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Travelling Domestically With Your Pet in Canada (2026)

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Flying with a dog or cat, taking VIA Rail, or hitting the road with your pet? Here's what each Canadian carrier allows, what it costs, and how to prepare, with a free printable checklist.

Fees and dimensions change frequently

All carrier fees, carrier dimensions, and weight limits below are verified as of October 2026 but change regularly. Always confirm the current policy directly with your airline or carrier before booking.

  1. 1

    Flying with your pet

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    In-cabin basics (all airlines)

    • •One pet per passenger.
    • •Soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you (confirm dimensions with your airline).
    • •The pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier.
    • •Spots are strictly limited: add your pet to the booking as early as possible.
    • •You generally cannot check in your pet online: see an airline agent at the airport.

    Domestic flights: airlines generally do not require a health certificate or vaccination proof, but carry the vaccination record anyway.

    Air Canada

    In-cabin + hold/cargo
    Official pet policy →
    In-cabin:Soft-sided carrier under seat; pet must be at least 10 weeks old.
    Hold/cargo:Pressurized hold / AC Cargo; max 45 kg including kennel. Snub-nosed breeds not accepted in the hold. No hold pets on the A319, A320, A321, or E175. Cold-weather rule: pets under 4.5 kg are not accepted in the hold on any aircraft Nov 1 – Mar 31, or any other time the temperature is 0°C or below.
    Fee:Approximately CA $50--60 in-cabin (one-way). Confirm current fee at aircanada.com.
    Pre-book:Register with Reservations after booking (spots are limited; book as early as possible).

    Note: Winter embargo: no checked or cargo pets Dec 18–Jan 4 (peak winter period). Policies apply to Air Canada-operated flights only (not codeshare partners).

    WestJet

    In-cabin + hold/cargo
    Official pet policy →
    In-cabin:Soft-sided carrier counts as your carry-on allowance; pet must be at least 8 weeks old.
    Hold/cargo:Checked baggage hold; max 45 kg. Snub-nosed breeds only via WestJet Cargo.
    Fee:Fee applies. Not published on the WestJet website (confirm current fee directly with WestJet).
    Pre-book:Book at least 48 hours before departure.

    Porter Airlines

    In-cabin only
    Official pet policy →
    In-cabin:Soft-sided carrier max 55 x 40 x 27 cm (confirm current dimensions at flyporter.com).
    Hold/cargo:Not available on Porter Airlines flights.
    Fee:$50 + applicable taxes (approximately $50--57.50). Confirm current fee at flyporter.com.
    Pre-book:Maximum 2 pets per flight; book at least 24 hours before departure.

    Flair Airlines

    In-cabin only
    Official pet policy →
    In-cabin:Flair: check the airline's current pet policy before booking; the page moved in October 2026 and the figures could not be confirmed.
    Hold/cargo:Not available on Flair Airlines flights.
    Fee:Confirm the current pet fee at flyflair.com before booking.
    Pre-book:Check Flair's booking deadline for pets.

    Air Transat

    In-cabin + hold/cargo
    Official pet policy →
    In-cabin:Small dogs and cats accepted in cabin, under the seat. Exact cabin weight/dimension limits: confirm current requirements at airtransat.com.
    Hold/cargo:Cats and dogs accepted in the hold (IATA-approved hard crate required); breed bans apply. Hold fee within Canada: $100/segment. Confirm current fee at airtransat.com.
    Fee:In-cabin fee: confirm current fee at airtransat.com. Hold fee within Canada approximately $100/segment. Fees vary by destination. Confirm at airtransat.com.
    Pre-book:Book at least 24 hours before departure; complete the Pet Information Form. Traveller must be 16 or older.
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  2. 2

    By train (VIA Rail)

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    VIA Rail

    Corridor trains only (Quebec City to Windsor)
    VIA Rail pet policy →
    Who can travel:Small cats and dogs (at least 12 weeks old) in an approved carrier.
    Routes:Corridor trains only (Quebec City–Windsor corridor).
    Carrier placement:Carrier rides on the floor at your feet. VIA Rail seats do not have under-seat stowage space.
    Weight / size:Combined pet + carrier: max 10 kg. Carrier max 27 x 40 x 55 cm.
    Fee:$50 per direction + applicable tax. Confirm current fee at viarail.ca.
    Booking:Reserve at least 48 hours in advance by phone (1-888-842-7245). Sign a Pet Transportation Agreement at the station. Space available: max 2 pets in Economy / 1 in Business class.
    Restrictions:Pit bulls not accepted. Pets not allowed with unaccompanied minors, infants under 2, or alongside a service dog in the same booking.

    Checked baggage-car service: Checked "baggage-car" pet service: check viarail.ca for current availability on your route.

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  3. 3

    By car / road trip

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    1. 1
      Restrain the pet: use a secured crate or a proper travel harness/seatbelt tether. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) opposes unsecured transport, including loose pets in truck beds.
    2. 2
      Never leave a pet alone in a parked car. Interior temperatures rise dangerously fast even with windows cracked.
    3. 3
      Plan regular rest stops and water breaks; bring enough food and water for the full trip.
    4. 4
      Provincial rules: a few provinces address unrestrained or unsafely-transported pets under distracted-driving or careless-driving rules. Check your province's rules on transporting pets in a vehicle.
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  4. 4

    Before you go: health and prep

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    • Have a vet confirm your pet is fit to travel, especially for long or stressful trips.
    • Carry your pet's vaccination record with you throughout the trip.
    • Ensure your pet is microchipped (ISO standard) and wearing an ID tag with current contact information.
    • Acclimate your pet to the carrier well before the trip. Short practice sessions help reduce travel stress.
    • Ask your vet about anti-anxiety or motion-sickness options for nervous pets if needed.
    • For domestic Canadian flights: airlines generally do not require a health certificate or vaccination proof, but carry the vaccination record regardless.

    Source: Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), canadianveterinarians.net

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  5. 5

    Service animals vs pets

    A certified service animal is not a pet.Open this section ↓

    A certified service animal is not a pet. It typically travels in the cabin free of charge, exempt from pet carrier and fee rules, and requires its own documentation. See each carrier's accessibility or service-animal page for current requirements.

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  6. 6

    Domestic Pet Travel Checklist

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    Free download

    Download a printable PDF covering all five airlines, VIA Rail, road-trip tips, and the before-you-go prep checklist.

    Free. General information only, not legal or regulatory advice.

    Keep it with the rest. This one files behind tab 6 of the Home File.

    Budget the processing time before a trip, and remember canada.ca's own caveat: "This doesn't include mailing time." The passport guide: processing times and fees →

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Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.

Facts checked October 2026