While traveling, passengers want to bring their pets to explore the world together. But needs to learn how to make it happen? However, the wait is over, many airlines allow passengers to bring their pets during their journey, and the airline assigns a specific place for the pets in the cabin or as checked baggage. Air Canada earlier closed the booking for the pets. Yet, from the start of this year, the airline has started an Air Canada Pet Policy for all domestic pets who want to travel with their owners. Thus, there are some regulations that every passenger has to follow while bringing the pet along on the flight.
Air Canada Pet Policy – Is Your Pet Eligible For Travel?
According to the Air Canada pet policy, the airline allows 2 to 4 pets in the cabin of the same flight to travel. Therefore, for the larger pets, the airline can transport them as checked baggage. Passengers have to inform about the pet’s weight, size, and breed.
Pet Travel Guidelines Issued By Air Canada
- Passengers should inform the airline at least 48 hours before departure.
- A certain pet fee is applicable on Air Canada flights.
- Pet carriers should be adequate in size and weight, following Air Canada guidelines.
- Passengers traveling with pets should reach the airport 30 minutes before the standard check-in time.
- Web or kiosk check-in is not allowed for passengers traveling with pets.
- The pet should always remain with their owners during their journey.
- For checked baggage, a maximum of two pets are allowed.
- The airline decides the acceptable number of pets on the aircraft. Thus, add the pet to the booking as early as possible.
- The age of a pet should be at least 12 weeks.
- While traveling with pets, showing a health certificate to the airline is mandatory.
- Pets are not acceptable to fly at 85 F as air cargo.
Rules For In-Cabin Pet Travel
Small pets like dogs and cats can travel in the cabin and with the passenger in their seat if they are small enough to fit in their carrier and be placed under the seat in front of the passengers. The pet in the cabin will be counted as one carry-on baggage. Air Canada allows pets to travel on international and domestic flights when operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express flights run by Jazz or Air Georgian, and the flights by Sky Regional between Montreal and Toronto city airport.
- The maximum combined weight of the pet and carrier should be 10 kg.
- The carrier size dimensions should not be more than 23*40*55 cm (H*W*L)
- Pets are not accepted for flights to and from Hawaii in the flight cabin.
- If the weight of the pet and carrier exceeds, then the pet will be transported as air cargo on Air Canada flights.
- Unaccompanied minors cannot travel with their pet.
- Passengers with pets cannot take bulkhead or exit row seats.
- Destinations on which pets cannot travel in the cabin:
- Australia
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- Tobago
- United Kingdom
- Breeds not allowed for air travel by Air Canada are as follows:
- Japanese chin
- Boxer
- Brussels griffon
- Bulldog
- Chow chow
- Shih Tzu
- Cats
- British shorthair
- Himalayan
- Persian
- Scottish fold
Pet Carrier Must Also Meet Requirements Stated By Air Canada
- It should be leak-proof and have well-ventilation holes.
- Both soft and hard-sided carriers are accepted in the cabin.
- The carrier should be big enough that the pet can move easily.
- The pet must always remain inside the carrier during the journey.
Rules For Pet Travel As Checked Baggage
In checked baggage, only cats and dogs can travel on the same flight as their owners. A maximum of two pets can travel per passenger as checked baggage with a weight of 32.5 kg per pet, including the carrier’s weight. The age of the pet should be at least 8 weeks. However, for the booking of checked baggage of the pet, passengers have to inform the airline 7 days before the departure if:
- Passengers are traveling with more than two pets.
- Traveling with an animal that is being used for commercial purposes.
- If the weight of the pet and container exceeds 32.5 kg.
Pet Container Guidelines When Flying As Checked Baggage
- In checked baggage, hard-sided containers are accepted.
- No part of the pet’s body should be outside the carrier.
- The container should be well-ventilated and leak-proof.
- It could contain a maximum weight of 2 dogs, with each dog weight not more than 14 kg.
- It should not have wheels.
- Passengers should provide adequate water and food supplies.
- Do not lock the container, as attendants might have to access the carrier in an emergency.
Air Canada’s Cargo Can Ship Your Pets Safely
When animals have to travel alone, including dogs, cats, tropical fish, and insects, they are shipped as air cargo. The airline operates exceptional air service for the animals with specialized trained staff, which takes care of the animals throughout the journey.
