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WestJet Pet Travel: Complete Policy & Booking Guide
When I booked Luna's first flight with WestJet, I spent hours cross-referencing dimensions, fees, and restrictions. My 5kg tabby cat fit perfectly in a soft-sided carrier measuring 41cm × 25cm × 22cm—but only because I'd verified every specification beforehand. This guide consolidates everything you need to know about flying pets on WestJet, with exact numbers and practical steps.
Quick Comparison: WestJet vs. Industry Standards
| Feature | WestJet Cabin | WestJet Cargo | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cats Allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes (most) |
| Dogs Allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes (most) |
| Cabin Fee (One-Way) | CAD $25 | N/A | $25–$50 |
| Cargo Fee Range | CAD $185–$395 | N/A | $200–$500 |
| Max Carrier Weight (Pet + Carrier) | 16 kg | Varies by crate | 8–10 kg (cabin) |
| Carrier Dimensions (L×H×W) | 41×25×22 cm | IATA-compliant | Similar |
| Advance Booking Required | 48 hours | Yes | 48 hours (typical) |
| Minimum Age | 8 weeks | 10 weeks | 8–10 weeks |
Key Numbers at a Glance
- Cabin pet fee: CAD $25 one-way
- Cargo pet fees: CAD $185 (small kennel) to CAD $395 (XL kennel)
- Checked baggage pet fees: CAD $100–$118 (domestic/US), CAD $200–$236 (international)
- Max carrier dimensions: 41cm long × 25cm high × 22cm wide
- Max combined weight (pet + carrier): 16 kg for cabin travel
- Minimum pet age: 8 weeks (cabin), 10 weeks (cargo/checked baggage)
- Advance booking window: 48 hours before departure
- Health certificate validity: 10 days before travel
- Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
- Cold embargo threshold: −6.7°C (20°F)
Cabin Travel: Flying Your Pet in the Cabin
WestJet allows cats and dogs in the cabin on most routes. Luna traveled with me in the main cabin, and the experience was straightforward once I understood the carrier requirements.
Carrier Specifications
Your carrier must be soft-sided and fit these exact dimensions:
- Length: 41 cm maximum
- Height: 25 cm maximum
- Width: 22 cm maximum
- Combined weight (pet + carrier): 16 kg maximum
Hard-sided carriers are not required for cabin travel, but soft-sided carriers are mandatory. The carrier must have adequate ventilation—mesh panels on at least two sides are standard. Luna's carrier had mesh on three sides, which gave her visibility and airflow throughout the flight.
Include an absorbent liner or mat inside the carrier to manage any accidents during flight. This is an industry standard and highly recommended.
Pet Restrictions & Special Cases
Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are restricted. This includes Persians, Himalayans, Exotic Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, Burmese, and Scottish Fold cats. For dogs, the list is extensive and includes Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and many others. If your breed is on the restricted list, see our brachycephalic breed guide for alternatives.
WestJet does not accept:
- Pets on Business cabin 787 Dreamliner flights
- Pets on code-share or interline partner flights
- Pets traveling to/from Barbados, Hawaii, Ireland (Dublin), Jamaica, or the United Kingdom
- Pregnant animals
- Animals in heat
Sedation is not recommended and not required. IATA regulations prohibit sedating pets during air travel because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies.
Age & Health Requirements
Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old to fly in the cabin. A health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of departure is required. Don't wait until the last minute—get it as close to your departure date as possible. This certificate will be checked at the airport, and without it, you will be denied boarding.
Cargo & Checked Baggage Travel
For larger pets or longer flights, WestJet offers cargo and checked baggage options. These require different carrier specifications and have stricter age requirements.
Cargo Travel Requirements
Cargo travel is handled by WestJet Cargo. Contact 1-866-WJCARGO for bookings and specific details.
