Related Airlines
Air Canada Pet Policies
How to book
You'll need to register your pet in advance for travel on the same flight as yours by contacting Air Canada Reservations.
Pets that have not been registered in advance 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.
We recommend that you register your pet within 24 hours of completing your booking. If your pet cannot be accommodated on the flight(s) and date(s) you selected, your ticket can then be refunded without charge. After 24 hours, any changes to your booking will be subject to applicable change and cancellation fees.
PETS IN THE CABIN
For cats and small dogs only
Your pet travels with you at your seat
Your pet in its carrier counts as one standard item toward your carry-on baggage allowance
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Your cat or small dog can travel with you in the cabin provided it is small enough to fit and stay comfortably in its carrier under the seat in front of you, and you are travelling on:
A flight operated by Air Canada
An Air Canada Express flight operated by Jazz or Air Georgian
An Air Canada Express flight operated by Sky Regional flights between Montreal and Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Please also view additional information in the Codeshare flights/flights with other airlines section further down on this page.
* Soft-sided carriers are recommended. Carriers that do not meet the dimensions above will not be accepted.
* Flights to/from Hawaii: pets are not accepted in the cabin or the baggage compartment. They must be sent via Air Canada Cargo (AC Live Product). Cargo rates differ from those listed above.
** If the size of the carrier and/or the combined weight of the pet and carrier exceed the maximum allowable limits listed above, your pet will need to travel in the baggage compartment.
*** See restrictions regarding certain international destinations.
Registering your pet
You'll need to register your pet in advance for travel on the same flight as yours by contacting Air Canada Reservations. Pets that have not been registered in advance will not be accepted at the airport.
We recommend that you register your pet within 24 hours of completing your booking. If your pet cannot be accommodated on the flight(s) and date(s) you selected, your ticket can then be refunded without charge.
After 24 hours, any changes to your booking will be subject to applicable change and cancellation fees.
Eligibility
The service is available only on flights operated by Air Canada and on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz, Sky Regional and Air Georgian.
Please view important information in the 'Codeshare flights/ Flights with other airlines' section.
Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned to be accepted for travel;
Restrictions
You'll be asked to arrive at the airport 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.
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.
Your pet must remain at all times in a closed pet carrier stowed under your seat.
A customer may not travel with more than one pet in the cabin.
Unaccompanied minors may not travel with a pet in the cabin.
Pets are not permitted as carry-on baggage for passengers travelling in the Executive First Suite, because of cabin configuration.
Pets are not permitted as carry-on baggage for passengers seated in exit or bulkhead rows.
Pets are not permitted in the cabin on:
Flights to and from Australia, Jamaica, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom;
Flight to Barbados (pets are permitted on flights from Barbados);
Flights to or through Hong Kong (pets are permitted on flights from Hong Kong).
Government regulations
The above list is not exhaustive. Many countries place restrictions on the entry of animals. It is imperative that you find out what you need to know before travelling with your pet to/from another country, that you comply with all applicable restrictions, and are in possession of all documents required by the destination country or you may be subject to fines or quarantine of your pet.
The pet carrier
Must be leak proof and well ventilated. Both soft-sided (preferred) and hard-sided carriers are accepted in the cabin;
Must be big enough to allow your pet to stand up, turn around and lie down safely and comfortably. No part of the pet may extend outside the carrier. The pet must remain in the carrier and the carrier 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
Allergy sufferers
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 or 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.
PETS IN THE BAGGAGE COMPARTMENT
For cats and dogs only
Your pet travels in the checked baggage compartment, on the same flight as you
Your pet can't fly in the cabin with you? It can still travel safely in the checked baggage compartment on the same flight as you, provided you are travelling on:
A flight operated by Air Canada
An Air Canada Express flight operated by Jazz
An Air Canada Express flight operated by Sky Regional flights between Montreal and Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Please also view additional information in the Codeshare flights/flights with other airlines section.
* Flights to/from Hawaii: pets are not accepted in the cabin or the baggage compartment. They must be sent via Air Canada Cargo (AC Live). Cargo rates differ from those listed above.
** For kennels exceeding 32 kg (70 lb) in weight, or 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height), please contact Air Canada Cargo (AC Live) for assistance. Cargo rates differ from those listed above.
*** See restrictions regarding certain international destinations.
Eligibility
The service is available only on flights operated by Air Canada and on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz and Sky Regional.
Please view important information in the 'Codeshare flights/ Flights with other airlines' section at the bottom of this page.
Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned to be accepted for travel;
How to book
You'll need to register your pet in advance for travel on the same flight as yours by contacting Air Canada Reservations.
Pets that have not been registered in advance 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.
We recommend that you register your pet within 24 hours of completing your booking. If your pet cannot be accommodated on the flight(s) and date(s) you selected, your ticket can then be refunded without charge. After 24 hours, any changes to your booking will be subject to applicable change and cancellation fees.
