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Air Canada Pet Policy

Air Canada is the country's flag carrier and major airline. Most of their flights allow pets to travel in the cabin and cargo hold. On some planes and routes, Air Canada accepts pets. As a result, reservations must be made properly. It is critical to be aware of the airline's individual pet policies in order to fully comprehend the requirements and prepare for your pet's safe and comfortable flight (s). Here in this article we are going to discuss Air Canada Pet Policy.

As per Air Canada Pet Travel Policy, the airline allows 2-4 pets to fly in-cabin, to reserve a seat for your pet, make a call to the Air Canada customer service team at +1-888-422-7533. It is always important to make a call to the customer service department to reserve a seat for your pet travel. Let them know the size of your pet carrier, as well as your pet's weight and breed. On the basis of your pet travel requirement, the representative available at the customer service helpdesk will reserve a seat for your pet travel.Also, make sure you check in at least 30 minutes prior to the flight departure.

Air Canada Pet Travel Booking & Reservations Process

Air Canada allows pets to travel in the cabin, checked baggage, or cargo hold, depending on the size and weight of the pet and the flight's route. However, pet-owners need to go for Air Canada pet reservations. All you need to do is make a call at the Air Canada customer service department and get the pet travel booking done in advance. The representative available on the other side of the call will assist you regarding the query of the customer. Or you can follow the step-by-step guidelines on how to book and make reservations for pet travel with Air Canada:

  • Go through Air Canada pet policy: Before booking your pet's travel, ensure you read and understand Air Canada's pet policy, including the fees, restrictions, and required documentation.
  • Book your flight: Once you've decided on your travel dates and destination, book your flight with Air Canada either online or by phone.
  • Reserve your pet's travel: It is important to make an Air Canada pet reservation by contacting Air Canada's reservations department to reserve your pet's travel. You can also do this online via their website. You'll need to provide your pet's weight, breed, and carrier dimensions, as well as any necessary documentation.
  • Pay pet travel fees: Air Canada charges a fee for pet travel, which varies depending on the size and weight of your pet and the travel route. You can pay the fee online or by phone when booking your pet's travel.
  • Complete required documentation: Depending on your pet's destination, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a health certificate or vaccination record. Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork in order before traveling.
  • Complete required documentation: Depending on your pet's destination, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a health certificate or vaccination record. Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork in order before traveling.

All these things will help pet owners to understand about Air Canada pet travel, so through it once and get ready for Air Canada pet booking.

Air Canada In-Cabin Pet Policy

Most Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge flights, as well as Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz, Sky Regional, Air Georgian, or Exploits Valley Air, offer in-cabin service. On a Boeing 787-8 (788), Boeing 787-9 (789), or A330-300 (333) aircraft, pets are not permitted in Premium Economy. On flights to or from Hawaii or the United Kingdom, pets are not permitted in the cabin.

You'll need an approved airline pet carrier to fly in-cabin if your small dog or cat. It is important that your pet must fit into the standard pet carrier as mentioned by the Air Canada pet policy. The carrier must have a waterproof bottom, enough room for your pet to stand and turn around, be securely fastened, and have sufficient ventilation.

Pets Allowed In-Cabin: As the airline serves pets as well, therefore there are some guidelines that pet parents must follow. According to the Air Canada in-cabin pet policy, small cats and dogs are allowed to fly in-cabin. Per adult passenger, one pet is allowed.

When a passenger with a dog or cat allergy is on board, Air Canada will prohibit dogs or cats from flying on planes without HEPA filters. If the dog is a service animal, the initial reservation will be given priority. On flights with HEPA filters, a five-row buffer zone will be formed in the aircraft between a pet and a passenger with allergies.

Pet’s Age Requirements: Air Canada enables pets to fly in the cabin, however, the pets must be at least 12 weeks old to travel in the cabin.

According to the pet policy there are some restricted routes on which pets aren’t allowed to fly including Australia, Barbados, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom are among the places where Air Canada would not transport dogs in the cabin. Air Canada will transport pets in the cabin from the United Kingdom and Hawaii.

In any class, pets are not permitted to travel in the Executive First Suite or in a bulkhead row. On the Boeing 777-300ER (77W), pets are not permitted. You will not be permitted to travel with your pet if your itinerary includes a flight that is promoted by Air Canada but operated by an Air Canada codeshare partner. Pets must be transported as manifest cargo to Hawaii.

