Travelling with your Pet

In most cases, your cat or dog must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned*

* See ‘Government Regulations’ regarding certain international destinations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Due to limits on the number of checked bags customers can check between specific airports, pets may not travel in the baggage compartment between the following dates.

• 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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