This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking and making a purchase through the links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclaimer for more information. This and display ads allow me to keep the site up to date and give back.
Traveling with a dog can be a confusing, especially when it comes to flying. As a digital nomad constantly on the move with my dog, Puglo, I know the struggle of finding airlines that allow pets in the cabin.
The anxiety of being separated from your furry friend can be overwhelming, and the fear of unexpected airline policies can make travel planning a real headache.
When you’re trying to figure out which airlines will accommodate your dog, it’s easy to feel lost. Not every airline is pet-friendly, and the ones that are often have confusing or unclear requirements. The last thing you want is to arrive at the airport and find out your dog can’t board with you.
I’ve been traveling full-time with Puglo for the last year, flying all over the world with him right by my side in the cabin. Through a lot of research and personal experience, I’ve gathered the best tips and tricks to help fellow travelers navigate this aspect of pet travel.
In this post, I’ll share the top airlines that allow dogs in cabin in Canada, covering their pet policies, fees, and any special requirements. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently book your next flight, knowing your dog will be safely by your side.
Disclaimer: Always check the airline’s website for the most up-to-date policy. These rules can change frequently, and while I’ll do my best to keep this post current, it’s crucial to verify details directly with the airline.
Traveling with your dog in-cabin? This is the pet carrier I’ve used with Puglo on over 20+ flights without ever being denied.
Airlines that allow dogs in Cabin Canada
1. WestJet: Pet Policy for In-Cabin Travel
If you’re planning to fly with your dog within Canada, WestJet is a good option.
- Weight Restriction: No specific weight restriction mentioned online, but the pet must fit comfortably within the carrier.
- Pet Fee: $50 CAD + tax one-way within Canada and the U.S., $100 for destinations outside
- Carrier Dimensions: Maximum dimensions for soft-sided carriers are 16 inches L x 8.5 inches H x 10 inches W (41 cm L x 21.5 cm H x 25.4 cm W). Only soft-shell carriers are allowed.
- Emotional Support Animals (ESA): WestJet no longer accepts emotional support animals in the cabin.
- Carry-On Count: The pet carrier counts as your carry-on item.
I’ve flown WestJet from Mexico to Canada a couple of times now, and it’s always been a positive experience. While the dog must remain in the carrier, they were lenient when I opened the top to give him some head scratches. My dog was never weighed, and the check-in process was smooth. My carrier was a bit taller than their dimensions, but because it was soft-shell and could squish to fit under the seat, they didn’t mind.
To add your dog to the flight, call or talk to an agent online through their chat. This must be done in advance as there is a limit to how many dogs they allow in the cabin on each flight.
WestJet is a good option for flying within Canada, and they also fly to the U.S, Caribbean, Mexico, and some destinations in Europe. Always check WestJet’s pet policy page for the most up-to-date information before booking your flight.
2. Fly Porter: Pet Policy for In-Cabin Travel
Fly Porter is another great option for traveling with your dog within Canada. Here’s a quick rundown of their pet policy:
- Weight Restriction: No specific weight restriction mentioned online, but the pet must fit comfortably within the carrier.
- Pet Fee: $50 CAD/USD one-way.
- Carrier Dimensions: Maximum dimensions for soft-shell carriers are 21.5 inches L x 15.5 inches H x 10.5 inches W (55 cm L x 40 cm H x 27 cm W). Only soft-shell carriers are allowed, and they must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Emotional Support Animals (ESA): Fly Porter accepts emotional support animals in the cabin.
- Carry-On Count: The pet carrier counts as your carry-on item.
I haven’t flown with my dog on Porter before, but I’ve heard positive things from other travelers. They appreciate the airline’s accommodating nature and smooth process for traveling with pets.
To add your dog to the flight, book on a space-available basis. Porter allows up to two pets in the cabin on any given flight. To avoid disappointment, reserve space for your pet at the time by calling the airline.
Fly Porter is a good option for flying within Canada, and they also fly to select destinations in the U.S., Latin America, and Europe. Always check Fly Porter’s pet policy page for the most up-to-date information before booking your flight.
3. Air Transat: Pet Policy for In-Cabin Travel
- Weight Restriction: Combined weight of pet and carrier must not exceed 10 kg (22 lbs) on flights operated by Air Transat, or 8 kg (17.6 lbs) on flights operated by SmartLynx Airlines.
- Pet Fee: $50 CAD/USD one-way within Canada and the USA, and $100 CAD/USD one-way to Europe, Africa, and the South.
