Air Canada Pet Policy Rules That Can Make or Break Trips

If you're planning a trip and can't imagine leaving your furry companion behind, you're not alone. Did you know that over 62 percent of dog owners travel with their pets at least occasionally, according to recent surveys on pet-friendly travel trends? And when it comes to air travel, safety is key. In 2025, U.S. airlines reported very few pet incidents, with some months showing zero losses, injuries, or deaths during flights. Air Canada stands out as a reliable choice, and understanding the Air Canada pet policy ensures your cat or dog’s comfort and security throughout the journey.

In this guide, I'll walk you through everything about the Air Canada pet policy, covering cabin travel, carrier requirements, fees, restrictions, and more, so you can plan confidently.

Pets Allowed in the Cabin Under Air Canada Pet Policy

Let's start with the basics. Air Canada allows cats and small dogs to join you in the cabin, as long as they stay in a carrier under the seat in front of you. This is perfect for shorter trips where you want to keep an eye on your pet. Only one pet per passenger is permitted, and they must be small enough to fit comfortably in the carrier. Your pet needs to be able to stand, turn around, and lie down without any part sticking out. Importantly, starting June 1, 2025, all pets travelling in the cabin must be transported in soft-sided carriers on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express. After this date, hard kennels are no longer accepted. This change helps with flexibility and safety on board due to varying under-seat spaces across aircraft.

Carrier size limits vary by aircraft type and cabin class (e.g., smaller limits in Business Class on wide-body aircraft), but the goal is always your pet's comfort. Remember to notify Air Canada ahead of time when booking, register your pet with Reservations (provide carrier dimensions, pet weight, and breed), as cabin spots for pets are limited and can fill up quickly.

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Air Canada Pet Carrier Size and Dimensions

Choosing the right carrier is very important under the Air Canada pet policy. Your carrier must be soft-sided, flexible, leak-proof, and well-ventilated, giving your pet enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. No part of the pet may extend outside. Backpack-style carriers with hard plastic windows or parts are not permitted.

• The maximum carrier size allowed is 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height).

Carrier Size by Aircraft Type

Carrier size limits vary depending on the aircraft and cabin class:

• Mainline aircraft (e.g., Airbus A220-300, A319-100, A320-200, A321-200, A330-300; Boeing 737 MAX 8, 777-200LR, 777-300ER, 787-8, 787-9): 40 cm (16 in) wide, 43 cm (17 in) long, 20 cm (8 in) high

• Regional aircraft (e.g., De Havilland Dash 8-400, Embraer E175, Mitsubishi CRJ900): 40 cm (16 in) wide, 55 cm (22 in) long, 27 cm (10 in) high

• Business Class on wide-body aircraft (e.g., Airbus A330-300; Boeing 777-200LR, 777-300ER, 787-8, 787-9): 21 cm (8 in) wide, 41 cm (16 in) long, 28 cm (11 in) high

Before your trip, always check your specific aircraft type via your booking and measure your pet inside the carrier. Doing this ahead of time helps avoid any problems during airport check-in.

Fees for Traveling with Pets on Air Canada

No one likes surprises when it comes to costs, so let’s go through the fees under the Air Canada pet policy (one-way, inclusive of applicable taxes, which may range from 0% to 20% based on your itinerary).

Cabin Travel Fees

• Within Canada and Canada/U.S.: CA/US $50.00-$60.00

• International flights: CA/US $100.00-$120.00

These fees cover small pets traveling in the cabin with you.

Checked Baggage Fees

• Within Canada and Canada/U.S.: CA/US $105.00-$126.00

• International flights: CA/US $270.00-$324.00

These fees include both the pet and the carrier. The maximum allowed weight is 45 kg (100 lb) (pet + kennel combined), and the total linear dimensions cannot exceed 292 cm (115 in).

Larger or Heavier Pets

If your pet exceeds the allowed weight or dimensions for checked baggage, you’ll need to use Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals), where fees vary based on the route, pet size, and other factors. Booking early helps secure these rates and avoids last-minute changes.

Plans changed Check our Air Canada cancellation policy to understand refund rules fees and how to cancel your ticket easily.

Restrictions and Special Considerations in Air Canada's Pet Policy

Air Canada has clear rules to ensure the safety of pets and passengers. Here’s what you need to know:

• Pets must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned.

• Pets cannot travel in the cabin if you are an unaccompanied minor, your seat is in an exit row, or your seat requires under-seat storage for medical devices.

• Premium economy often doesn’t allow pets due to the seat layout.

• No pets are allowed on codeshare flights operated by partners or on Air Canada Jetz.

