Compare Pet Travel Policies Easily

Service Animals

Are you travelling with a service animal? Contact Air Canada Reservations for assistance.

For detailed information about travelling with a service or emotional support dog, please visit the airline's accessibility services page.

In-Cabin Pet Carrier Rules

• Your cat or small dog may travel in the cabin if kept in a flexible, soft-sided carrier under the seat in front of you.
• The pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably in the carrier.
• Notify Air Canada in advance as cabin space for pets is limited.
• Pets cannot travel in the cabin if you are an unaccompanied minor, seated in an exit or bulkhead row, require a medical device stowed under the seat, or are in Premium Economy cabin.
• The carrier counts as your one standard carry-on item.
• Pet carriers must be soft-sided and flexible; backpack carriers with hard plastic windows are not permitted.
• Only one cat or small dog per passenger is allowed in the cabin.
• Pets must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned in most cases.
• Arrive 30 minutes prior to recommended check-in time; pets cannot be checked in online or at self-service kiosks.

Carrier Size Exceptions by Aircraft/Cabin Type

Carrier size limits vary by aircraft and cabin; see the table below:

Note: Pet carriers are not permitted on Air Canada Jetz flights.

Checked and Cargo Pet Travel

If your pet cannot travel in the cabin, it may travel in the pressurized baggage compartment on most Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express (Jazz) flights.

• Maximum carrier size allowed: 292 cm (115 in) linear dimensions (length + width + height).
• Maximum weight (pet + kennel): up to 45 kg (100 lb).
• Fees for one-way travel (plus applicable taxes):

Contact Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals) for rates and assistance with kennels exceeding size or weight limits or for commercial pet shipments.

Restrictions for Baggage Compartment Travel

• Maximum two pets per kennel if both are fully weaned puppies or kittens aged 12 weeks to 6 months, same species only.
• Pets must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned in most cases.
• Pet carriers must be hard-sided, secure, leak-proof, and large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• Locking pins must engage container beyond extrusions by at least 1.6 cm (5/8 inch).
• Wheels must be removed from carriers before check-in.
• Customers must secure kennels with resealable zip ties provided at check-in.
• Short/snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not accepted in the baggage compartment due to health risks.
• Strong or aggressive dog breeds must be transported in special reinforced containers or crates.
• Summer heat and winter cold weather restrictions apply; pets may not be accepted on certain flights or dates.
• Peak winter travel restrictions prohibit pets as checked baggage or cargo on certain dates and flights.

For detailed restrictions and seasonal limits, see the airline's official site.