PetFlightCheck

Air Canada Pet Policy (2026): Fees, Carrier Size & Rules

Yes. Air Canada allows dogs and cats in the cabin on domestic and international flights for $50 each way, per pet. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you, up to 17 × 16 × 8 in (soft-sided, Air Canada jets), with other sizes for other carriers or aircraft listed below.

Last verified against Air Canada's official pages

How to add your dog to a booking

  1. Book your own flight first.
  2. Call Air Canada Reservations to register your pet on the same flight, with the carrier's dimensions and your pet's weight and breed. Do it within 24 hours of booking so you get a free refund if your pet can't be accommodated.
  3. If you change your reservation online or through a travel agent, call Air Canada Reservations right away to change your pet's reservation too.
  4. At the airport, see an agent at check-in, arriving 30 minutes before the recommended check-in time.

Source: Travelling with your Pet

Pet fee

$50

Within Canada and Canada/U.S.

each way, per pet

$100

International

each way, per pet

  • The fee is a range because it includes 0% to 18% tax depending on the itinerary: $50 to $60 within Canada and Canada/U.S., $100 to $120 international (same amount in CAD or USD).
  • Only one cat or small dog per passenger in the cabin.

Source: Travelling with your Pet

Carrier size and weight

Air Canada doesn't publish a weight limit for pets in the cabin. What matters is the carrier: your pet has to fit inside it, and it has to fit under the seat in front of you.

Soft-sided carrier (maximum)

Air Canada jets: A220, A319, A320, A321, A330, 737 MAX 8, 777, 787

17 × 16 × 8 in

≈ 43 × 41 × 20 cm (L × W × H)

Soft-sided carrier (maximum)

Regional aircraft: Dash 8-400, E175, CRJ900 and Landline

22 × 16 × 10 in

≈ 56 × 41 × 25 cm (L × W × H)

Soft-sided carrier (maximum)

Business Class: A330-300, 777 and 787

16 × 8 × 11 in

≈ 41 × 20 × 28 cm (L × W × H)

  • Since June 1, 2025, pets in the cabin must travel in a flexible, soft-sided carrier. Backpack carriers with hard plastic windows aren't allowed. Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down inside.
  • Air Canada's page says two different things. Its cabin section says that on all fares except Economy Basic, the pet carrier comes on board in addition to 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag (on Basic fares without carry-on bags: the carrier and 1 personal item). Its pet restraint section says your pet in its carrier already counts as your one standard carry-on item. Confirm with Air Canada before you fly.
  • Pets must be at least 10 weeks old.
  • 1 carrier per passenger, with one pet inside.

Where you can sit

  • Not in an exit row or bulkhead row
  • Not in Premium Economy
  • Not if you need a medical device stowed under the seat
  • Unaccompanied minors can't travel with a pet
  • No pet carriers on Air Canada Jetz flights

Source: Travelling with your Pet

Routes, breeds and other restrictions

Where pets can't fly

Pets can't fly with you on:

  • Hawaii: no pets in the cabin or the baggage compartment (Air Canada Cargo can ship pets to Hawaii)
  • Flights marketed by Air Canada but operated by a codeshare partner
  • Air Canada Jetz flights (no pet carriers)

Breeds

Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not accepted in cargo. Short and snub-nosed breeds can't travel in the baggage compartment. Air Canada's cabin rules don't list a breed ban.

Also good to know

  • Air Canada says government rules restrict pets to certain international destinations, and it follows the IATA Travel Information Manual. Check your destination before booking.
  • You must check in with an agent and arrive 30 minutes before the recommended check-in time. Online and kiosk check-in aren't available with a pet.
  • Pets that weren't registered in advance won't be accepted at the airport.
  • Tranquilizers and other medications aren't recommended.

Source: Travelling with your Pet

Cargo and checked pets

Air Canada carries pets in the cargo hold through pets in the baggage compartment. Pet and kennel together can weigh up to 100 lb (45 kg), up to 115 in (292 cm) in length + width + height, in a hard-sided kennel. One-way fees are $105 to $120.75 within Canada and Canada/U.S. and $270 to $318.60 international (CAD or USD, tax included). Heavy seasonal limits apply: no checked pets from December 18 to January 4, no pets under 10 lb in the hold, and summer embargoes on many routes. Pets traveling alone go through Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals).

Source: Travelling with your Pet

Service dogs and emotional support animals

Air Canada has separate rules for service animals, and we haven't verified them yet. Check Air Canada's service animal page before you fly.

    Source: Travelling with your Pet

    Other details

    • Air Canada's page also contains a notice that it won't accept new requests for pets in the baggage compartment "until September 12, 2022". That date has passed, and the rest of the page describes the baggage option as available.
    • Cats and small dogs can come into Maple Leaf Lounges if they stay in their carrier.

    Before you fly

    Air Canada can change its pet policy at any time. We last checked these official pages on September 26, 2026. Confirm the rules with Air Canada before you book and again before you travel.

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