Pet’s Carrier Requirements: The dimensions of the carrier will vary based on the kind of aircraft flying the route. Per passenger, just one pet is allowed. Carriers must be secure, have a waterproof bottom, and enable your pet to stand up and turn around.

  • Maximum carrier size hardsided: 9"H x 15.5"W x 21.5"L (23cm x 40cm x 21.5cm)
  • Maximum carrier size softsided: 10.5"H x 15.5"W x 21.5"L (27cm x 40cm x 55cm)

Pet’s Travel Confirmation: Pet owners must inform Air Canada within 24 hours of making their pet travel reservation if you are flying with a pet. Your pet will count toward your carry-on allowance if you are an adult passenger.

Check-In Must be on Time: You must be at the airport at least 30 minutes prior to the departure, and check-in with an Air Canada ticket. When traveling internationally, it is important to submit all forms and documents that are being asked by the country.

Pets Travel Fee: The cost to fly in Air Canada’s in-cabin is $50USD within Canada or to/from US (excluding Hawaii) - $100USD international. These charges are for one-way traveling, be it domestic or international travel.

Service and Emotional Support Animals

Professionally trained service animals aiding clients with impairments will be transported free of charge by Air Canada. The service animals must be harnessed and must sit at the feet of the passenger. It must be certified by a professional service animal institution to assist a person with a disability. A minimum 48 hours' notice must be provided. Air Canada will no longer allow emotional support animals to fly in the cabin as of March 1, 2021.

Air Canada Checked Baggage Pet Policy

As per Air Canada checked baggage pet policy, cats and dogs are allowed to travel. They should be over 12 weeks old. If the total weight of the checked baggage does not exceed 100 lbs (45kg), then only the airline allows pets to travel as checked baggage. Each passenger is allowed to carry upto 2 pets by paying separately.

If your pet is too large to fit beneath the seat, is not a dog or cat, or if the flight is particularly long, Air Canada may transport your pet in the cargo area of the plane, subject to company limitations. The temperature and pressure in this area of the cargo department are identical to those in the passenger cabin.

Warm-blooded animals will not be accepted as checked luggage on the following aircrafts from November 1st to March 31st: CRJ, CR7, E175, E190, and B737.

Things to Remember Before Boarding in Checked Baggage

Pets Allowed: In checked baggage cats and dogs are allowed to fly from one place to another. However, if the size of the pet doesn’t fit into the carrier, they can fly in cargo hold. So, pet parents must check-it out before making a reservation for their pet travel.

Route Restrictions for Pet: There are some restricted places where cats and dogs are not allowed to fly and it includes Australia, Barbados, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom do not allow pets to fly as checked luggage. Air Canada will transport dogs as checked luggage from the United Kingdom and Hawaii.

Pet Travel Reservations: Reservations for your pet as checked baggage must be made within 24 hours of booking your ticket. The number of pets allowed in the baggage compartment is determined by the kind of aircraft.

Airport Check-In: When flying as checked baggage, you must check in your pet in an IATA compliant pet cage at the passenger ticket counter at least 30 minutes before flight time, at which time you will pay the transportation fee. The weight of your pet and its carrier must not exceed 70 pounds in order to travel as checked baggage; otherwise, your pet will be transported by Air Canada Cargo.

Pet Travel Cost In Checked Baggage: To fly as checked baggage in Air Canada it costs between $105-120.75 for domestic and $270-318.60 for international.

Temperature Restrictions: If the temperature for the day is anticipated to be less than 10 degrees F (-12 degrees C) or greater than 85 degrees F (29 degrees C) at any stage during your pet's transportation (origin/transit/destination), your pet will be rejected transportation as checked baggage. These temperature constraints have no exceptions. Pets will not be accepted as checked luggage between June 10 and September 10, but they will be accepted as air freight.

Forms Required Before Pet Travel: If you, along with your pet, are flying to an international destination, then it is indeed necessary to submit the required forms and documents asked by the country at the time of check-in.

Crate Requirements: The linear dimensions (length + breadth + height) are 292 cm (115 in). All IATA standards must be met by the crate.

