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Air Canada Pet TravelAC

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FAQ about Air Canada pet policy

Policy last updated: April 19, 2026

Accepted pets:🐱 Cat🐶 Dog
Min age: 10 weeks

In-Cabin Travel

Allowed
🐾Accepted pets🐱 Cat🐶 Dog
Carrier max dimensions43 × 40 × 20 cm
Max pets per passenger1
Fee50 CAD/USD

Effective June 1, 2025, only soft-sided carriers are permitted in the cabin; hard-sided carriers and backpack carriers with hard plastic windows are not allowed. Pet must be small enough to stand, turn around, and lie down in the carrier. Carrier stows under the seat in front of the passenger. Pet counts as the one standard carry-on item (for Economy Basic on applicable itineraries, passenger may also bring one personal item). Only cats and small dogs permitted. Not permitted in Premium Economy, exit rows, or bulkhead rows, or for unaccompanied minors, or if a medical device must be stowed under the seat. Not permitted on Air Canada Jetz flights. Cabin fee ranges: CA/US $50–$60 (within Canada and Canada/U.S.) and CA/US $100–$120 (international). Carrier size exceptions by aircraft type: most mainline jets (A220-300, A319-100, A320-200, A321-200, A330-300, 737 MAX 8, 777-200LR, 777-300ER, 787-8, 787-9): 40 cm W x 43 cm L x 20 cm H; regional aircraft (DH4, E175, CR9) and Landline: 40 cm W x 55 cm L x 27 cm H; Business Class of A330-300 and 777/787 variants: 21 cm W x 41 cm L x 28 cm H. Pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned (exceptions may apply for certain international destinations). Advance registration via Air Canada Reservations is mandatory — pets not registered in advance will not be accepted. Passengers must arrive 30 minutes before recommended check-in time and must use an agent (no online or kiosk check-in). Cats and small dogs are allowed in Maple Leaf Lounges if kept in carrier at all times.

Cargo / Hold

Allowed
As checked baggage Yes
As freight Yes
Max weight45 kg
Fee105 CAD/USD
Temperature embargoSummer: pets not accepted in baggage compartment when temperatures exceed 29.5°C (85°F). Seasonal embargoes apply to numerous destinations (e.g., Aruba all year; Bahamas May 1–Oct 31; Belize all year; Bermuda Jul 1–Sep 30; Cayman Islands all year; China Jun 1–Sep 30; Costa Rica all year; Cuba all year to Cuba/May 1–Oct 31 from Cuba; Curacao all year; Dominican Republic May 1–Sep 30; Egypt Apr 1–Oct 31; Greece Jul 1–Aug 31; Hong Kong Jun 1–Sep 30; India Mar 1–Oct 31; Israel Jul 1–Aug 31; Italy Jul 1–Aug 31; Jamaica all year; Japan Jun 1–Sep 30; Korea Jun 1–Sep 30; Mexico Jul 1–Aug 31; Morocco Jul 1–Sep 30; Panama all year; Puerto Rico May 1–Nov 30; Qatar all year; St. Lucia Apr 1–Nov 30; St. Maarten Apr 1–Nov 30; Trinidad and Tobago all year; Turks and Caicos Apr 1–Nov 30; UAE all year; United States May 1–Nov 30 for select warm-weather cities; Hawaii May 15–Oct 31). Winter cold restrictions Nov 1–Mar 31 and whenever temperature is 0°C or below: pets under 4.5 kg not accepted in baggage compartment; pets not accepted on E175; not recommended on A319/A320/A321 (unheated hold, can reach 2°C); cats and dogs not accepted in baggage compartment of 737 MAX 8 (minimal heating). Peak winter period Dec 18–Jan 4: no pets accepted as checked baggage or cargo. Sep 14–Jan 14: no pets as checked baggage on AC1980/AC1982 (Toronto–Mexico City) and AC1988 (Montreal–Mexico City). Seasonal baggage limit: Sep 14–Jan 14, no pets in baggage compartment between MEX and YYZ/YUL.