- The airline appoints a dedicated transport vehicle at selected stations to make it comfortable and convenient for the animals.
- For any queries, the airline assistant helps the passengers with solutions or answers to their concerns.
- The cargo has a unique temperature control system in the compartments.
- The pet containers are stacked properly to avoid movement during the flight.
See also: Air Canada Seat Selection
How to Add a Pet on Your Next Air Canada Flight?
Passengers can book air travel for their pets by calling the support team of Air Canada. The airline suggests adding a pet to the booking within 24 hours of the passenger’s booking. However, for any reason, if the pet cannot travel on the flight, the passenger’s ticket will be refundable without any extra charges. Passengers can call the executive and request to add a booking for the pet. Later, pay for the pet fees, and after the completion, a confirmation mail will be sent to the mail address.
Existing bookings for you and your pet can be easily modified using the Air Canada Manage Booking facility.
Pet Travel On Air Canada Comes With A Fee
The airline charges a specific price for traveling pets on the flight. It depends upon the size and weight of the pet and the destination country.
| Domestic | International | |
| In-cabin | $50 to $59 USD | $100-$118 USD |
| As baggage or cargo | $105- $120 USD | $270-$318 USD |
Make Sure To Submit The Documents Required For Pet Travel
A health certificate has to be submitted to the pet with issuance within 10 days of travel and proof of valid rabies vaccination. While traveling, Air Canada will require all forms to be filled out for the destination country to be presented at the check-in point. Further details on document requirements for pet travel are available on the Air Canada website.
Air Canada Offers Lounge Access To Small Pets
Small pets like dogs or cats are allowed Maple Leaf Lounge of Air Canada but have some restrictions:
- The pet should stay with the passenger and remain in their carrier.
- The carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated.
- The pet should stay calm, and no part of its body should be out of the carrier.
Two Service Animals Per Passengers Are Allowed Onboard
As per the Air Canada pet policy, service dogs are dogs who are trained to assist people with disability. The airline does not charge any fee for the service dogs, and they can travel with their owner in the cabin of the plane.
- Passengers can bring up to 2 service dogs free of charge for selected routes only.
- Passengers should inform the airline at least 48 hours before departure.
- The service dog should have a proper harness and remain with his passenger during the flight.
- The service dog should not occupy the seat or block any access.
- Passengers should check in one hour before the usual check-in time.
See also: How To Redeem Air Canada Future Travel Credit?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take emotional support animals to Air Canada?
Air Canada does not allow emotional support animals to fly in the cabin. The airline only allows certified trained service animals that help customers with disability free of charge.
How many dogs are allowed on Air Canada flights?
The airline allows 2 to 4 pets in the cabin on flights for both domestic and international routes.
Does Air Canada allow a pet in the cabin?
Yes, Small pets like dogs and cats can travel in the cabin and with the passenger if they are small enough to fit in their carrier and be placed under the seat in front of the passengers. The pet in the cabin will be counted as one carry-on baggage.
How to add a pet on Air Canada?
Passengers can book a for their pet by calling the support team of Air Canada. Passengers can contact the executive and request to add a booking for the pet. Later, pay for the pet fees, and after the completion, a confirmation mail will be sent to the mail address.
What is the size allowance of the carrier of the pet?
The maximum combined weight of the pet and carrier should be 10 kg, with the carrier size dimensions should not be more than 23*40*55 cm (H*W*L).
What is the pet policy for checked baggage?
A maximum of two pets can travel per passenger as checked baggage with a weight of 32.5 kg per pet, including the carrier’s weight. The age of the pet should be at least 8 weeks.
What are the documents required for the pet policy on Air Canada?
A health certificate has to be submitted to the pet with issuance within 10 days of travel and proof of valid rabies vaccination. Also, Air Canada will require all forms to be filled out for the destination country to be presented at check-in.
What is the in-cabin pet fee for domestic flights?
The in-cabin pet fee for the domestic flight on Air Canada varies with the size and weight of the pet. The average price ranges between $50 to $59 USD.
Which countries do not allow pets in the cabin?
Countries that do not allow pets in the cabin are:
- Australia
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- Tobago
- United Kingdom
What is the checked baggage fee for international flights on Air Canada?
The checked baggage fee for international flights on Air Canada is between $270-$318 USD. Thus, depending upon the breed, size, and weight of the pet.
