🔄 Updated : June 30, 2026

Air Canada (Canada) is one of the carriers that accepts dogs both in the cabin and in the hold, under conditions. Weight limits, fees, affected breeds and booking: here is everything you need to know before you reserve.

In the cabin

Air Canada accepts a dog in the cabin if its weight, carrier included, does not exceed 10 kg (22 lb). The carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you. Expect to pay around €34–80 (~$40–90).

Airline conditions: Dog + carrier max 10 kg (22 lb); soft-sided carrier required.

In the hold

Above the cabin limit, your dog travels in the pressurized, heated hold, in an IATA-compliant crate. Indicative fee: €71–184 (~$80–210).

Airline conditions: Checked-baggage hold; rigid crate; brachycephalic breeds banned from the hold and cargo.

Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds

Like most airlines, Air Canada restricts flat-faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs, boxers, etc.), which are generally banned from the hold because of the respiratory risk. If your dog is brachycephalic, opt for the cabin whenever its weight allows, and confirm the rule before booking.

⚠️ Heat: seasonal embargoes may apply during periods of high temperatures. Check the dates of your trip. Our advice: heatstroke in dogs.

How to book

Pet spots on board are limited: book as early as possible.

  1. Buy your ticket, then contact Air Canada to add your dog to the booking.
  2. Prepare the health documents (microchip, rabies vaccination, pet passport or health certificate, sometimes a rabies titer test) — see our guide to international travel with a dog.
  3. Choose the right container: an approved soft carrier (cabin) or an IATA crate (hold). Size it with our IATA crate calculator.

🧰 Our tools to plan your trip

Dog flight checker Can my dog fly? 62 airlines compared, by departure airport, destination and your dog's weight. Open the checker → IATA crate calculator IATA crate calculator The airline-approved crate size for your dog, using the official IATA formula. Calculate the size → Entry requirements by country Entry requirements checker Country-by-country entry rules: paperwork, vaccines, lead times and official sources. Check the rules →

Compare with other airlines

How dogs are treated varies widely from one airline to another. To find the best option for your route and your dog’s weight, use our dog flight checker and browse the comparison of 62 airline pet policies. To prepare for the flight itself, also read our advice on dog travel anxiety.

➡️ Next step : your journey

  1. Check the health requirements
  2. Choose an IATA-compliant travel crate
  3. Prepare your dog for the stress of flying
  4. Compare all 62 airlines

🌍 Where can you fly with Air Canada? Our entry-requirement guides for its destinations: Canada, European Union, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom.

Frequently asked questions

Does Air Canada accept dogs in the cabin?
Yes, up to 10 kg (22 lb) including the carrier.
Does Air Canada transport dogs in the hold?
Yes, in an IATA-compliant crate — except snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds in most cases.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on Air Canada?
As a guide: cabin €34–80 ($40–90) · hold €71–184 ($80–210). The final fee depends on the route and is confirmed at booking.

Sources

Air Canada — traveling with pets, accessed June 2026. Conditions and fees change regularly — confirm with Air Canada before booking.