Can I bring my dog or cat in the cabin on a Canadian domestic flight?

Yes. Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, Flair, and Air Transat all allow small pets in the cabin on domestic flights (in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat). Spots are limited — add your pet to the booking as early as possible and confirm current fees and carrier dimensions directly with the airline.

Which Canadian airlines offer in-cabin only pet travel (no cargo)?

Porter Airlines and Flair Airlines offer in-cabin pet travel only — pets are not permitted in the baggage hold or cargo on either carrier.

Can I bring my pet on VIA Rail?

Yes, on Corridor trains (Quebec City to Windsor) only. Small cats and dogs (at least 12 weeks, combined weight with carrier under 10 kg) travel in an approved carrier on the floor at your feet. Reserve at least 48 hours in advance by phone. Fee approximately $50/direction — confirm current fee at viarail.ca.

Do I need a health certificate to fly with my pet domestically in Canada?

Generally no. For domestic Canadian flights, airlines typically do not require a health certificate or vaccination proof. However, carry your pet's vaccination record with you regardless, and confirm the current policy with your airline before flying.

Free guide · national

Travelling Domestically With Your Pet in Canada (2026)

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 June 2026 but change regularly. Always confirm the current policy directly with your airline or carrier before booking.

Flying with your pet

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. Cold-weather rule Nov 1 -- Mar 31: pets under 4.5 kg not accepted in hold on some aircraft.

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:Soft-sided carrier max 41 x 23 x 25 cm; combined pet + carrier max 23 lb; pet must be at least 12 weeks old. Domestic flights only.

Hold/cargo:Not available on Flair Airlines flights.

Fee:$79--$129 (confirm current fee at flyflair.com -- fees vary by route).

Pre-book:Book at least 48 hours before departure.

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.

Pre-book:Book at least 24 hours before departure; complete the Pet Information Form. Traveller must be 16 or older.

By train (VIA Rail)

VIA Rail

Corridor trains only (Quebec City -- 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.

By car / road trip

1Restrain 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.
2Never leave a pet alone in a parked car -- interior temperatures rise dangerously fast even with windows cracked.
3Plan regular rest stops and water breaks; bring enough food and water for the full trip.
4Provincial 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.

Before you go: health & prep

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

Service animals vs pets

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.

Free download

Domestic Pet Travel Checklist

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.

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.

Last updated: June 2026