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Airline · WestJet (WS)
Hi, I'm Merlot — a 30 kg Golden Retriever and trained Service Dog. Here's WestJet'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 WestJet 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
Take a 28.0 kg English Setter — too big for most airlines' cabins. On WestJet, a dog that size travels in the hold, subject to the airline's standard hold conditions.
Now every rule, sourced and dated.
WestJet allows dogs and cats in the cabin, though a fixed weight limit is not published in the terms we could verify. The carrier must be no larger than 41 × 25 × 22 cm. Pet kennel fee applies for cabin or checked pets (exact amount not listed on fetched page; paid via contact centre). Not accepted in Business cabin on the 787 Dreamliner. Reserve online or by phone/live chat as soon as booking is complete; kennel subject to approval at check-in; cannot use web/kiosk check-in with a pet.
WestJet transports pets in the cargo hold. Checked baggage compartment: species accepted birds, cats, chinchillas, dogs, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, rabbits. Max combined weight 45 kg (100 lb); max kennel size 101x68x81 cm (40x27x32 in), must be hard-sided. Max kennels per flight: 3 on 737 (incl. MAX), 2 on 787, 1 on Dash 8. A 'Live Animals Handling Declaration' must be completed at check-in. Extensive holiday/heat/cold embargo table by destination (e.g., no checked pets to Aruba/Belize/Cayman year-round; seasonal bans elsewhere).
WestJet accepts trained service dogs in the cabin, free of charge. Documents typically needed: Not confirmed in this session - see WestJet service animals page. Canada: Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) ATPDR rules apply.
The WestJet pet questions that come up most.
FAQ
Each answer checked against official sources on 2026-10-20.
WestJet 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. The carrier can be at most 41 × 25 × 22 cm.
Yes, WestJet accepts pets in the hold — Checked baggage compartment: species accepted birds, cats, chinchillas, dogs, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, rabbits. Max combined weight 45 kg (100 lb); max kennel size 101x68x81 cm (40x27x32 in), must be hard-sided. Max kennels per flight: 3 on 737 (incl. MAX), 2 on 787, 1 on Dash 8. A 'Live Animals Handling Declaration' must be completed at check-in. Extensive holiday/heat/cold embargo table by destination (e.g., no checked pets to Aruba/Belize/Cayman year-round; seasonal bans elsewhere).
Yes, at no charge. Documents needed: Not confirmed in this session - see WestJet service animals page.
Pet kennel fee applies for cabin or checked pets (exact amount not listed on fetched page; paid via contact centre). Not accepted in Business cabin on the 787 Dreamliner.
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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