Along with passengers, WestJet Airlines permits pets on some of its flights. These pets are permitted in the cabin, as checked luggage, and in the cargo. To carry pets in these, WestJet Airlines has established a set of rules via its pet policy. The WestJet Airlines Pet Policy 2026 allows small dogs, cats, birds, etc. For the same, it is important to meet the destination country’s immunization and health criteria. Besides these, several canine varieties and animals with snub noses are prohibited from traveling. By knowing the rules of the same, fliers can easily travel with their pets.
What is the WestJet Pet Policy 2026?
WestJet’s 2026 pet policy has several options and requirements for traveling with pets, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the journey. Here’s a concise table:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| In-Cabin Pets | Cats and dogs allowed on most flights; exceptions include Barbados, Hawaii, etc. |
| Checked Pets | Pets can travel in cargo hold; must meet kennel and health requirements |
| Pet’Air Cargo | Available for domestic and select international routes; includes live tracking |
| Health Certificates | Required for international travel, young pets, brachycephalic breeds, post-surgery |
| Kennel Standards | Must comply with IATA Live Animal Regulations for safety and ventilation |
| Working Dogs | Accepted with proper documentation |
| Climate Restrictions | May apply depending on route and season |
| Booking & Fees | Advance booking required; cancellation fees apply within 48 hours of shipment |
Pet in Cabin WestJet
For those who want to keep their pets near during flights, WestJet permits small dogs in the cabin.
- Passengers should be aware that a kennel that is empty or that contains a pet will be considered a personal item for the purposes of the carry-on luggage allowance.
- In addition to their personal belongings, UltraBasic customers are allowed to bring an empty kennel or a pet in a kennel on routes where carry-on bags are prohibited.
- As per the pet policy of WestJet, the airline strongly advises asking for space for the pet as soon as fliers have finished their tickets.
- This is because the air carrier has a limit on the number of pets that are allowed on each journey.
- Space may not be available, and guests may not be allowed to fly with their pet if they do not request a room for them 48 hours prior to departure.
- On the 787 Dreamliner, pets are not permitted in the business cabin.
Working Dogs
Working dogs do not offer personal support to their handler or a service to an individual with a disability. Pets on WestJet are conditioned to follow their handler’s instructions. These assignments could consist of:
- Finding persons or things (avalanche, tracking dogs, search, rescue).
- Carrying out specialized duties for the police or military (detection, scout, sentry).
- Additional extremely specialized abilities
Remember
- While only WestJet Airlines offers this promotion, a few other airlines do as well.
- Since the partner airlines’ and other transportation service providers’ policies may differ from WestJet, it highly advises travelers to verify the acceptance of working dogs.
- Reservations for WestJet vacation packages are not eligible for this promotion.
- WestJet pets or Working dogs are subject to a pet in-cabin cost.
- Further, if the speciality dog needs more floor space to be comfortable and secure while traveling, then a second seat must be acquired (depending on availability).
- The 787 Dreamliner’s Business cabin does not allow working dogs.
Limitations on Pet Entry
WestJet strongly suggests checking the entry restrictions with the consulate, embassy, or relevant government official before bringing the pet into or out of any province, territory, or across borders.
- According to the WestJet Airlines pet policy 2026, if a pet is ill, then it may not be allowed to enter the destination (including Canada) and may be required to undergo a medical examination.
- Depending on the location, the breed of the animal, its type, the criteria for entry, and documentation may change.
- WestJet disclaims all liability for the adherence to these rules.
- Pets are not permitted on WestJet flights to or from Barbados, Hawaii, Ireland (Dublin), Jamaica, or the UK.
Bird Bans
- The Dominican Republic prohibits the importation of any kind of bird.
- Mexico is prohibited from exporting endangered species or the remains of extinct birds at any point.
- It might be necessary to arrange for an import/export permit in advance while traveling with a bird.
WestJet Airlines Pet Policy for WestJet Vacations Packages
In addition to the above-mentioned details, the following information applies to visitors with pets taking a WestJet Vacations package:
- Owing to the WestJet flying with pets policy, not all hotels allow pets.
- For questions regarding pet acceptance, please get in touch with the hotel directly.
- There can be additional fees, which need to be paid to the hotel directly.
- In order for WestJet to make sure the pet is added to the flight reservation, guests who wish to travel with their pets must get in touch with it.
What is the WestJet Pet Fee?
To ensure that pets are transported securely and with clear cost limitations, WestJet charges a pet fee for in-cabin, checked, and cargo flights.
