Travelling with Your Pet

Types of animals permitted

Only cats and dogs are accepted for transport on Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz flights. For transportation of other types of pets, please contact Air Canada Cargo.

Cats and small dogs in the cabin

What you need to know:
  • You may pre-register your cat or small dog for travel in the cabin as of June 17, 2009 for travel on or after July 1, 2009.
  • The service is only available for flights operated by Air Canada and Jazz. Please note that some tickets not purchased on aircanada.com or with Air Canada Call Center may not be eligible for this service. Please also view important information if you're travelling on a codeshare flight.(http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/codeshare.html)
  • The number of carry-on pets allowed per flight is limited. You must pre-register your pet within 24 hours of completing your booking with Air Canada Call Center. Pets that have not been pre-registered will not be accepted at the airport. If you booked your flight before June 17, 2009, it's not too late to call and request the service. We'll do our best to accommodate your pet.
  • A handling charge applies as follows:
    • 50$ CAD per direction for flights within Canada and between Canada and the U.S.
    • 100$ CAD per direction for international flights
  • You must provide the dimensions of the carrier and the weight and breed of your pet at the time of your call to Air Canada Call Center.
  • The number of carry-on pets accepted is limited by aircraft type; it may be necessary to modify your reservation to allow us to accommodate your pet.
  • We ask that you arrive at the airport a full 30 minutes prior to the recommended check-in time for your flight.
  • Pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights to and from Australia, Columbia (no cats; only small dogs allowed), Hawaii, Hong Kong, Jamaica, New Zealand, Peru and the United Kingdom. Please see the 'Government Regulations' section below for more information.
  • Pets are not allowed as carry-on baggage for passengers travelling in the Executive First Suite, because of cabin configuration.
  • A customer may not travel with more than one pet in the cabin.
  • Your pet must remain at all times in a pet carrier stowed under your seat.
The pet carrier:
  • Must be leak proof and well ventilated (both soft- and hard-sided carriers are accepted for carry-on);
  • Must not exceed the following normal carry-on baggage size and weight limitations:
    • Maximum allowable size of the carrier: H23 cm x W40 cm x L55 cm (9" x 15.5" x 21.5");
    • Maximum allowable weight of the pet and pet carrier combined: 10kg (22lb).
  • Must be big enough to allow your pet to sit up and turn around safely and comfortably. No part of the pet may extend outside the kennel. The pet must remain in the kennel and the kennel must remain under the seat and closed at all times;
  • Will count as the one standard carry-on item which you are allowed to bring on board.
The number of pets accepted is limited by aircraft type; it may be necessary to modify your reservation to allow us to accommodate your pet.

Allergy considerations

We are sensitive to the concerns of allergy sufferers, and we understand that some of our customers may not wish to be seated too close to a cat or small dog during their flight. For this reason, we ask that, if you are an allergy sufferer, you advise the check-in agent of gate agent prior to your flight departure to ensure you are not next to a customer travelling with a pet. We will make reasonable efforts to move you or the pet and pet owner.

Service animals

Certified, professionally-trained service animals assisting customers with disabilities are carried, free of charge, in the passenger cabin at the customer's feet, provided the animal is harnessed and is certified as having been trained to assist a person with a disability by a professional service animal institution (as a requirement under the Canadian Air Transportation Regulations).

You must pre-register your service animal through the Medical Assistance Desk at Air Canada Call Center. If you are travelling with a service animal, please view detailed information on our Customers with Special Needs page, and specific details for itineraries between Canada and the United States.

Cats and dogs in the checked baggage compartment

What you need to know:
  • For all flights, you must pre-register your pet for travel on the same flight as yours by contacting Air Canada Call Center within 24 hours of completing your booking. Pets that have not been pre-registered will not be accepted at the airport.
  • You must provide the dimensions of the carrier and the weight and breed of your pet at the time of your call to Air Canada Call Center.
  • You may not travel with more than two animals as checked baggage.
  • Two pets travelling in one kennel are counted as two pets regardless of combined weight.
  • The number of pets accepted is limited by aircraft type; it may be necessary to modify your reservation to allow us to accommodate your pet.
  • You'll need to contact Air Canada Cargo (AC Live Product) no more than 30 days or less than 7 days prior to your anticipated travel date if:
    • You are travelling with more than two pets;
    • You are travelling with an animal that is being shipped for a commercial purpose;
    • Your pet and kennel exceed a combined weight of 32kg (70lb);
    • The kennel used to transport your pet exceeds 292cm(115in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height).

A handling charge applies as follows:

Charge for one way travel
(applicable taxes not included)
Canada and United-States
(except Hawaii)*		 $105 CAD**
International $270 CAD**

*Pets are not accepted in the baggage compartment on flights to/from Hawaii. They must be sent via Air Canada Cargo (AC Live Product).
**Please note that these rates do not apply when your pet is travelling via Air Canada Cargo (AC Live Product).

Please also view important information if you?re travelling on a codeshare flight.

Seasonal restrictions for pets in the baggage compartment

Annual holiday blackout dates
Due to increased passenger and cargo loads, Air Canada is not able to transport pets:
  • From December 18 to January 7 (as checked baggage).
  • From December 15 to January 11 (as cargo).
  • From June 20 to September 10 (as checked baggage).
Clients wishing to travel with pets must book flights that fall outside this embargo period.

