Relocating or planning to take your pet on vacation? Before booking your ticket with Air Canada or WestJet, read these tips on flying with pets.
How Does Flying with Pets Work?
Pets fly in aircraft for many reasons. Moving between provinces or countries is a big reason, but more and more people are taking their pets on vacation. Instead of leaving your pet behind while you’re jetting off around the world, you can bring them with you!
Smaller pets may travel in the aircraft cabin with their owner or carer. Larger pets need to travel in a climate-controlled baggage compartment area of the aircraft.
Not all airlines allow travellers to fly with their pets, and those who do, often limit the total number of animals allowed in an aircraft so it’s important to research the pet policies of each individual airline and follow their instructions perfectly. You definitely cannot just show up at the airport with a pet and expect everything to go smoothly, there are some things you need to do when flying with your pets.
Travelling with Pets Internationally
Flying within the same country should not cause any issues, but flying internationally might require extra processing, proof of vaccinations, and occasionally a mandatory quarantine period. Some quarantine periods can be up to 120 days, so it’s definitely important to research the pet policy prior to flying with your pet. Also remember that if your pet’s flight has layovers in a number of countries, you must satisfy the entry requirements for each country.
Planning a fun trip to Hawaii with your pet? Don’t. Hawaii is rabies-free and proud, so they have extensive quarantine laws. If you have no other option, then start preparing well in advance. You will find the information you need here.
Depending on the regulations, it might make much more sense to leave them at home with a pet-sitter. If you choose to fly with a pet for vacation purposes, make sure all the paperwork is completed and organized.
Preparing to Fly with Your Pet
Travelling with animals doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are a few tips to make flying with pets better for everyone involved.
1. Let the airline know about your pet
This is the first and most important thing you need to do when it comes to flying with pets. You need to register that you are bringing an animal with you when you book and then reconfirm you are bringing the animal prior to checking in with your airline. It’s important to register your pet within 24 hours of booking as well because if the aircraft can’t accommodate your pet, you’re still within a time-frame that typically allows refunds without charges.
If you need to change your reservation at any point, make sure to call the airline to change your pet’s reservation, too. When checking in at the airport with your pet, we recommend arriving at least 30-40 minutes earlier than the standard recommended arrival times.
2. Take shorter flights (if possible)
Minimize flight time (if possible) when travelling with pets. Opt for direct flights instead of numerous layovers.
3. Get travel insurance for your pet
Purchase travel insurance that also covers your pet or pet insurance that covers airport travel.
4. Take a trip to your vet beforehand
Ensure the plane and the airport facilities are climate-controlled, especially during hot and cold months of the year. Some animals are able to remain in lower temperatures, so double-check with your vet before travelling with your furry friend. Speak to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety options and how to deal with your pet’s medication (if required).
5. Invest in a good pet carrier
Purchase an appropriate pet carrier based on the required airline dimensions while providing enough space for your pet to be comfortable. More on airline dimensions for pet carriers later!
6. Label everything (with images)
Write your name and number everywhere! Make sure your pet is identifiable and someone knows how to reach you. It’s also a good idea to pack a picture of your pet so you have a recent photo of your pet easily accessible. Some people suggest taping a photo to the top of the kennel/pet carrier as well.
Tips to keep your pet safe and comfy in-flight
- Go leash-free: Always remove your pet’s leash to reduce the risk of an accident.
- Feed your pet before the flight: Feed your pet four to six hours before departure so they are not hungry. Avoid feeding right before a flight.
- Keep water out of the carrier: Water spillage might make the flight uncomfortable for your pet, so it’s recommended to provide water up until the time of the flight and then remove it. Leaving an empty water dish for your pet is vital in case of any delays or long wait periods, so the airline staff can provide water.
- Bring a towel: Cover the bottom of the carrier with an absorbent material like a blanket or towel, in case of accidents.
- Tire them out: Tire out your pet before heading to the airport so they can take a nice, long snooze during the flight.
Bringing a Cat or Dog in the Aircraft Cabin
On certain airlines, you are able to bring a cat or small dog in the aircraft cabin over a specific age. The closed pet carrier must be able to fit under your seat with the pet comfortably inside (room to stand up, turn around and lie down).
The carriers must fit specific dimensions, be leak-proof and well-ventilated. Some airlines allow hard-sided carriers but many only allow soft-sided ones. The carriers and the pet must remain under the seat for the entire duration of the flight. Your pet and its carrier bag count as your carry-on item and will attract a fee. Other pet restraint items like car seats and strollers need to be checked and are not allowed in the cabin.
Bringing a Cat or Dog in the Baggage Compartment
On certain airlines, you can bring pets in the baggage compartment if they are too large to be allowed in the aircraft cabin. This is not without restrictions – there are specific requirements based on the size and weight of the pet. As well, there are more fees for bringing a pet in the baggage compartment. Always ask the airline about the climate-controlled situation, especially during particularly hot and cold months.
Flying a Pet in Cargo
If your pet is too large or too heavy, you will need to contact the cargo department. If your pet is travelling alone, it will also have to be done through the cargo department. This is not strictly for cats and dogs and applies for insects, live fish, corals, and more.
Just to note, airlines have the right to refuse any animal that exhibits aggressive or destructive behaviour.
