WestJet just earned a spot on my adventure shortlist, and here's the headline: dogs ride in the cabin, so Nala doesn't have to leave my side on the way to the next trailhead. Sam and I love a carrier that keeps our high-energy pup close and calm. If you're plotting a big outdoor escape with your dog, this route is worth a serious look. Let's go.
WestJet'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 WestJet 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 ✓ AcceptedPet types (species) accepted in the cabin: verified 2026-07-20 Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese British Shorthair Scottish Fold nnot travel in the baggage compartment because they are susceptible to increased risks of heat stroke and breathing problems when they become stressed or overheated. Any mix of the below dog and cat breeds should be… verified 2026-06-17 One-way fee 100 USD Westjet Pet Fee - Pets in the Cabin: $100 CAD/USD for travel Internationally outside of US/Canada Westjet Pet Fee - Pets in the Cabin: $50 CAD/USD for… verified 2026-07-25 Minimum age 8 weeks Pets that are younger than eight weeks old will not be accepted for transport. verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking notice 48 hours If you do not request space for your pet(s) 48 hours before departure, space may not be available, and you may not be permitted to travel with your p verified 2026-07-22 Advance booking required ✓ YesIf you do not request space for your pet(s) 48 hours before departure, space may not be available, and you may not be permitted to travel with your pet(s). verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per passenger 1 per guest and per kennel: One (1) verified 2026-07-20 Booking method reserved online Travelling options for pets: In the cabin (carry-on) Checked animals Pets as cargo In the cabin (carry-on) Reservations and fees Space for pets can be reserved online or by phone. verified 2026-07-20 Banned destinations ✗ YesWestJet does not accept pets for travel to/from Barbados, Hawaii, Ireland (Dublin), Jamaica or the United Kingdom. verified 2026-07-20 Season restrictions May 15 to October 31 Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 verified 2026-07-01 Advance notice hours 48 hours Reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to travel. verified 2026-07-20 Aircraft restrictions ✗ YesPets are not accepted in Business cabin on the 787 Dreamliner. verified 2026-07-20 Animals in heat accepted ✓ YesTravelling options for pets: In the cabin (carry-on) Checked animals Pets as cargo In the cabin (carry-on) Reservations and fees Space for pets can be reserved online or by phone. verified 2026-07-20 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWestJet Vacations package bookings For guests travelling on a WestJet Vacations package, the following information applies in addition to the information listed above: Pets are not accepted at all hotels. verified 2026-07-20 Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesIf you plan to sedate your pet, you must have written consent from the pet’s veterinarian. verified 2026-07-20 Carrier size 41 × 25 × 21 cm 41 cm L x 21.5 cm H x 25.4 cm W (16 in. L x 8.5 in. H x 10 in. W) verified 2026-07-20 Crate must have/be Iata compliant, hard-sided ok, soft-sided ok, water bowl, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier 41 cm L x 21.5 cm H x 25.4 cm W (16 in. L x 8.5 in. H x 10 in. W) verified 2026-07-20 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedl fee applies for pets travelling in the cabin or as checked baggage. Please note that an empty kennel or a pet in a k verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yeses Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower (75°) for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets. WestJet does not accept pets as cargo from May 15 to October 31 on any flight from these WestJet Cargo… verified 2026-07-11 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese British Shorthair Scottish Fold nnot travel in the baggage compartment because they are susceptible to increased risks of heat stroke and breathing problems when they become stressed or overheated. Any mix of the below dog and cat breeds should be… verified 2026-06-17 Hold: Minimum age 12 weeks No animals under 12 weeks of age will be accepted verified 2026-07-06 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours If you do not request space for your pet(s) 48 hours before departure, space may not be available, and you may not be permitted to travel with your pet(s) verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesWe strongly recommend requesting space for your pet as soon as you have completed your booking and a minimum of 48 hours before your scheduled departure verified 2026-07-05 Hold: Booking method online Pets Flying on Westjet as Checked Baggage Space for pets cannot be reserved online verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Heat embargo 15°C Heat restrictions Antigua and Barbuda See details Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 verified 2026-06-21 Hold: Embargoed routes to October 31 Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 verified 2026-06-14 Hold: Animals in heat accepted ✓ YesA pet kennel fee applies for pets travelling in the cabin or as checked baggage. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✓ YesA pet kennel fee applies for pets travelling in the cabin or as checked baggage. