Air Canada Pet Cargo Policy and Travel Guidelines

Air Canada's pet cargo policy is designed to ensure safe and comfortable travel for your furry friends. The airline allows dogs, cats, and birds in the cargo hold, but only as checked baggage.

To travel with your pet, you'll need to book a flight that accepts pets in the cargo hold. Not all flights are pet-friendly, so be sure to check with Air Canada ahead of time to confirm availability.

The maximum weight for pets is 75 kg (165 lbs), and the maximum dimension is 118 cm (46.5 in). Your pet must also be at least 8 weeks old and have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel.

Air Canada requires a special kennel or crate for your pet, which must meet International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. The crate must be well-ventilated, escape-proof, and have enough room for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

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To travel with your cat or dog in the cabin or baggage compartment on Air Canada, you'll need to book your own flight first. Once that's done, contact Air Canada Reservations to register your pet for travel on the same flight as yours.

You'll be asked to provide the dimensions of the carrier and the weight and breed of your pet when you register your pet. It's a good idea to register your pet within 24 hours of completing your booking to avoid change and cancellation fees.

If you register your pet within 24 hours, your ticket will be refunded without charge if your pet can't be accommodated on the flight(s) and date(s) you selected.

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Pet travel options are varied and can be tailored to your pet's needs. Air Canada Cargo offers three classes of service for pets: In-Cabin, Checked Baggage, and Air Cargo.

Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline-compliant carrier stowed under the seat. This is a convenient option for small pets.

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Pets that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold. This option is suitable for larger pets.

Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold. This option is best for pets that require specialized care.

Air Canada Cargo's AC Animals service offers unparalleled care for pets traveling unaccompanied. This service includes priority service to minimize ramp time, temperature-controlled vehicles for safe transit, real-time tracking and monitoring, and pet-friendly facilities at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Here are the different classes of service offered by commercial airlines:

It's essential to register your pet within 24 hours of booking your flight to ensure a smooth journey. This will also allow for any changes to your booking without incurring fees.

Air Canada has specific regulations for pet travel to ensure your furry friend's safety and comfort. You'll need to register your pet within 24 hours of booking your flight to ensure a smooth journey.

To travel with your cat or dog in the cabin or baggage compartment, you'll need to contact Air Canada Reservations to register your pet. This requires providing the dimensions of the carrier and the weight and breed of your pet.

You'll also need to obtain necessary documents, such as government-approved health certificates, to clear government inspections. These documents may not be sufficient on their own, so be sure to check with the consulate or embassy of your destination country or region.

Pets are not accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. However, pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate.

Here are some temperature restrictions to keep in mind:

Air Canada has a list of dog breeds that are not permitted in their cargo holds. These breeds include the Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, and many others.

Some of the breeds on this list are known to be strong or dangerous, but they can be accepted in certain conditions. For example, if you have a dog that's older than 6 months, you can transport it in a CR 82-compliant pet crate made of metal, wood, or synthetic material.

The Caucasian Ovcharka, Karabash, and Pit-bull breeds are also not allowed in Air Canada's cargo holds. This includes various sub-breeds like the American Pit-bull, American Bully, and Rottweiler.

Certain breeds of Mastiffs are also banned, including the American, Argentine, and English Mastiff.

Air Canada has temporarily banned pets from traveling in the cargo hold until mid-September.

The ban is due to current airport delays and logistical challenges, which are affecting the safety and comfort of pets.

Until September 12, animals will no longer be able to travel in the hold of the aircraft, but small animals can still be brought in the cabin as long as they can lie down in a carrier under the seat in front of the passenger.

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Bringing a pet in the cabin will cost $50 for flights within Canada and the U.S. (excluding Hawaii), and $100 for international flights.

The airline will still honour current pet bookings, but new requests for pets traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted until the ban is lifted.

This ban does not affect trained service animals, nor smaller pets traveling in the cabin.

If you're planning to travel with your pet, it's essential to check the temperature restrictions for air travel. Temperatures above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold.

Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, but no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C). Some countries are restricted for all cargo travel during these periods, including India, Saint Lucia, Sint Maarten, and more.

Here's a list of countries and airports with temperature restrictions:

Some airports also have specific restrictions for pet travel, such as Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), which prohibits pets from traveling in the baggage compartment between September 14 and January 14.

Air Canada has specific pet travel requirements to ensure the safety and comfort of your furry friends. Certain breeds are restricted from cargo holds due to safety concerns, including Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and more.

