Emma · with Luna (Tabby cat, 4kg) “I made a spreadsheet of every airline's pet policy before booking.” Meet all guides →
About this guide ↓
This guide was generated by Pawgo's AI using verified data from official sources. Emma is a fictional persona — the data is real.
I made a spreadsheet of North American carriers and WestJet's hold allowance was the standout: 45 kg including the kennel, which is genuinely large-dog territory. Luna disapproves of taxiing and would never need that much. The column I'd flag is the booking one, because WestJet words it as a warning rather than a deadline, and warnings are easier to misread.
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 to read the exact wording; the opens the source page.
Cargo: Crate must have/behard-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrierverified 2026-10-13
Health & documents
Health certificate validity14 daysverified 2026-10-13
Health certificate required✓ Yesverified 2026-10-13
WestJet states that if you do not request space for your pet 48 hours before departure, space may not be available and you may not be permitted to travel with the animal. It is phrased as a risk rather than an absolute cut-off, but the outcome is the same when the hold is full. Request the space when the flight is booked.
So WestJet: 45 kg in the hold including the kennel, and a 48-hour request window that is described as a risk rather than a rule. For a large dog that allowance is the headline number on this page — most carriers stop well short of it. Build a personalized plan and we'll compare the kennel weight against every carrier on your route before you commit to one.
The cabin carrier limit on WestJet is 41 x 25.4 x 21.5 cm (L x W x H). Exact limits vary by aircraft. Compute your carrier fit at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Can I ship my dog as cargo on WestJet?
Yes, WestJet offers cargo pet transport. Confirm the carrier's specific crate and documentation requirements with the airline directly before booking. Get the full details at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Add your pet to the booking at least 48 hours before departure — do it when you book the ticket, not at the airport.Build my pet's travel plan →
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.Build my pet's travel plan →
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.Build my pet's travel plan →
Flying WestJet?
Get a personalized travel checklist for your pet on WestJet.
