Air Canada Pet Policy 2026

Careful planning is necessary when traveling with pets. Regarding the same, Air Canada provides clear guidance to ease concern. The Air Canada pet policy 2026 covers in-cabin travel, checked baggage, and freight services. Small dogs and cats are permitted to travel in the cabin on some flights as long as the weight and carrier limitations are met. Larger pets can be safely transported by Air Canada Cargo, provided they have the appropriate documentation, such as a health certificate. Additionally, this airline prioritizes pet comfort and safety during the entire trip by following strict carrier guidelines, accounting for climate change, and providing customer service.  

Explaining the Air Canada Pet Rules

This airline has established Air Canada pet rules to ensure that no animal has any form of pain while flying.

• The pets can be transported as cargo, in the luggage compartment, or in the cabin.
• If a passenger plans to travel with animals, then he or she must notify the airline in advance.
• The availability of space decides whether or not fliers can bring dogs on flights.
• Only when they meet the weight and size requirements will they be allowed in. 
• Pet owners should get to the airport at least 30 minutes prior to check-in time.
• Additionally, they can be carried on flights operated by Express or Air Canada Rouge.
• As per the Canada Air pet policy, before being accepted, fliers’ pets must fulfill all veterinary health standards.
• Domestic regulations may cause differences in the pet policy of various countries of arrival.
• Additionally, all of the IATA’s guidelines for animal travel should be adhered to.
• Only small animals housed in crates are permitted in Maple Leaf lounges.
• Contact the reservations desk to find out if emotional support is permitted. 

What is the Air Canada Pet Policy for International Flights?

Soft-sided carriers that fit beneath the seat are permitted for cats and small dogs to fly in the cabin on international flights operated by Air Canada. Based on the Air Canada pet policy international flights, pets that are too big or unable to fly in the cabin are transported in the pressurized baggage/cargo compartment, which has rigorous age, health, and cage regulations.

Understanding the Air Canada Pet Cargo Policy

Under the Air Canada pet cargo policy, passengers can send their animals alone if they are unable to travel with them for whatever reason.

• The pets will be carried in the airplane’s hold.
• Cargo can include a variety of animals, including fish, insects, dogs, cats, and hatching eggs.
• The airline will take every precaution to ensure the animal’s safety. 
• This service is not available to cold-blooded breeds.
• To use this service on US flights, customers need to be registered with an IPATA agent.
• They can get in touch with airline agents to make reservations for domestic cargo. 

Air Canada Pet in Cabin

As long as Air Canada pets are kept in a soft-sided, flexible carrier beneath the seat in front of guests, their cats or small dogs are allowed to travel with them in the cabin. In their carrier, they must be tiny enough to stand, turn around, and lie down.

Are You a Minor Without a Companion?

• Visitors are seated in a bulkhead or exit row.
• Make it necessary to use a medical gadget that must be stored beneath the seat.
• One can travel in the Premium Economy cabin because pet carriers cannot be safely stored there due to the seat arrangement.

Limitations

• Each guest is only permitted to bring one cat or small dog into the cabin.
• Generally speaking, the Air Canada in cabin pet needs to be completely weaned and at least 10 weeks old.
• Travelers must see an agent at check-in, therefore they will need to arrive at least 30 minutes before the suggested check-in time for the flight. 
• They cannot check in online or at an airport self-service kiosk if they are traveling with pets.

Devices for Pet Restraint

• Pet restraining equipment, such as car seats and pet strollers, is only permitted as checked luggage if the pet is traveling in the cabin.
• This is because the pet in its carrier already counts as one of the one basic carry-on items that one is permitted to bring.

Note: Space is occasionally limited, so please let the officials know about Air Canada and pets in cabin in advance.

Canada Air Pet Policy for Checked Luggage

According to the Air Canada pet policy 2026, larger pets can travel securely in the hold as long as they meet certain size and health requirements.

Flights That Allow Fliers to Bring the Dog or Cat Along

Customers can bring the dog or cat along if they are going on:

• A flight run by Air Canada Rouge or Air Canada
• A Jazz-operated Air Canada Express flight.

Flights with Other Airlines and Codeshare Flights

Fliers will not be permitted to bring the pets on any flights on their itineraries that are operated by one of the codeshare partners but promoted by Air Canada. Generally speaking, by following the Air Canada pet transport policy, the dog or cat needs to be completely weaned and at least 10 weeks old.

• Under the following guidelines, customers are permitted to send up to two dogs in the same cage in the baggage compartment:
  • Only completely weaned pups or kittens between the ages of 12 weeks and 6 months are permitted to share a kennel.
  • The two animals must belong to the same species; dogs and cats cannot be mixed.
  • Regardless of their combined weight, two pets traveling in the same kennel are counted as two pets.

Limitations on Summer Heat

• When summer temperatures rise above 29.5°C (85°F), it might not always be feasible to bring the Air Canada pets on board because not all of the airplanes have baggage compartments that are ventilated and temperature-controlled.
• To minimize the amount of time the pet will be in the baggage compartment during these extreme heat waves, Air Canada advises tourists to fly early in the morning or late at night when temperatures are lower. 
• They should also, if at all feasible, select direct or non-stop flights. 

What is the Air Canada Pet Carrier Size?

Strict measurements for in-cabin and cargo-approved carriers guarantee Air Canada pet travel in comfort and safety.

