Flying with Your Pet on Pacific Coastal Airlines

I've spent years moving rescue dogs across the Mediterranean—from shelters in Morocco to families in France—and I've learned that flying with pets isn't just logistics. It's about trust, preparation, and understanding the rules that keep your companion safe at 35,000 feet. Pacific Coastal welcomes pets in the cabin and allows them in checked baggage, but like all airlines, they have specific requirements you need to know before you book.

Whether you're traveling with a small rescue like my beloved Tafoukt or a larger companion, this guide covers everything Pacific Coastal requires. Think of it as a conversation over mint tea—practical, grounded, and honest about what matters.

Can You Bring Your Pet on Pacific Coastal?

Yes. Pacific Coastal allows both cats and dogs to travel with you. You have three options:

  • In the cabin with you (preferred for small pets)
  • In checked baggage (for larger animals)
  • In cargo (though this is less common and we'll explain why)

The cabin option is what most people choose—your pet stays close to you, experiences the same pressurization as the cabin, and travels in a controlled environment. It's the gentler choice, especially for anxious animals or rescues adjusting to their new homes.

Cabin Travel: The Best Option for Most Pets

If your cat or dog weighs under 9 kg (about 20 lbs) including the carrier, cabin travel is your path. This is where Pacific Coastal's policy shines for smaller companions.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Here are the exact dimensions:

  • Length: 46 cm (18 inches) maximum
  • Width: 28 cm (11 inches) maximum
  • Height: 28 cm (11 inches) maximum
  • Combined weight (pet + carrier): 9 kg (about 20 lbs)

Pacific Coastal requires soft-sided carriers for cabin travel. These collapse slightly and fit more easily under the seat. Hard-sided crates won't work for the cabin—save those for cargo.

Your carrier must have:

  • Mesh ventilation on the sides (IATA standard—your pet needs to breathe)
  • An absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents during the flight

I learned this the hard way with Tafoukt on her first journey from Morocco. A quality soft-sided carrier with good ventilation and a washable pad made all the difference. She felt secure, and I could see her face through the mesh.

Cabin Fees

Pacific Coastal charges $30 CAD per pet, one way. This is reasonable compared to many carriers, and it's a fixed fee—no surprises at the gate.

Booking Your Pet in the Cabin

You must pre-book your pet at least 24 hours before departure. You cannot show up at the airport with a pet and expect to bring it aboard. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, so early booking is essential. Contact Pacific Coastal directly to add your pet to your reservation.

Maximum: 1 pet carrier per passenger in the cabin (though some airlines allow 2 small pets in one carrier—confirm with Pacific Coastal).

Checked Baggage: For Larger Pets

If your pet is too large for cabin travel, checked baggage is an option. Your pet travels in the cargo hold with your luggage, in a pressurized, temperature-controlled environment.

Requirements are similar to cabin but stricter:

  • Minimum age: 10 weeks (vs. 8 weeks for cabin)
  • Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate required (not soft-sided)
  • Attached water bowl that can be filled from outside the crate
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • Absorbent liner inside
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the crate

You must also pre-book checked baggage pet travel. Temperature embargoes apply: Pacific Coastal will not accept pets if tarmac temperatures fall below -6.7°C (20°F) or exceed 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination. This protects your pet from extreme conditions during loading and unloading.

Cargo Service: When It Makes Sense

Pacific Coastal does offer cargo pet transport, though it's less common. Cargo is best for international relocations or when your pet cannot travel with you. The requirements are the same as checked baggage—hard-sided IATA crate, water bowl, ventilation, labels—but you'll need to book through their cargo department separately.

Cargo pets must also be at least 10 weeks old and cannot travel if temperatures are extreme.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable: You need a vet-issued health certificate, issued within 10 days of your departure date. Some destinations require 7 days, so get it as close to travel as possible.

