How Canadian airlines handle pet travel in 2026
If you are flying with your pet from Canada, your airline options and their pet policies are the first thing to sort out. Canadian carriers have different rules for in-cabin pets, cargo transport, and which routes allow animals at all. International carriers departing from Canadian airports add more options but also more complexity.
Here is a straightforward comparison of the policies that matter most when you are planning a pet move.
Air Canada
In-cabin pets
Air Canada allows small dogs, cats, and birds in the cabin on most domestic and international flights. Your pet must fit in a carrier that slides under the seat in front of you. Maximum carrier dimensions are 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm. Combined weight of pet plus carrier must not exceed 10 kg.
The fee is $50 CAD each way for domestic flights within Canada and $50 to $118 CAD for international routes (varies by destination). You can add a pet to your reservation online or by calling Air Canada directly. Only one pet carrier is allowed per passenger, and there is a limit on the total number of pets per flight.
Cargo transport
Air Canada offers live animal transport through their cargo division (Air Canada Cargo) for pets too large for in-cabin travel. Cargo pet transport is available on select routes, subject to aircraft type, temperature, and seasonal restrictions.
Cargo fees range from $105 to $326 CAD for domestic routes. International cargo rates are quoted per shipment and depend on the route, crate size, and weight. Air Canada Cargo requires an IATA-compliant crate and a health certificate.
Key restriction: Air Canada does not accept brachycephalic breeds in cargo at any time of year. English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and similar flat-faced breeds are restricted from cargo transport.
Winter embargo: cargo pet transport is suspended when ground temperatures drop below -12 degrees Celsius at the origin or destination airport.
Routes and availability
Air Canada operates from all major Canadian airports and has the widest international route network of any Canadian carrier. For cargo pet transport, the available routes depend on aircraft type (wide-body aircraft have larger, climate-controlled cargo holds). Direct international routes from Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, and Montreal offer the most cargo pet options.
WestJet
In-cabin pets
WestJet allows small dogs and cats in the cabin on domestic and select international flights. Carrier dimensions must not exceed 25.5 cm x 41 cm x 23 cm, and combined weight of pet plus carrier is limited to approximately 9 kg.
The fee is $50 CAD each way for domestic flights and $50 to $100 CAD for international routes. WestJet requires you to call to add a pet to your reservation (it cannot be done online).
Cargo transport
WestJet does not currently offer cargo pet transport. If your pet cannot fly in-cabin on WestJet, you will need to use a different carrier or a dedicated pet cargo service.
Routes and limitations
WestJet primarily serves domestic Canadian routes and select international destinations (U.S., Mexico, Caribbean, UK, select European cities). Their narrower international network means fewer options for overseas pet moves compared to Air Canada.
Porter Airlines
In-cabin pets
Porter Airlines accepts small dogs and cats in the cabin on most flights. Carrier dimensions and weight limits are similar to other Canadian carriers. Porter’s Toronto City Centre (Billy Bishop) airport base is convenient for GTA residents, though the island airport’s shorter runways mean smaller aircraft and fewer international routes.
Porter has expanded with Embraer E195-E2 aircraft out of Toronto Pearson, offering more routes. Check Porter’s current pet policy for your specific route, as it may vary by aircraft type.
Cargo transport
Porter does not offer cargo pet transport.
International carriers from Canadian airports
Major international airlines departing from Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal each have their own pet policies. Here are the carriers most relevant for pet shipping from Canada:
British Airways
BA operates direct flights from Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal to London Heathrow. They accept pets in cargo through their partner IAG Cargo. Brachycephalic breed restrictions apply. BA does not allow pets in-cabin except for assistance dogs.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa flies from Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal to Frankfurt, with connections across Europe. Their cargo pet program (via LH Cargo) is well-regarded. Pets over 8 kg travel in cargo; under 8 kg may fly in-cabin. Lufthansa accepts some brachycephalic breeds in cargo with restrictions, making them an option when Air Canada refuses.
KLM
KLM operates from Toronto and Montreal to Amsterdam. They accept pets in-cabin (up to 8 kg with carrier) and in cargo. KLM also accepts some brachycephalic breeds that other carriers restrict, though with seasonal and route limitations.
Cathay Pacific
For moves from Vancouver to Asia, Cathay Pacific flies to Hong Kong with connections throughout Asia. They accept pets in cargo but not in-cabin. Their live animal program has specific crate and documentation requirements.
Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Both carriers operate Vancouver to Tokyo routes and accept pets in cargo. Japan’s import requirements are extensive regardless of carrier, but direct flights minimize transit stress.
Booking tips for pet travel from Canada
Book early. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight (both in-cabin and cargo). During summer and holiday periods, pet spots fill up weeks in advance.
Call the airline directly. Even if the airline allows online pet bookings, calling confirms the pet is registered on your specific flight and that the aircraft type supports pet transport.
Confirm your route supports pets. Code-share flights and certain aircraft types may not allow live animals. The booking agent can verify this.
Ask about temperature restrictions. Get the airline’s specific cold and heat embargo thresholds so you know what conditions would cancel your pet’s transport.
Check destination requirements separately. Airline pet policies cover transport rules. The destination country’s import requirements (health certificates, vaccinations, permits) are a separate layer of requirements you must also meet.
When to use a relocation service instead of booking directly
For in-cabin domestic travel with a small pet, booking directly with the airline is straightforward. Where professional help adds value: international cargo shipments, restricted breeds that need alternative routing, complex destinations with extensive paperwork, and winter moves that require weather-window flexibility.
Ready to start planning your pet’s move?
Request a quote and we will put together a detailed plan and price for your specific route.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I book my pet on a flight without booking a seat for myself?
For in-cabin travel, no. Your pet must be accompanying a ticketed passenger. For cargo transport, yes. Your pet can fly as manifested cargo without you being on the flight. This is how most professional pet relocation shipments work.
What if my pet is too big for in-cabin but my airline does not offer cargo?
You will need to use a different airline for the pet transport or arrange dedicated cargo transport through a pet relocation service. Your pet does not need to fly on the same airline or even the same day as you.
Are there direct cargo pet routes from Canada to Australia?
There are no direct flights from Canada to Australia. Pets typically route through a hub (Los Angeles, Hong Kong, or Singapore depending on the carrier). The connection adds transit time but is the standard route for Canadian pets heading to Australia or New Zealand.
Do I need to sedate my pet for the flight?
Most veterinarians and airlines advise against sedation for air travel. Sedation can affect your pet’s ability to regulate body temperature and balance, increasing risk in the cargo hold. If your pet has severe travel anxiety, discuss non-sedative options with your vet.