🔄 Updated : June 30, 2026

WestJet (Canada) is among the airlines that accept dogs both in the cabin and in the hold, under conditions. Weight, fees, affected breeds and booking: here is everything you need to know before you book.

In the cabin

WestJet accepts a dog in the cabin (the weight limit depends on the aircraft and class). The carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you. Expect about €34–80 (~$40–90).

Airline conditions: soft carrier max 41 × 21 × 25 cm (16 × 8 × 10 in).

In the hold

Above the cabin limit, your dog travels in a pressurized, heated hold, in an IATA-compliant crate, for a combined dog + crate weight of up to 45 kg (99 lb). Indicative fee: €68–160 (~$80–185).

Airline conditions: hold open to the public; max dog + crate 45 kg (99 lb); brachycephalic breeds restricted; heat embargo around 24 °C (75 °F).

Brachycephalic breeds

Like most airlines, WestJet 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, favor the cabin when its weight allows, and confirm the rule before booking.

⚠️ Heat: seasonal embargoes may apply during periods of high temperatures. Check your travel dates. 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 WestJet to add your dog to the booking.
  2. Prepare the health documents (microchip ID, valid rabies vaccination, pet passport or health certificate depending on your departure country, 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 dog 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 →

Comparing with other airlines

How dogs are treated varies widely from one airline to the next. To find the best option for your route and your dog’s weight, use our “Can my dog fly?” comparison tool and check our 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 WestJet? Our entry-requirement guides for its destinations: Canada, Mexico, United States.

Frequently asked questions

Does WestJet accept dogs in the cabin?
Yes.
Does WestJet carry dogs in the hold?
Yes, up to 45 kg (99 lb) (dog + crate), in an IATA-compliant crate — brachycephalic breeds are usually excluded.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on WestJet?
As a guideline: cabin €34–80 ($40–90) · hold €68–160 ($80–185). The final fee depends on the route and is confirmed at booking.

Sources

WestJet — pet transport, accessed June 2026. Conditions and fees change regularly: confirm with WestJet before booking.