Everything You Need to Know About Air Canada Airlines Pet Policy

• Air Canada allows dogs, cats, and certain other pets to travel on flights within Canada and internationally. The airline has specific policies regarding carrying pets in the cabin, transporting as cargo, reservations, forms, fees and travel restrictions. This guide covers key details on Air Canada's rules for flying with animals.

Key Highlights of Air Canada Airlines Pet Policy

• Here are some important things to know about Air Canada's pet transportation services:

• Allows dogs, cats, birds, turtles, rabbits in cabin or cargo under certain conditions. Some other pets as cargo only.

• Pets can fly in approved carriers in the main cabin or as accompanied animals in temperature-controlled cargo holds.

• Limits on number, size, breed and weight of pets in cabin. Fees apply. Advance reservations required.

• Pets as cargo need airline-compliant kennels and signed health certificates from a vet.

• Owners responsible for complying with all regulations of origin, transit and destination countries.

• Trained service dogs accompanying disabled passengers accommodated with proper documentation.

• Pet relief areas available at major Air Canada airports. Partners with pet relocation service for complex itineraries.

• Read on for complete details on Air Canada's policies including cabin vs. cargo transport, booking, forms, fees, restrictions and tips for smooth pet travel.

Air Canada In-Cabin Pets Policy

• Smaller pets can fly in the cabin in approved carriers with the following Air Canada rules:

Allowed In-Cabin Pet Types

• Dogs and cats at least 12 weeks old on domestic Canadian flights. International flights may require older pets.

• Selected small bird varieties like parrots, finches, canaries. Refer Air Canada's permitted species list.

• Other authorized pets include rabbits, hamsters, turtles, chinchillas and geckos. Certain exotic animals prohibited.

In-Cabin Pet Carriers

• Soft or hard-sided kennel/carrier required. Proper ventilation, closures and leak-proof bottom mandatory.

• Max size is 55 x 35 x 35 cm (22” x 14” x 14”). Must fit under the forward seat.

• Pets must be able to comfortably stand up, turn around and lie down inside. No muzzles allowed.

• Only one pet per container. Limit of one carrier per passenger.

• Combined weight of pet and carrier cannot exceed 22 lbs (10 kg).

Pet Policy and Cabin Restrictions

• Advance reservations required. Limited pet spots available per Air Canada flight.

• Pets must remain fully in carrier under seat for entire flight without disturbing others.

• Aggressive dogs or cats and snub/flat-nosed breeds not allowed in cabin.

• Other passengers may be re-seated if allergic to traveling pets.

• Comply with all destination country's import regulations and quarantine requirements.

Air Canada In-Cabin Pet Fee

• $50-118 CAD each way for carry-on pets depending on route.

• Contact Air Canada for specific taxes and fees. Payable when booking by credit card.

Air Canada Cargo Pets Policy

• Larger approved pets can be transported as live animal cargo under these policies:

Allowed Cargo Pet Types

• Dogs, cats, horses, household birds, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas. See Air Canada's full regulated pets list.

• No aggressive or exotic breeds. Animals must be in good health.

Air Canada Approved Pet Kennels

• Pets must travel in IATA-compliant plastic, fiberglass or metal kennels secured by nuts/bolts.

• Kennels must allow pets to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably with accessible interior food/water bowls.

• Adequate ventilation, interior absorbent lining, ID tags and "Live Animal" labels mandatory. Kennels cannot exceed 110 cm length.

Cargo Pet Reservations and Transport

• Contact Air Canada Cargo for booking at least 48 hours before flight. Limited cargo capacity.

• Pets transported in pressurized, climate-controlled cargo holds. Owners can track pets.

• Allow sufficient connection time for pet exercise, feeding, watering between flights.

Air Canada Cargo Pet Fee

• $105-220 CAD each way for accompanied pets traveling as cargo depending on destination.

• Additional charges for oversized kennels. Payable by credit card when booking.

Health Certificates Needed for Cargo Pets

• Digital or paper health certificate issued by licensed vet required within 10 days of travel.

• Up-to-date vaccination records mandatory. May need specific vaccines like rabies for certain routes.

