Air Canada Pet Policy for Dogs
Flying with your dog on Air Canada? Here are the current 2026 fees, carrier rules, breed restrictions, and booking steps.
Air Canada Pet Policy Overview
Air Canada allows small dogs in the cabin and larger dogs in the baggage compartment on eligible Air Canada-operated flights, but pets must be registered in advance and space is limited.
Air Canada only accepts pets on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express operated by Jazz. If your itinerary includes an Air Canada-marketed codeshare flight operated by another airline, your dog cannot travel on that segment under Air Canada's pet policy. Seasonal and aircraft-specific embargoes can also affect checked pets, especially in winter and during peak holiday periods.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on Air Canada
Book your own Air Canada-operated flight first. Air Canada says pet travel is only available on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express operated by Jazz, so check every segment before you buy.
Review whether your dog qualifies for cabin or baggage-compartment travel. Small dogs that can stay in a soft-sided carrier under the seat may travel in the cabin. Larger dogs may need to travel in the baggage compartment if the route, aircraft, season, and breed rules allow it.
Contact Air Canada Reservations after your ticket is booked to register your dog. During that call, be ready to provide the carrier dimensions plus your dog's weight and breed. Air Canada states that pets not registered in advance will not be accepted at the airport.
Confirm the applicable fee and any route restrictions. In-cabin fees vary by itinerary, and checked or cargo options may be limited by aircraft type, temperature embargoes, and peak winter blackout dates.
Choose the correct kennel. For cabin travel, Air Canada requires a soft-sided carrier and publishes under-seat size limits by aircraft. For baggage-compartment travel, the kennel must be hard-sided, secure, leak-proof, large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down, and wheels must be removed before check-in.
Double-check breed restrictions. Short/snub-nosed dogs are not accepted in the baggage compartment. Some strong breeds require reinforced crates, and certain breeds may be embargoed under tariff rules.
Arrive early on departure day. Air Canada requires customers traveling with pets to arrive 30 minutes before the normal recommended check-in time and see an airport agent. You cannot use web check-in or a self-service kiosk when traveling with a pet.
If you change your itinerary, update your pet reservation too. Air Canada notes that if you change your booking online or through a travel agent, you must contact Air Canada Reservations immediately afterward so your dog's reservation is updated as well.
Air Canada vs Other Airlines
| Feature | Air Canada | Delta Air Lines | Alaska Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | CA/US $50-$60 within Canada/Canada-U.S.; CA/US $100-$120 international | $150 USD/CAD each way for U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands tickets issued on/after April 8, 2025; $200 international | From $100 each way |
| Cargo Fee | Checked baggage tariff lists $105 per direction domestically; Air Canada Cargo quote required for cargo shipments | Varies via Delta Cargo; checked-pet fee table available for limited cases and destinations | $150 per pet in baggage compartment on most routes; $100 within Alaska or for certain military travel |
| Weight Limit | Cabin: no published combined max, dog must fit under seat; checked: 45 kg (100 lb) including kennel | International page lists maximum kennel weight 100 lb (45 kg) for cargo-related travel | Depends on travel option; fees vary by route and travel type, with baggage-compartment restrictions by breed and embargo |
| Carrier Size | Most aircraft: 40 x 43 x 20 cm; regional: 40 x 55 x 27 cm; select business: 21 x 41 x 28 cm | Soft-sided kennel must fit under seat; exact dimensions vary by aircraft | Under-seat carrier required for cabin travel; exact size depends on aircraft and must fit under seat |
| Breeds Restricted | Snub-nosed dogs barred from baggage compartment; strong breeds need reinforced crates; some breeds embargoed by tariff | Restrictions vary by destination and travel type | Breed restrictions apply for baggage-compartment travel |
| Booking Method | Book your ticket, then call Air Canada Reservations to register the dog | Reserve pet space in advance; fee collected at check-in | Book your ticket, then contact reservations via chat/contact page to reserve pet space |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog fly in the cabin on Air Canada?
Yes, if your dog is small enough to remain in a soft-sided carrier under the seat in front of you and the route and seat assignment are eligible. Air Canada allows one small dog per passenger in the cabin.
How much does Air Canada charge for a dog in the cabin?
Air Canada lists a one-way in-cabin fee of CA/US $50-$60 for travel within Canada and between Canada and the U.S., and CA/US $100-$120 for international travel.
Does Air Canada have a weight limit for dogs in the cabin?
Air Canada does not publish a single combined in-cabin weight cap on its main pet page. Instead, your dog must be small enough to stand, turn around, and lie down in the carrier, and the carrier must fit under the seat.
Can I check in online if I am flying with my dog on Air Canada?
No. Air Canada says customers traveling with pets must check in with an agent and cannot use online check-in or airport self-service kiosks.
How do I add my dog to an Air Canada reservation?
First book your own flight, then contact Air Canada Reservations to register your dog. You should have the carrier dimensions, your dog's weight, and breed ready when you call.
Are there breed restrictions for dogs on Air Canada?
Yes. Short/snub-nosed dogs cannot travel in the baggage compartment, and strong breeds may need reinforced crates. Air Canada's tariff also lists certain embargoed breeds for some transport scenarios.
Can my dog travel on an Air Canada codeshare flight?
Usually no. If your itinerary includes a flight marketed by Air Canada but operated by a codeshare partner, Air Canada says you will not be able to travel with your pet on that segment.
What kind of carrier does Air Canada require?
For cabin travel, Air Canada requires a soft-sided carrier as of June 1, 2025. For baggage-compartment travel, the kennel must be hard-sided, secure, leak-proof, and large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.