Canadian North Pet Travel Policy

Canadian North Pet Travel: The Complete Breakdown

When I booked Luna's first flight with Canadian North, I spent hours cross-referencing their pet policy against industry standards. My 5kg tabby cat needed to fit specific carrier dimensions, meet weight limits, and have proper documentation—and I wanted to get every detail right before arriving at the airport. If you're planning to fly with your pet on Canadian North (airline code 5T), here's exactly what you need to know, backed by verified data from their official policies.

Key Numbers at a Glance

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin

Canadian North allows both cats and dogs in the cabin, which is what I chose for Luna. This option keeps your pet with you throughout the flight—a major advantage for anxious animals or short journeys.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you. Here are the exact dimensions Canadian North allows:

• Length: Up to 55 cm (18 inches)
• Width: Up to 40 cm (11 inches)
• Height: Up to 23 cm (9 inches)

Luna's carrier is 50 × 38 × 22 cm, which fits comfortably. The key is that it must slide under the seat—hard-sided carriers typically won't work for cabin travel because they're too rigid. Soft-sided carriers compress slightly, making them ideal.

Weight limit: Your pet plus the carrier combined cannot exceed 10 kg. Luna weighs 5 kg, and her carrier adds about 1.5 kg, so we're well within the limit at 6.5 kg total.

Carrier Features You Must Have

• Mesh ventilation: IATA regulations require adequate ventilation. Your carrier must have mesh sides so your pet can breathe easily.
• Absorbent liner: Place an absorbent mat or pad inside the carrier to manage any accidents during flight. This is industry-standard and expected.
• Comfort items: A small blanket or familiar toy can help reduce stress, though keep it minimal so your pet has room to move.

Cabin Travel Fees

Canadian North charges $50 CAD per pet, one-way. This is a flat fee regardless of your pet's size (as long as it meets weight and dimension limits). For a round trip, budget $100 CAD for your pet's airfare.

Age Requirements

Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before cabin travel. Luna was 12 weeks when we flew, which gave us a comfortable safety margin.

Cargo and Checked Baggage Travel

If your pet is too large for cabin travel or you prefer cargo transport, Canadian North accepts pets in both cargo and checked baggage. However, specific dimensions and weight limits for cargo aren't detailed in their public policy—you'll need to contact Canadian North directly for exact specifications.

Cargo Carrier Requirements

• Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate only. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for cargo.
• Water bowl: An attached, external water bowl or trough is required so staff can hydrate your pet during layovers.
• Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides per IATA Live Animals Regulations.
• Absorbent liner: Required to manage accidents.
• "Live Animals" labels: Your crate must display official "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on at least two sides.

Age Requirements for Cargo

Pets traveling in cargo must be at least 10 weeks old—2 weeks older than cabin travel minimums.

Temperature Embargoes for Cargo

Canadian North will not transport pets in cargo if temperatures exceed safety thresholds:

• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) or higher at origin or destination
• Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) or lower

If your destination is experiencing extreme heat or cold, your pet may be refused transport. Acclimation certificates from a veterinarian may allow travel in colder conditions—ask Canadian North about this option.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable: you must have a vet-issued health certificate for any pet traveling on Canadian North, whether in cabin or cargo. I learned this the hard way when researching—even if it's not prominently listed, it will be checked at the airport.

Health Certificate Requirements

• Issued by a licensed veterinarian
• Valid for 10 days before departure (some destinations require 7 days, so get it as close to your flight as possible)
• Must confirm: Your pet's age, breed, microchip number (if applicable), vaccination status, and general health

For Luna, I scheduled her vet appointment 5 days before departure to ensure the certificate was current. The vet charged $75 CAD for the exam and certificate.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds

Canadian North, like most airlines, restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. Restricted breeds include:

• Dogs: Bulldogs (all types), Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, French Bulldogs, Mastiffs (all types), Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bullies, Chow Chows, and others
• Cats: Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans, British Shorthairs, Burmese, Scottish Folds

If your pet is on this list, contact Canadian North directly—some airlines make exceptions with veterinary acclimation certificates, though this is not guaranteed.

