Air Canada Pet Travel Policy 2026: In-Cabin, Checked, Fees & Booking Guide
The definitive guide to flying with pets on Air Canada. Understand in-cabin rules (no maximum weight limit), checked baggage policies, Air Canada Cargo, seasonal temperature embargoes, and strict aircraft restrictions (737 MAX / A220).
Quick Summary: Air Canada Pet Policy
Air Canada allows small cats and dogs in the cabin and larger pets in the baggage compartment (hold). Uniquely, Air Canada does not have a maximum weight limit for pets in the cabin, provided they fit comfortably in the approved carrier. However, they enforce strict seasonal embargoes (summer/winter) and aircraft bans for pets in the hold.
- In-Cabin: Dogs & cats only. No strict weight limit. Must fit in max 55 x 40 x 27 cm (soft) carrier.
- Checked Baggage: Max combined weight (pet + crate) of 45 kg (100 lbs).
- Fees: $50–$100 CAD/USD each way for cabin; $105–$270 CAD/USD each way for checked hold.
- Embargoes: Pets are banned from the hold during peak summer heat and on specific aircraft (737 MAX / A220).
As Canada’s largest airline, Air Canada facilitates thousands of pet transports daily across North America and internationally. They offer three distinct avenues for pet travel: in the passenger cabin, in the baggage compartment, or via the specialized Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals) service for complex international routes or very large breeds.
A major advantage of flying Air Canada is their cabin weight policy. While European carriers strictly limit cabin pets to 8kg, Air Canada focuses purely on carrier dimensions and the pet’s comfort, making it a favorite for slightly larger small-breed dogs (like French Bulldogs or Pugs) provided they meet carrier height constraints.
Key Air Canada Pet Travel Facts:
- In-Cabin Allowed: Yes, cats and dogs only. Pet must be at least 12 weeks old and fully weaned.
- Premium Cabins: Pets are NOT allowed in the cabin if you are flying in Air Canada Signature Class or Premium Economy on certain Boeing aircraft (737 MAX 8, 787, 777) due to seat design lacking under-seat stowage.
- Checked Hold Limits: Pets up to 45 kg (100 lbs) including the crate can travel as checked baggage. Heavier pets must use Air Canada Cargo.
- Advance Booking: Mandatory. You must register your pet within 24 hours of booking your human ticket.
✈️ Air Canada Pet Travel Options
Choose your travel method based on your pet’s size, the aircraft you are flying on, and seasonal temperatures.
Option 1: In the Cabin
Eligibility: Dogs and cats only. Pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably in the carrier.
Weight Limit: No strict maximum weight, so long as the pet fits the carrier comfortably.
Carrier Limits: Soft-sided (recommended): 55 L x 40 W x 27 H cm. Hard-sided: 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
Limit: 1 pet per passenger. Your pet carrier counts as your one standard carry-on item.
Option 2: Checked Baggage (Hold)
Eligibility: Dogs and cats where the pet + IATA crate combined weight is ≤ 45 kg (100 lbs).
Max Size: Crate dimensions must not exceed 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height).
Aircraft Bans: NEVER allowed in the hold on Airbus A220, Boeing 737 MAX 8, or narrow-body aircraft flying long transoceanic routes.
Best For: Medium to large dogs traveling domestically or to Europe/South America.
💰 Air Canada Pet Fees (2026)
Fees are charged one-way, per pet, and are typically collected at the airport check-in counter. Prices are in CAD/USD (they charge the same numeric value depending on your departure country).
| Route Type | In-Cabin Fee | Checked Baggage Fee | Service Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within Canada & USA (excluding Hawaii) | $50 | $105 | Free |
| International (e.g., Europe, South America, Asia) |
$100 | $270 | Free |
Important Notes:
- Taxes apply: Fees are subject to applicable taxes (e.g., GST/HST in Canada), meaning a $50 fee may ring up as $52.50 to $57.50.
- If your routing includes a layover over 2 hours, or involves another airline (like United or Lufthansa), you may be subject to additional fees or the other airline’s rules.
⚠️ Critical Restrictions & Embargoes
Air Canada is exceptionally strict regarding aircraft types, weather, and breed safety. If you violate an embargo, you will be denied boarding at the airport.