Air Canada Manifest Cargo Pet Policies

Air Canada Cargo flies to approximately 190 locations across the world, including 64 Canadian cities, 52 US cities, and 78 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America.

Warm-blooded species will not be accepted as air cargo on the following aircrafts from November 1st to March 31st: CRJ, CR7, E175, E190, and B737.

Pets Allowed: Warm-blooded mammals and birds, as well as aquatic animals and insects. Air Canada Cargo will not transport harmful or obnoxious animals, nonhuman primates for research, endangered species, unwell animals, or pets that are prohibited in the destination country.

Age Bar for Pets: For domestic or international travel, pets must be at least 16 weeks old, weaned, and vaccinated.

Documents Required Before Travel: As per the pet policy of Air Canada, it is necessary to provide a health certificate issued by the licenced vet within 10 days before departure. It should be the proof of rabies vaccination, and any other important health certificate that is being asked by the country. When flying internationally, Air Canada needs some essential forms required by the country you are traveling to. You must submit it at the time of check-in. Proof of vaccinations (dog, cat, and ferret) and pet passport credentials for the country your pet is visiting are also necessary (international travel only).

Check-In for Cargo: The location of the cargo office will vary based on the airport.

Temperature Restrictions: When the outside ground temperature is 85°F (29.5°C) or greater at the departure city, the destination city, or any transit location in between, Air Canada will not transport warm-blooded animals.

Pet transport to the following cities is forbidden or controlled between May 15 and December 15: Atlanta, Dallas Fort Worth, Ft Lauderdale, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, and Phoenix. Due to the high heat across Asia and the Middle East, transportation to and from all airports in the region is prohibited between July 1 and August 31.

Crate Requirements: The linear dimensions (length + breadth + height) are 292 cm (115 in). All IATA standards must be met by the crate.

Airports Served by Air Canada

Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, India, the Caribbean, North and South America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, are all served by Air Canada.

Air Canada is also permitted to fly through the United Kingdom's designated Border Inspection Posts of London Heathrow and Manchester (accompanied pets only).

Breed Restrictions on Air Canada Travel:

Breed Restrictions on Air Canada Travel: Air Canada has a breed restriction and it is meant for the safety of pets as well as passengers. So, one must check the banned breed restriction policy before making a reservation in the flight. To get its detailed information, pet owners can even make a call at the customer service department. The following snub-nosed dog and cat breeds will not be transported in the cargo hold by Air Canada:

Dogs: Affenpinscher, Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog - all breeds including the American, English, French and Dutch Bulldog, Chihuahua (apple-headed), Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pug - all breeds including the Chinese Pug, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Teddy Bear (also known as Zuchon or Shichon) and Tibetan Spaniel.

Cats: British Shorthair, Burmese Cats, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan Cats, Persian Cats and Scottish Fold.

These dog breeds known to be strong or dangerous will be accepted in CR 82-compliant pet crates if they are older than 6 months of age. These crates must be made of metal, wood or synthetic material (not plastic) and completely reinforced.

Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd Dog), Karabash (Kangal Dog, Anatolian Shepherd Dog), Pit-bull - all breeds including: American Pit-bull, American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff), British Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Mastiff - all breeds including: American, Argentine (Dogo Argentino), Bandog (Bandogge), Brazilian (Fila Brasileiro), English, French (Dogue de Bordeaux), Italian (Cane Corso), Neapolitan, Presa Canario, Rottweiler and Wolf Dog Hybrids.

Other Animals: Warm-blooded mammals and birds, including those used in shows or exhibitions. Air Canada Cargo will not transport any harmful or unpleasant animals, unhealthy animals, or pets that are prohibited in the destination country.

Air Canada Pet Carrier Guidelines

The pet carrier for pets travelling in the cabin on Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200LR aircraft cannot be larger than 8.25" x 15" x 17". (21cm x 38cm x 43 cm). Only small or miniature dogs and cats are allowed in their cabins with lie-flat beds. Soft-sided carriers are suggested, and they should not exceed 11" x 8" x 16" in size (28 cm x 21 cm x 41 cm). Soft-sided, leak-proof, and well-ventilated are all requirements. During the flight, your pet must be allowed to turn around and sleep down comfortably inside the carrier. Carriers for pets going in the hold must not exceed 115" in length (292 cm). They must be hard-sided, leak-proof, and large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Air Canada Emotional Support Animal Policy

Passengers with physical and mental disabilities are permitted to travel with service animals and emotional support animals, respectively, on Air Canada flights. Only an emotional support animal, such as a dog, is permitted to fly. Dependent travelers must show the relevant documentation to the airline in order to determine the requirement.