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesIf you plan to sedate your pet, you must have written consent from the pet’s veterinarian verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Carrier size 101 × 68 × 81 cm 101 cm L x 68 cm W x 81 cm H (40 in. L x 27 in. W x 32 in. H) verified 2026-05-31 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg Weight restrictions (pet + kennel combined): 45 kg (up to 100 lb.) verified 2026-05-31 Hold: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, Hard sided required, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier 101 cm L x 68 cm W x 81 cm H (40 in. L x 27 in. W x 32 in. H) verified 2026-05-31 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedTravelling options for pets: In the cabin (carry-on) Checked animals Pets as cargo In the cabin (carry-on) Reservations and fees Space for pets can be reserved on verified 2026-07-21 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesWestJet does not accept pets as cargo from May 15 to October 31 on any flight from these WestJet Cargo verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese British Shorthair Scottish Fold nnot travel in the baggage compartment because they are susceptible to increased risks of heat stroke and breathing problems when they become stressed or overheated. Any mix of the below dog and cat breeds should be… verified 2026-06-17 Cargo: Minimum age 12 weeks No animals under 12 weeks of age will be accepted verified 2026-07-06 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours If you do not request space for your pet(s) 48 hours before departure, space may not be available, and you may not be permitted to travel with your pet(s) verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesWe strongly recommend requesting space for your pet as soon as you have completed your booking and a minimum of 48 hours before your scheduled departure verified 2026-07-10 Cargo: Season restrictions May 15 to October 31 Pets are not accepted from May 15 to October 31 for verified 2026-07-01 Cargo: Animals in heat accepted ✓ YesTravelling options for pets: In the cabin (carry-on) Checked animals Pets as cargo In the cabin (carry-on) Reservations and fees Space for pets can be reserved online or by phone. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoWestJet Vacations package bookings For guests travelling on a WestJet Vacations package, the following information applies in addition to the information listed above: Pets are not accepted at all hotels. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesIf you plan to sedate your pet, you must have written consent from the pet’s veterinarian. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg …be transported in the hold, provided the combined weight of your pet and carrier does not exceed 100 lbs (45 kg) The maximum combined weight of your pet and carrier is 100 lbs (45 kg) When it comes to pets as checked… verified 2026-07-01 Cargo: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Only feed your pet a light meal prior to departure and provide a quick drink of water before check-in. Containers with food and water are prone to spilling during the course of kennel-handling and transportation verified 2026-07-24 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesAruba To enter Aruba a dog or cat must have a veterinary health certificate. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 14 days A Veterinary health certificate issued within 14 days of arrival and a rabies vaccination certificate are required. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 10 days It will also need a health certificate issued by your veterinarian within 10 days of travel and proof of rabies vaccination. verified 2026-07-20 Microchip · Required ✓ YesThe four requirements for dogs from dog-rabies free or low-risk countries are: Healthy: Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival Age: Dogs must be at least 6 months old at time of entry or return to the United States… verified 2026-07-20 Quarantine · Required ✓ Yes[AMZ asins='B00QHC01C2,B00AAPGA2W,B000633ZOY,B0B77BRG75'] You must ensure your pet meets all entrance and quarantine requirements for your destination. verified 2026-07-20 Quarantine · Pre-approval required ✓ YesBahamas Cats and dogs are required to have an import permit completed before travel. verified 2026-07-06 Import permit · Issuing authority the Grenada Ministry of Agriculture An Import permit issued by the Grenada Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary Officer is required and the owner of the pet must apply for the im verified 2026-07-06 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesIt will also need a health certificate issued by your veterinarian within 10 days of travel and proof of rabies vaccination. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Government endorsed ✓ YesThe health certificate must be signed or endorsed by an official CFIA veterinarian, and completed no more than 10 days before arriva verified 2026-07-06 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesIt will also need a health certificate issued by your veterinarian within 10 days of travel and proof of rabies vaccination. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Booster required ✓ Yeshis document includes information every pet owner travelling out of the country needs to know, including which health certifications and vaccination requirements their pet needs, and how to contact the agencies… verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Waiting period after vaccination 21 days An animal will be considered vaccinated against rabies 21 days after the first vaccination. verified 2026-07-06 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 8 weeks Age requirements Minimum age for transport as air cargo is 8 weeks. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate valid within days · Health certificate valid within days 10 days A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs and verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Dangerous breeds banned ✗ YesRestricted breeds, including cross-breeds, are: Pitt Bull Terrier Tosa Inu American Staffordshire Terrier Fila Brasileiro Dogo Argentino American Bulldog Boerboel Kangal Central Asian Shepherd Dog Caucasian Shepherd Dog… verified 2026-07-20 Restricted breeds list American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Caucasian Shepherd, Central Asian Shepherd, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu Restricted breeds, including cross-breeds, are: Pitt Bull Terrier Tosa Inu American Staffordshire Terrier Fila Brasileiro Dogo Argentino American Bulldog Boerboel Kangal Central Asian Shepherd Dog Caucasian Shepherd Dog… verified 2026-07-20 Assistance animals accepted ✓ YesChat with a live agent Start chat Helpful links Baggage claim CATSA - Traveling with animals General entrance requirements for guests travelling with pets Service dogs Seat maps WestJet Cargo Flight s verified 2026-07-20 Service & assistance animals Esa note emotional support animals will not be accepted Starting on August 5, 2021, emotional support animals will not be accepted for travel in any cabin verified 2026-07-20 Fee waived ✓ YesService dog pet policy One service dog may fly in the cabin with a disabled passenger while on duty at no charge verified 2026-07-20 Recognized ✓ YesService dog pet policy One service dog may fly in the cabin with a disabled passenger while on duty at no charge verified 2026-07-20 Cabin allowed ✓ YesJapan Entry requirements for pet cats and dogs and service dogs in cabin are very restrictive. verified 2026-07-20 Esa recognized ✗ NoStarting on August 5, 2021, emotional support animals will not be accepted for travel in any cabin verified 2026-07-20 Advance notice hours 48 hours To ensure adequate notice we recommend that you request to travel with your service dog as soon as possible at least 48 hours before your flight departs. verified 2026-07-24 Documentation required ✓ YesKennel information for pets in the cabin Your pet must be able to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably in their kennel to tination. verified 2026-07-03 Recognized organizations individually trained by an organization or person specializing in service dog training service dogs must be individually trained by an organization or person specializing in service dog training. verified 2026-07-20 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPet types (species) accepted in the cabin: verified 2026-07-20 Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese British Shorthair Scottish Fold nnot travel in the baggage compartment because they are susceptible to increased risks of heat stroke and breathing problems when they become stressed or overheated. Any mix of the below dog and cat breeds should be… verified 2026-06-17 One-way fee 100 USD Westjet Pet Fee - Pets in the Cabin: $100 CAD/USD for travel Internationally outside of US/Canada Westjet Pet Fee - Pets in the Cabin: $50 CAD/USD for… verified 2026-07-25 Minimum age 8 weeks …N.E. Calgary, AB. T2E 3J1 WestJet, an Alberta Partnership CTA(A) No.9 20th revised Page 1 ISSUE DATE May 28, 2025 EFFECTIVE DATE June 1, 2025 As per CTA Order 2021-A-3 CHECK SHEET Original and revised pages as named… verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking notice 48 hours If you do not request space for your pet(s) 48 hours before departure, space may not be available, and you may not be permitted to travel with your pet(s). verified 2026-07-24 Advance booking required ✓ YesWestJet Vacations package bookings For guests travelling on a WestJet Vacations package, the following information applies in addition to the information listed above: Pets are not accepted at all hotels. Please contact… verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per passenger 1 per guest and per kennel: One (1) verified 2026-07-20 Booking method online …seats between the persons with a disabling allergy to cats and your cat. Space for pets cannot be reserved online. To add your pet to your travel plans, please contact us at 1-800-581-9499. verified 2026-07-20 Season restrictions seasonal seasonal restrictions, pets are accepted verified 2026-06-27 Advance notice hours 48 hours Reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to travel. verified 2026-07-20 Animals in heat accepted ✓ YesTravelling options for pets: In the cabin (carry-on) Checked animals Pets as cargo In the cabin (carry-on) Reservations and fees Space for pets can be reserved online or by phone. verified 2026-07-20 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoFor routes where UltraBasic guests are not permitted a carry-on bag, UltraBasic guests are permitted to bring an empty kennel or a pet in kennel in addition to their personal item. verified 2026-07-20 Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesIf you plan to sedate your pet, you must have written consent from the pet’s veterinarian. verified 2026-07-20 Carrier size 41 × 25 × 21 cm 41 cm L x 21.5 cm H x 25.4 cm W (16 in. L x 8.5 in. H x 10 in. W) verified 2026-07-20 Crate must have/be Iata compliant, hard-sided ok, soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier 41 cm L x 21.5 cm H x 25.4 cm W (16 in. L x 8.5 in. H x 10 in. W) verified 2026-07-20 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedl fee applies for pets travelling in the cabin or as checked baggage. Please note that an empty kennel or a pet in a k verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesthe following brachycephalic (short/snub-nosed) breeds of cats and dogs cannot travel in the baggage compartment because they are susceptible to increased risks of heat stroke and breathing problems verified 2026-06-15 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese British Shorthair Scottish Fold nnot travel in the baggage compartment because they are susceptible to increased risks of heat stroke and breathing problems when they become stressed or overheated. Any mix of the below dog and cat breeds should be… verified 2026-06-17 Hold: Minimum age 12 weeks No animals under 12 weeks of age will be accepted verified 2026-07-06 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours If you do not request space for your pet(s) 48 hours before departure, space may not be available, and you may not be permitted to travel with your pet(s). verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesWe strongly recommend requesting space for your pet as soon as you have completed your booking and a minimum of 48 hours before your scheduled departure verified 2026-07-10 Hold: Booking method online Pets Flying on Westjet as Checked Baggage Space for pets cannot be reserved online verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Heat embargo 15°C Heat restrictions Antigua and Barbuda See details Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 verified 2026-06-21 Hold: Season restrictions seasonal seasonal restrictions, pets are accepted verified 2026-06-28 Hold: Animals in heat accepted ✓ YesA pet kennel fee applies for pets travelling in the cabin or as checked baggage. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoFor routes where UltraBasic guests are not permitted a carry-on bag, UltraBasic guests are permitted to bring an empty kennel or a pet in kennel in addition to their personal item. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesIf you plan to sedate your pet, you must have written consent from the pet’s veterinarian verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Carrier size 101 × 68 × 81 cm 101 cm L x 68 cm W x 81 cm H (40 in. L x 27 in. W x 32 in. H) verified 2026-05-31 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg Weight restrictions (pet + kennel combined): 45 kg (up to 100 lb.) verified 2026-05-31 Hold: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, Hard sided required, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier 101 cm L x 68 cm W x 81 cm H (40 in. L x 27 in. W x 32 in. H) verified 2026-05-31 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedSee the kennel information for carry-on pets or kennel information for "Checked" and "On their own (as cargo)" sections above. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesFor bookings made after July 4, 2023, the following brachycephalic (short/snub-nosed) breeds of cats and dogs cannot travel in the baggage compartment because they are susceptible to increased risks of heat stroke and… verified 2026-06-09 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese British Shorthair Scottish Fold nnot travel in the baggage compartment because they are susceptible to increased risks of heat stroke and breathing problems when they become stressed or overheated. Any mix of the below dog and cat breeds should be… verified 2026-06-17 Cargo: Minimum age 2 weeks The clinical examination for the certificate must be conducted within 2 weeks prior to departure to Costa Rica. verified 2026-07-06 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours If you do not request space for your pet(s) 48 hours before departure, space may not be available, and you may not be permitted to travel with your pet(s). verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesShipments of live animals will only be accepted if advance arrangements are made verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Season restrictions seasonal seasonal restrictions, pets are accepted verified 2026-06-28 Cargo: Animals in heat accepted ✓ YesTravelling options for pets: In the cabin (carry-on) Checked animals Pets as cargo In the cabin (carry-on) Reservations and fees Space for pets can be reserved online or by phone. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✓ YesTravelling options for pets: In the cabin (carry-on) Checked animals Pets as cargo In the cabin (carry-on) Reservations and fees Space for pets can be reserved online or by phone. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesIf you plan to sedate your pet, you must have written consent from the pet’s veterinarian. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Carrier size 101 × 40 cm For pets traveling in the hold, carriers should not exceed the dimensions 40" x 27" x 32" (101 cm x 68 cm x 81 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg The maximum combined weight of your pet and carrier is 100 lbs (45 kg). verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier For pets traveling in the hold, carriers should not exceed the dimensions 40" x 27" x 32" (101 cm x 68 cm x 81 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesAruba To enter Aruba a dog or cat must have a veterinary health certificate. verified 2026-07-23 Health certificate validity 14 days A Veterinary health certificate issued within 14 days of arrival and a rabies vaccination certificate are required. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Validity days 10 days A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs and cats) and all forms required f verified 2026-07-20 Book cabin space at least 48 hours before departure. Reserve early because cabin spots are limited and fill fast. Confirm the reservation directly with the airline once the seat is held. Missing the 48-hour window can push a dog off the flight entirely. Add a calendar reminder two days ahead and complete the booking before any other trip logistics get finalized.
Cargo carriage stops when temperatures cross the 15 °C heat threshold. Check the forecast at the departure airport, connecting stops, and the destination against that 15 °C ceiling. Book early-morning or late-evening flights to stay under the limit during warmer months. Warm-season routes may block cargo travel outright, so confirm the shipping window before purchasing any ticket.
Frequently asked
How many pets can I bring on WestJet? WestJet allows 1 in the cabin, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier. Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly WestJet? 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 WestJet? On flights within Metropolitan France, WestJet charges from 200 USD in the hold, one way per pet. Longer routes cost more — price your exact itinerary. How far in advance must I book my pet on WestJet? Add your pet to the booking at least 48 hours before departure — do it when you book the ticket, not at the airport. 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.
So there's your WestJet trailhead map: cabin, cargo, and hold all open, microchip locked in, and Sam already eyeing the next mountain route. Every dog and destination is its own puzzle, though, so don't wing the details. Build your personalized plan with Pawgo's plan-builder and get the exact requirements for your actual trip mapped out before you pack. Bring more water than you think, and go chase that adventure.
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.