Restrictions
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) 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 32.5 kg (70 lb);
The kennel used to transport your pet exceeds 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height).
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. Find out what you need to know before travelling with your pet to another country.
Seasonal restrictions
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.
Please contact Air Canada Cargo for assistance if you plan on travelling with your pet during one of these embargo periods (with the exception of December 15 to January 11, where pets are not accepted as cargo either).
The kennel
Must be hard-sided to be 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 leak proof. Collapsible kennels are not accepted.
Must be big enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably, as per international regulations. 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.
Can contain a maximum of 2 dogs provided each dog does not weigh more than 14 kg (31 lb)
Must not have wheels attached. Any wheels must be removed from the kennel prior to check-in.
You can 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 (German-language website).
Your pet carrier must meet all of the conditions listed above or it will not be accepted for travel.
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 or after the flight, or during connections.
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.
Codeshare flights/ Flights with other airlines
If your itinerary includes a flight that is marketed by Air Canada but operated by one of our codeshare partners, you will not be able to travel with your pet.
A flight marketed by Air Canada but operated by another carrier will bear an Air Canada designator code (e.g. AC6984) and display a one-digit number next to the logo referring to the operating carrier.
If your itinerary includes a flight that is marketed and operated by another airline, you will be able to travel with your pet but you will need to contact the other airline to make separate arrangements for your pet for that portion of your trip. Naturally, you will also be subject to the pet travel policy and other rules of that airline.
For the specific terms and conditions of any or our codeshare partners or other airlines sold on aircanada.com, visit the operating carrier's website directly.
Government Regulations
All animals may be inspected by government veterinary officials upon landing in any country. 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.
Below is a partial list of countries with restrictions on the entry of animals. For specific restrictions, as well as information on vaccination and documentation requirements when bringing animals into a particular country, always contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country.
PETS SHIPPED VIA AIR CANADA CARGO
For a variety of animals, including cats and dogs
When your pet needs to travel alone
Air Canada Cargo (AC Live)
Air Canada Cargo ships a wide variety of animals, from cats and dogs to hatching eggs, insects and tropical fish. You can be sure that your pet will travel safely and comfortably to its destination.
AC Live guarantees:
Do you need a kennel?
Compliance with IATA Regulations
Specialized handling
Efficient transport and handling processes
Comprehensive tender and retrieval times
Shipment tracking
Contact your local Air Canada Cargo office to learn more about how we can respond to your particular shipping needs.
Travel restrictions:
Aircraft types, weight, weather and regulatory restrictions may prevent Air Canada from transporting your animal to all the destinations we serve. Please view our travel restrictions page for details, or contact your local Air Canada Cargo office.
Summer restrictions
At any time when temperature is over 29.5 °C, Air Canada Cargo may not be able to accommodate animals.
May 15 to September 30
Due to extreme heat and USDA regulations, the transport of live animals is prohibited or strictly regulated to and from airports in the following cities: Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Houston (IAH) Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO) and Phoenix International (PHX).
Exception: live rodents shipped from Miami; all aquatic life forms and insects for all stations.
Contact Air Canada Cargo for complete details.
Winter restrictions
At any time when temperature is below 7 °C, Air Canada Cargo may not be able to accommodate animals.
December 15 to January 12 - North America
Due to high passenger loads over the Holiday Season and in an effort to ensure the safety and welfare of pets during that period, Air Canada Cargo will be embargoing the transport of all cats and dogs within North America (including shipments from breeders, kennels & freight forwarders).
Shipments of Live Animals on direct International flights will still be accepted.
For example: YYZFRA will be accepted while ORDYYZFRA is embargoed
Shipments of all other Live Animals will still be acceptable provided the conditions for transport are met.
An embargo has also been placed on Pets traveling as baggage. Passengers can be referred to the Air Canada website www.aircanada.com for more information.
November 1 to March 31
Because smaller aircraft types cannot offer adequate comfort during colder winter months, live animals cannot be accepted on the following aircraft between the dates indicated at left:
CRJ 100/200 (CRJ)
CRJ 705 (CRA)
Embraer 175 (E75)
Embraer 190 (E90)
Beech 1900D (BEH)
Exception: live tropical fish, insects, frogs, worms, bees, live coral rock and rodent species shall be permitted during this period provided packaging meets IATA Live Animal Regulations (LARs), all appropriate container requirements and the shipper has signed a liability waiver form to this effect. Contact Air Canada Cargo for complete details.
