Air Canada has made major updates to its pet travel policies, which are set to be rolled out across 2025. These changes will affect the way your furry friends can travel, both in the passenger cabin and as checked luggage, with the main aim of improving the safety and comfort of pets during their travel. Here’s a comprehensive review of the essential changes and the important details for pet owners looking to fly with Air Canada in 2025.
Soft-Sided Carriers Now Required for In-Cabin Pets (June 1, 2025)
The greatest change for dog and cat owners intending to take their small pet dogs or cats in the cabin is the mandatory use of soft-sided carriers. As of June 1, 2025, Air Canada will no longer allow hard-sided kennels on animals traveling in the cabin on any Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express flight.
This policy revision is being implemented to ensure a better fit under the varied seat sizes used throughout Air Canada’s fleet of aircraft, ultimately seeking a safer and more comfortable experience for both passengers and their pet companions.
In-cabin pet travel considerations:
Soft-sided carriers will be mandatory as of June 1, 2025. Make sure your carrier meets this requirement well ahead of your planned travel.
- The carrier should still be small enough to fit directly in front of your seat without making your pet a tight squeeze as it stands up, turns, and stretches out inside.
- Your pet in its carrier will qualify as a single standard item of carry-on luggage.
- The largest allowable size for soft-sided carriers continues to be a height of 27 cm (10.5 in), a width of 40 cm (15.5 in), and a length of 55 cm (21.5 in).
- The combined weight limit for your pet and its carrier continues to be 10 kg (22 lb).
- You are required to inform Air Canada in advance of your intention to travel with a pet in the cabin, as available space is limited (it is recommended to do so within 24 hours of making your booking).
- The fees associated with in-cabin pet travel remain unchanged: $50-$59 CAD/USD for travel within Canada and between Canada and the U.S. (excluding Hawaii), and $100-$118 CAD/USD for international flights (one-way).
Hard-Sided Kennels Still Necessary for Checked Luggage
For pets larger and heavier than those that can fly in the cabin and must travel in the checked luggage hold, the requirements for their carriers remain that they must be hard-sided.
Important things to consider about pet travel as checked luggage:
- Hard-sided kennels are required when traveling in the checked baggage area. Mesh-topped carriers, collapsible carriers, and wire carriers will not be accepted.
- The kennel should be leak-proof, safe, and roomy enough so that your pet can stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- The largest kennel size allowed as checked baggage is 292 cm (115 in) in combined linear dimensions (length + width + height), with a maximum combined weight of 45 kg (100 lb) for pet and kennel.
- Pet travel as checked baggage fees are the same: $105 CAD/USD for domestic travel within Canada and between Canada and the U.S. (except Hawaii), and $270 CAD/USD for international flights (one-way).
- Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals) coordinates the movement of pets beyond these restrictions or those traveling solo. Reach out to them no later than 14 days and at least 7 days before your date of travel for reservation arrangements.
Other key things to keep in mind while traveling with pets using Air Canada in 2025
- Minimum Age: In most cases, your pet will need to be at least 10 weeks of age and be weaned before it can qualify for travel.
- Breed Restrictions: Some brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds of dogs and cats are not allowed to be carried in the baggage compartment because they have high health risks. Some powerful breeds might also require special reinforced containers. It is recommended that one contacts Air Canada directly for an up-to-date list of restricted breeds.
- Health Documents: Although Air Canada does not always require a health certificate, it is up to the owner to have in their possession whatever documents are needed by the country or region that they are flying to.
- Check-in: As a pet traveler, you must check in with an Air Canada agent at the airport at least 30 minutes prior to your flight’s recommended standard check-in time. Online or self-service kiosk check-in will not be permitted.
- Summer and Winter Restrictions: Take note that possible temperature limitations might be imposed during the hot summer and cold winter months, which might affect the acceptance of pets for transport in the baggage compartment.
Planning Ahead for a Smooth Journey
With these new policies coming into force in 2025, it is crucial for pet owners to plan their travel arrangements very carefully well in advance. Make sure your pet carrier complies with the new standards, reserve your pet’s travel with Air Canada as early as possible, and carefully review all the individual regulations related to your destination place. By preparing yourself properly, you can effectively help provide for a safe and comfortable trip for your beloved pet companion. For the latest and most up-to-date information, and to answer any particular questions you might have, it is always best to consult directly the official Air Canada website or call their customer service department.