Breed and Behavior Restrictions

• Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets like pugs or Persian cats cannot travel in the baggage hold because of breathing risks.

• Strong or aggressive dogs must travel in reinforced crates.

Weather and Seasonal Restrictions

• Cold weather (November 1-March 31, or when temperatures are ≤0°C/32°F): Cats/dogs under 4.5 kg (10 lb) not accepted; restrictions also apply on certain aircraft with limited/minimal heating (e.g., not accepted on Embraer 175; not recommended on Airbus A319/A320/A321 or Boeing 737 MAX 8).

• Peak winter embargo: December 18-January 4, no pets accepted as checked baggage or cargo.

• Hot weather: Checked pets not accommodated if forecasted temperatures exceed 29.5°C (85°F); recommend early morning/late evening or direct flights for better handling.

Check-in Tips

• Always arrive 30 minutes early for check-in.

• Online check-in is not available for passengers traveling with pets.

Air Canada Pet Policy for International Flights

Traveling abroad adds layers to the Air Canada pet policy. Government rules vary by country, so check requirements like health certificates or quarantines via the IATA Travel Centre. For the U.S., new CDC rules since August 2024 mandate specific forms for dogs, depending on origin risk levels. Some destinations ban checked pets year-round, like Aruba, or seasonally, like the Dominican Republic from May to October.

For Air Canada's pet policy on international flights, plan for possible vet inspections on arrival and extra fees. If shipping via cargo, use an IPATA-registered agent for bookings to handle paperwork. This ensures compliance and smooth entry.

Before packing your bags read our Air Canada baggage policy guide to avoid extra fees and travel without surprises.

Air Canada Dog Policy For Service and Emotional Support Animals

Under the Air Canada policy, service dogs are welcome to assist passengers with disabilities. You can bring one, and they stay on the floor at your feet, leashed or harnessed, no seat occupancy allowed. Submit required forms (e.g., U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form) at least 48 hours ahead via Accessibility Services.

Emotional support animals are treated as pets (only dogs qualify per policy); they must follow standard pet rules (fit in a cabin carrier under the seat or travel as checked baggage/cargo). Advance documentation from a medical professional (and possibly vet health confirmation) is required; submit via Accessibility Services well in advance (contact them for exact timing, forms, and assistance). This part of the Air Canada dog policy focuses on verified needs for a stress-free trip.

Traveling with family friends or colleagues Explore our Air Canada group booking guide to get special fares flexible options and smooth reservations.

Options for Larger Pets in Checked Baggage and Cargo

If your pet doesn't fit the cabin rules, checked baggage is an option on most Air Canada flights. Up to two similar puppies or kittens can share a kennel if they're between 12 weeks and six months old. Kennels must be hard-sided, secure, with ventilation on multiple sides, and no wheels unless removed. Provide zip ties at check-in.

For unaccompanied pets or larger animals, Air Canada Cargo's AC Animals service steps in. It handles cats, dogs, and even horses with specialized care, including temperature-controlled transport and vet access. Book through agents for international routes. Restrictions include no lab primates or endangered species.

Don't navigate this alone and let Flightsquest handle your pet-friendly booking for peace of mind.

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Make Your Pet's Journey Memorable

Traveling with pets is easier when you understand the Air Canada pet policy and plan ahead. Choosing the right Air Canada pet carrier size and checking the approved Air Canada pet carrier dimensions helps avoid last-minute issues at the airport.

For overseas travel, reviewing the rules for Air Canada’s pet policy for international flights ensures you meet all airline and destination requirements. Whether you’re flying with a cat or following the Air Canada dog policy for your canine companion, Air Canada offers clear options to keep your Air Canada pet safe and comfortable throughout the journey.

Book your next flight through Flightsquest now for tailored pet travel options and unbeatable deals. Your furry friend will thank you.

FAQs About Air Canada Pet Policy

Q1. Does Air Canada allow pets on international flights?

Yes, pets are allowed on international flights, but destination rules, documents, and fees vary by country.

Q2. How much does it cost to fly a pet on Air Canada?

Cabin fees range from CAD/USD 50-120; checked pets cost about 105-324, depending on route.

Q3. Can you fly with your dog on Air Canada?

Yes, small dogs can fly in the cabin; larger dogs may travel as checked baggage or cargo.

Q4. What pets are allowed in the cabin on Air Canada?

Only cats and small dogs are permitted in the cabin, one pet per passenger.

Q5. What carrier size is allowed for cabin pets?

It depends on the aircraft, but carriers must fit under the seat and be soft-sided.

Q6. Are service dogs allowed on Air Canada flights?

Yes, service dogs fly free with required forms submitted at least 48 hours before departure.