or via the U.K.:
Bookings for pets travelling to or via the United Kingdom must be completed via an approved pet shipper as listed on the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association IPATA) website.

Flights from the U.K.:
Pets are accepted for travel both in the cabin and in the baggage compartment.

Service animals:
If you wish to travel with a service animal, please contact Air Canada Reservations and ask for the Medical Assistance Desk.

United States

  • Puppies entering the United States must be at least 16 weeks old.
  • Rabies vaccination is required for all dogs entering the United States from a country where rabies is present. Dogs must be accompanied by a current, valid rabies vaccination certificates.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a suspension: only for dogs from Egypt OR dogs originating in Egypt imported from third-party countries, if the dogs have lived in those countries for less than six months.

Do I need to register my pet?

Cats or dogs in the cabin or in the baggage compartment

You'll need to let us know in advance of travel if you plan on travelling with your cat or dog in the cabin or in the baggage compartment.

The first thing you'll need to do is book your own flight*. Once that's done, contact Air Canada Reservations to register** your pet for travel on the same flight as yours.

At the time of your call, you'll be asked to provide:

  • the dimensions of the carrier and
  • the weight and breed of your pet.

We strongly recommend that you register** your pet within 24 hours of completing your booking. This will ensure that, if your pet cannot be accommodated on the flight(s) and date(s) you selected, your ticket will be refunded without charge. After 24 hours, any changes to your booking will be subject to applicable change and cancellation fees.

Please take note that you'll need to arrive a full 30 minutes prior to the recommended check-in time for your flight as you must see an agent at check-in. Customers with pets cannot use Web check-in or airport self-service kiosks.

* Please also view important information below about travelling on Codeshare flights/Flights with other airlines (in the 'What else do I need to know' section at the bottom of the page).
** Pets that have not been registered in advance will not be accepted at the airport.

What if I need to change my reservation?

If you're changing your reservation online or with your travel agent, you'll need to make sure to contact Air Canada Reservations immediately afterward to change your pet's reservation too.

If one of our Call Centre agents is handling the change to your reservation, your pet's reservation will be changed at the same time.

Cats and dogs in the Maple Leaf Lounges

Cats and small dogs are allowed in our Maple Leaf Lounges only under the following conditions:

  • Your cat or dog must stay with you and must be kept in the pet carrier at all times;
  • The pet carrier must be leak proof and well ventilated (both soft and hard-sided carriers are accepted for carry-on);
  • No part of the pet may extend outside the pet carrier.

Pet restraint devices

If your pet is travelling in the checked baggage compartment, pet restraint devices (e.g. pet strollers and car seats) are accepted:

  • as checked baggage (all checked baggage rules apply).
  • as carry-on baggage. The pet restraint device:
    • will count as the standard article in your carry-on baggage allowance
    • must meet carry-on baggage size restrictions
    • can’t be gate checked.

Preparing your cat or dog for travel

Always remove your pet’s leash before placing it in its carrier.

Since we assume no responsibility for the care or feeding of cats and dogs while in transit, it is most important that you prepare both the pet carrier and your pet 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 carrier so 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 carrier with absorbent material such as a blanket.

Do not lock the carrier door as Air Canada personnel may need to access your pet in the event of an emergency.

Pets shipped for commercial purposes

If you are shipping a pet for commercial purposes, please contact Air Canada CargoOpens in New Window (AC Animals).