Air Canada Pet Policy

Air Canada Pet Policy uncovers essential information that will empower passengers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions when flying with their pets. From understanding the types of animals allowed on board to exploring specific guidelines and requirements, we will help you offer stress-free travel.

What is Air Canada Pet In Cabin Policy?

As per Air Canada pet policy, there are specific circumstances where pets cannot accompany passengers in the cabin:

• If the passenger booked an Air Canada unaccompanied minor service.
• The passenger’s seat is in an exit or bulkhead row.
•  Any medical device requiring under-seat stowage

Air Canada Pet In Cabin Fee – For cabin travel, charges for one-way flights are as follows – 

Here are the key restrictions and requirements for traveling with pets –

Air Canada pet carrier – The air canada pet carrier dimensions varies with the aircraft model as mentioned below – 

How to book – You can call the below-mentioned number to book Air Canada pet travel – 

Required paperwork – Here are the documentation requirements for in-cabin pet travel – 

• Air Canada pet in cabin fee receipt
• Pet health certificate
• Pet carrier
• Health certificate

What is the Air Canada pet travel in baggage compartments guidelines?

To get approval for Air Canada pet bookings in the baggage compartment, the flights must be operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or an Air Canada Express flight managed by Jazz.

Weight and size considerations – The following conditions may apply – 

• Air Canada-approved pet carriers should not exceed 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions
• Air Canada pet weight limit (combined weight of your pet and carrier) can go up to 45 kg (100 lb).

Pet travel fee – As per Air Canada pet policy, the following charges apply for the one-way trip. 

The fees stated include a tax range of 0% to 18%

Below is an overview of the fee as per Air Canada pet policy for international flights – 

Note – In case a pet’s kennel exceeds the weight of 45 kg (100 lb) or the linear dimensions of 292 cm (115 in), you can connect with Air Canada pet cargo for assistance.

Hawaii travel restrictions – For flights to/from Hawaii, please be aware that pets cannot accompany you in the cabin or the baggage compartment.

Restrictions for traveling with pets in the baggage compartment – Air Canada pet embargo includes – 

Summer heat restrictions – To ensure their comfort during travel, Air Canada takes weather conditions into account when transporting pets in the baggage compartment. 

• Travel time recommendations – Opt for early morning or late evening flights when temperatures are cooler.
• Direct flights – If possible, choose direct or non-stop flights to limit your pet’s time in the baggage compartment.
• Baggage handling – The Air Canada pet transport team ensures pets are loaded last and offloaded first, minimizing their time in the baggage compartment.
• Temperature restriction – Some of Air Canada’s aircraft lack temperature-controlled and ventilated baggage compartments, making it challenging to accommodate pets when summer temperatures surpass 29.5°C (85°F).

Seasonal restrictions – Certain destinations and times of the year have travel restrictions, as per Air Canada pet travel policy

Winter restrictions – Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Air Canada pet restrictions during the winter.

From November 1 to March 31, and whenever temperatures reach 0°C (32°F) or below, specific air canada pet restrictions apply – 

• Embraer 175 (E75) and Embraer 190 (E90) flights are not available for pets year-round
• Traveling with pets on Airbus A319-100, A320-200, and A321-200 aircraft is discouraged from November 1 to March 31.
• During the peak winter travel period from December 18 to January 4, the airline was unable to accommodate pets as checked baggage 
• From September 14 to January 14, due to peak travel season, pets are not accepted as checked baggage on travel to/from Mexico City.
• Cats and dogs weighing less than 4.5 kg (10 lb) cannot be accommodated in the baggage compartment 

Requirements of Air Canada pet carrier – As per Air Canada pet policy, the carrier must meet the following requirements – 

• Air Canada approved pet carriers can accommodate up to 2 dogs, each weighing no more than 14 kg (31 lb). 
• The Air Canada pet carrier must be hard-sided.
• While ventilation holes are allowed, the top of the container should not be covered with mesh.
• Locking pins must extend at least 1.6 cm or 5/8 inches.
• The carrier must be large enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Required paperwork – Air Canada pet document requirement is the same as for cabin pet travel.

How to book – You can call the below mentioned number to book Air Canada pet travel – 

Does Air Canada offer pet cargo service?

Air Canada Cargo connects you to over 190 destinations worldwide, including 64 Canadian cities, 52 US destinations, and 78 cities spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and more.

Restrictions for warm blooded species– As per Air Canada pet travel cargo policy, the following restrictions may apply – 

• Not accepted for air cargo from November 1st to March 31st
• Certain aircraft restrictions include CRJ, CR7, E175, E190, and B737 
• Mammals, birds, aquatics, and insects are allowed to travel as cargo.

Age and health requirements – These requirements may include – 

• Pets must be at least 16 weeks old
• Must be fully weaned and vaccinated for both domestic and international travel
• A health certificate is required within 10 days of travel
• Proof of rabies vaccination
• Necessary forms for the destination country
• Presentation at check-in for international travel

Breeds and temperature considerations – 

• Snub-nosed breeds require metal crates like IATA CR82 crates
• Warm-blooded animals are not accepted when the outside ground temperature exceeds 85°F (29.5°C) at departure, destination, or transit
• Travel restrictions to specific cities and regions in Asia and the Middle East due to extreme temperatures

Required documentation – You need an Air Canada pet health certificate. Additionally – 

• Health certificate within 10 days
• Proof of vaccinations 
• Pet passport documents for international travel

Pet carrier requirements  – As per Air Canada pet carrier policy, you must meet the following guidelines – 

• The crate should allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• For brachycephalic/snub-nosed breeds, consider a crate one size larger than normal for airlines permitting cargo travel.
• The floor must be solid and leakproof to ensure cleanliness.
• Domestic flights require ventilation on a minimum of three sides, while international flights need ventilation on all four sides.
• Ventilation holes should be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter and located 4 inches (10 cm).
• The total ventilated area must be at least 16% of the crate’s total surface.
• If your pet exceeds 132 lbs. (60kg), ensure forklift spacers are provided.

Note – All other requirements, such as Air Canada pet carrier dimensions, must be the same as pet travel in the baggage compartment. 

How to book –  You can call the below mentioned number to book the Air Canada pet travel – 

What is Air Canada Pet Policy for service animals?

Air Canada pet policy aligns with the recent changes introduced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding service animals and emotional support animals.

• As per Air Canada’s ESA pet policy, emotional support animals are no longer permitted to travel in the cabin.
• Air Canada accepts service dogs that are trained to perform tasks for passengers with disabilities.

Guidelines – Here are the key considerations – 

• Passengers are allowed to travel with one accompanied service dog at no additional charge.
• For flights to/from the U.S., two accompanied service dogs are accepted without charge
• Service dogs must be trained to perform tasks.
• Throughout the journey, service dogs must be under the passenger’s control.
• Dogs should be harnessed
• Air Canada’s special assistance team will evaluate if the service dog can fit comfortably at the passenger’s feet.

Required documents – Forms should be completed and submitted to the Air Canada medical assistance desk at least 48 hours before departure.. The following forms must be submitted – 

• U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form
• U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Form – This is applicable if the flight duration is 8 hours or more. 
• Air Canada Service Animal Form

How to book –  You can call the below mentioned number to book the Air Canada pet travel – 

Air Canada pet policy is designed to prioritize safety, comfort, and convenience. With clear guidelines on crate specifications, documentation, and transportation logistics, Air Canada makes it simple for pet owners to navigate the intricacies of air travel.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs