Aunt Tia's Pet Travel Guide

Travelling With Pets on Canadian Airlines

Flying with your pet in Canada is completely doable — but every airline has different rules, fees, and carrier requirements. Get it wrong and your furry travel companion stays home.

"I once watched someone get turned away at the gate because their carrier was two centimetres too wide. Two centimetres. Their dog was fine. They were not. Read this guide. Measure twice. Book once."

— Aunt Tia 🐾

Can my pet fly?

Most healthy cats and dogs can fly within Canada. But there are rules around size, age, breed, and health that determine whether your pet rides in the cabin with you or goes as cargo.

Cabin vs Cargo

Small pets that fit in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you can typically fly in the cabin. Larger pets must travel as checked baggage or cargo — a completely separate and more complex process.

Aunt Tia's Rule of Thumb

If your pet and carrier together weigh under 10 kg (22 lbs), you're probably fine in cabin on most Canadian airlines. Above that, you're looking at cargo. Always verify with your specific airline before booking.

Age Requirements

Most airlines require pets to be at least 8 weeks old
Pets must be weaned and able to eat/drink on their own
Senior pets with health conditions may need a vet clearance letter

Breed Restrictions — Read This Carefully

Snub-nosed (Brachycephalic) Breeds are Often Banned

Dogs and cats with flat faces have breathing difficulties at altitude. Many airlines restrict or ban them entirely — especially in cargo.

Dogs: Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, Pekingese
Cats: Persians, Himalayans, Exotic Shorthairs, British Shorthairs
Always check your specific airline's breed list before booking

Airline Pet Policies

Every Canadian airline has different fees, carrier size limits, and restrictions. Here's what you need to know for each.

Air Canada

$50–$118 CAD each way

Cabin: cats + small dogs under 10 kg total
Max carrier: 23×40×55 cm (LxWxH)
1 pet per passenger in cabin
Max 2 pets per flight in cabin
Book pet spot when booking flight
Health certificate not required for domestic
Several brachycephalic breeds restricted

Full Air Canada pet policy →

WestJet

$50–$100 CAD each way

Cabin: cats + small dogs under 10 kg total
Max carrier: 43×30×22 cm
1 pet per passenger in cabin
Max 2 pets in cabin per flight
Must book pet by phone — not online
No snub-nosed breeds in cabin or cargo
Carrier must be soft-sided

Full WestJet pet policy →

Porter Airlines

$75 CAD each way

Cabin: cats + small dogs under 10 kg total
Max carrier: 43×33×22 cm
1 pet per passenger maximum
Must be booked by phone
No snub-nosed breeds permitted
Pet must remain in carrier entire flight
Limited to select routes

Full Porter pet policy →

Flair Airlines

$99 CAD each way

Cabin: cats + small dogs only
Max carrier: 43×30×22 cm
Combined weight under 8 kg
1 pet per passenger maximum
Must book online at time of booking
No snub-nosed breeds
Soft-sided carrier required

Full Flair pet policy →

Always Call to Confirm

Pet policies change frequently. These details were accurate at time of writing but always verify directly with your airline before booking. Pet spots are limited — book as early as possible.

Carrier Size Requirements

Your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you AND meet the airline's size limits. These two things are not always the same. Measure your carrier before you buy it.

Airline	Max Dimensions (L×W×H)	Max Weight (pet + carrier)	Soft or Hard?
Air Canada	23 × 40 × 55 cm	10 kg	Either
WestJet	43 × 30 × 22 cm	10 kg	Soft-sided only
Porter	43 × 33 × 22 cm	10 kg	Either
Flair	43 × 30 × 22 cm	8 kg	Soft-sided only

Aunt Tia's Carrier Tip

Buy a carrier that meets the STRICTEST requirements across all airlines — 43×30×22 cm — so you can fly any airline without issues. Your pet must also be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside it.

What You Need to Bring

Getting to the gate is only half the battle. Here's what to have ready on travel day.

Pet Travel Checklist

Airline-approved carrier — correct dimensions, labelled with your name and contact info

Vaccination records — especially rabies. Not required for all domestic flights but good to have

Vet health certificate — required for international flights, recommended for cargo/checked baggage

Water and absorbent pad — line the carrier bottom, bring a small collapsible bowl

Familiar toy or blanket — something that smells like home reduces anxiety significantly

Pet's medication — if prescribed, in original labelled container

Booking confirmation showing pet — your pet's spot must be pre-booked and confirmed

Arrive early — give yourself extra time at check-in. Pet check-in takes longer

Do Not Sedate Your Pet

Most vets and airlines advise against sedating pets for flights. Sedation affects balance and can cause breathing problems at altitude. Talk to your vet about anxiety alternatives like pheromone sprays or calming treats instead.

International Pet Travel

Flying internationally with a pet is significantly more complex than domestic travel. Each destination country has its own import rules — some require months of advance preparation.

Start Planning 6+ Months in Advance

Some countries (UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hawaii) have strict quarantine requirements or specific health testing timelines that can take months to complete. Do not leave this to the last minute.

USA

Rabies vaccination required (dogs)
No quarantine for vaccinated pets
Health certificate from vet (within 10 days)
Relatively straightforward
Some states have additional rules

UK & Europe

EU/UK pet passport or third-country certificate
Microchip required (ISO standard)
Rabies vaccination (21 days before travel)
Tapeworm treatment for UK entry (dogs)
Allow 4–8 weeks preparation minimum

Mexico & Caribbean

Health certificate (within 10–15 days)
Rabies + distemper vaccination proof
Some islands have stricter rules
Nassau (Bahamas) — health cert required
Generally manageable with 4+ weeks notice

Japan, Australia, NZ

Extremely strict import rules
Quarantine periods of weeks to months
Blood titer tests required (months ahead)
Approved import permits needed
Start planning 6–12 months in advance

Canadian Export Requirements (CFIA)

When leaving Canada with a pet, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) may require an export health certificate endorsed by an accredited vet and CFIA office. This takes time to arrange — don't leave it until the week before travel.

CFIA pet export requirements →

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