Air Canada – Pet Policy
View Official Air Canada Pet Policy Page ↗
| Pet Type | Cabin | Hold / Cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Allowed in cabin only in soft-sided carriers; pet plus carrier weight limits vary by aircraft; carrier must fit under seat and allow pet to stand, turn, lie comfortably | Allowed in baggage hold or Air Canada Cargo; IATA-approved crates mandatory; subject to seasonal embargoes, breed restrictions, and temperature limits | Advance booking required; CDC Dog Import Permit mandatory for US flights starting Aug 2024; breed restrictions strictly enforced; cargo temperature-controlled where available |
| Cat | Same rules as dogs; cabin travel in soft carriers with size and weight limits; larger cats travel cargo or baggage compartment | As for dogs; IATA crate required; advance booking and documentation necessary | Breed restrictions and health certificates required; prepare documentation well in advance |
| Bird | Not permitted in cabin or baggage compartment | Only via Air Canada Cargo with required permits and advance arrangement | All necessary import/export documentation and CITES permits must be prepared |
| Reptile | Not permitted in cabin or baggage compartment | Only transported as cargo under special arrangements | Requires advanced planning and documentation |
| Fish | Not permitted in cabin or baggage compartment | Cargo only with specialized handling | Proper packaging and permits required |
| Rabbit | Not accepted in cabin | May travel in baggage compartment or cargo with advance approval | Health certificates and compliance with regulations mandatory |
Important Guidelines
- Book pet travel as early as possible; limited space is available both in cabin and cargo.
- Comply fully with carrier size and weight requirements; soft-sided carriers only allowed in cabin, IATA-approved crates required for cargo.
- Bring all proper documentation for each pet and each segment of travel, including health certificates, vaccination records, and import/export permits.
- Review and comply with breed-specific restrictions, especially for brachycephalic dogs and cats.
- Consider temperature limitations and seasonal embargoes, especially on routes with high or low temperatures.
- Make sure to arrive early on travel day, especially when travelling with pets on connecting flights.
Woofly Tips
- Acclimate your pet to their carrier well before travel to reduce stress and discomfort.
- Measure and weigh the pet plus carrier beforehand to ensure compliance with airline size limits.
- Keep digital and paper copies of all required documentation easily accessible during the entire journey.
- Stay up to date on travel and import regulations for all countries in your itinerary, including connecting points.
- Contact Air Canada Cargo early to arrange for handled transport if your pet must travel as cargo.
Last updated: July 27, 2025