Your vet will confirm:

  • Your pet is healthy and fit to fly
  • Vaccinations are current (especially rabies, if crossing borders)
  • No signs of illness or injury

Even if Pacific Coastal's website doesn't mention it, the certificate will be checked at the airport. Don't skip this step. When I moved rescue dogs from Morocco, the health certificate was our lifeline—proof that each animal was cared for and safe to travel.

For international travel, you may also need import permits for your destination country. Check the requirements for United States, Canada, or wherever you're headed.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds

Pacific Coastal restricts certain breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are banned or heavily restricted. This includes:

  • Bulldogs (all types: English, French, American)
  • Pugs (all types)
  • Boston Terriers
  • Boxers
  • Shih Tzus
  • Pekingese
  • Chow Chows
  • Japanese Chins
  • Mastiffs (all types)
  • Shar Peis
  • Pit Bulls and related breeds (Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, etc.)
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
  • Lhasa Apsos
  • Brussels Griffons
  • Affenpinschers
  • Cane Corsos
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Presa Canarios

If your pet is on this list, contact Pacific Coastal directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions with vet documentation, but it's not guaranteed. Read our brachycephalic breed flying guide for strategies.

Age Requirements

Your pet must be:

  • At least 8 weeks old for cabin travel
  • At least 10 weeks old for checked baggage or cargo
  • Fully weaned (no bottle-fed puppies or kittens)

Young animals are fragile. These minimums exist to protect them.

What You Cannot Do

Do not sedate your pet. IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. 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.

Pregnant animals are not accepted. Most airlines refuse visibly pregnant pets due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with Pacific Coastal—but expect a no.

Animals in heat: We're still verifying Pacific Coastal's specific policy here—contact them directly.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin fee: $30 CAD per pet, one way
  • Cabin carrier max weight: 9 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 46 cm L × 28 cm W × 28 cm H
  • Minimum age (cabin): 8 weeks
  • Minimum age (checked/cargo): 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue
  • Advance booking required: At least 24 hours
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1 carrier

What You Need to Do

Before you book your flight:

  • Check if your pet's breed is restricted (especially if brachycephalic)
  • Confirm your pet meets the minimum age requirement
  • Measure your pet and weigh your carrier—does it fit the 9 kg cabin limit?
  • Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate (get it within 10 days of travel)
  • Research destination country import requirements

When booking:

  • Call Pacific Coastal at least 24 hours before your flight to add your pet
  • Confirm the $30 CAD fee and payment method
  • Ask about their specific soft-sided carrier preferences
  • Request written confirmation of your pet's booking

Before the airport:

  • Ensure your carrier has a clean absorbent mat inside
  • Attach ID tags to your pet's collar (name, phone number)
  • Take a recent photo of your pet (in case of loss)
  • Bring the health certificate in a folder, easily accessible
  • Arrive early—give yourself extra time at check-in

At the airport:

  • Inform the agent that you have a pet in the cabin
  • Present your health certificate
  • Keep your pet in the carrier until you're at your seat
  • After landing, let your pet out only in a secure space

A Perspective on Pet Travel & Rescue

Flying with pets isn't just about getting from A to B. When I rescued Tafoukt from a Moroccan shelter, I didn't just save one dog—I opened a space for another animal in need. Every time we move a rescue across borders, we're building infrastructure that shelters depend on. Airlines like Pacific Coastal that welcome pets make this possible.

Whether your companion is a purebred or a shelter rescue, they deserve the same care and respect. Pacific Coastal's cabin policy is thoughtful—it keeps your pet close, visible, and safe. Use it.

Still Have Questions?

Pacific Coastal's website is at pacificcoastal.com. For details we're still verifying—like specific ESA policies, service animal accommodations, or breed exceptions—contact them directly. They're usually responsive.

For broader context, check out our flying with a dog guide, documents checklist, and cost guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo—we'll help you navigate the details specific to your route and pet.

Data auto-verified from official Pacific Coastal sources. Last updated: January 2025. Policies change—always confirm directly with the airline before booking.

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