WestJet Pet Policy for Dogs in 2026
Flying with your dog on WestJet? Here are the current fees, kennel rules, breed restrictions, and booking steps to know before you travel.
WestJet Pet Policy Overview
WestJet allows small dogs in the cabin and larger dogs as checked baggage on many routes, with separate cargo options through WestJet Cargo. Space is limited, and pet reservations must be added in advance.
WestJet says pets may travel in the cabin or as checked baggage on most domestic and international flights, but travel dates, kennel sizes, animal types, and destination-specific rules apply. If your itinerary was booked through a travel agent, another airline, or a third-party seller, WestJet instructs travelers to contact that seller directly to add the pet. For dogs traveling alone, WestJet Cargo handles transport separately.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on WestJet
Book your own WestJet flight first. WestJet’s pet instructions indicate that kennel space is added after the passenger booking is created.
Confirm your dog qualifies for travel. For in-cabin travel, your dog must be small enough to remain inside a kennel that fits under the seat and allows the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. For checked travel, review kennel, route, seasonal, and breed restrictions before you proceed.
Measure the kennel carefully. WestJet’s published in-cabin maximum is 41 x 21.5 x 25 cm (16 x 8.5 x 10 in). If the kennel is too large, your dog can be denied boarding in the cabin.
Contact WestJet to add the kennel as carry-on or checked baggage. WestJet’s fee page says to contact the airline to add a kennel to a WestJet flight. If you booked through a travel agent, online agency, corporate arranger, or another airline, contact that booking source directly.
Be ready to provide trip and pet details. In practice, airlines commonly confirm route, kennel size, and pet type before approving space, and WestJet limits the number of pets accepted on each flight.
Review destination entry requirements. WestJet notes that country-specific pet entry rules may apply, and dogs may need additional paperwork depending on where you are flying.
Arrive early at the airport. Pets require counter check-in rather than a fully self-serve process, and extra time helps if staff need to inspect the kennel or documents.
For dogs traveling without you, contact WestJet Cargo instead of passenger reservations. WestJet directs unaccompanied animal shipments to WestJet Cargo for pricing and arrangements.
WestJet vs Other Airlines
| Feature | WestJet | Air Canada | Alaska Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | $50-$59 CAD/USD within Canada/U.S.; $100-$118 CAD/USD outside U.S. markets | CA/US $50-$60 within Canada and Canada/U.S.; CA/US $100-$120 international | $100 each way |
| Cargo Fee | Quote required from WestJet Cargo | Air Canada Cargo pricing if over checked-baggage limits; no simple flat cargo quote on pet page | Pet Connect via Alaska Air Cargo; pricing varies, not a single flat public fee on main pet page |
| Weight Limit | No published in-cabin combined weight limit; pet must fit safely in kennel under seat | Checked baggage: up to 45 kg (100 lb) pet + kennel combined | Fees range by travel type; baggage-compartment pets subject to route and breed restrictions, but no single combined limit shown on the main summary page |
| Carrier Size | 41 x 21.5 x 25 cm (16 x 8.5 x 10 in) in cabin | Varies by aircraft/cabin for in-cabin pets; checked kennel max 292 cm linear dimensions | Under-seat carrier required for cabin pets; exact dimensions depend on aircraft and under-seat fit |
| Breeds Restricted | Brachycephalic breeds restricted; some strong breeds need reinforced kennels | Short/snub-nosed breeds cannot travel in baggage compartment; strong breeds need special crates | Breed restrictions apply for baggage-compartment pets |
| Booking Method | Book your ticket first, then contact WestJet or your booking source to add the pet | Book your ticket first, then contact Air Canada Reservations to register the pet | Book your ticket, then contact reservations/chat to reserve pet space |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog fly in the cabin on WestJet?
Yes, if your dog is small enough to stay inside an approved kennel that fits under the seat and there is pet space available on your flight.
How much does WestJet charge for a dog in the cabin?
WestJet lists in-cabin pet fees of $50-$59 CAD/USD each way for travel within or between Canada and the U.S., and $100-$118 CAD/USD each way for travel between Canada/U.S. and destinations outside the U.S.
How much does WestJet charge for a dog as checked baggage?
WestJet lists checked pet fees of $100-$118 CAD/USD each way within or between Canada and the U.S., and $200-$236 CAD/USD each way for travel between Canada/U.S. and destinations outside the U.S.
What size pet carrier does WestJet allow in the cabin?
WestJet’s published maximum in-cabin kennel size is 41 x 21.5 x 25 cm, or 16 x 8.5 x 10 inches.
Does WestJet publish a pet plus carrier weight limit for in-cabin dogs?
WestJet’s public pet page and fee page do not show a specific combined in-cabin weight limit. Instead, the dog must fit comfortably inside the kennel and the kennel must fit under the seat.
How do I add my dog to a WestJet reservation?
Book your own flight first, then contact WestJet to add the kennel as carry-on or checked baggage. If you booked through a travel agent or another seller, contact them directly.
Can brachycephalic dogs fly on WestJet?
WestJet lists breed restrictions for brachycephalic, or short/snub-nosed, dogs. These dogs may be restricted from certain travel options because of higher breathing and heat risk.
Can my dog travel alone on WestJet?
Yes, but that is handled through WestJet Cargo rather than the standard passenger pet process. You need to contact WestJet Cargo for pricing and arrangements.