Can my dog fly in the cabin with Air Canada?
Air Canada allows dogs in the cabin, but does not publish a fixed cabin weight limit in the terms we could verify — confirm the current limit directly with the airline before booking.
Airline · Air Canada (AC)
Air Canada Pet Policy: Flying With a Dog or Cat in 2026
Hi, I'm Merlot — a 30 kg Golden Retriever and trained Service Dog. Here's Air Canada's pet policy exactly as published on its own official pages: the cabin rules, the hold, what changes for trained service dogs, and booking basics. Where Air Canada doesn't publish a fixed number, I say so directly instead of guessing.
Last verified: 2026-10-20. Rules change — always confirm with the airline before booking.
A worked example first, then each rule in detail.
Worked example
Does my dog fit Air Canada's rules?
Take a 28.0 kg English Setter — too big for most airlines' cabins. On Air Canada, a dog that size travels in the hold, subject to the airline's standard hold conditions.
Now every rule, sourced and dated.
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Pets in the Cabin
Air Canada allows dogs and cats in the cabin, though a fixed weight limit is not published in the terms we could verify. CA/US $50-60 one-way within Canada and Canada/US; CA/US $100-120 one-way international. As of 2025-06-01, all cabin pets must be in a soft-sided carrier (hard-sided/backpack-with-hard-window carriers no longer permitted). Carrier must fit fully under the seat in front; size varies by aircraft/cabin type (table of exceptions on official page). Not permitted in Premium Economy (seat layout) or on Air Canada Jetz flights. Book your own flight first, then call Air Canada Reservations to register the pet on the same flight; arrive 30 min earlier than normal recommended check-in time; must see an agent at check-in.
- Pets NOT accepted in cabin or baggage compartment on flights to/from Hawaii (must use Air Canada Cargo). Max one cat or small dog in cabin per passenger; min age ~10 weeks and fully weaned (exceptions per government regulations). No online/kiosk check-in when traveling with a pet; must register with Air Canada Reservations, recommended within 24h of booking.
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Pets in the Hold
Air Canada transports pets in the cargo hold. Baggage-compartment (checked) pets: max combined pet+kennel weight 45 kg (100 lb), max linear dimensions (L+W+H) 292 cm (115 in); above that, contact Air Canada Cargo. Fee CA/US $105-120.75 one-way within Canada/US (except Hawaii), CA/US $270-318.60 international. Min age ~10 weeks. Up to 2 same-species pets may share one kennel (counted as 2 pets). Extensive seasonal heat (>29.5C/85F) and cold (<=0C/32F, or for pets <4.5kg/10lb) embargoes by country/aircraft type (e.g., no pets in hold on Embraer E175; winter restrictions on A319/A320/A321 and 737 MAX 8). Pets not accepted in the hold to/from Hawaii at any time.
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Service Dogs
Air Canada accepts trained service dogs in the cabin, free of charge. Documents typically needed: Not confirmed in this session - see Air Canada accessibility services page. Canada: Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR) apply rather than US DOT rules; specifics not independently confirmed this session.
The Air Canada pet questions that come up most.
FAQ
Air Canada Pets: Your Questions, Answered
Each answer checked against official sources on 2026-10-20.
Does Air Canada transport pets in the cargo hold?
Yes, Air Canada accepts pets in the hold — Baggage-compartment (checked) pets: max combined pet+kennel weight 45 kg (100 lb), max linear dimensions (L+W+H) 292 cm (115 in); above that, contact Air Canada Cargo. Fee CA/US $105-120.75 one-way within Canada/US (except Hawaii), CA/US $270-318.60 international. Min age ~10 weeks. Up to 2 same-species pets may share one kennel (counted as 2 pets). Extensive seasonal heat (>29.5C/85F) and cold (<=0C/32F, or for pets <4.5kg/10lb) embargoes by country/aircraft type (e.g., no pets in hold on Embraer E175; winter restrictions on A319/A320/A321 and 737 MAX 8). Pets not accepted in the hold to/from Hawaii at any time.
Does Air Canada accept trained service dogs in the cabin?
Yes, at no charge. Documents needed: Not confirmed in this session - see Air Canada accessibility services page.
Is Air Canada's fee for flying with a pet published?
CA/US $50-60 one-way within Canada and Canada/US; CA/US $100-120 one-way international. As of 2025-06-01, all cabin pets must be in a soft-sided carrier (hard-sided/backpack-with-hard-window carriers no longer permitted). Carrier must fit fully under the seat in front; size varies by aircraft/cabin type (table of exceptions on official page). Not permitted in Premium Economy (seat layout) or on Air Canada Jetz flights.
Sources
Every rule above traces to these official pages, checked on 2026-10-20. Confidence: high. Rules change — always confirm with the airline before booking.
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