International airline guide · Reviewed November 12, 2026

Air Canada: Flying with Your Dog

Understand your options for cabin travel, checked pets, and separately booked cargo.

Canada / worldwide

Pet travel options

In the cabin

Small dogs in soft-sided carriers that fit under the seat. Since June 2025, soft-sided carriers are required; dimensions vary by aircraft/cabin.

Checked pet / accompanied hold

On eligible flights, dogs plus kennel up to 45 kg (100 lb), maximum 292 cm (115 in) combined dimensions; seasonal and aircraft restrictions apply.

Air cargo (separate shipment)

Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals) handles animals outside checked-baggage limits and other eligible shipments.

Booking and reservations

Notify Air Canada in advance; space is limited, and codeshare flights may not accept pets.

Important: Hawaii, temperature, peak-season, cabin class and operating-airline restrictions may prevent pet travel. Policies, fees, routes, animal acceptance, and documentation can change. Confirm all details with the operating airline before purchasing tickets.

Before you book

Confirm the operating carrier on every segment, aircraft and cabin class, carrier or crate dimensions, pet space availability, any breed or temperature embargoes, the total cost, and the destination's import requirements. Assistance animals follow different rules.

Editorial review: November 12, 2026 · Information sourced from the airline's published policies. FlyDogFly is independent and not affiliated with Air Canada.

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