- Carrier Dimensions: Maximum dimensions for carriers are 17 inches L x 9.5 inches H x 10 inches W (43.2 cm L x 24.1 cm H x 25.5 cm W). Only soft-sided carriers are allowed, and they must fit under the seat in front of you. The carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated.
- Emotional Support Animals (ESA): Air Transat will accept an emotional support dog for travel, provided the acceptance conditions are met. Emotional support dogs weighing up to 12 kg may travel in the floor space at the passenger’s feet or on their lap. An extra ticket for additional floor space in front of the adjacent seat must be pre-purchased at least 48 hours in advance for dogs weighing over 12 kg, for the comfort and safety of the animal.
- Carry-On Count: The pet carrier counts as your carry-on item.
I’ve flown Air Transat before by myself and like the airline, though I haven’t flown with Puglo yet.
To add your dog to the flight, you must reserve this service at least 72 hours prior to departure. The number of pets allowed on board is limited, and only certain seats can accommodate them. You can check the space available for pets online here.
Air Transat is a good option for flying within Canada, and they also fly to select destinations in the U.S., Europe, and beyond. Always check Air Transat’s pet policy page for the most up-to-date information before booking your flight.
4. Air Canada: Pet Policy for In-Cabin Travel
Air Canada is a widely used airline, but it has a mixed reputation when it comes to traveling with pets. Here’s a quick rundown of their pet policy:
- Weight Restriction: No specific weight restriction mentioned online, but the pet must fit comfortably within the carrier. Air Canada is nortorious for being strict about the dog’s head not touching the top of the carrier.
- Pet Fee: $50 CAD/USD one-way within Canada and Canada/U.S., and $100 CAD/USD one-way for international flights.
- Carrier Dimensions:
- Soft-sided carriers: Maximum dimensions are 21.5 inches L x 10.5 inches H x 15.5 inches W (55 cm L x 27 cm H x 40 cm W).
- Hard-sided carriers: Accepted on some aircraft, so check with the airline. Maximum dimensions are 21.5 inches L x 9 inches H x 15.5 inches W (55 cm L x 23 cm H x 40 cm W).
- The carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and fit under the seat in front of you.
- Emotional Support Animals (ESA): Air Canada does not accept emotional support animals in the cabin.
- Carry-On Count: The pet carrier counts as your one standard carry-on item allowed on board.
Air Canada probably has one of the worst reputations for traveling with pets. I feel like every day I see someone posting in a Facebook group about how they were denied boarding. I’ve flown Air Canada to and from Mexico a couple of times now, and my experience has always been fine. To be honest, they’ve never even weighed Puglo. Last time, I was really worried because of these posts, but I think it really comes down to who you get at the gate. Reminder that a smile goes a long way!
To add your dog to the flight, you must call to register your pet in advance as space is limited. Air Canada allows you to cancel your booking within 24 hours free-of-charge, so you can add your pet to your booking during this time period and cancel if needed.
Always check Air Canada’s pet policy page for the most up-to-date information before booking your flight.
5. Flair Airlines: Pet Policy for In-Cabin Travel
Flair Airlines welcomes small dogs or cats in the cabin for a fee. Here’s a quick rundown of their pet policy:
- Weight Restriction: Combined weight of pet and carrier must not exceed 23 lbs (10.4 kg).
- Pet Fee:
- Online: $79 CAD + tax
- Airport: $99 CAD + tax
- Carrier Dimensions: Maximum dimensions for soft-sided carriers are 16 inches L x 9 inches H x 10 inches W (41 cm L x 23 cm H x 25 cm W). The carrier must be airline-approved, leak-proof, well-ventilated, and fit under the seat in front of you.
- Carry-On Count: The pet carrier counts as one standard item toward your carry-on baggage allowance.
- Emotional Support Animals (ESA): Emotional support animals, limited to domestic dogs only, are permitted to travel at the discretion of Flair Airlines and are subject to applicable fees.
I haven’t flown with Flair Airlines before, but their pet policy seems accommodating with the ability to add a pet to your reservation online. Always check Flair Airlines’ pet policy page for the most up-to-date information before booking your flight.
6. PAL Airlines: Pet Policy for In-Cabin Travel
PAL Airlines, serving Newfoundland and Quebec, now welcomes pet cats and small dogs in the cabin as of November 3, 2023. Here’s what you need to know:
- Weight Restriction: The pet must fit comfortably in the carrier.
- Pet Fee: $50 CAD plus tax for domestic travel, $100 CAD plus tax for international travel.
- Carrier Dimensions: Maximum dimensions for soft-sided carriers are 14.5 inches L x 11 inches H x 15 inches W (36.8 cm L x 27.9 cm H x 38.1 cm W). The carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated.