Additional winter restrictions
From November 1 through March 31, and at any other time when temperature is 0 degrees Celsius and below, pets are not accepted on the following aircraft:
  • CRJ 100/200 (CRJ)
  • CRJ 705 (CRA)
  • Embraer 175 (E75)
  • Embraer 190 (E90)
  • Beech 1900D (BEH)
  • On select CMA, airCreebec, Air Georgian, Calm Air, Pacific Coastal, and Air Labrador flights
Note: Although not restricted, the cargo compartments on our Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft are not heated and temperatures can be as low as two degrees Celsius, so it is not recommended to transport animals on these aircraft during the winter season.

In addition, cats and dogs weighing less than 4.5 kg (10lb) are not accepted in the baggage compartment of any of our aircraft during the winter season.

Summer restrictions
Due to extreme heat and USDA regulations from June 20th to September 28th, airports in the following cities cannot accept pets in the baggage compartment: Atlanta (ATL), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Houston (IAH) Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO) and Phoenix (PHX). Please contact Air Canada Cargo for more information.

Choosing the right kennel

You can now purchase an Air Canada-approved kennel online delivered to your doorstep so that your pet may travel in safety and comfort. It's fast and convenient! Purchase must be made at least 72 hours prior to travel. Air Canada-approved kennels are now available from North America, The United Kingdom, and Germany.

Your pet carrier must meet all of the conditions listed below or it will not be accepted for travel.
  • The pet kennel must not exceed the normal checked baggage size and weight limitations indicated below. If the combined weight of your pet and kennel and the size of the kennel exceed the limits in size and/or weight allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.
    • Maximum allowable size of the kennel: 292cm (115in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height).
    • Maximum allowable weight of the pet and pet carrier combined: 32kg (70lb)
  • Only hard-sided kennels are accepted as checked baggage. The majority of carriers are made of hard plastic with holes for ventilation. No part of the animal is allowed to protrude from the carrier. As a result, wire carriers are not permitted. All carriers must be secure and leakproof. Collapsible kennels are not accepted.
  • International regulations state that the pet carrier must be big enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. If the pet carrier does not allow the animal to do this, Air Canada must refuse transport. Whether your pet is a Chihuahua or a Labrador, there's a pet carrier to match.
  • Animals over 14kg (31lb) must have their own separate kennel. A maximum of 2 dogs not weighing more than 14kg (31lb) each may travel together in same kennel.
  • Any wheels must be removed from pet carriers prior to check-in.
Preparation for travel
  • Since Air Canada assumes no responsibility for the care or feeding of pets while in transit, it is most important that you prepare both the cage and the animal 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 kennel so that our Agents can provide water in the event of an extended wait before, between or after the flight.
  • Tranquilizers and other medications are not recommended. Consult your veterinarian.
  • Cover the bottom of the kennel with absorbent material such as a blanket.
  • Do not lock the kennel door as Air Canada personnel may need to access your pet in the event of an emergency.
Government Regulations

Many countries place restrictions on the entry of animals. It is imperative that you comply with all restrictions, and are in possession of all documents required by the destination country. Failure to do so can lead to refused entry, lengthy quarantines or even the destruction of the animal on arrival.

All animals are inspected by government veterinary officials upon landing. 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. In order to obtain these additional documents, such as government approved health certificates, please contact the consulate or embassy of the country to which you are travelling.

The following list of countries with restrictions on the entry of animals is partial and is intended only as a quick reference. For specific restrictions on bringing animals into a specific country, please contact the embassy of consulate of your destination country.

Conditions
Australia Pets are not accepted for travel in the cabin or in the baggage compartment for travel to and from Australia due to government regulations. Pets can only travel via cargo and all bookings must be made through Air Canada Cargo office.
Canada For animals entering Canada, contact the Animal Health Division of Agriculture Canada.
European Union For travel to any of the countries in the European Union, a Health certificate information form must be filled out. For complete details, please refer to www.aircanada.com/cargo/en/services/document/Health_Certificate.pdf.
Hong Kong For travel to Hong Kong, pets are not accepted in the cabin or in the baggage compartment due to government regulations. Pets can only travel via cargo and all bookings must be made through the Air Canada Cargo office. For travel out of Hong Kong, pets are permitted in the cabin and the baggage compartment.
Jamaica For travel to Jamaica, pets are not accepted for travel in the cabin or in the baggage compartment due to government regulations. Pets can only travel via cargo and all bookings must be made through Air Canada Cargo office. For travel out of Jamaica, pets are accepted in the baggage compartment.
New Zealand Pets are not accepted for travel in the cabin or in the baggage compartment for travel to and from New Zealand due to government regulations. Pets can only travel via cargo and all bookings must be made through the Air Canada Cargo office.
Trinidad & Tobago Pets are not accepted into Trinidad and Tobago in the cabin or in the baggage compartment due to quarantine laws. Click www.agriculture.gov.tt/default.asp for more information.
United Kingdom Due to quarantine laws, pets are not accepted in the cabin or the baggage compartment on flights to or via the United Kingdom. On flights originating in the United Kingdom, pets will be accepted for travel only in the baggage compartment. Air Canada was the first North American carrier to participate in the United Kingdom's Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) which permits pet dogs and cats to enter the U.K as cargo without the usual 6 months quarantine as long as certain conditions are met. Customers wishing to travel with a service animal should contact Air Canada Call Center and ask for the Medical Assistance Desk.
United States Pets are not accepted for travel in the cabin or in the baggage compartment for travel to and from Hawaii due to government regulations. Pets can only travel via cargo and all bookings must be made through Air Canada Cargo office. Pets are not accepted in the cabin on flights to Hawaii (they are, however, accepted in the cabin on flights from Hawaii).


Limitation of liability

Air Canada will not be responsible in the event of loss, delay, injury, sickness or death of any pet or animal accepted for transportation.

(Last updated, 01JUL09)