Flying with Dogs in 2026: What CKC Members Need to Know
June 16, 2026
Whether you're travelling to a dog show, performance event, breeding appointment, or family vacation, understanding airline pet travel policies is an important part of planning your trip.
Over the past several years, airlines have continued to update their pet transportation requirements, with differences in breed restrictions, seasonal embargoes, destination limitations, and travel options. While some airlines continue to offer checked baggage and cargo services for dogs, others have shifted to in-cabin travel only.
Several developments have shaped pet travel in recent years:
- Air Canada introduced a requirement that all pets travelling in the cabin use soft-sided carriers, effective June 1, 2025.
- WestJet's brachycephalic and strong breed restrictions introduced in 2023 remain in effect.
- Porter Airlines and Flair Airlines continue to offer in-cabin travel only, with no checked baggage or cargo options for pets.
- Seasonal and destination-specific restrictions remain an important consideration for travellers planning to fly with dogs.
Here's a look at the current pet travel policies offered by Canada's four major airlines.
| Airline |
In Cabin |
Checked Baggage |
Cargo |
International Travel |
| Air Canada |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| WestJet |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (via WestJet Cargo) |
Yes |
| Porter Airlines |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
| Flair Airlines |
Yes |
No |
No |
No (domestic flights only) |
Air Canada
Air Canada offers the most comprehensive pet travel program of Canada's major airlines, with options for pets travelling in the cabin, as checked baggage, or through Air Canada Cargo.
One recent change that may affect travellers is Air Canada's requirement that all pets travelling in the cabin be transported in soft-sided carriers.
For pets travelling through Air Canada Cargo, several seasonal and temperature-related restrictions are in place.
Temperature Restrictions
Warm-blooded animals are not accepted for transport when the outside ground temperature is 29.5°C or higher at the departure city, destination, or any connection point along the route.
Seasonal Restrictions
May 15 to September 30: Warm-blooded animals are not accepted to or from several U.S. destinations due to extreme heat, including Atlanta, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, and Phoenix.
July 1 to August 31: Additional restrictions apply to some destinations in Asia, the Middle East, Greece, and Italy.
November 1 to March 31: Warm-blooded animals may not be accepted on certain aircraft with unheated cargo holds.
December 15 to January 12: Cats and dogs are not accepted through Air Canada Cargo within Canada, to and from the United States, or on international flights connecting through Canada. This restriction also applies to many breeder, kennel, and freight-forwarder shipments.
Air Canada also maintains restrictions for certain brachycephalic breeds and strong breeds travelling through cargo services.
WestJet
WestJet continues to offer pet travel in the cabin and as checked baggage on eligible flights, with cargo services available for certain animals through WestJet Cargo.
The airline maintains some of the most extensive destination-specific pet travel restrictions among Canada's major carriers.
Holiday Restrictions
Due to limited space during peak holiday travel periods, restrictions apply to pets travelling as checked baggage.
From December 18 to January 4, pets are not accepted as checked baggage on WestJet flights.
Seasonal Heat Restrictions
WestJet does not accept pets as checked baggage to many warm-weather destinations between May 15 and October 31.
Affected destinations include:
- Bahamas
- Cayman Islands
- Puerto Rico
- St. Lucia
- Turks and Caicos
- Most destinations in Mexico
- Most destinations in the Dominican Republic
Restrictions also apply to several U.S. destinations during the same period, including:
- Atlanta
- Dallas-Fort Worth
- Fort Lauderdale
- Houston
- Las Vegas
- Miami
- Orlando
- Phoenix
- Tampa Bay
Breed Restrictions
For bookings made after July 4, 2023, WestJet requires brachycephalic breeds travelling in the baggage compartment to be transported through WestJet Cargo. The airline also maintains separate requirements for strong breeds, which must travel in reinforced containers that meet IATA requirements.
Owners travelling with breeds subject to additional restrictions are encouraged to review the airline's policies carefully before booking.
Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines offers a straightforward pet travel program that allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin with their owners. Unlike Air Canada and WestJet, Porter does not transport pets as checked baggage and does not offer cargo services.