Flying with Pets on Canadian Airlines
Air Canada’s pet policy
Air Canada has an extensive pet policy, which should be read and followed prior to planning your trip abroad with a pet. Make sure to contact Air Canada if you have any questions that aren’t covered on their website.
Air Canada pets in the cabin
You can bring a cat or small dog in the cabin with you if they are small enough to stand up, turn around, and lie down in their carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you. One pet over 12 weeks old may travel in the cabin with you. Flying with pets is possible on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz, Sky Regional, Air Georgian and Exploits Valley Air.
Restrictions on pets in the cabin
Not all passengers may bring a pet in the cabin. The following passengers may not bring a pet onboard:
- Unaccompanied minors
- Passengers with a medical device that needs to be stowed under the seat
- Exit or bulkhead row seated passengers
- Premium Economy passengers
Fees for one-way travel have a few exceptions but overall are C$50 within Canada and Canada/U.S. (except Hawaii) and C$100 on international flights.
Air Canada pets in the baggage compartment
If your pet is too large for the cabin policy, it’s possible for them to travel in the pressurized cargo compartment. Co-living pets can travel in one kennel but are still counted as two pets, and animals must be over 12 weeks old to travel. The maximum dimensions in the baggage compartment are 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions and up to 45 kg (100 lb), which counts both the pet and the carrier together.
Extreme temperature restricts the ability for your pet to travel in the baggage compartment. Make sure to check the weather restrictions, and have a back-up plan if flying at a time of year where you’re at risk of extreme weather conditions.
Short/snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds cannot travel in the baggage compartment. Dog breeds classified as “strong” require reinforced crates.
Flying with pets is possible on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz, Sky Regional, Air Georgian and Exploits Valley Air. Note: Codeshare partner flights will not allow pets.
Fees for one-way travel have a few exceptions but overall are C$105 within Canada and Canada/U.S. (except Hawaii) and C$270 on international flights.
Air Canada pets in cargo
Air Canada has an entire department dedicated to the care of animals flying cargo called AC Animals. Check out their site for more information about policies and restrictions.
It’s important to note that peak travel times (December 15 to January 12) place restrictions on pets flying in the baggage compartment or as cargo. Note that Mexico City has more date restrictions.
WestJet Pet Policy
WestJet has an extensive pet policy, which should be read and followed prior to planning your trip abroad with a pet. For WestJet Vacation packages, you’ll need to contact the hotel separately to find out about their hotel pet policy as not all hotels accept pets and there might be extra fees.
Please note that WestJet currently does not accept checked animals on the 787 Dreamliner.
WestJet pets in the cabin
You can bring a cat, small dog, bird or rabbit in the cabin with you if they are small enough to stand up, turn around, and lie down in their carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you. You are allowed one pet and they also need to be over eight weeks old.
The WestJet pet policy allows staff to change your seat depending on space limitations beneath seats as well as keeping an appropriate distance from someone with severe allergies.
Fees for one-way travel have a few exceptions but overall are C$50 within Canada and Canada/U.S. and C$100 on international flights.
WestJet pets in the baggage compartment
If your pet is too large for the cabin policy, it’s possible for them to travel in the pressurized cargo compartment. You’re allowed up to six pets in three kennels and they have to be over eight weeks old. Pets from the same household may travel in one kennel but are charged separately.
The maximum dimensions in the baggage compartment are 101 cm L x 68 cm W x 76 cm H (40 in. L x 27 in. W x 30 in. H) in linear dimensions and up to 45 kg (100 lb), which counts both the pet and the carrier together.
The WestJet pet policy requires a few specifics for the kennel, including signage, which should be reviewed prior to your flight.
Extreme temperature restricts the ability for your pet to travel in the baggage compartment. Make sure to check the weather restrictions, and have a back-up plan if flying at a time of year where you are at risk of extreme weather conditions.
Fees for one-way travel have a few exceptions but overall are C$100 within Canada and Canada/U.S. and C$200 on international flights.
WestJet pets in cargo
WestJet has an entire department dedicated to the care of animals flying cargo called WestJet Cargo. Check out their site for more information about policies and restrictions.
Due to extreme heat, WestJet does not accept pets as cargo from May 15 to October 31 from certain locations in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the United States.
Travelling with Service and Support Animals
Service and support animals are not considered pets and so they are subject to a different set of rules. You might have heard some interesting news stories about emotional support squirrels, peacocks and the like. As comical as that may sound, emotional support animals come in all forms and can be vital to the mental health of their humans.
In Canada, service and emotional support animals are in the same classification. However, Air Canada only allows dogs as ESAs at this time. Westjet has a far more open policy toward emotional support critters. They allow cats, miniature horses, monkeys and pigs (it’s official, pigs can fly). Rodents and reptiles are not permitted as they are deemed to pose a health risk.
In the U.S., service and support animals are classified separately. A service animal has been trained to assist a person with a physical disability and they are covered under the Americans with disabilities act. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not, which means that businesses are not required to accommodate them.
Decisions around animals not listed here are made on a case-by-case basis. In any case, you will need to have documentation for your service or support animal. This includes a letter from your MD (service animals) or licensed mental health professional (ESAs) and other health documents for your animal, and you need to contact the airline to inform them at least 48 hours in advance.
Air Canada and WestJet have extensive service animal policies, including different reservation and check-in processes. Please consult the Air Canada service animal and WestJet service animal website for more information.
Ready to Travel with Your Pet?
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