In the case of an emotional support dog, a document issued by a licensed medical practitioner stating that the passenger is under his/her care and has been diagnosed with an emotional or mental disability as defined by the DSM-IV and requires the dog for the flight journey or at the destination.

In the case of a service animal, an identification card or other written documents stating that the animal has been trained as a service animal and his/her requirement to accompany the passenger on the flight journey or at the destination.

Air Canada Dog Policy

Air Canada has a dog policy that outlines the requirements and restrictions for bringing dogs on flights. Here are some of the key features focused on Air Canada dog policy such as follows:

  • Types of dogs/pets allowed: Air Canada allows small dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin on select flights within Canada and between Canada and the United States. Larger dogs must travel in the cargo hold.
  • Reservations: Pet owners must contact Air Canada Pet Reservations at least 48 hours before their flight to reserve a spot for their pet. The number of pets allowed in the cabin is limited, so early reservation is recommended.
  • Health Certificate: All pets must get the health certificate issued by the experienced veterinarian within 10 days of travel. The certificate must state that the pet traveling into Air Canada flight is good and well and he is not suffering from any communicable disease. And the pet must be done with all the vaccinations required by the destination.
  • Carrier requirements: The pet carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. The dimensions of the carrier must not exceed 21.5 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm (8.5 in x 15.5 in x 21.5 in).
  • Fees: A fee applies for all pets traveling on Air Canada, regardless of whether they are traveling in the cabin or cargo hold. The fee varies depending on the destination and the size of the pet.
  • Restrictions: Air Canada may refuse to transport pets if they are aggressive, in distress, or do not meet the airline's requirements for size, weight, and carrier.

Air Canada's pet travel policy is subject to change, and pet owners are advised to check the airline's website for the most up-to-date information before traveling with their pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Ans. Yes, Air Canada being a renowned airline definitely follows the pet carrier guidelines. According to the guideline, the carrier must be spacious enough which allows pets to stand-up, turn-around, and lie-down comfortably. The carrier should be designed in such a way that each body part of the pet right from head to tail must be inside the carrier.

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Ans. Some of the important certificates that Air Canada ask pet parents to bring while traveling includes as follows:
  • Rabies Vaccination
  • Health certificate
  • Additional vaccinations
  • Import permit / license
  • CITES permit
  • Microchip
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Ans. As long as the pet is healthy and there is no mishap throughout the travel, then definitely the pets are safe as checked baggage. More than hundreds of pets have already experienced the checked baggage travel from one place to another. So, just make sure to complete all the formalities as asked by the airline and your pet is ready to fly as checked baggage.

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Ans. Yes, Air Canada is one of the best airlines for pet travel. The airline takes accountability to accommodate pets perfectly. On arrival 30 minutes prior to departure, the pet will be tucked in the carrier and they allow you to travel in the cabin. However, the bigger dogs are transported to travel in cargo and it is safe and comfortable for the flight.

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Ans. Passengers can book online and can quickly call to add your dog to your booking. But make sure, you notify air Canada that you are traveling with your pet within 24 hours of making your own booking.

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Ans. In Air Canada, pets can travel as checked baggage but not as excess baggage. However, there are several airlines that ask the airline to consider the pet carrier as an excess baggage which generates extra income for them. But, Air Canada doesn't do it.

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Ans. There are only a few requirements that enable dogs to fly in Air Canada i.e. the pet must be three months old and the owner must get the rabies vaccination done timely and its certificate must be submitted as the proof. So, These two major requirements are required to be fulfilled by the pet parents.

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Ans. If your pet is traveling in the carrier for the very first time, you need to make him use the carrier and it is only possible if you keep him within the carrier atleast for 2 hours on a daily basis. Once the pet gets used to the carrier, he won’t make the travel uneasy or uncomfortable for you. Make sure your pet doesn’t pee or poop while sitting in the carrier and it depends on your feed. Son, don’t feed your pet atleast 1-2 hours prior to the flight departure.

https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/plan/special-assistance/pets.html

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