- Carrier type: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate only (soft-sided carriers are not accepted)
- Water bowl: Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
- Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides per IATA Live Animals Regulations
- Absorbent liner: Required inside the crate
- Live Animals label: Required on the crate with orientation arrows
- Minimum age: 10 weeks (fully weaned)
- Advance booking: 48 hours before departure
- Fees: CAD $185 (small kennel) to CAD $395 (XL kennel)
Temperature Restrictions
WestJet will not accept pets for cargo or checked baggage travel if:
- Heat: Tarmac temperature exceeds 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination
- Cold: Temperature drops below −6.7°C (20°F)
If you're traveling during extreme weather, check the forecast and contact WestJet in advance. A vet-issued acclimation certificate may allow travel in colder conditions.
Checked Baggage Travel
Checked baggage pet travel is available with similar requirements to cargo:
- Fees: CAD $100–$118 (domestic/US), CAD $200–$236 (international)
- Carrier requirements: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant with water bowl, ventilation, absorbent liner, and Live Animals labels
- Minimum age: 10 weeks
- Temperature restrictions: Same as cargo (29.4°C heat embargo, −6.7°C cold embargo)
Booking Your Pet's Flight
WestJet requires advance booking at least 48 hours before departure. You can book:
- Online: Through WestJet's website during booking
- By phone: Contact WestJet's reservations team
- For cargo: Call 1-866-WJCARGO
Cabin pet fees can be paid by credit card or Travel Bank funds through the contact centre.
What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist
- Book 48+ hours in advance: Don't wait until the last minute. WestJet limits pets per flight.
- Get a health certificate: Schedule a vet appointment 10 days before departure. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of your flight date.
- Verify your pet's breed: If you have a brachycephalic breed, confirm with WestJet that it's not restricted.
- Check your destination: Confirm WestJet flies to your destination and that pets are accepted (not Barbados, Hawaii, Ireland, Jamaica, or UK).
- Measure your carrier: Ensure it's soft-sided for cabin travel and fits within 41×25×22 cm. For cargo, order an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate.
- Prepare absorbent liners: Stock your carrier with absorbent mats or pads.
- Check weather: If traveling during extreme heat (>29.4°C) or cold (<−6.7°C), contact WestJet to confirm your pet can travel.
- Confirm cabin restrictions: Verify your flight is not on a 787 Dreamliner Business cabin or a code-share partner flight.
- Arrange airport arrival: Arrive early to allow time for pet check-in procedures.
Assistance Animals & Service Dogs
Assistance animals follow a separate policy from regular pets. We're still verifying WestJet's specific requirements for service dogs and emotional support animals—contact WestJet directly for current guidelines on documentation and pre-approval.
Practical Tips from Experience
When Luna flew with me, I learned a few things the hard way:
- Soft-sided carriers are your friend: They're lighter, easier to maneuver through the airport, and fit snugly under the seat in front of you.
- Bring extra absorbent pads: Even if your pet doesn't have accidents, the extra padding provides comfort and peace of mind.
- Don't sedate your pet: Luna was anxious, but sedation would have been risky. Instead, I used calming treats and a familiar blanket in her carrier.
- Arrive early: Pet check-in takes extra time. I arrived 3 hours early for a domestic flight.
- Keep the health certificate handy: Have it in a clear folder, not buried in your luggage. You'll need it at check-in.
Costs: What to Budget
For a complete breakdown of pet travel expenses, see our pet travel costs guide. For WestJet specifically:
- Cabin travel: CAD $25 per pet, one-way
- Cargo travel: CAD $185–$395 depending on kennel size
- Checked baggage: CAD $100–$236 depending on route
- Health certificate: $50–$150 (vet fee, not WestJet)
- Carrier: $30–$150 depending on quality and size
Need More Help?
For comprehensive preparation, check out our pet travel documents checklist and flying with a dog guide. If you're comparing airlines, see how WestJet stacks up against Air Canada and other carriers.
Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure you haven't missed any requirements for your specific route and pet.
Final Notes
This guide is based on WestJet's official pet policy data, verified and updated regularly. However, airline policies change, and specific routes may have additional restrictions. Always confirm directly with WestJet before booking by calling their reservations team or visiting their website. For cargo inquiries, contact 1-866-WJCARGO.
Last updated: January 2025. Data auto-verified from official WestJet sources.
Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026