Pets must remain in a soft-sided carrier that fits beneath the seat in front of the passenger throughout the journey.
Notable restrictions include:
- One pet per passenger.
- Pets may not travel with unaccompanied minors.
- Pets may not travel with passengers seated in exit rows.
- Pets may not travel with passengers travelling with infants.
For owners of larger breeds, Porter is generally not an option, as all pets must fit comfortably within an approved in-cabin carrier.
Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines permits small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on domestic flights within Canada. Like Porter, Flair does not offer checked baggage or cargo options for pets.
Pets travelling with Flair must:
- Be at least 12 weeks old and fully weaned.
- Travel in an approved soft-sided carrier.
- Remain in the carrier throughout the flight.
- Be added to the reservation at least 48 hours before departure.
One notable difference is that Flair currently does not allow pets to travel on flights to the United States or other international destinations. For CKC members travelling outside Canada with their dogs, this may significantly limit travel options.
Before booking travel with your dog, consider the following:
- Review the airline's most current pet travel policies.
- Confirm whether your dog is eligible to travel in the cabin, as checked baggage, or through cargo services.
- Check for seasonal restrictions and destination-specific limitations.
- Review any breed-specific requirements that may apply.
- Confirm carrier and kennel specifications before travelling.
- Allow extra time to obtain any required documentation or health certificates.
Don't Forget Destination Requirements
Getting your dog on the plane is only one part of the journey. Before travelling, it is important to review the import requirements for your destination country, as these requirements may differ from airline policies and can change over time.
For example, dogs entering the United States must currently (June 2026):
- Be at least six months of age.
- Appear healthy upon arrival.
- Have an ISO-compatible microchip.
- Have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt.
Additional requirements may apply depending on where the dog has travelled in the previous six months and whether the dog is travelling for personal or commercial purposes.
This distinction is particularly important for CKC members, as dogs travelling to shows, trials, breeding appointments, veterinary appointments, or other dog-related activities may be subject to different requirements depending on the circumstances of travel.
Before travelling, review the most current requirements published by the CDC, including the CDC Dog Import Form Instructions and Bringing a Dog into the U.S. guidance. Depending on the purpose of travel, additional requirements published by the USDA may also apply.
If you’re booking a trip outside of the U.S. or Canada, be sure to review the most current requirements published by the appropriate government authorities for your destination.
Considering an Alternative to Air Travel?
For some trips within Canada, train travel may be another option for owners travelling with small dogs.
On Corridor routes between Quebec City and Windsor, VIA Rail permits cats and dogs to travel on board in approved carriers. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance, space is limited, and a fee applies.
Like Porter and Flair Airlines, pets travelling on VIA Rail must remain in an approved carrier throughout the journey. Carrier dimensions cannot exceed 55 cm x 40 cm x 27 cm, and pets must be at least 12 weeks old and fully weaned.
While train travel may not be practical for every trip, it can be a useful alternative for owners travelling shorter distances with small dogs, particularly when airline restrictions, seasonal embargoes, or cargo requirements make flying less appealing.
Travelling with your dog requires more planning today than ever before. In addition to understanding airline policies, owners should also consider destination-country import requirements, seasonal restrictions, breed-specific requirements, and available transportation options before booking their trip.
For owners of larger breeds, Air Canada and WestJet currently provide the greatest flexibility through checked baggage and cargo programs. For owners of smaller dogs, Porter and Flair offer convenient in-cabin options, while train travel may be a practical alternative for some journeys within Canada.
Whether you're travelling to a dog show, performance event, breeding appointment, veterinary visit, or family vacation, taking the time to research requirements in advance can help prevent unexpected challenges and make the experience more comfortable for both you and your dog.
Because airline and import regulations can change, travellers should always review the most current requirements published by their airline and destination country before making travel arrangements.
The opinions expressed by authors on the Canadian Kennel Club Blog and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of the Canadian Kennel Club or any of its employees.
Les opinions et les commentaires exprimés dans le blogue du Club Canin Canadien sont ceux des auteurs et ils ne reflètent pas les opinions du Club Canin Canadien ni de ses employés.