Maximum carrier size: 292 cm (115 in) linear dimensions. Maximum weight: 45 kg (100 lb) pet and kennel combined. For kennels exceeding these limits, contact Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals). Fee ranges: CA/US $105–$126 within Canada/U.S. (inclusive of 0–18% tax); CA/US $270–$324 international (inclusive of 0–20% tax). Carrier must be hard-sided, secure and leakproof, large enough for pet to stand, turn around, and lie down; collapsible and wire carriers not accepted; lid must not be covered with mesh (ventilation holes in lid are permitted); wheels must be removed before check-in; kennels must be secured with resealable zip ties provided at check-in. Two pets (same species) may share one kennel if they are fully weaned puppies/kittens aged 12 weeks to 6 months; fee charged twice. For more than two pets, contact Air Canada Cargo no more than 14 days and no less than 7 days before travel. Strong/aggressive dog breeds require a special reinforced container (weld/wire mesh, metal, wood, or non-plastic synthetic; door must be wire mesh, metal, or wood with secure lock). Brachycephalic dog breeds not accepted in baggage compartment. Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals) also ships pets as unaccompanied freight. Pets travelling as cargo fly in pressurized, mostly temperature-controlled holds; kennels are secured and positioned for maximum ventilation. Do not lock carrier door. Remove leash before placing pet in carrier.

Service Animals

Allowed
🐾Accepted species🐶 Dog
Must fit at passenger feet Yes
Advance notice required Yes
Documentation requiredU.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form (for U.S. flights)U.S. DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (for U.S. flights of 8+ hours)Air Canada Service Animal Form (for all other flights)Identification or documentation from a service dog training organization confirming the dog has been individually trained to perform a task related to the passenger's disabilityEmotional Support Dog: Emotional Support Dog Request – Acknowledgement and Confirmation of Behaviour formEmotional Support Dog: Medical/Mental Health Professional FormEmotional Support Dog: Veterinary Health FormDocumentation that the animal meets all travel/entry/exit requirements of the destination

Only dogs accepted as service or emotional support animals. Each passenger may travel with one service dog (exception: two service dogs permitted on U.S. flights, extra floor space available for purchase if needed). Service dogs must remain on the floor at all times (not in seats), be harnessed/leashed/tethered, and be under passenger control. Air Canada assesses if the dog fits at the passenger's feet; if not, additional floor space can be requested. Additional floor space is free for domestic Canadian flights; must be purchased for all other routes. Service dog must meet entry/exit requirements of all countries/regions on the itinerary. Advance documentation must be sent to Air Canada Accessibility Services at least 48 hours before departure (96 hours for emotional support dogs). CNIB cardholders are exempt from completing forms but must still contact Accessibility Services. Emotional support dogs that cannot travel in a carrier may travel in the pressurized baggage compartment.

🐱🐶

Species Rules

Cats & dogs on same flight Permitted
Service animals exempt Yes

In the baggage compartment, up to two pets may share one kennel but must be the same species — cats and dogs cannot be mixed together in the same kennel.

Breed Restrictions

  • Brachycephalic (short/snub-nosed) dog breeds are not accepted in the baggage compartment
  • Certain dog breeds classified as 'strong dogs' must be transported in a special reinforced container or crate in the baggage compartment (wire mesh/metal/wood construction with secure lock)