Pregnant and Animals in Heat

Canadian North does not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. Similarly, animals in heat are typically not accepted. If your pet is pregnant or in heat, confirm directly with the airline before booking.

Important: No Sedation Allowed

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA Live Animals Regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. If your vet or the airline suggests sedation, get a second opinion.

Advance Booking: You Cannot Show Up at the Airport

Canadian North requires advance booking for all pets. I booked Luna 3 weeks ahead, but the airline recommends at least 24 hours notice. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, so booking early ensures your pet has a spot.

Maximum pets per passenger: 1 pet carrier in the cabin (though some airlines allow 2 small pets in one carrier—verify with Canadian North).

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

• 3-4 weeks before departure: Book your pet's flight with Canadian North. Call or use their website to add your pet to your reservation.
• 2 weeks before: Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate. Confirm the certificate will be valid within 10 days of your departure date.
• 1 week before: Confirm your pet's carrier meets Canadian North's dimensions (55L × 40W × 23H cm for cabin). Test that it fits under an airplane seat if possible.
• 5 days before: Get the health certificate from your vet. Keep the original with you—don't mail it.
• 3 days before: Prepare the carrier with an absorbent liner, familiar blanket, and water bowl (for cargo only). Attach "Live Animals" labels if traveling in cargo.
• Day before: Confirm your flight details with Canadian North. Arrive at the airport early (2-3 hours for domestic flights) to check in your pet.
• At the airport: Present your health certificate at check-in. Your pet will be weighed and the carrier will be inspected.

Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals

We're still verifying Canadian North's specific policies for service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs)—contact Canadian North directly to confirm whether your service dog or ESA qualifies for fee waivers or cabin access without a carrier.

Practical Tips from My Experience with Luna

• Arrive early: Pet check-in takes extra time. I arrived 2.5 hours early for a domestic flight.
• Keep the carrier accessible: Don't pack it in checked baggage. You'll need it at the airport.
• Bring extra documents: I carried copies of Luna's health certificate, vaccination records, and microchip information, even though only the health certificate was required.
• Acclimate your pet to the carrier: Luna spent 2 weeks getting used to her carrier before the flight. This reduced her stress significantly.
• Avoid peak travel times: Flying mid-week or during off-peak hours means fewer crowds and less stress for your pet.
• Check weather forecasts: If traveling in cargo, monitor temperatures at your destination. Heat and cold embargoes can cause last-minute cancellations.

Comparing Canadian North to Other Airlines

If you're comparing options, Canadian North's $50 CAD cabin fee is competitive. Air Canada charges $120 CAD, while WestJet charges $100 CAD. However, carrier dimension limits vary—some airlines allow slightly larger carriers. Always verify your specific airline's requirements.

International Travel with Canadian North

If you're flying internationally, you'll need additional documentation beyond Canadian North's requirements, including import permits for your destination country. Check our documents checklist for country-specific requirements.

Cost Summary

• Cabin pet fee: $50 CAD per pet, one-way
• Health certificate: $50–$100 CAD (varies by vet)
• Soft-sided carrier: $40–$150 CAD (one-time purchase)
• Total for first flight: Approximately $150–$250 CAD

For detailed cost planning, see our pet travel costs guide.

Final Thoughts

Flying with Luna on Canadian North was smooth because I prepared thoroughly. The $50 cabin fee was worth having her with me, and the soft-sided carrier fit perfectly under the seat. By booking in advance, getting her health certificate on time, and understanding the exact carrier dimensions, I avoided any airport surprises.

Canadian North's policies align with industry standards, so if you've flown with pets before, much of this will be familiar. The key is advance booking, proper documentation, and the right carrier.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure you haven't missed any requirements for your specific route and pet.

Data verified from Canadian North's official pet policy (canadiannorth.com/travel-information/pets/) and IATA Live Animals Regulations. Last updated: January 2025. Policies subject to change—always confirm directly with Canadian North before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026