More and more travellers and digital nomads are bringing their dogs or cats with them on global adventures. If you're flying in or out of Canada, chances are you're looking to book an Air Canada flight. In terms of geography, Canada is the second largest country in the world, so digital nomads looking to explore it might opt for van life or an extended road trip.
But undeniably, if you're just looking to get from A to B as quickly as possible — a flight is the way to go.
Air Canada is Canada's national airline and the largest carrier. Flying to over 190 destinations internationally and nationally, Air Canada runs heaps of convenient routes from coast to coast.
Before booking your journey with your dog or cat, it’s important to note the requirements. Once you prepare a few things in advance, you’ll set yourself up for a seamless and easy voyage.
This is your guide to navigating Air Canada's pet policy and flying with a pet in cabin.
Photo by Mark Harkin, distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license,
Air Canada pet policy overview
Note: This blog post only covers pets that are in the cabin
Air Canada allows small dogs and cats to fly with you on the plane. Certain restrictions apply, namely size, weight, and rules based on the destination and aircraft type. As with most airlines, your pet will count as carry-on luggage, so only bring one other small bag with you for the overhead compartment. Only one pet per traveler is allowed. If you're a digital nomad, luggage and weight can be slightly challenging, so try to fit your essentials in a small but mighty backpack for your personal item.
When selecting your seat, know that you won't be able to sit in an exit row seat, a bulkhead seat, or a seat with an airbag-equipped seatbelt. Additionally, Air Canada does not allow you to fly Premium Economy with a pet because the layout is unsuitable.
Because Air Canada only allows a certain number of dogs and cats in one airplane (two-four animals on one flight, depending on the plane) — space is limited. To avoid any issues, book as far in advance as possible.
Contents
Traveling with pets on Air Canada: A digital nomad's guide
Let's break down some of the major considerations when looking to travel with Air Canada. Many of these considerations are the same if you're looking to fly with the major competitor airline, WestJet.
Comfortable Carrier
When traveling with pets on Air Canada, rules stipulate that pets should be able to easily move around. Your dog or cat should be able to comfortably lie down and stand up and turn around.
If you’re traveling with a dog, Air Canada staff will probably ask your dog to stand and turn around while you’re checking in to verify that there’s enough room. Because it’s up to the discretion of each staff member, it’s important that your carrier genuinely looks comfortable enough for your dog. There have been quite a few reports of individuals being denied boarding because the carrier seemed too small. For cats, there have been fewer reports of staff asking to assess the comfortability of the carrier.
According to Air Canada's website, your pet should be "big enough to allow them to stand up, turn around and lie down safely and comfortably, with no part of them extending outside the carrier." The image above demonstrates this requirement.
Remember that pets must remain inside their carriers and stow under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. Your dog or cat's carrier counts as one of your carry-on items. Digital nomads used to maximizing their check-in luggage and two carry-on items might find this challenging initially. But just get a slim but mighty backpack for your personal item!
Age
Your dog or cat should be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned.
Weight and breed
The combined weight of your pet and its carrier must not exceed 22 pounds (10 kg).
When flying in the cabin, Air Canada has no breed restrictions. If bringing your dog in cargo, though, there are some restrictions on certain snub-nosed breeds.
Understanding Air Canada's pet carrier requirements
The Air Canada pet carrier requirements state that the carrier must be secure, well-ventilated, and large enough for your pet to move around. It should fit under the seat in front of you and must be leak-proof. While hard-sided carriers are allowed only for certain flights, soft-sided carriers are allowed on all flights — making them your best bet.
Tip: While hard-sided carriers are allowed for certain flights, soft-sided carriers are allowed on all flights. So we recommend getting a soft-sided carrier for your dog or cat. The softer material allows you to gently squish it under the seat in front of you if needed. We recommend the Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier. The 'medium' size is typically the standard size for most airplanes. Sherpa even has a Guaranteed On -Board program. It's the carrier we use! |
Air Canada pet in cabin travel fees
The Air Canada pet travel fees depend on your travel destination. Fees are as follows:
Within Canada and Canada/United states (except Hawaii): $50 CAD/USD
International destinations (including Hawaii): $100 CAD/USD
Air Canada pet travel documentation
Perhaps the most stressful part of a trip is getting your documents together. Digital nomads are used to getting their documentation right for themselves, but adding a pet into the mix is another element of confusion.
There are two considerations: what does Air Canada require and what does your destination country require?
The latter will likely require research, so it’s important you plan in advance. If you're digital nomad-ing from a foreign country that isn't your 'home' country — you'll want to triple check the requirements. Canada has restrictions on animals that come from high-risk of rabies jurisdictions.
Air Canada requires the following:
Health certificate issued by a veterinarian
Proof of vaccinations
Air Canada might also ask for extra documentation if it’s required by your destination country.
Tip: Be prepared with all the correct documentation. Allow yourself extra time incase additional tests or documents are needed. It goes without saying, some countries are stricter than others. |
Finding pet-friendly flights on Air Canada
Finding pet-friendly flights on Air Canada is straightforward. Find the flight you wish to take, book it, and call the airline immediately to notify them that you will bring your dog or cat. Remember, there’s a limited amount of animals allowed on each flight, so book months in advance if you can. Digital nomads that are used to making last-minute plans might want to plan a bit further in advance when traveling with pets.
When you call, the Air Canada staff will typically ask you for the size of your dog or cat, breed, and age. They may also ask other qualifying questions. If the flight already has too many animals, they will help you change your ticket at no extra cost.