Seasonal Temperature Embargoes (Hold Only)
Summer Heat Embargo: Air Canada completely bans pets from the checked baggage compartment from May 15 to September 30 on certain southern routes (US Sunbelt, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America) due to dangerous tarmac temperatures.
Winter Cold Embargo: From November 1 to March 31, pets cannot travel in the hold on smaller regional aircraft (Bombardier CRJ, Embraer) or to any destination where the temperature is forecasted to drop below -29°C (-20°F).
Snub-Nosed (Brachycephalic) Breed Ban
Baggage/Cargo Ban: Air Canada does not accept any short-nosed dogs or cats in the checked baggage hold or via Air Canada Cargo. This includes Pugs, Bulldogs (English/French), Boston Terriers, Boxers, Persian cats, and Exotic Shorthair cats.
Cabin Exception: These breeds are fully welcome in the passenger cabin, provided they fit comfortably in the approved under-seat carrier.
Aircraft Bans (A220 & 737 MAX 8)
Air Canada does not allow pets to travel in the checked baggage compartment of the Airbus A220 or the Boeing 737 MAX 8 at any time of year. The cargo holds on these specific aircraft do not possess the required heating and ventilation capabilities for live animals.
🎒 Carrier & Crate Requirements
Your carrier must meet strict Air Canada dimensions. Soft-sided carriers are strongly recommended for the cabin because they compress slightly to fit under various seat configurations.
✅ In-Cabin Carrier Specs
📦 Checked Baggage Crate Specs (IATA)
📋 How to Book Pet Travel on Air Canada
Air Canada restricts the total number of pets allowed per flight (usually 2-4 in cabin, and limited space in the hold). Follow this sequence to secure your pet’s reservation.
Step 1: Check Aircraft & Restrictions
- Ensure your flight is operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express. (Code-shares with other airlines have different rules).
- Verify you are not on an A220 or 737 MAX 8 if checking your pet.
- Verify you are not in Signature/Premium Economy if bringing a pet in the cabin.
Step 2: Book Your Ticket & Call Immediately
- Book your human flight online.
- Within 24 hours of booking, call Air Canada Reservations (1-888-247-2262) to register your pet. Provide carrier dimensions and pet weight.
- If the flight has met its pet quota, you can cancel your ticket penalty-free within that 24-hour window and rebook another flight.
Step 3: Prepare Documentation (USA / Int’l)
- If traveling to the USA, you must complete the online CDC Dog Import Form, ensure the dog is 6+ months old, and has an ISO microchip.
- If traveling internationally, obtain the necessary health certificates from your vet.
Step 4: Check-In at the Airport
- Arrive 30-60 minutes earlier than the standard recommended check-in time.
- Go directly to the full-service check-in counter (kiosks and web check-in cannot be used when traveling with a pet).
- Pay the pet fee via credit card.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike many airlines, Air Canada does not enforce a strict numeric weight limit for the pet in the cabin. Instead, the rule is that the pet must be small enough to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside a carrier that fits under the seat.
French Bulldogs and other snub-nosed breeds are strictly banned from the checked baggage hold and cargo due to breathing risks. However, they are permitted to fly in the passenger cabin with you, provided they fit comfortably in an approved under-seat carrier.
For in-cabin travel, the fee is $50 (within North America) or $100 (International). For checked baggage, the fee is $105 (North America) or $270 (International). Prices are charged one-way in CAD or USD, plus taxes.
No, you cannot complete the pet reservation entirely online. You must book your own ticket first, and then call Air Canada Reservations within 24 hours to secure space for your pet, as quotas apply per flight.
Air Canada bans pets from the hold of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Airbus A220 because the cargo compartments on these specific aircraft models do not have the required heating, ventilation, and temperature control systems to keep animals safe.
Due to recent CDC regulations, dogs entering the USA must be at least 6 months old, have an ISO-compliant microchip, appear healthy, and you must submit a CDC Dog Import Form online before travel. A rabies vaccine is required if coming from a high-risk country, but Canada is currently low-risk.
🟢 Verify Air Canada + Border Entry Requirements
Airline approval is just step one. Ensure you meet both Air Canada’s strict aircraft policies and the destination country’s health and import rules to avoid quarantine or denied boarding. Generate a route-specific checklist below.
Generate My Verified Checklist✓ Free • ✓ Air Canada + Border Compliant • ✓ Instant PDF