- Carry-On Count: The pet carrier counts as your carry-on item.
To travel with your pet, book the pet’s spot at least 24 hours after making your reservation by calling PAL Airlines Customer Care and Reservation Center at 1-800-563-2800 or emailing them at [email protected] (English) or [email protected] (French). Be prepared to provide the dimensions of the carrier, weight, and breed of your pet.
Please note that this pet policy does not apply to Air Borealis flights. Always check PAL Airlines’ pet policy page for the most up-to-date information before booking your flight.
7. Pacific Coastal Airlines: Pet Policy for In-Cabin Travel
Pacific Coastal Airlines, based in British Columbia, accepts small pets for travel in the cabin for a fee. Here’s what you need to know:
- Weight Restriction: Maximum combined weight of pet and carrier is 22 lbs (10 kg).
- Pet Fee: $52.50 CAD per kennel, each way.
- Carrier Dimensions: Maximum dimensions for soft-sided carriers are 17 inches L x 10 inches H x 10 inches W (43 cm L x 25.4 cm H x 25.4 cm W). The carrier must be airline-approved, soft-sided, leak-proof, and well-ventilated.
- Carry-On Count: The pet carrier counts as part of the passenger’s carry-on allowance.
There is a limit of two live animals accepted as carry-on per flight. Customers must contact the Carrier’s call centre to secure a space prior to travel. For more information, visit Pacific Coastal Airlines’ pet policy page.
8. Canadian North: Pet Policy for In-Cabin Travel
Canadian North services the Northwest Territories and allows small household pets in the cabin. Here’s what you need to know:
- Weight Restriction: Combined weight of the pet and kennel must not exceed 22 lbs (10 kg).
- Pet Fee: $86.25 CAD one-way.
- Carrier Dimensions: Pets must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down in their carrier. Dogs and cats can travel in soft-sided carriers, while other animals must use IATA-approved containers. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Carry-On Count: The pet carrier counts as part of the passenger’s carry-on allowance.
Space for pets must be requested at least 48 hours before departure by contacting Canadian North Reservations at 1-800-267-1247 or emailing [email protected].
Always check Canadian North’s pet policy page for the most up-to-date information before booking your flight.
FAQ: Airlines that Allow Dogs in Cabin Canada
Which Canadian airline allows pets in cabin?
Several Canadian airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Fly Porter, allow pets in the cabin.
Can I bring my dog on a plane Canada?
Yes, you can bring your dog on a plane in Canada with airlines such as Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Fly Porter.
Can I bring my dog to Mexico from Canada?
Yes, you can bring your dog to Mexico from Canada, but ensure you check the specific airline’s pet policy and Mexico’s import regulations for pets.
Can my dog sit on my lap during a flight Canada?
No, pets must remain in their carrier under the seat in front of you during the flight. However, some airlines like Air Transat allow emotional support dogs on laps under specific conditions.
Can I buy a seat for my dog on an airplane?
Generally, airlines do not allow purchasing an extra seat for your dog, but Air Transat allows an extra seat for emotional support dogs over 12 kg to provide additional floor space.
How strict is Air Canada with pets in the cabin?
Air Canada can be strict with pet policies, but experiences may vary depending on the staff at the gate.
How much does it cost to fly a dog in Canada?
The cost to fly a dog in Canada typically ranges from $50 to $99 CAD one-way, depending on the airline.
What size of dog can fly in a cabin?
Dogs that fit comfortably in an airline-approved carrier, usually with a combined weight (dog and carrier) of up to 10 kg (22 lbs), can fly in the cabin.
What is the maximum size for a dog on a carry-on?
The maximum size for a dog carrier is generally around 21.5 inches L x 10.5 inches H x 15.5 inches W (55 cm L x 27 cm H x 40 cm W), but this can vary slightly by airline.
Can a 25 lb dog fly in a cabin?
No, most airlines have a weight limit of around 10 kg (22 lbs) for pets in the cabin, including the carrier.
How do I travel with my dog to Canada?
To travel with your dog to Canada, ensure they meet the airline’s pet policy requirements and comply with Canada’s import regulations, including vaccinations and health certificates.
Final thoughts: Traveling with Dogs in Cabin Canada
Traveling with your dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it does come with its challenges. I hope this guide helps you navigate the ins and outs of flying with your dog in cabin within Canada.
If you have any more questions or want to share your own experiences, I invite you to join our Facebook community, Traveling with Dogs. It’s a supportive space where fellow pet owners exchange tips, stories, and advice.
