WestJet Pet Policy

WestJet has a comprehensive pet policy that outlines everything you need to know about traveling with your furry friend. In this article, we will provide you with an overview of the WestJet pet policy, including what types of animals are allowed, the size restrictions, and the fees associated with traveling with a pet.

Whether you’re planning a short domestic flight or an international trip, this guide will help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for you and your pet.

Why is WestJet pet policy important for pet owners who travel with their furry friends?

WestJet outlines the requirements and guidelines that pet owners must follow to ensure the safety and comfort of their pets during air travel. 

By understanding the specific rules and regulations of WestJet pet policy, pet owners can adequately prepare their pets for travel and avoid any potential issues or complications that may arise during the trip.

What kinds of transportation options are there for my pet with WestJet Airlines?

WestJet Airlines offers two transportation options for pets:

• In-cabin as covered under Westjet pet carry-on policy
• As checked baggage

What are the types of pets that WestJet allowed on its flights?

WestJet allows the following types of pets on its flights:

• Small dogs and cats
• Domesticated birds in the cabin
• Small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and ferrets can travel in the cabin on select flights.
• Some species of reptiles travel in the cargo hold.
• Amphibians such as frogs and salamanders can travel in the cargo hold.

How many pets are allowed per passenger on a WestJet flight?

Only 1 pet per passenger is allowed.

Does WestJet allow pets in the cabin?

Only small dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits are permitted in the cabin provided they must be accompanied by an adult passenger. 

What size dog can fly in a WestJet cabin?

Small dogs that weigh no more than 10kg/22lbs (including their carrier) are allowed in the cabin, as per Westjet pet policy in the cabin. 

Are there any restrictions on birds to travel inside the cabin?

If you need to transport a bird inside a cabin, a few restrictions may apply – 

• It is prohibited to import any kind of bird into the Dominican Republic.

• Endangered birds and extinct birds’ remains are not permitted to be transferred from Mexico at any time.

• An import/export permit may be necessary while traveling with a bird and must be arranged in advance.

What are the carrier requirements for Westjet pet travel service?

WestJet has specific carrier requirements that must be met for pet travel on their flights. The requirements for Westjet airline-approved pet carriers include – 

• The carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated.
• The surface of the kennel must be soft-sided.
• The Westjet pet carrier dimensions must not exceed 41cm x 33cm x 22cm (16in x 13in x 8.5in).
• The carrier must fit comfortably under the seat in front of the owner.
• The pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in the carrier.
• The carrier must have a secure latch and be made of a sturdy material that will not collapse or shift during the flight.
• The pet must remain in the carrier at all times during the flight.

What would be the required documentation for pets to travel inside the cabin?

If you are traveling with your pet inside the cabin on a WestJet flight, you will need to provide the following documentation:

• Health certificate
• Vaccination records
• Flight confirmation number
• Westjet pet in cabin fee receipt.

It’s essential to check WestJet Airlines pet policy and speak to a WestJet representative to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation for your pet to travel.

Are there any age restrictions for pets to travel with WestJet?

For cats and dogs, the minimum age for travel on WestJet is 8 weeks old. 

How much would be the WestJet pet fees?

Below is the overview of the pet travel fee for in-cabin travel – 

Please note that these fees are in addition to the regular fare for the passenger’s ticket.

How does traveling with a Working dog work with WestJet?

Working dogs are not the same as Service dogs that offer assistance to passengers with a disability or any impairments. 

Working dogs receive special training to carry out tasks as instructed by their handler. These jobs could be:

• Performing specialized duties (detection, scout, sentry) for the military or police.
• Finding persons or items.
• Other extremely specialized skills.

Please be aware:

• This program is provided by WestJet, but not many other airlines do. 
• Working dogs are not accepted in Dreamliners.
• Working dogs will be charged Westjet pets in cabin cost.
• If the working dog needs extra room to ensure its comfort and safety on board, a second seat must be booked, subject to availability. 
• Working dogs are not permitted in the 787 Dreamliner.

What is the required documentation for working dogs?

At the airport, you will need to show a Registered Certificate Identification card. 

What are the control measures that need to be adopted when traveling with a working dog on WestJet?

When traveling with a working dog on WestJet, there are certain control measures that need to be adopted to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers on the flight. Here are some of the control measures that WestJet requires:

• Must be well-behaved and under control at all times.
• Wear a leash or harness and be under the control of its handler at all times. 
• Seated at the handler’s feet or in the designated space in front of the handler’s seat. 
• Carry documentation that proves the working dog is a certified working dog.

It’s important to note that failure to comply with these control measures may result in the working dog being refused travel.

How much does WestJet charge for a dog?

WestJet does not charge a fee for certified service animals that are trained to assist passengers with disabilities. 

How to book pet travel with WestJet?

Booking pet travel with WestJet is a straightforward process. To book a flight with your pet, you can either do it online or by contacting WestJet’s customer service team.

• Online – To book pet travel online with WestJet, follow these steps:

• Visit the official Westjet airlines and select the “Book a flight” option.
• Enter your travel details, including your departure and destination cities, travel dates, and number of passengers.
• On the “Add-ons” page, select the “Traveling with pets” option.
• Choose the type of pet you will be traveling with, such as a cat or a dog, and enter its breed and size.
• Enter the dimensions of your Westjet-approved pet carrier to ensure it meets WestJet’s requirements.
• Review and accept WestJet’s pet policy.
• Continue with the booking process and complete your purchase.

