Travelling with your Pet

Did you know that your pet can travel via Air Canada? We offer travel in the baggage compartment, provided the regulations of the destination country permit.

This option is also available to Air Canada customers connecting to any of our Star Alliance partners, and vice versa. Connections to any other airline are not permitted.

Pets in the cabin

Important: Pets in the cabin service is no longer available on Air Canada, and has been entirely discontinued as of September 18, 2006.

Only certified, professionally-trained service animals assisting customers with disabilities will continue to be carried, free of charge, in the passenger cabin at the customer's feet--provided they have a registered training certificate. For EXCEPTIONS to this, please see Government Regulations table, below.

Pets in the baggage compartment

Pets cannot be accepted for travel in the baggage compartment from December 18, 2006 throughout January 9, 2007.

In addition, pets cannot travel on our CRJ and CR7 aircraft between November 1 and March 31, or any time the outside temperature is below zero celsius, and large and extra-large kennels cannot be carried on Dash 8 or CRJ/CR7 aircraft."

You can now 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 72 hours prior to travel.

• Please note that requests to bring animals must be done within 24 hours, once you have completed your booking with Air Canada Reservations at 1-888-247-2262.
• Pets without bookings will not be accepted at the airport.
• Pets and their kennels, whose combined weight is LESS than 70 lbs(32.5 kg), are accepted for travel in the baggage compartment provided they are accompanied by the owner on the same flight.
• Air Canada Cargo (AC Live Product) must be used when shipping more than one animal for any commercial intent.
• Air Canada Cargo needs to be used for pets OVER 70 lbs(32.5 kg).

If the above conditions are not met, Air Canada Cargo (AC Live Product) must be used. Please consult Air Canada Cargo for details.

Your pet travels in a temperature controlled and ventilated baggage compartment on the same flight as you do. Air Canada transports the majority of pets this way. Winter restrictions may apply on certain aircraft.

Please note:

• The number of kennels accepted is limited by aircraft type and may require your reservation to be modified to accommodate your pet;
• Dimensions of the kennel and weight and breed of your pet must be given at the time of your call;
• Maximum of two checked kennels per person or family;
• Pets must be placed in hard-sided carriers;
• Pet carrier wheels must be removed prior to the flight.
• The combined weight of the pet and kennel must be 70 lbs(32.5 Kg), or less to travel as baggage

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Government regulations

All animals are inspected by government veterinary officials upon landing. Please note that veterinary inspection fees may be charged.

NOTE: 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 Consulates and Embassies for each country. Please find useful links below to some key countries.

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Useful Links

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Charges - one way (applicable taxes not included)

Contact Air Canada Reservations for details as some exceptions may apply.

Please note that these rates do not apply when your pet is travelling as Air Canada Cargo (AC Live Product). Please consult Air Canada Cargo for details.

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Pet carriers: Choosing the right kennel

All pet carriers must meet all of the following conditions or cannot be accepted for travel:

• You can now 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 of kennel must be made 72 hours prior to travel.
• Whether your pet is a Chihuahua or a Labrador, there's a pet carrier to match. The majority of carriers are made of hard plastic with holes for ventilation. Only hard-sided kennels are accepted as checked baggage. 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 leakproof. Collapsible kennels are not accepted.
• International regulations state that the pet carrrier must be big enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. If the pet carrier does not allow the animal to do this, Air Canada must refuse transport.
• Animals over 31 lbs(14 kg) must have their own separate kennel. Maximum of 2 dogs not weighing more than 31 lbs(14 kg) may travel in same kennel.
• Note: For pets over the accepted 70lbs(32.5 kg), please contact Air Canada Cargo for all rates and details.

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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, between or after the flight.
• 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.

Limitation of liability

Air Canada will not be responsible in the event of loss, delay, injury, sickness or death of any pet or animal accepted for transportation.