Specific aircrafts and measurements
The standard carrier size allowed is as follows:
(Box with two sides:)
Hard-sided:
Height: 23 cm (9 in)
Width: 40 cm (15.5 in)
Length: 55 cm (21.5 in)
Soft-sided:
Height: 27 cm (10.5 in)
Width: 40 cm (15.5 in)
Length: 55 cm (21.5 in)
Tip: We recommend a soft-sided carrier because they are more flexible. Planes are different and have varying measurements. Soft-sided carriers are more adaptable and allow you to better fit the carrier underneath the seat in front of you. Additionally, some planes only allow soft-sided carriers (see below). |
There are quite a few exceptions to the above measurements, so double check the aircraft for your specific flight. Here are the exceptions:
Aircraft | Height | Width | Length |
Boeing 787-9 | 20 cm (8.in) | 40 cm (16 in) | 43 cm (17 in) |
Boeing 787-8 | 20 cm (8 in) | 40 cm (16 in) | 35 cm (14.50 in) |
Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200LR | 21 cm (8.25 in) | 38 cm (15 in) | 43 cm (17 in) |
Airbus A321, Airbus A220, Airbus A320, Airbus 319 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 (7M8) Narrow body aircraft* | 20 cm (7.75 in) | 40 cm (15.75 in) | 43 cm (17 in) |
Boeing 333, 777, 77L, 77W, 788 and 789, in Business Class with lie flat beds only* | 28 cm (11 in) | 21 cm (8 in) | 41 cm (16 in) |
* pet carriers must be soft-sided.
Flying internationally with pets on Air Canada
Flying internationally with pets on Air Canada requires additional planning. Make sure you understand the pet import regulations of your destination country, and have all necessary documents ready. Some countries have strict quarantine rules, so it’s important to prepare well in advance.
How to check in with pets on Air Canada
Okay, you've got your documents in order and ready for your flight! Because you are checking in with your dog or cat, you cannot check in online. You will need to do it in person and with an agent. That means you aren't able to check in at the self-serve kiosks either.
Air Canada stipulates that you must arrive for check in 30 minutes prior to the recommended check in time.
Making the flight comfortable for your pet
There are a number of tricks and tips to keeping your dog or cat comfortable during a flight. Remember, Canada is a huge country geographically. Even if flying domestically — you could have up to a 6 hour flight! Here are a few tried and tested tips..
Make sure your pet loves their carrier
Like most things in life, this will take a bit of practice and patience. Feed your dog or cat's regular meals inside the carrier on a daily basis. Practice commands like "sit" and "down" inside the carrier, with plenty of treats as a reward.
Ask your vet for any medicine.
It might sound obvious but ask your veterinarian about any medication that you can administer to your pet prior to the flight. Anti-anxiety medication can help alleviate any extra stress for both your dog or cat, and you! Just make sure you follow their directions and test out the medication's effects prior to travel day. Airlines like Air Canada will not allow an unconscious dog to board the flight. An alternative to prescription medication is CBD, which is legal in Canada and has had a calming effect on some animals. Remember, you will want to always ask your veterinarian first.
Make the carrier cozy
The time you are traveling, and other factors, can impact the temperature on the aircraft during your flight. It might be very hot or very cold. Pack a blanket with you to ensure that your dog or cat has enough heat incase temperatures dip. A soft blanket can also help ease anxiety and provide extra comfort. We recommend a plush and comfy blanket.
Exercise your dog prior to the flight
If you have a dog, exercise them well before your flight! This requires extra planning and time allotment but it's well worth it. Your dog will ideally be tuckered out during the flight, making the trip a less stressful experience.
Time bathroom breaks.
Many airport in Canada have pet relief areas with fake grass (and even a fire hydrant for full effect!) Give your dog multiple opportunities to do their business before boarding your flight.
Air Canada pet travel FAQs
Here are some of the top questions we get from digital nomads looking to fly Air Canada with their pet.
1. Can I buy a seat for my dog (or cat)?
Unfortunately, no. Unless your dog is a service dog they will need to remain in their carrier for the duration of the flight.
2. How much does it cost to fly with my dog?
Fees depend on the destination. For flights within Canada and Canada/United states (except Hawaii) the fee is $50 CAD/USD. For international destinations (including Hawaii) it will cost you $100 CAD/USD.
3. Can I bring my dog to the Air Canada lounge? 🍁
Yes, you can bring your dog or cat to the Maple Leaf Lounge or Air Canada Café. However, you'll need to keep your pet in their carrier at all times, not allowing any part of your pet to extend outside the carrier. Additionally, as in line with the guidelines for carrier — the pet carrier should already be leak proof and well ventilated. Happy lounging!
4. Does Air Canada permit emotional support animals?
As of March 1, 2021 Air Canada does not accept emotional support animals in the cabin. Only service dogs are allowed. You can read Air Canada's full policy on service dogs.
5. How do you add a pet to an Air Canada flight?
You will need to call Air Canada to add a pet on your flight. Unfortunately, you can't add the pet online. To ensure there is space, make sure you call as soon as possible — preferably the same day as you are booking your flight.
Conclusion
Air Canada is the biggest airline carrier in Canada with some of the most convenient routes to and from (and within) the country. If you're flying with Air Canada make sure you book well in advance, pay attention to the specifications of your aircraft, and give yourself enough time to check-in at the airport (an extra 30 minutes than normal).
If you plan in advance enough, being a digital nomad and flying Air Canada with your pet should be a breeze.
Have a great time flying! 🇨🇦
Note: some of the links in this post are an affiliate link, which help keep Nomad with Pets up and running at no extra cost to you.
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