• Phone – To book pet travel with WestJet over the phone, follow these steps:

• Call WestJet’s customer service team at 1-888-937-8538.
• Inform the agent that you will be traveling with a pet and provide all the necessary information, including the type of pet, its breed, size, and carrier dimensions.
• The agent will check availability on your preferred flight and provide you with information on fees and any other important details.
• If you agree to the terms, the agent will add the pet’s travel arrangements to your booking.
• Complete the payment process over the phone to confirm your booking.

How do I check in with a pet on WestJet?

If you are traveling with a pet on WestJet, you will need to complete WestJet airline check in at the airport counter rather than online or through the mobile app. Here are the steps to check in with a pet on WestJet:

• Arrive at the airport with your pet at least 2 hours before your flight’s departure time.
• Proceed to the WestJet check-in counter and inform the agent that you are traveling with a pet.
• The agent will check your pet’s documentation and verify that it meets WestJet’s requirements.
• The agent will weigh your pet’s carrier and verify that it meets WestJet’s pet carrier size.
• Pay any fees associated with Westjet flying with pets service. 
• Receive your pet’s boarding pass, which will indicate that your pet is traveling with you in the cabin or as checked baggage.
• Proceed to the security and the boarding gate. 

Is my pet allowed to travel as checked baggage?

WestJet typically accepts cats and dogs as checked baggage, but there may be restrictions on the number of pets allowed on each flight, and certain breeds of dogs may not be accepted due to their physical characteristics.

How much is the fee for pet travel as checked luggage with WestJet?

Below is the overview of the pet travel fees as checked baggage

What kind of pets are allowed as checked baggage with WestJet?

WestJet accepts the following pets as checked luggage – 

• Birds
• Cats
• Chinchillas
• Dogs
• Guinea pigs
• Hedgehogs
• Rabbits

How many pets are accepted on each aircraft as checked baggage with WestJet?

The number of pets that are accepted on each aircraft with WestJet depends on the aircraft type and the flight route such as – 

How many pets are accepted per passenger as checked baggage with WestJet?

The number of pets varies with the aircraft type, such as – 

What are the weight and size restrictions for pets to travel as checked baggage with WestJet?

WestJet accepts pets as checked baggage if they meet the following requirements:

What are the conditions for acceptance of pets as checked baggage?

The conditions for acceptance of pets as checked baggage with WestJet are as follows:

• Pets are not permitted to travel on code-share agreement flights.
• It is highly recommended to book pet travel without a connection. 
• Always book pets travel in a way that the flight departs early in the morning or late at night in summer, and at noon in winter.
• Pets must not travel with unaccompanied minors. Learn more about WestJet’s unaccompanied minor policy. 
• Pets younger than 8 weeks are not accepted.
• A maximum of 2 pets of the same breed, each weighing no more than 14 kg (31 lbs.) may travel in a single kennel. Animals weighing more than 14 kg (31 lbs) each must be transported separately.
• The airline has the right to refuse transport for animals that seem aggressive, disorderly, or distressed.

How to book pet travel with WestJet as checked baggage?

Pet reservations cannot be booked online as checked baggage. To book pet travel with WestJet as checked baggage, follow these steps:

• Contact WestJet Reservations(1-888-937-8538 )at least 24 hours before your flight to inform them that you will be traveling with a pet as checked baggage.
• Provide WestJet with the details of your pet, including its weight, breed, and carrier dimensions. 
• You will need to provide the carrier and any necessary documentation, such as health certificates or import/export permits.
• Pay any applicable fees.
• Make sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check in your pet as checked baggage. 

What is the WestJet pet policy for service animals?

According to the WestJet pet policy, only dogs are accepted to provide a service to a passenger with a disability. Add to that – 

• Service dogs must be professionally trained to carry out duties or complete tasks for the benefit of a qualifying disabled person. 
• Service dogs must be individually trained and must be certified service animals.
• The airline allows one service dog per disabled person.
• WestJet accepts two service animals for a person with a disability on flights to or from the United States.
• When traveling with a service dog, if your flight is operated by a codeshare or interline agreement partner, contact that airline to confirm the pet policy. 

Are there any destination-specific restrictions for service dogs to travel with WestJet?

Yes. The airline does not accept service dogs for travel to and from – 

• Montego Bay and Kingston, Jamaica
• Bridgetown, Barbados

However, passengers are also required to take pre-approvals for the following destinations – 

• Hawaii
• Mexico
• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• France
• Spain
• Antigua
• Belize
• Cayman Islands
• St. Lucia
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos  

How do I book travel for service dogs with WestJet?

To book travel for a service dog with WestJet, you will need to follow these steps:

• Call WestJet’s customer service team and notify them at least 48 hours before departure that you will be traveling with a service dog. 
• You will need to provide documentation verifying that your service dog is trained to assist you with a disability.
• Once you have provided the necessary documentation, you can book your flight with WestJet.
• Before your flight, make sure to pack any necessary supplies for your service dog, such as food, water, and medications

By following these steps and ensuring that you have everything you need, you can travel with your service dog with ease and confidence.