If you're traveling with a cat, be aware that British Shorthair, Burmese, Persian, and Himalayan breeds are also restricted.

To ensure compliance with these rules, Anvis prioritizes your pet's comfort while meeting Air Canada's regulations. Powerful breeds like Mastiffs require reinforced crates to meet these standards.

As you prepare for your pet's travel, it's essential to consider their breed-specific needs. Some breeds are restricted from cargo holds due to safety concerns.

Air Canada has specific restrictions on certain dog breeds, including Bulldogs (all varieties), Pugs, and Boxers.

Cats from breeds like British Shorthair, Burmese, Persian, and Himalayan are also restricted.

If you're traveling with a Mastiff, you'll need to ensure their crate is reinforced to meet safety standards.

Don't worry, pet travel companies like Anvis can help you navigate these requirements while prioritizing your pet's comfort.

It's essential to prepare your pet's carrier correctly to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Remove your pet's leash before placing it in its carrier.

The carrier can hold a maximum of two dogs, each weighing no more than 14 kg (31 lb), and must be used to cohabitation. If you have multiple dogs, you'll be charged twice the applicable fee.

Make sure the carrier is securely locked with locking pins that engage beyond the extrusions by at least 1.6 cm (5.8 inches). If your carrier has wheels, remove them prior to check-in to avoid any issues.

To be accepted for travel in the checked baggage compartment, your pet carrier must meet certain requirements. Check if your pet breed is classified as strong or aggressive, as special containers or crates may be required.

Here's a summary of the carrier requirements:

To book your pet as air cargo with Air Canada, you'll need to contact their Pet Cargo department directly.

You can reach them by phone at 1-888-247-2262 or by submitting a request through their website.

Pet cargo bookings can be made up to 14 days in advance for domestic travel and up to 30 days in advance for international travel.

Each pet is allowed one checked bag and one carry-on bag.

The maximum weight for a checked pet bag is 70 pounds.

A pet travel kit is required for all pets traveling as air cargo, which includes a food and water container, a leash, and a muzzle.

Air Canada's pet cargo service offers a range of costs and services to accommodate your pet's needs.

The maximum carrier size allowed is 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions, which is the sum of length, width, and height.

The maximum allowable weight for pets and their kennels is up to 45 kg (100 lb).

The cost for one-way travel, plus applicable taxes, varies depending on the destination. Within Canada and Canada/U.S., the fee is $105 CAD/USD, while international travel costs $270 CAD/USD.

Here's a quick breakdown of the costs:

When traveling with your pet, it's essential to consider the weight and size limits of the carrier. The maximum carrier size allowed is 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions, which is the sum of length, width, and height.

The combined weight of your pet and their kennel cannot exceed 45 kg (100 lb). This is a crucial consideration to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for both you and your furry friend.

The cost of one-way travel is also a significant factor to consider. Within Canada and the U.S., the fee is $105 CAD/USD, plus applicable taxes. For international travel, the fee is $270 CAD/USD, also plus applicable taxes.

Here's a summary of the weight and size limits and costs:

Air Canada Cargo offers a range of services for pet travel, including the AC Animals service, which provides priority service to minimize ramp time.

This service is designed to ensure your pet receives specialized attention every step of the way, with over 65,000 animals safely transported in the last five years.

Here are some of the key features of the AC Animals service:

If the size of your pet is too large to fit in an airline-compliant pet carrier, it will be transported as checked baggage on Air Canada if it is flying with an adult passenger.

Live animals are checked in by reservation employees and are checked in at the airport terminal. The airline will move your pet between aircraft in their fleet during layovers if the layover is not over about 3 hours in length.

All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight.

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Air Canada has a specific policy for transporting pets in the cabin and as checked baggage. If your pet is too large for an airline-compliant pet carrier, it will be transported as checked baggage.

Pets other than cats and dogs are allowed as checked baggage if they are flying with an adult passenger. Live animals are checked in by reservation employees and are checked in at the airport terminal.

The airline will move your pet between aircraft in their fleet during layovers if the layover is not over about 3 hours in length.

So you're planning to travel with your pet on Air Canada? First things first, you'll need to book your own flight.

To register your pet for travel, contact Air Canada Reservations and provide the dimensions of the carrier and the weight and breed of your pet.

You'll be asked to register your pet at the time of your call. This is a crucial step, as it will help ensure that your pet can travel with you on the same flight.

It's recommended that you register your pet within 24 hours of completing your booking, so don't delay! If you miss this window, any changes to your booking will be subject to applicable change and cancellation fees.