Flying with Pets from Canada: Rules, Costs, and What Airlines Actually Allow

Flying with a pet is possible, but the rules vary significantly by airline, aircraft type, destination, and the size of your animal. Before you book, confirm you can bring your pet on that specific flight — rules often apply per aircraft type, per season, and per route.

The Two Options: Cabin vs. Cargo

In-cabin pets: Small cats and dogs that fit in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you. The carrier dimensions are strict, and the combined carrier + pet weight limit is generally 8–10 kg (18–22 lbs). This is the preferred and lowest-risk option for small animals.

Checked as cargo / manifest baggage: Larger animals too big for in-cabin travel. They travel in a climate-controlled, pressurized section of the aircraft’s hold. Not all aircraft accept pets in hold, and routes to certain destinations may not allow it at all.

By Airline — Current Pet Policies (2026)

Air Canada

In cabin: Small dogs and cats in IATA-approved soft carriers. Carrier max: 43 × 30 × 20 cm (fits under seat). Total weight (pet + carrier) must not exceed 9 kg. Fee: $50 CAD each way on domestic, $50–$100 CAD on international. One pet per passenger, limit 5 pets per flight.

Cargo: Larger pets via Air Canada Cargo (separate booking). Not available on all routes or aircraft types. Not accepted during summer temperature embargoes or winter cold restrictions (typically when temperatures exceed 29°C or drop below -12.5°C at any point on the route).

Not accepted: Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds — English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Persian cats, etc. — are not allowed in either cabin or hold. This is a safety policy due to respiratory risk in pressurized environments.

WestJet

In cabin: Small dogs and cats, 7 kg (pet + carrier combined), carrier must fit under seat. Fee: $50–$75 CAD depending on route. Limit 5–6 animals per flight.

Cargo: WestJet does not offer unaccompanied pet shipping in hold. Pets as checked baggage (traveling with owner) may be available on select routes — check directly.

Brachycephalic breeds: Not accepted in cabin or hold.

Porter Airlines

Porter is known among pet owners as the most pet-friendly major Canadian carrier. Their policy has historically been more permissive — no listed breed restrictions on standard snub-nosed bans, though brachycephalic animals still carry health risk regardless of airline policy.

In cabin: Cats and dogs up to 10 kg (pet + carrier). Fee approximately $75–$100 CAD each way.

Note: Policies have evolved; confirm current specifics at flyporter.com before booking.

Flair Airlines

In cabin: Small pets accepted on most routes. Fee: $75–$99 CAD each way. Carrier must fit under seat.

Hold: Not available.

Restrictions: Some routes and aircraft excluded. Always confirm at booking.

Air Transat

In cabin: Small pets accepted on domestic and some international routes.

International (transatlantic): Not accepted in cabin on transoceanic flights. Pets are not accepted in hold on transatlantic routes either — Air Transat does not transport pets on European routes.

Destination Rules: This Is Critical

The airline rules are only half the equation. The destination country’s import rules for animals can be far more restrictive.

United States: Most Canadian dogs and cats cross without issues, but dogs must be microchipped and have a current rabies vaccination certificate. US CBP may inspect pets at customs.

European Union: Dogs need an EU pet passport or a third-country health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Microchip (ISO standard) required. Rabies vaccination must have been administered after the microchip was placed. Plan this 30+ days in advance — the process takes time.

United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the UK now requires a government-issued animal health certificate (AHC) issued no more than 10 days before arrival. Tapeworm treatment required for dogs 24–120 hours before UK entry. Allow 30–60 days for vet preparation.

Australia and New Zealand: Highly restricted. Import of most animals requires months of quarantine and pre-travel testing. Not practical for a vacation trip with a pet.

Hawaii (USA): Despite being US soil, Hawaii has strict animal quarantine rules to protect its rabies-free status. Dogs can avoid quarantine only with proper documentation, microchipping, OIE-FAVN rabies antibody tests (done months in advance), and arrival through specific approved air routes.

What You Need at the Airport

1. Health certificate from a licensed veterinarian — issued within 10 days of travel for most destinations. This is not optional for international travel and is requested at check-in or by CATSA/CBSA.
2. Approved carrier — check the airline’s exact dimensions and confirm your carrier fits under the specific aircraft model on your route.
3. Your pet’s vaccination records, especially rabies.
4. Reservation confirmation including the pet — pets must be added to the booking in advance. They are not automatically included.

Practical Tips

• Book pet space early — most airlines allow a very small number of pets per flight (5–6 maximum), and they fill up. Call to add the pet to the booking as soon as possible.
• Feed and water your pet moderately before travel. An upset stomach on a 4-hour flight in a carrier under a seat is uncomfortable for everyone.
• Place familiar-smelling clothing or a small toy in the carrier. Do not use sedatives unless prescribed by your vet — sedation at altitude affects animals differently.
• If your pet is going in the hold, attach a note to the carrier with your contact information, the destination, and any special instructions.
• For long international flights, strongly consider whether the trip is suitable for your specific animal. Not all pets travel well.

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