The science here is simpler than it sounds, and Air Canada keeps it refreshingly clear: dogs are welcome in the cabin. Pixel, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, would approve of a carrier that lets small companions ride up front rather than below. Before you book anything, confirm your dog fits the cabin route, because that single decision shapes your paperwork, your fee, and your travel day.
Air Canada's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Air Canada handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedYour cat or small dog is welcome to join you in the cabin, as long as they’re kept in a flexible, soft sided carrier under the seat in front of you. verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesBrachycephalic (short/snub-nosed) dog breeds cannot travel in the baggage compartment because they are susceptible to increased risks of heat stroke and breathing problems. These breeds include Affenpinscher, Boston… verified 2026-07-20 One-way fee 120.75 USD …and kennel combined) Charge for one-way travel Within Canada and Canada/U.S.(except Hawaii) 2 $105.00 - $120.75 CAD/USD 4 International 3 $270 verified 2026-07-20 Minimum age 10 weeks In most cases, your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking notice 2 hours …with allergies will be established in the aircraft. Check in Pet owners are encouraged to check in 3 1/2 hours prior to departure. verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking required ✓ YesYou'll need to let us know in advance of travel if you plan on travelling with your cat or dog in the cabin or in the baggage compartment. verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per passenger 1 Only one cat or small dog in the cabin is allowed per passenger. verified 2026-07-14 Booking method website …or Air Canada Express. If your itinerary includes a flight operated by another airline, please visit their website directly to review their pet travel policies verified 2026-07-14 Banned destinations ✗ YesNovember 1 to March 31 Cats and dogs are not accepted in the baggage compartment of our Boeing 737 MAX 8 (7M8) aircraft due to minimal heating in the cargo hold. verified 2026-07-14 Min age weeks 10 weeks In most cases, your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned verified 2026-07-14 Nursing allowed ✗ NoFemales with suckling young and weaned puppies younger than 8 weeks old will not be accepted for air transportation verified 2026-07-20 Sedation allowed ✗ NoTranquilizers and other medications are not recommended. verified 2026-07-14 Season restrictions Winter restrictions Winter restrictions Pets may not travel in the baggage compartment of all or some of our aircraft on the dates and for the reasons listed below verified 2026-07-14 Aircraft restrictions ✗ Yessacred and ceremonial items Travelling with your Pet We’ve updated our pet travel policy Starting June 1, 2025, all pets travelling in the cabin must be transported in soft-sided carriers . Learn more In the Cabin In… verified 2026-07-14 Animals in heat accepted ✗ Noners are not accepted on the following aircraft: CRJ 100/200 (CRJ) CRJ 705 (CRA) Embraer 175 (E75) Embraer 190 (E90) It is not recommended to ship toy-sized dogs, puppies and kittens in the following aircrafts: A319-100… verified 2026-07-20 Carrier size 40 cm …A330-300 (333) Boeing 737 MAX 8 (7M8), 777-200LR (77L), 777-300ER (77W), 787-8 (788), and 787-9 (789) Width 40cm (16 in) Length 43cm (17 verified 2026-06-06 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier …A330-300 (333) Boeing 737 MAX 8 (7M8), 777-200LR (77L), 777-300ER (77W), 787-8 (788), and 787-9 (789) Width 40cm (16 in) Length 43cm (17 verified 2026-06-06 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedng the flight, and are positioned for maximum ventilation. Some small cats and dogs can travel inside the cabin with passengers, or in the checked baggage compartment. Visit the Air Canada website for more information… verified 2026-07-07 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesThese short/snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds of dogs cannot travel in the baggage compartment because they are susceptible to increased risks of heat stroke and breathing problems verified 2026-07-14 Hold: One-way fee 105 The pet fee for one-way travel within Canada/US is $105 - $126 and for one-way international flights is $270 - $324 ada is the flag carrier and largest Canadian airline. verified 2026-07-13 Hold: Minimum age 10 weeks In most cases, your cat or dog must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesYou'll need to let us know in advance of travel if you plan on travelling with your cat or dog in the cabin or in the baggage compartment. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Cold-weather embargo 7°C Winter restrictions At any time when temperature is below 7 °C, Air Canada Cargo may not be able to accommodate animals. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Nursing allowed ✗ NoFemales with suckling young and weaned puppies younger than 8 weeks old will not be accepted for air transportation verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoTranquilizers and other medications are not recommended. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Season restrictions Winter restrictions Winter restrictions Pets may not travel in the baggage compartment of all or some of our aircraft on the dates and for the reasons listed below verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Animals in heat accepted ✗ Nopted on the following aircraft: CRJ 100/200 (CRJ) CRJ 705 (CRA) Embraer 175 (E75) Embraer 190 (E90) It is not recommended to ship toy-sized dogs, puppies and kittens in the following aircrafts: A319-100 A320-200… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Carrier size 23 cm …machines] in your carry-on, provided they do not exceed any of the following dimensions: Maximum length: 23 cm/ 9 inches Maximum width: 40 cm/ 16 inches Maxim verified 2026-07-28 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg Maximum allowable weight Up to 45 kg (100 lb) 1 (pet and kennel combined) verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier …machines] in your carry-on, provided they do not exceed any of the following dimensions: Maximum length: 23 cm/ 9 inches Maximum width: 40 cm/ 16 inches Maxim verified 2026-07-28 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedthe exception of December 15 to January 11, where pets are not accepted as cargo either). verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesall pets travelling in the cabin must be transported in soft-sided carriers . Learn more In the Cabin In the Baggage Compartment Air Canada Cargo Government Regulations What else do I need to know? Tab navigation button… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks …of females in heat (estrus) is not recommended Females with suckling young and weaned puppies younger than 8 weeks old will not be accepted for air transportation verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking notice 24 hours Bookings should be made at least 24 hours in advance of travel, in order to give adequate time for all interested parties to be informed, thus ensuring the utmost safety of your animal throughout its entire journey. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesYou'll need to contact Air Canada Cargo Opens in New Window (AC Animals) no more than 14 days or less than 7 days prior to your anticipated travel date if you’re travelling with more than two pets verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Max pets per passenger 2 artment following these conditions: Only fully weaned puppies or kittens from 12 weeks to 6 months can be placed together in the same kennel; Both animals must be of the same species (no… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Heat embargo 29°C …Cargo (AC Animals) for rates and assistance in shipping kennels that exceed 45 kg (100 lb) in weight, or 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height). 2 Fees are inclusive of the minimum (0%) to… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Nursing allowed ✗ NoFemales with suckling young and weaned puppies younger than 8 weeks old will not be accepted for air transportation verified 2026-07-13 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoDo not sedate your pet verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Season restrictions Winter restrictions Winter restrictions Pets may not travel in the baggage compartment of all or some of our aircraft on the dates and for the reasons listed below verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Animals in heat accepted ✗ NoVery large containers are not accepted on the following aircraft: CRJ 100/200 (CRJ) CRJ 705 (CRA) Embraer 175 (E75) Embraer 190 (E90) It is not recommended to ship toy-sized dogs, puppies and kittens in the following… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg …allowed 1 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height) 1 Maximum allowable weight Up to 45 kg (100 lb) 1 (pet and kennel combined) Charge for one-way travel Within Canada and Canada/U.S.(except… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier To be accepted for travel in the checked baggage compartment, the pet carrier must be: Hard-sided verified 2026-07-14 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ Yessacred and ceremonial items Travelling with your Pet We’ve updated our pet travel policy Starting June 1, 2025, all pets travelling in the cabin must be transported in soft-sided carriers . Learn more In the Cabin In… verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate validity 10 days Forms Required A Fit to Fly health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesA valid health certificate from a veterinarian is required for all puppies and kittens traveling on Air Canada Cargo, including those traveling within Canada. verified 2026-07-22 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 10 weeks Age requirements Minimum age: 10 weeks and weaned. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate valid within days · Health certificate valid within days 10 days overnight kenneling. Forms Required A Fit to Fly health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cat verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedCats and dogs in the Maple Leaf Lounges Cats and small dogs are allowed in our Maple Leaf Lounges only under the following conditions: Your cat or dog mus verified 2026-07-14 Minimum age 8 weeks Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned to be accepted for travel; Restrictions You'll be asked to arrive at the airport… verified 2026-07-20 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoVery large containers are not accepted on the following aircraft: CRJ 100/200 (CRJ) CRJ 705 (CRA) Embraer 175 (E75) Embraer 190 (E90) It is not recommended to ship toy-sized dogs, puppies and kittens in the following… verified 2026-07-20 Assistance animals accepted ✓ YesSERVICE ANIMALS Certified, professionally trained service animals which are assisting customers with disabilities are carried, free of charge, in the passenger cabin at the customer's feet. verified 2026-07-20 Emotional support animals allowed ✓ YesEmotional support dogs Only dogs are accepted as emotional support animals. verified 2026-07-14 Service & assistance animals Esa note Emotional support dogs Only dogs are accepted Emotional support dogs Only dogs are accepted as emotional support animals. verified 2026-07-14 Fee waived ✓ YesRelated: How to clear airport security with a pet Cost Domestic Canada/US: $50 CAD | $59 USD International: $100 CAD | $118 USD Service dog pet policy All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge verified 2026-07-20 Recognized ✓ YesVisually impaired customers may be seated in an Executive First Suite and may travel with a service animal such as a seeing-eye dog, provided the animal travels under the Suite's footstool and/or seat at all times. verified 2026-07-20 Cabin allowed ✓ YesSERVICE ANIMALS Certified, professionally trained service animals which are assisting customers with disabilities are carried, free of charge, in the passenger cabin at the customer's feet. verified 2026-07-20 Esa recognized ✓ YesEmotional support dogs Only dogs are accepted as emotional support animals. verified 2026-07-14 Forms required ✓ Yesgulations page for more information on these entry requirements. You must complete and send Air Canada Accessibility Services the following forms 2 at least 48 hours prior to departure 3 . U.S. Department of… verified 2026-07-14 Advance notice hours 48 hours …other flights You must complete and send Air Canada Accessibility Services the following forms 2 at least 48 hours prior to departure 3 . verified 2026-07-14 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedYour cat or small dog is welcome to join you in the cabin, as long as they’re kept in a flexible, soft sided carrier under the seat in front of you. verified 2026-07-14 One-way fee 120.75 USD …and kennel combined) Charge for one-way travel Within Canada and Canada/U.S.(except Hawaii) 2 $105.00 - $120.75 CAD/USD 4 International 3 $270 verified 2026-07-20 Minimum age 10 weeks In most cases, your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned* You’ll need to arrive a full 30 minutes prior to the recommended check-in time for your flight as you must see an agent at check-in verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking notice 24 hours …flight for your animal To book within Canada Contact acanimals@aircanada.ca or 1-800-387-4865 at least 24 hours in advance. verified 2026-07-13 Advance booking required ✓ YesYou'll need to let us know in advance of travel if you plan on travelling with your cat or dog in the cabin or in the baggage compartment. verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per passenger 1 Only 1 cat or small dog in the cabin is allowed per passenger Only 1 cat or small dog in the cabin is allowed per passenger verified 2026-06-02 Booking method website …or Air Canada Express. If your itinerary includes a flight operated by another airline, please visit their website directly to review their pet travel policies verified 2026-07-14 Min age weeks 10 weeks In most cases, your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned verified 2026-07-14 Nursing allowed ✗ Noners are not accepted on the following aircraft: CRJ 100/200 (CRJ) CRJ 705 (CRA) Embraer 175 (E75) Embraer 190 (E90) It is not recommended to ship toy-sized dogs, puppies and kittens in the following aircrafts: A319-100… verified 2026-07-20 Sedation allowed ✗ NoTranquilizers and other medications are not recommended verified 2026-07-14 Season restrictions winter Peak winter travel restrictions December 18 to January 4 Due to increased passenger and cargo loads during the peak winter travel period, no pets are accepted as checked baggage or cargo verified 2026-07-14 Animals in heat accepted ✗ Noners are not accepted on the following aircraft: CRJ 100/200 (CRJ) CRJ 705 (CRA) Embraer 175 (E75) Embraer 190 (E90) It is not recommended to ship toy-sized dogs, puppies and kittens in the following aircrafts: A319-100… verified 2026-07-20 Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg ngth + width + height) 1 Maximum allowable weight Up to 45 kg (100 lb) 1 (pet and kennel combined) Fee for one- verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier Starting June 1, 2025, all pets travelling in the cabin must be transported in soft-sided carriers verified 2026-07-14 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedng the flight, and are positioned for maximum ventilation. Some small cats and dogs can travel inside the cabin with passengers, or in the checked baggage compartment. Visit the Air Canada website for more information… verified 2026-07-07 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesrestraint devices If your pet is travelling in the cabin with you, pet restraint devices (e.g. pet strollers and car seats) are accepted as checked baggage only (all checked baggage rules apply). This is because you are… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: One-way fee 105 The pet fee for one-way travel within Canada/US is $105 - $126 and for one-way international flights is $270 - $324 ada is the flag carrier and largest Canadian airline. verified 2026-07-13 Hold: Minimum age 10 weeks In most cases, your cat or dog must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking notice 24 hours