North America
Flying with a dog on Air Canada AC
North America
Flying with a dog on Air Canada
Excellent
Here is the Air Canada pet policy for dogs, checked against the airline's own pages in October 2026. Below: what applies in the cabin and in the hold, the breed rules for your dog, and what to sort out before you fly.
Air Canada dog policy at a glance
In the cabin
No weight limit
In the hold
Up to 45 kg
Air Canada pet carrier size: dog carriers that fit
We checked every carrier in our comparison against the limits of Air Canada, size by size. Shown are the ones that fit by their dimensions, most mentioned first. At the gate, Air Canada decides.
In the hold
5 carriers fit by their dimensions
Illustration Petmate Sky Kennel Fits 21", 28" +3 · 31.7 kg for the dog (36") 
Illustration Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel Fits 21", 28" +3 · 31.7 kg for the dog (36") 
Illustration MPS Skudo IATA Fits Skudo 1, Skudo 2 +6 · 35 kg for the dog (Skudo 5) Breed rules
Restrictions| Breed group | Cabin with you | Hold on your flight | Cargo booked separately |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snub-nosed | Allowed | Not allowed | Not listed |
| Strong breeds | Allowed | Conditional | Not listed |
– not listed
Snub-nosed
- Cabin, with you
- Allowed
- Hold, on your flight
- Not allowed
- Cargo, booked separately
- Not listed
Strong breeds
- Cabin, with you
- Allowed
- Hold, on your flight
- Conditional
- Cargo, booked separately
- Not listed
Short/snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog breeds cannot travel in the baggage compartment: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, all Bulldog breeds, Chihuahua (apple-headed), Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, all Pug breeds, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Teddy Bear (Zuchon or Shichon) and Tibetan Spaniel. Breeds classified as strong must travel in a special reinforced crate in the baggage compartment.
Assistance dogs
AllowedCertified assistance and guide dogs accepted in cabin free of charge. Documentation from a recognized organization required. Contact airline in advance.
Summary
Cats and small dogs can travel in the cabin in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, with the pet able to stand, turn around and lie down; one pet per passenger. Larger pets can travel in the pressurized baggage compartment, with pet plus kennel up to 45 kg. Cabin fees run CA/US $50-60 each way within Canada and Canada/U.S. and $100-120 international, while baggage compartment fees run $105-126 domestic and $270-324 international. Seasonal heat and cold restrictions apply for pets travelling in the baggage compartment on many routes.
All cabin carriers must be soft-sided and flexible; backpacks with hard plastic windows are not permitted. Maximum size depends on aircraft: most jets allow 40 cm W x 43 cm L x 20 cm H, Dash 8-400/E175/CRJ900/Landline allow 40 x 55 x 27 cm, and Business Class of A330-300/777/787 allows 21 x 41 x 28 cm. Carriers are not permitted on Air Canada Jetz flights. Only one cat or small dog per passenger in the cabin; in the baggage compartment up to two fully weaned puppies or kittens aged 12 weeks to 6 months of the same species may share one kennel.
Pets travel in the pressurized baggage compartment on the same flight (max 292 cm linear dimensions and 45 kg pet plus kennel combined). Kennels exceeding 45 kg or 292 cm must be shipped via Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals). Summer heat, winter cold weather and destination-specific embargoes apply.
Before you fly
- Check which vaccinations and health documents your route requires, and keep them with you.
- Reserve your dog's spot early, as places per flight are limited.
- Check the entry rules of your destination country.
- Get your dog used to the carrier or kennel well before the trip.
- Larger dogs travel in the climate-controlled hold, so book that early too.
Always double-check
Airline pet policies change often and vary by route, aircraft and season. Confirm the current rules directly with Air Canada before booking.
Similar airlines in North America
Flying with a dog on Air Canada: FAQ
What is the Air Canada pet policy for dogs? ▾
Air Canada allows small dogs in the cabin, and larger dogs travel in the hold. Some breeds are restricted, and the Dog-Friendly Score is 100/100. Checked against the official policy in October 2026.
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Air Canada? ▾
Yes. Air Canada allows small dogs in the cabin in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
Can my dog travel in cargo on Air Canada? ▾
Yes. Air Canada transports dogs in the temperature-controlled hold. Advance booking and an IATA-compliant travel crate are usually required.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on Air Canada? ▾
On Air Canada, the in-cabin fee is CA$50–60 (each way · varies by route); the airline states: CA/US $50-60 one way within Canada/U.S.; $100-120 international, and the hold fee is CA$105–126 (each way · varies by route); the airline states: CA/US $105-126 one way within Canada/U.S.; $270-324 international. Fees change, so confirm the exact amount when you book.
Are there breed restrictions on Air Canada? ▾
Yes. Air Canada restricts certain breeds: Short/snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog breeds cannot travel in the baggage compartment: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, all Bulldog breeds, Chihuahua (apple-headed), Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, all Pug breeds, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Teddy Bear (Zuchon or Shichon) and Tibetan Spaniel. Breeds classified as strong must travel in a special reinforced crate in the baggage compartment. Check the breed rules for your dog before booking.
Does Air Canada accept assistance dogs? ▾
Yes. Trained assistance dogs are accepted in the cabin, usually free of charge, with the required documentation. Contact Air Canada in advance.