WestJet Pet Fee in Cabin
Pets traveling in the cabin or as checked luggage are subject to a pet kennel cost. WestJet pet fee can be paid using Travel Bank cash or a credit card through the contact center of this air operator.
| Pets | Penalties/Fees |
| Within the cabin (personal belongings) | Travel between/within Canada and the United States: USD 50 to USD 59. Travel between the United States or Canada and all locations outside the US: USD 100 to USD 118. |
| As checked luggage | Travel within/between the United States and Canada: USD 100 to USD 118. Travel between the United States/Canada and all locations outside the U.S.: USD 200 to USD 236. |
| WestJet pet cargo cost | Please call 1-866-952-2746 (1-866-WJCARGO) to reach WestJet Cargo. |
WestJet Airline Approved Pet Carriers
For pets to travel in the cabin securely and comfortably, WestJet requires airline-approved pet carriers that adhere to strict size and ventilation requirements.
Airline Approved Pet Carrier WestJet for in-Cabin
In compliance with the WestJet pet policy, pets traveling in carry-on must have enough space in the kennel to stand, sit, and move about freely.
| Accepted Pet Species in the Cabin | Birds, Dogs, and Cats |
| Total number of pets allowed per kennel and per guest in the cabin | Just one (1) |
| Kennel needs to be: | Soft-sidedApproved by the airlineNot prone to leaksSafeProperly ventilated |
| Limitations on size (per kennel) under the seatIn terms of the carry-on baggage allowance, the kennel is regarded as a personal item. It could be necessary to modify the kennel to accommodate the maximum depth and height beneath the seat. Note that each type of aircraft has a different amount of room underneath the seat. | The dimensions are 41 cm L* 21.5 cm H* 25.4 cm W (16 in. L* 8.5 in. H* 10 in. W). |
| Kennel can’t be: | Capable of letting the animal’s head protrudeA gym bag, duffel bag, or other non-kennel bag |
WestJet Approved Pet Carrier as Checked Baggage
In accordance with the WestJet Airlines pet policy 2026, if a pet is traveling in checked luggage, then a “Live Animals Handling Declaration” form needs to be filled out. This form will be available at the check-in desk. A contact number, destination address, and destination contact number should be ready.
| Checked Kennel Restrictions | Allowed Pets or Description |
| Pets on WestJet species are permitted as checked luggage. | While the following pets are allowed as checked luggage on WestJet, not all countries allow pets. CatsBirds DogsHedgehogsGuinea pigs ChinchillasRabbits |
| Total number of WestJet pets allowed per visitor | There are six (6) flights using a WestJet 737 aircraft.Flights featuring four (4) pets in WestJet 787 aircraftTwo (2) passengers aboard a WestJet Dash 82 flight |
| Limitations on size (per kennel) | WestJet pet carrier dimensions are 101 cm L* 68 cm W* 81 cm H.40 inches L* 27 inches W* 32 inches H. |
| Total number of kennels allowed per flight | Three (3) flights, including MAX, using WestJet 737 aircraftTwo (2) WestJet 787 aircraft flightsOne (1) passenger on a WestJet Dash 8 flight |
| Weight limitations for both the pet and the kennel | 45 kg or up to 100 lb |
| Based on the WestJet pet policy, a kennel must: | Be in good shape. Be big enough that the animal or animals may turn around, sit, lie down, stand up, and stand erect without touching the top of the kennel.Be obstinate.A kennel must use the original fasteners to ensure security; avoid loose, damaged, or missing fasteners.It should be properly ventilated, with no labels blocking the airflow.A kennel must be identified by “LIVE ANIMAL” stickers, which are given out during check-in.It should be labeled with the pet’s name and directional “THIS WAY UP” arrow stickers (given at check-in) on both sides.A kennel must be fastened using plastic cable ties (which were supplied at check-in) in accordance with directions given by a WestJet agent.As per the pet policy of WestJet, it should be devoid of dangerous or poisonous substances, paints, treatments, or preservatives.A kennel should be sanitized and cleaned.It must be made to keep any animal parts from sticking out of the cage in a way that could hurt the animal or any people or animals nearby.Attach containers for food and water to the kennel door.A kennel should have a secure door lock from the original manufacturer.The container must be engaged by locking pins 1.6 cm (5/8 in) beyond the extrusions.Make sure the kennel’s outside handle or handles are strong enough to allow for lifting without tilting.It must have a protective rim of ¾”.A kennel should have a sturdy roof and bottom.By following the WestJet Airlines pet policy 2026, a kennel must remove the wheels.Make sure the floor is waterproof and lined with absorbent materials, such as a towel or an old litter pad. |
| Kennel must not: | Be composed of wire mesh or weldedBe pliable or soft.Have a door made of plasticPossess an access door with top loading. |
WestJet Pet Cargo Policy
In line with the WestJet pet cargo policy, all pets traveling to London Heathrow (LHR) must be booked as manifested cargo.