Registering hunting equipment in advance of travel You’re invited to register your hunting equipment at least 24 hours before your flight by contacting Air Canada Reservations or your travel agent. category counts as one… verified 2026-07-12 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesYou'll need to let us know in advance of travel if you plan on travelling with your cat or dog in the cabin or in the baggage compartment. verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Cold-weather embargo 7°C Winter restrictions At any time when temperature is below 7 °C, Air Canada Cargo may not be able to accommodate animals Winter restrictions At any time when temperature… verified 2026-06-23 Hold: Heat embargo 29.5°C …baggage compartments, it may not always be possible to accommodate your pet when summer temperatures exceed 29.5°C (85°F) verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Nursing allowed ✗ Noners are not accepted on the following aircraft: CRJ 100/200 (CRJ) CRJ 705 (CRA) Embraer 175 (E75) Embraer 190 (E90) It is not recommended to ship toy-sized dogs, puppies and kittens in the following aircrafts: A319-100… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoDo not sedate your pet verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Season restrictions winter Peak winter travel restrictions December 18 to January 4 Due to increased passenger and cargo loads during the peak winter travel period, no pets are accepted as checked baggage or cargo verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Animals in heat accepted ✗ Nolarge containers are not accepted on the following aircraft: CRJ 100/200 (CRJ) CRJ 705 (CRA) Embraer 175 (E75) Embraer 190 (E90) It is not recommended to ship toy-sized dogs, puppies and kittens in the following… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg Maximum allowable weight Up to 45 kg (100 lb) 1 (pet and kennel combined) verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier To be accepted for travel in the checked baggage compartment, the pet carrier must be: Hard-sided. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Pets accepted ✗ Not acceptedNovember 1 to March 31 Limitations on travel in unheated cargo holds: warm-blooded animals are not accepted as cargo on some of our narrowbody fleet, as the cargo holds of these aircraft are not heated. verified 2026-07-22 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesA valid health certificate from a veterinarian is required for all puppies and kittens traveling on Air Canada Cargo, including those traveling within Canada verified 2026-07-13 Health certificate validity 10 days Forms Required A Fit to Fly health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Validity days 7 days ed to contact Air Canada Cargo Opens in New Window (AC Animals) no more than 14 days or less than 7 days prior to your anticipated travel date if you’re travelling with more than two p Maximum number of pets… verified 2026-06-04 Other rules Minimum age 8 weeks Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned to be accepted for travel; Restrictions You'll be asked to arrive at the airport… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo bookings for dogs must be made at least 24 hours in advance of travel. Reserve the cargo space a full day before departure, not at the airport counter. This window lets every party handling the animal receive the details. Call to confirm the 24-hour cargo reservation is logged, then keep the confirmation number for check-in.
Snub-nosed and brachycephalic breeds face restrictions on Air Canada cargo. Check your dog against the airline's brachycephalic list before booking any hold or cargo segment. A required-status designation means extra screening rather than automatic acceptance. Confirm the specific breed status in writing with Air Canada, and choose the cabin option where the dog qualifies.
Frequently asked
How many pets can I bring on Air Canada? Air Canada allows 1 in the cabin, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier. What is the cabin weight limit on Air Canada? In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 45 kg. Heavier pets (up to 45 kg) travel in the hold. Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly Air Canada? Snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are not accepted in the hold. How much does it cost to fly a pet on Air Canada? On flights within Metropolitan France, Air Canada charges from 120.75 USD in the cabin, one way per pet. Longer routes cost more — price your exact itinerary. What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity? If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays. What happens if I forget a document? At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
The one-way cabin fee for dogs on Air Canada is 120.75 USD. Budget 120.75 USD per direction, which doubles to 241.50 USD for a round trip. Pay the cabin fee at check-in, not online, and carry the exact amount. Verify the figure on the operating carrier's site when a codeshare partner runs the flight.
Pixel makes friends with every customs officer, but even she travels on a checklist, not a hope. Air Canada's cabin acceptance is a strong starting point, yet your route, breed, and dates change the details. Build your personalized plan with Pawgo's plan-builder for this exact trip: it maps the paperwork, fees, and cabin rules to your dog and your itinerary, so nothing surprises you at the gate.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