Other restrictions
Very large containers are not accepted on the following aircraft:
CRJ 100/200 (CRJ)
CRJ 705 (CRA)
Embraer 175 (E75)
Embraer 190 (E90)
It is not recommended to ship toy-sized dogs, puppies and kittens in the following aircrafts:
A319-100
A320-200
A321-200
Shipment of females in heat (estrus) is not recommended
Females with suckling young and weaned puppies younger than 8 weeks old will not be accepted for air transportation.
The United States Transportation Security Administration issued new directives for shipments that are bound for the United States. Customers wishing to transport live animals to or transiting through the United States are required to have an established business relationship with Air Canada Cargo and an active Air Canada Cargo account.
Travel within Canada
Bookings should be made at least 10 hours in advance of travel, in order to give adequate time for all interested parties to be informed, thus ensuring the utmost safety of your animal throughout its entire journey.
Our system allows reservations up to 30 days prior to departure. To book travel, contact AC Cargo:
1 (866) 615-1155
Hours of operation - 6:00 am to 9:45 pm (EST) - 7 days a week
You can also view our list of Air Canada Cargo offices across Canada.
Travel between Canada and the U.S.
Bookings should be made at least 24 hours in advance of travel, in order to give adequate time for all interested parties to be informed, thus ensuring the utmost safety of your animal throughout its entire journey.
Our system allows reservations up to 30 days prior to departure. To book travel, please contact AC Cargo.
All other origins or destinations
Bookings must be made at least 5 days in advance of travel, in order to give adequate time for all interested parties to be informed, thus ensuring the utmost safety of your animal throughout its entire journey.
Our system allows reservations up to 30 days prior to departure. To book travel, please contact your local Air Canada Cargo office.
For specific import rules and regulations, as well as information on vaccination and documentation requirements when bringing animals into a particular country, always contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country.
Payment
Rates (dogs and cats) - within Canada
http://www.aircanada.com/cargo/shared/en/documents/solutions/aclive_rates_ca.pdf
Rates (dogs and cats) - Canada to USA
http://www.aircanada.com/cargo/shared/en/documents/solutions/aclive_rates_ca-us.pdf
Rates (dogs and cats) - USA to Canada
http://www.aircanada.com/cargo/shared/en/documents/solutions/aclive_rates_us-ca.pdf
Prepare your pet for travel
Before the flight
Once within our care, pets are brought to specialized rooms for safety and comfort and are transported to the airplane in dedicated vehicles. In order to further minimize the stress of travelling, we recommend the following:
Make sure you have a confirmed reservation with Air Canada Cargo and that all other travel arrangements are made and confirmed prior to departure.
Ensure you have an IATA approved kennel that is the right size for your pet. See the "Choosing the right kennel" section below.
Purchase the kennel in advance so as to allow your pet to become accustomed to the kennel well before the flight. Also, place your pet's favourite toy or other item in the kennel.
Clearly indicate your pet's name on the outside of the kennel, and use zip ties AND bolts to secure the top and bottom portions of the kennel/container together. Clips alone will not be accepted.
Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise, and feed it a light meal and water two hours before leaving home.
Do not sedate your pet. Sedative drugs can be dangerous for your pet, as drugs act differently under different atmospheric pressures. Please consult your veterinarian for more information.
Choosing the right kennel
The measurements below are based on the animal standing in a natural position
A = length of animal from nose to root of tail.
B = height from ground to elbow joint.
C = width across musters.
D = height of animal in standing position.
The length of the kennel must be equal to A + 1/2 B.
The width of the kennel must be equal to C x 2.
The height of the kennel (top flat or arched) must be equal to D.
Number of pets per kennel
The number of pets allowed per kennel varies according to your origin or destination, as well as the age and size of your pet.
Travel to/from the U.S.
All other origins or destinations
Buying an approved kennel
You can 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:
http://www.skykennelsupply.com/
http://www.gkair.de/shop_ac/catalog/index.php?language=us
Pets in the Maple Leaf Lounges
Pets are allowed in our Maple Leaf Lounges only under the following conditions:
Pets must remain with the owner 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.
SERVICE ANIMALS
Certified, professionally trained service animals which are assisting customers with disabilities are carried, free of charge, in the passenger cabin at the customer's feet. The animal must be harnessed and 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).
View specific information for itineraries between Canada and the United States.
For all other itineraries, if you plan on travelling with a service animal, we require that you:
Advise Air Canada Reservations 48 hours prior to departure. However, we'll make every effort to accommodate requests made within that time frame.
Be at the airport for check-in one hour prior to the normal check-in time for your flight.
For exceptions on travel to international destinations, please consult specific government regulations of any countries you are travelling to.
Visually impaired customers may be seated in an Executive First Suite and may travel with a service animal such as a seeing-eye dog, provided the animal travels under the Suite's footstool and/or seat at all times. Please click on the 'Visually or hearing impaired' link below for more important information.
By contacting Air Canada Reservations, you can request a seat with additional floor space to accommodate a service animal.
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