- Fliers should get in touch with the customer service representatives of WestJet at 1-866-WJCARGO (952-2746) or westjet@support.westjetcargo.com for additional information about shipping the pets with WestJet Pet Cargo.
- When it comes to construction, ventilation, safety, animal welfare and health, feeding, and watering, containers and packing used for air transportation of live animals must adhere to the LAR’s regulations.
Required Documents
- It is necessary to have a comprehensive Shipper’s Certificate for Live Animals.
- Moreover, it is necessary to present a signed veterinarian’s certificate, sometimes known as a health certificate.
Note: For WestJet pet cargo booking, communicate with the air operator’s officials.
WestJet Airlines Pet Policy for Service Animals
Following major revisions to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) regulations on the subject, WestJet Airlines modified its service dog program. Emotional support animals will not be permitted in any cabin as of August 5, 2021.
- Only canines are allowed aboard WestJet in order to serve people with impairments.
- For the benefit of a qualified person with a handicap, service dogs must have been taught to work or carry out tasks.
- A service dog training company or individual must provide individualized training for service dogs traveling on domestic, international, and Caribbean flights.
- According to the WestJet pet policy, one service dog for a disabled person is accepted.
- For a person with a disability, the airline accepts two service dogs.
- This is only possible when the itinerary involves a flight to or from the United States.
- Further, in case the plan includes a flight on a partner airline and fliers are traveling with their service dogs, they can check the partner airline’s policies.
Note: In the event that airport officials or other service providers request it, WestJet suggests visitors to bring their Registered Identification Card or other written evidence.
Restrictions Specific to a Destination
Owing to the pet policy of WestJet, it is the guests’ duty to abide by any limitations set by the national, regional, or local government. Also, it is not permitted to bring service dogs on flights to or from:
- Barbados’ Bridgetown
- Kingston, Jamaica, and Montego Bay
- Panama’s Rio Hato
Service Dogs in Training
On flights scheduled with WestJet and WestJet Encore, it allows one service dog (no other species) in training per trainer or handler, free of charge. This can be permitted as long as the flight is conducted on a WestJet aircraft. Moreover, unaccompanied minors are not permitted to travel with a service dog in training.
WestJet Pet Booking
Due to space constraints, reservations for pets on WestJet must be made in advance. To verify availability and any associated costs, travelers should get in touch with the airline directly. It is crucial to provide pet information, carrier requirements, and trip dates. Making reservations in advance guarantees easy planning and reduces stress for pet owners and their animals when flying with WestJet.
WestJet Airlines Pet Travel Concerns Resolved Through Social Media
In order to provide prompt resolutions and stress-free communication, passengers rely on WestJet Airlines’ social media channels to address WestJet pets travel-related issues.
| Social Media Account | Link |
| https://x.com/westjet | |
| https://www.instagram.com/westjet/ | |
| https://www.facebook.com/westjet/ | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/westjet |
Some Useful Links Related to WestJet Airlines
In Brief,
The airline’s dedication to responsible and safe pet travel is reflected in the WestJet pet policy. It helps to ensure pets are comfortable during the trip by offering secure cargo alternatives, restricted cabin capacity, and comprehensive rules. Travelers who prepare ahead of time can bring their pets on flights with confidence and peace of mind.
FAQs on WestJet Airlines Pet Policy 2026
WestJet allows small cats and dogs in the cabin, provided they meet size and carrier requirements.
Yes, pets can travel in the cargo hold as checked baggage under WestJet Airlines Pet Policy.
International pet travel is allowed, but additional documentation and restrictions may apply.
Kennels must comply with IATA standards for ventilation, safety, and size.
Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds may face travel limitations due to health risks.
Yes, health certificates are mandatory for international travel and certain pet conditions.
Service animals are accepted with proper documentation and advance notice.
Yes, climate-related restrictions may apply depending on the route and time of year.
Pet travel must be booked in advance through WestJet’s customer service or website.
Fees vary by route and pet travel type; cancellation fees apply within 48 hours of departure.