Our cabins are pet friendly! You can bring your cat or small dog in the cabin with you provided it is small enough to fit and stay comfortably in its carrier under the seat in front of you.
Just remember that your pet in its carrier will count as one standard item toward your carry-on baggage allowance.
On which flights can I travel with my cat or dog in the cabin?
Your pet can travel with you in the cabin on these flights:
- A flight operated by Air Canada or Air Canada rouge
- An Air Canada Express flight operated by Jazz, Sky Regional, Air Georgian or Exploits Valley Air
However, your pet cannot travel with you in the cabin if you:
- Are an unaccompanied minor
- Are seated in an exit or bulkhead row
- Require the use of a medical device that needs to be stowed underneath the seat.
Also, because of cabin configuration, you cannot bring your pet in the cabin when travelling:
- In Premium Economy or International Business Class
- On one of our three-cabin Boeing 777-300ER (77W) aircraft
Please also view important information about travelling on Codeshare flights/Flights with other airlines (in the ‘What else do I need to know’ section at the bottom of the page).
Are there weight and size restrictions? And what will it cost me?
Your pet in its carrier will count as one standard item toward your carry-on baggage allowance
Weight, size restrictions and cost | ||
---|---|---|
Maximum carrier size allowed |
Maximum allowable weight |
Charge for one-way travel (plus applicable taxes) |
Hard-sided Height: 23 cm (9 in) Width: 40 cm (15.5 in) Length: 55 cm (21.5 in)Soft-sided Height: 27 cm (10.5 in) Width: 40 cm (15.5 in) Length: 55 cm (21.5 in) |
10 kg (22 lb) (pet and carrier combined) |
Within Canada and Canada/U.S. (except Hawaii)** $50 CAD/USDInternational*** $100 CAD/USD |
- *
- Pet carriers that exceed the maximum allowable size and/or weight indicated above can be transported in the checked baggage compartment, provided they do not exceed 32 kg (70 lb) in weight, or 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height). Please contact Air Canada Cargo (AC Live) for rates and assistance in shipping even larger pet carriers.
- **
- Flights to/from Hawaii: pets are not accepted in the cabin or the baggage compartment. Please contact Air Canada Cargo (AC Live) for rates and assistance in shipping your pet to Hawaii.
- ***
- See restrictions regarding certain international destinations.
Do I need to register my cat or small dog for travel?
Yes. You’ll need to let us know in advance of travel if you plan on travelling with your cat or small dog in the cabin.
The first thing you’ll need to do is book your own flight*. Once that’s done, contact Air Canada Reservations toregister** your pet for travel on the same flight as yours.
At the time of your call, you’ll be asked to provide:
- the dimensions of the carrier and
- the weight and breed of your pet.
The number of cats and small dogs accepted in the cabin is limited by aircraft type; it may be necessary to modify your reservation to allow us to accommodate your pet.
For this reason, we strongly recommend that you register** your pet within 24 hours of completing your booking. This will ensure that, if your pet cannot be accommodated on the flight(s) and date(s) you selected, your ticket will be refunded without charge. After 24 hours, any changes to your booking will be subject to applicable change and cancellation fees.
* Please also view important information below about travelling on Codeshare flights/Flights with other airlines (in the ‘What else do I need to know’ section at the bottom of the page).
**Pets that have not been registered in advance will not be accepted at the airport.
What if I need to change my reservation?
If you’re changing your reservation online or with your travel agent, you’ll need to make sure to contact Air Canada Reservations immediately afterward to change your pet’s reservation as well.
If one of our Call Centre agents is handling the change to your reservation, your pet’s reservation will be changed at the same time.
What else do I need to know?
- Only one cat or small dog in the cabin is allowed per customer.
- Your pet must:
- be at least 12 weeks old and fully weaned to be accepted for travel.
- remain at all times in a closed pet carrier stowed under your seat.
- You’ll need to arrive a full 30 minutes prior to the recommended check-in time for your flight as you must see an agent at check-in. Customers travelling with pets cannot use Web check-in or airport self-service kiosks.
AC Live is Air Canada Cargo’s designated shipping solution for live animals. We understand that while air travel can be stressful to passengers, it can be extremely difficult for animals. That’s why your animal’s safety and comfort are our top priorities.
With specially-trained staff to care for the animals, designated holding facilities (at select stations) and dedicated transport vehicles, we help to make your animal’s journey a little easier.
Effective July 21, Air Canada will no longer accept brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds of dogs and cats for transportation in the cargo hold of its aircraft. This applies to pets travelling with Air Canada Cargo, and as checked baggage.
Visit the AC Live section for details and a list of breeds affected.
The AC Live solution offers the following benefits for you and your animal:
- Priority1 service
- Specially-trained staff to care for your pet or animals
- Designated holding facilities at select stations for your animal’s comfort
- Dedicated transport vehicles for safety and comfort
- Designated agents for bookings and questions about live shipments
- Bonded kennel facility in Toronto for comfort stops when in transit