In-Cabin Pet Carrier 

• The carrier needs to be flexible and soft-sided. 
• It is not allowed to use backpack carriers with windows made of hard plastic.
• Tourists are only permitted to bring one regular carry-on item on board, which will be the carrier.
• Always keep the pet under the seat in front of them in its closed container.
• The size of the pet’s carrier should be such that no part of it protrudes outside.
• Further, if the carrier is thought to be too tiny for the pet, then they may not be allowed to travel.

Exceptions to Carrier Size Dependent on Aircraft Type and Cabin

There are several exceptions to the overall Air Canada pet carrier size that one can bring on board for specific aircraft and cabin types. Make sure the pet’s carrier satisfies the standards for the flight by looking at the chart below:

Aircraft	Width	Length	Height
Airbus 333	40 cm or 16 inches	43 cm/17 inches	20 cm or 8 inches
Boeing 788	16 inches or 40 cm	17 inches or 43 cm	8 inches or 20 cm
Business Class of Airbus 333 and Boeing 777, 77W, 77L, 789, and 788	21 cm or 8 inches	41 cm/16 inches	28 cm or 11 inches
Airbus 223, 320, 319, 321 and Boeing 7M8	16 inches or 40 cm	17 inches or 43 cm	8 inches/20 cm
Boeing 77L and 77W	40 cm or 16 inches	43 cm/17 inches	20 cm or 8 inches
Boeing 789	16 inches is r 40 cm	17 inches or 43 cm	8 inches or 20 cm

For Pets Traveling as Checked Luggage

• Before putting the Air Canada pet carrier, it is crucial to always take off its leash.
• A maximum of two dogs that are accustomed to living together, each weighing no more than 14 kg/31 lb, may be carried in the carrier. 
• Please take note that there will be two charges for the applicable fee.
• The container must be engaged by locking pins at least 1.6 cm (5’8″) beyond the extrusions.
• Wheels on the carrier must be taken off before check-in if they are present.
• The Air Canada pet carrier needs to be the following in order to be allowed to travel in the checked baggage compartment:
  • The mesh cannot be placed over the top of the container. 
  • Nonetheless, the lid may have ventilation holes. 
  • Since no portion of the pet may protrude outside the carrier, wire carriers and collapsible carriers are not permitted.
  • Fliers’ pets must be unable to force the pet carrier’s door open, and the door must close firmly.
  • According to international standards, the pet should be big enough to comfortably stand, turn around, and lie down.
  • Air Canada has to decline transport if the pet carrier is too small for the pet to do so.

Size	Description
The largest container size permitted	In linear dimensions (length + breadth + height), 292 cm (115 inches)1
Maximum weight permitted	A maximum of 45 kg (100 lb)1 (pet and kennel)
The one-way trip fee includes the minimum tax of 0% and the maximum tax of 20%, depending on the route.	Between Canada and the United States, USD 105 to USD 126 International3 USD 270 to USD 324 CA/US

Size of Kennels on Air Canada Flights

In compliance with the Air Canada in cabin pet policy, dogs and cats must be transported in kennels that are the right size and made so that their paws cannot pass through any of the gaps. Every animal in the container needs enough room to sit upright, lie in a natural position, and stand and turn around normally.

Size of Kennel	Dimensions
Small	68*51*48
Large	91*61*66
Giant	122*81*89
Extra small	53*40*38
Medium	81*56”58
Extra large	102*81*89

Fees for Air Canada Pet Travel

By adhering to the Air Canada pet carry on policy, in order to ensure safe pet travel, it charges certain costs. This can vary depending on the destination and type of travel. These fees may include in-cabin or cargo transport. For in-cabin pets within Canada and the U.S./Canada, fees can be charged around USD 50 to USD 60. Further, for international routes, the fees can be USD 100 to USD 120. 

Documents Required for Air Canada Pet Travel

Only healthy, flight-capable animals will be accepted by Air Canada. Travelers might need to provide the Air Canada pets health certificate for this, along with information such as:

• Reports about vaccinations
• Veterinary findings
• Results of local health verification
• Particular test findings
• Documents requested by IATA
• When visiting a particular location, it is also necessary to present the documents required by the various local countries. 

How to Reserve Pet Travel on Air Canada?

When scheduling pet travel on Air Canada, it is important to make reservations in advance and adhere to the rules. Also, make sure the Air Canada pet carrier dimensions are approved for stress-free, easy travel.

Fliers must register in advance before they can bring their pets on a trip.

• Initially, fliers will need to reserve seats for themselves.
• After that, call the airline at 1-800-387-4865 to register the pet.
• Depending on the available space, it will be accommodated.
• To register the pet, use the Air Canada Add a Pet to Fly facility.
• Give the animal’s size and weight.
• Follow the further steps to complete the process.

Assistance with Air Canada Pet Needs via Social Media

Visitors can use the following information to quickly get answers to the questions about the Air Canada pet rules:

Social Media Account	Link
Twitter	https://x.com/aircanada
Facebook	https://www.facebook.com/aircanada

Some Useful Links Related to Air Canada

• Air Canada Name Change Policy
• Air Canada Cancellation Policy 2026

In Summation,

The Air Canada pet policy 2026 ensures that pets travel safely whether they are traveling in the cabin, as checked baggage, or through cargo services. Through its requirements for trained carriers, health certifications, and climate concerns, the airline prioritizes the comfort and protection of animals. As a result, travelers may be able to peacefully bring their beloved pets along.

FAQs on Air Canada Pet Policy 2026