Documentation Required

  • Local veterinary health certificate
  • Government-approved health certificate (may be required depending on destination)
  • Any additional documents required by the destination country's consulate or embassy
  • IATA Travel Information Manual requirements for the destination country
  • CDC entry requirements for dogs entering the U.S. (effective August 1, 2024)
What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
Only cats and small dogs are permitted in the cabin. They must be small enough to stand, turn around, and lie down in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?
Air Canada does not specify a maximum weight for cabin pets, but the pet must fit comfortably in the carrier and be small enough to stand, turn around, and lie down inside it. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
What are the carrier size requirements for in-cabin pet travel?
As of June 1, 2025, only soft-sided carriers are permitted. Carrier dimensions vary by aircraft: most mainline jets (A220-300, A319-100, A320-200, A321-200, A330-300, 737 MAX 8, 777-200LR, 777-300ER, 787-8, 787-9) allow 40 cm W x 43 cm L x 20 cm H; regional aircraft (DH4, E175, CR9) and Landline allow 40 cm W x 55 cm L x 27 cm H; Business Class of A330-300 and wide-body Boeing jets allow 21 cm W x 41 cm L x 28 cm H. Backpack carriers with hard plastic windows are not permitted.
Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?
Yes. Cats and dogs can travel in the pressurized baggage compartment (checked baggage) on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express (Jazz). The carrier must be hard-sided, leakproof, large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down, with wheels removed and no mesh on the lid. Maximum weight is 45 kg (100 lb, pet and kennel combined) and maximum carrier size is 292 cm (115 in) linear dimensions. Brachycephalic dog breeds are not accepted in the baggage compartment. Temperature and seasonal restrictions apply to many destinations. Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals) also ships pets as unaccompanied freight.
What are the fees for traveling with a pet?
In the cabin (one-way): CA/US $50–$60 within Canada and Canada/U.S.; CA/US $100–$120 for international flights. In the baggage compartment (one-way, taxes included): CA/US $105–$126 within Canada and Canada/U.S.; CA/US $270–$324 for international flights. Fees for Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals) shipments should be obtained directly from Air Canada Cargo.
Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?
In the cabin: one cat or small dog per passenger. In the baggage compartment: up to two pets of the same species may share one kennel (must be same-species puppies/kittens aged 12 weeks to 6 months). For travel with more than two pets, contact Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals) between 7 and 14 days before travel.
Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
Brachycephalic (short/snub-nosed) dog breeds are not permitted in the baggage compartment due to risk of heat stroke and breathing problems. Certain dog breeds classified as 'strong dogs' must use a special reinforced container (weld/wire mesh, metal, or wood construction) in the baggage compartment. Air Canada reserves the right to refuse animals that exhibit aggressive behavior or cage destruction.
What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
A local veterinary health certificate is required. Government-approved health certificates and other documents may be required depending on the destination country. Air Canada follows IATA Travel Information Manual requirements. Dogs entering the U.S. are subject to CDC entry requirements effective August 1, 2024. Contact the destination country's consulate or embassy for specific requirements.
How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
First book your own flight, then call Air Canada Reservations to register your pet on the same flight. Registration cannot be done online or at airport kiosks. It is strongly recommended to register your pet within 24 hours of completing your booking. At check-in, you must see an agent and arrive 30 minutes before the recommended check-in time.
Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
Yes. International pet travel requires a local veterinary health certificate and may require additional government-approved health certificates depending on the destination. Air Canada follows IATA Travel Information Manual requirements. Dogs entering the U.S. must meet CDC entry requirements effective August 1, 2024. Some international destinations have seasonal or year-round embargoes on pets in the baggage compartment. Contact the destination country's consulate or embassy for specific requirements.
Are there temperature-related restrictions for pets traveling in the cargo hold?
Yes. When summer temperatures exceed 29.5°C (85°F), it may not be possible to accommodate pets in the baggage compartment. Numerous destinations have seasonal embargoes (e.g., Aruba, Belize, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Curacao, Jamaica, Panama, Qatar, Trinidad and Tobago, UAE are restricted all year). From November 1 to March 31 (and when temperatures are at or below 0°C), pets under 4.5 kg are not accepted in the baggage compartment, pets are not accepted on E175 aircraft, and pets are not accepted on the Boeing 737 MAX 8. Peak winter period (December 18–January 4), no pets are accepted as checked baggage or cargo.
What is the airline's policy on sedating pets during travel?
Tranquilizers and other medications are not recommended. Passengers should consult their veterinarian before travel.
Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
For general pet travel: contact Air Canada Reservations to register your pet. For Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals) shipments: contact Air Canada Cargo directly. For service/emotional support animals: contact Air Canada Accessibility Services at 1-800-667-4732 (toll-free Canada/U.S.) or accessible@aircanada.ca (daily 6 a.m.–12 a.m. EST).

Source: Official pet policy page ↗