Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada, serving more than 170 destinations around the world. It is one of the founding members of the Star Alliance, which also includes United Airlines, Lufthansa, and US Airways.

Air Canada Pet Policy

Pets are allowed on Air Canada planes either in the cabin, in the baggage compartment, or in cargo. Only cats and dogs are permitted to travel in the cabin and baggage compartment, while a wider variety of animals is permitted to travel via cargo.

Pay attention to “codeshare” flights – those marketed by Air Canada but actually operated by one of the airline’s partners. If the flights are not actually operated by Air Canada, you will not be able to travel with your pet. If the flight is both marketed and operated by one of Air Canada’s partners, you may be able to travel with your pet – but you’ll need to contact the partner airline (the one actually operating the flights) in order to make arrangements.

Service animals assisting Air Canada customers are allowed in the cabin, free of charge, and permitted to stay at the customer’s feet. Service animals must be pre-registered with Air Canada via their Medical Assistance Desk (contact information here). All service animals must be:

  • Certified as having been trained to assist a person with a disability by a professional service animal institution
  • Harnessed at all times

Pets are allowed in Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges only if:

  • The pet remains in its carrier and with its owner at all times
  • The pet carrier is leak-proof and well-ventilated
  • No part of the pet extends outside the carrier

Important Tip:
You must register your pet in advance of your flight by contacting Air Canada (contact information here). If you don’t register your pet ahead of time, your pet will not be permitted on the flight. Air Canada recommends you do this within 24 hours of booking your flight. That way, if your pet can’t be accommodated on the flight you have booked, your ticket can then be refunded without charge. If you register your pet after that 24-hour period and your pet can’t be accommodated on the flight you chose, your ticket is “subject to applicable change and cancellation fees.”

Pets in the Cabin: Air Canada Policy

  • Only for cats and small dogs.
  • Your pet must be small enough to stay in its carrier under the seat in front of you
  • Your pet and carrier combined must weigh no more than 22lb (10kg)
  • The carrier must meet certain dimensions; Air Canada recommends soft-sided carriers
    • Hard-Sided: 19in/23cm (height), 15.5in/40cm (width), 21.5in/55cm (length)
    • Soft-Sided: 10.5in/27cm (height), 15.5in/40cm (width), 21.5in/55cm (length)
  • Your pet (in its carrier) counts toward your overall carry-on allowance as one standard carry-on item
  • The charge for your pet in the cabin within Canada/US (except Hawaii) is $50 or $59 per direction, depending on the itinerary. International is $100 – $118.
  • You must be flying on a flight operated by Air Canada, an Air Canada Express flight operated by Jazz or Air Georgian, or an Air Canada Express flight opreated by Sky Regional between Montreal and Toronto City Airport

Learn more about Air Canada’s policies about traveling with pets in the cabin here

Pets in the Baggage Compartment: Air Canada Policy

  • Only for cats and dogs
  • Your pet must travel on the same flight as you, in the checked baggage compartment
  • Your pet and carrier combined must weigh no more than 100lb (45kg)
  • The carrier must meet certain dimensions (115in/292cm in linear dimensions – length + width + height)
  • The charge for your pet traveling in the baggage compartment $105 – $120.75 per direction
  • You must be flying on a flight operated by Air Canada, an Air Canada Express flight operated by Jazz, or an Air Canada Express flight opreated by Sky Regional between Montreal and Toronto City Airport

Learn more about Air Canada’s policies about pets traveling in the baggage compartment here

Pets Shipped via Cargo: Air Canada Policy

  • Available for a wide variety of animals, not just cats and dogs
  • Your pet can travel without you this way; you’re not required to be on the flight
  • Charges vary depending on the itinerary and animal

Learn more about Air Canada’s policies about pets traveling via cargo here

For more details about Air Canada’s pet policies, please see this page of the Air Canada website

Facebook Comments

One thought on “Air Canada

  1. I want to travel with my English bulldog (emotional assistance dog) from Vancouver to Chile. Which are the requirements?