• Any destination-specific documents like import licenses must be secured.

Air Canada Pet Policy Restrictions

• Pets may be denied cargo transport for:

• Banned aggressive breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers. Pregnant or nursing pets also not allowed.

• Extreme weather conditions at origin or destination airports.

• International travel through restricted transit countries.

• Failure to meet all documentation and import requirements.

Air Canada Dog Policy

• Dogs can fly in cabin or cargo when following Air Canada's guidelines:

In-Cabin Dogs

• Only approved small dog breeds allowed. See Air Canada's permitted list.

• Use soft-sided carrier meeting underseat dimensions. Interior absorbent lining recommended.

• Dogs must be at least 12 weeks old and fully weaned. Rabies vaccine required.

• Bring collapsible bowl and bottled water. Ensure adequate ventilation.

• Affix “Live Pet Dog” sticker on carrier and ID tag with contact info inside.

Cargo Dogs

• Use IATA-approved plastic or fiberglass kennels properly secured and labeled.

• Kennel should allow dog to fully stand, turn around and lie down.

• Have proper interior bedding lined with absorbent pads. Add insulation or gel packs if needed.

• Attach “Live Animal” and “Nervous Animal” signs for anxious or snub-nosed dogs.

• Request priority kennel return upon arrival before other cargo.

Air Canada Cat Policy

• Cats can fly in cabin or as cargo on Air Canada with these key considerations:

In-Cabin Cats

• Use soft or hard-sided leak-proof carrier meeting underseat size limits. Interior litter pan advisable.

• Only domestic cats allowed. One cat per container maximum.

• Affix collar ID tag inside with owner contact details. Cover part of carrier for privacy.

Cargo Cats

• Use IATA-compliant plastic kennels properly secured and labeled. Interior litter pan and absorbent lining required.

• Have adequate interior bedding, zip ties on doors, ventilation mesh.

• Attach “Live Cat” stickers and ID tag with owner contact info inside kennel.

• Request priority kennel return upon arrival before other cargo items.

Air Canada Bird Policy

• Select pet birds species are permitted in cabin or cargo under these guidelines:

In-Cabin Birds

• Only authorized small bird varieties allowed. Refer to Air Canada's permitted list.

• Use secure, well-ventilated carriers meeting underseat size limits. Interior perch required.

• Water/food bowls must be secured inside. Recommend covering part of carrier for privacy.

Cargo Birds

• Sturdy IATA-compliant kennels only. Interior perch and access to food/water mandatory.

• Ensure proper interior lining, insulation and ventilation. Kennel must be marked “Live Bird”.

• Comply with any destination import restrictions, quarantines or prohibitions.

Air Canada Service Animal Policy

• Air Canada gladly accommodates trained guide and service dogs for disabled passengers without fees when rules are followed:

• Dog must be professionally trained to perform essential disability-related tasks. Proper documentation must be presented.

• Service dogs cannot occupy a seat. Must fit at owner’s feet without blocking aisles/exits.

• Owners responsible for dog’s good behavior in cabin. Signs of distress can warrant removal.

• All required destination animal import licenses must be obtained for international flights.

• Emotional support animals are not considered service pets by Air Canada. Standard pet policies apply.

Tips for Smooth Pet Travel with Air Canada

• To ensure a stress-free, smooth flight experience for your pet on Air Canada, keep these top tips in mind:

• Start planning early. Allow 2-3 months to arrange vet visits, import licenses, accommodations etc.

• Read all Air Canada pet travel rules fully. Comply with all regulations at origin, transit and destination.

• Get a properly sized, airline-approved carrier with right features, labels and interior comforts.

• Add ID tag inside carrier with your contact details and pet’s name.

• Book early as in-cabin and cargo space is limited. Have backup carrier options ready.

• Carry all documents like vaccination records, health certificates, licenses to avoid issues.

• For cabin pets, request pre-boarding for minimal stress and early cabin acclimatization.

• Prepare adequate in-carrier comforts - favorite toy, worn t-shirt with your scent, water etc.

• By understanding Air Canada's policies for carrying pets and making proper arrangements, you can ensure a smooth, stress-free flight for your furry companions.

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