Air Canada Pet Policy (2026) — Fees, Cabin Rules & Restrictions

Pet Policy Overview

AirlineAir Canada
In-Cabin Fee$50-
20
Cargo Fee
05-$324
Weight LimitN/A
Carrier DimensionsVaries by aircraft, up to 22x16x10.5 inches

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Air Canada allows small pets in the cabin for $50-
    20 one-way.
  • Cargo pet transport is available starting at
    05-$324.
  • Approved carrier dimensions: Varies by aircraft, up to 22x16x10.5 inches maximum.
  • Best for: Flexible in-cabin pet carrier options

Cabin Policy

Air Canada welcomes small dogs and cats in the cabin, provided they are in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you. The pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably in its carrier. A new policy effective June 1, 2025, mandates that all in-cabin pets must be in a soft-sided carrier. It is important to notify the airline in advance that you will be travelling with a pet, as space is limited. There are also restrictions on which seats can be occupied by passengers with pets; they are not permitted in exit or bulkhead rows, or in the Premium Economy cabin. Passengers travelling with a pet in the cabin must check in with an agent at the airport and cannot use online or kiosk check-in. You are required to arrive at the airport 30 minutes prior to the recommended check-in time. For most fares, the pet carrier is in addition to the standard carry-on allowance. However, for Economy Basic fares, the pet carrier and a personal item are the only baggage permitted in the cabin.

Cargo Policy

Air Canada provides options for transporting pets in the pressurized cargo compartment of most of their aircraft. This service is for pets that are too large to travel in the cabin. The maximum weight for a pet and kennel combined is 45 kg (100 lbs), and the maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) of the kennel is 292 cm (115 in). For pets exceeding these limits, you must contact Air Canada Cargo. The fees for transporting a pet as checked baggage vary depending on the destination. For travel within Canada and between Canada and the U.S., the fee is between

05 and
26. For international travel, the fee ranges from $270 to $324. These fees are subject to taxes. It is important to be aware of seasonal restrictions, such as heat and cold embargoes, which may affect your pet's travel plans.

Breed Restrictions

Air Canada restricts the transport of short/snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds of dogs in the baggage compartment. These breeds include: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all breeds), Chihuahua (apple-headed), Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pug (all breeds), Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Teddy Bear (Zuchon/Shichon), and Tibetan Spaniel.

  • All Pet-Friendly Airlines
  • Best Airlines for Pets USA
  • Search Flights on Camli

Air Canada Pet Policy (2026) — Fees, Cabin Rules & Restrictions

Pet Policy Overview

AirlineAir Canada
In-Cabin Fee$50-
20
Cargo Fee
05-$324
Weight LimitN/A
Carrier DimensionsVaries by aircraft, up to 22x16x10.5 inches

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Air Canada allows small pets in the cabin for $50-
    20 one-way.
  • Cargo pet transport is available starting at
    05-$324.
  • Approved carrier dimensions: Varies by aircraft, up to 22x16x10.5 inches maximum.
  • Best for: Flexible in-cabin pet carrier options

Cabin Policy

Air Canada welcomes small dogs and cats in the cabin, provided they are in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you. The pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably in its carrier. A new policy effective June 1, 2025, mandates that all in-cabin pets must be in a soft-sided carrier. It is important to notify the airline in advance that you will be travelling with a pet, as space is limited. There are also restrictions on which seats can be occupied by passengers with pets; they are not permitted in exit or bulkhead rows, or in the Premium Economy cabin. Passengers travelling with a pet in the cabin must check in with an agent at the airport and cannot use online or kiosk check-in. You are required to arrive at the airport 30 minutes prior to the recommended check-in time. For most fares, the pet carrier is in addition to the standard carry-on allowance. However, for Economy Basic fares, the pet carrier and a personal item are the only baggage permitted in the cabin.

Cargo Policy

Air Canada provides options for transporting pets in the pressurized cargo compartment of most of their aircraft. This service is for pets that are too large to travel in the cabin. The maximum weight for a pet and kennel combined is 45 kg (100 lbs), and the maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) of the kennel is 292 cm (115 in). For pets exceeding these limits, you must contact Air Canada Cargo. The fees for transporting a pet as checked baggage vary depending on the destination. For travel within Canada and between Canada and the U.S., the fee is between

05 and
26. For international travel, the fee ranges from $270 to $324. These fees are subject to taxes. It is important to be aware of seasonal restrictions, such as heat and cold embargoes, which may affect your pet's travel plans.

Breed Restrictions

Air Canada restricts the transport of short/snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds of dogs in the baggage compartment. These breeds include: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all breeds), Chihuahua (apple-headed), Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pug (all breeds), Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Teddy Bear (Zuchon/Shichon), and Tibetan Spaniel.

  • All Pet-Friendly Airlines
  • Best Airlines for Pets USA
  • Search Flights on Camli