We have spent a lot of time investigating the best way to transport our 3 small dogs to Canada. We decided to travel with the dogs in the hold for the following reasons.

1. Even though all 3 dogs are only 5kg in weight, the restrictions on the carrier size meant they would not fit under the seat in front of us.

2. You can only travel with one pet per passenger in the cabin. You’re allowed to travel with up to two pets as checked baggage.

3. Be aware the following animal CAN NOT travel in the hold https://www.aircanada.com/uk/en/aco/...ance/pets.html We have a chihuahua cross and we were asked if our dog was a Chihuahua (apple-headed) as they can not fly in the hold. The following cats and dogs can not go in the hold.

Cats :
British Shorthair
Burmese
Exotic Shorthair
Himalayan
Persian
Scottish Fold

Dogs :

Affenpinscher
Boston Terrier
Boxer
Brussels Griffon
Bulldog - all breeds including the American, English, French and Dutch Bulldog
Chihuahua (apple-headed)
Chow Chow
English Toy Spaniel
Japanese Chin
Lhasa Apso
Pekingese
Pug - all breeds including the Chinese Pug
Shar-Pei
Shih Tzu
Teddy Bear (also known as Zuchon or Shichon)
Tibetan Spaniel



4. There are a maximum of 6 animals per flight.

5. No pets are accepted as checked baggage on any flights (June 20 to September 10) due to potentially high temperatures on the ground at some airports, as well as heavy loads during peak summer travel periods.

6. Due to increased passenger and cargo loads during the peak winter travel period (December 15 to January 12), no pets are accepted as checked baggage or cargo

7. Cold weather restrictions- Cats and dogs weighing less than 4.5 kg (10 lb) are not accepted in the baggage compartment of any of our aircraft from November 1 to March 31 and at any other time when temperature is 0 °C (32 °F) or below

8. Cats or dogs in the cabin or in the baggage compartment

You'll need to let us know in advance of travel if you plan on travelling with your cat or dog in the cabin or in the baggage compartment.

The first thing you'll need to do is book your own flight*. Once that's done, contact Air Canada Reservations to register** your pet for travel on the same flight as yours.

At the time of your call, you'll be asked to provide:

the dimensions of the carrier and
the weight and breed of your pet.

We strongly recommend that you register** your pet within 24 hours of completing your booking. This will ensure that, if your pet cannot be accommodated on the flight(s) and date(s) you selected, your ticket will be refunded without charge. After 24 hours, any changes to your booking will be subject to applicable change and cancellation fees.

Please take note that you'll need to arrive a full 30 minutes prior to the recommended check-in time for your flight as you must see an agent at check-in. Customers with pets cannot use Web check-in or airport self-service kiosks.

* Please also view important information below about travelling on Codeshare flights/Flights with other airlines (in the 'What else do I need to know' section at the bottom of the page).
** Pets that have not been registered in advance will not be accepted at the airport.

9.

Always remove your pet’s leash before placing it in its carrier.

Since we assume no responsibility for the care or feeding of cats and dogs while in transit, it is most important that you prepare both the pet carrier and your pet ahead of time:

Feed your pet four to six hours prior to departure, as a full stomach may cause discomfort during travel.
Give your pet water right up to the time of travel. Be sure to empty the dish at check-in, otherwise spillage during the flight will give your pet a wet and uncomfortable ride.
Leave the dish in the carrier so our agents can provide water in the event of an extended wait before or after the flight, or during connections.
Tranquilizers and other medications are not recommended. Consult your veterinarian.
Cover the bottom of the carrier with absorbent material such as a blanket.

Do not lock the carrier door as Air Canada personnel may need to access your pet in the event of an emergency.

10.

If your pet is travelling in the checked baggage compartment, pet restraint devices (e.g. pet strollers and car seats) are accepted:

as checked baggage (all checked baggage rules apply).
as carry-on baggage. The pet restraint device:
will count as the standard article in your carry-on baggage allowance
must meet carry-on baggage size restrictions
can’t be gate checked.

Have you booked your dog on the flight? If so I’m wondering if AC bookings do not realise that you cannot fly out of the UK with a dog in the cabin...because this can be done in N America and most of Europe. Perhaps I am wrong but I cannot find anything that specifically states that this is now allowed.

As quoted on Air Canada website under traveling with pets sub section: “Government Regulations — United Kingdom” Flights from the U.K.: Pets are accepted for travel both in the cabin and in the baggage compartment.

https://www.aircanada.com/uk/en/aco/...ance/pets.html

Thank you..I was wrong.

Its all moot, book your seat, and see if you can book your animal - 1 per person and if they accept your booking fine. Without anthromorphicising it I feel sorry for the cat having to be cramped down by some feet with so much distraction rather than in a quieter hold but if thats the human preference so be it. Remember - in truth they all want to eat you anyway.

One gotcha - seatguru.com should be scrutinised - most planes have boxes by your feet in some seats that will stop you stowing your cat.

Do post to tell us if it happened. I do know someone who couldnt get permission. They had to take a train to paris and fly air france with their big cat.

i think it's a fairly recent change

The OP and others might find this site helpful
https://www.bringfido.com/travel/air...icies/westjet/

The size of the carrier is tiny. You'd need to practice to get the animal used to being in it.

My dog weighs 5 lbs...I wouldn’t want her stuffed under the seat...it’s far too cramped. It maybe OK for a short flight of 1-2 hrs...but not long haul.

Yep, a short flight would be ok. You also have to factor in the time spent in the airports too and even though they have dog relief areas many just won't go.

I actually bothered to contact a few companies / airlines abut this in the interest of trying to provide helpful information rather than just my own opinion.

One pet carrier has come back to me.

• Booking a window seat is a good tip.
• The carrier remains on the ground at the flight attendants discretion.

I'll see if I can obtain some more direct info on this as regardless of how we feel about our pets and their travel arrangements , it would be good to have something here on BE to help all those looking to book flights for and with their pets.

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A 5lb weeny doggy JG Our little Dusty rescue cat comes in at that and she is tiny. I suppose she might fit under a seat at a bit of a squeeze. My personal concern would be room to move properly and getting hot in the pet carry bag/box.
My old Ty who is your average moggy size weighs 11 lbs / just under 5kg ,which is a bit underweight for him due to his recent illness , would not fit under a seat.

My dog weighs under the 20lb limit but he is way too tall to fit under the seat.

The website link that i posted had several comments saying that they were turned away by flight or ground crew, not sure which, if the crew thought the carrier was too small for the dog.

This is not at all to detract away from the opening post and their wish to have their much loved pets with them in the passenger cabin .

I must admit I am rather puzzled as to limits set by the airline(s) with this in terms of weight/size.

From what I have ever known of flying cattle class , the only possible living thing that might be comfy under a aircraft seat would be a rather flat tortoise or two.

Pretty much the only way a per will fit under the seat is in a soft sided carrier, more then once someone has brought their dog or car in a small hard sided carrier only to find it won't fit and they have to miss their flight and find alternative arrangements for their pets.

Our dog is 9lbs and could in theory fit under the seat but she won't be quiet and would scream and bark, so we never fly with her because I know she won't stay quiet.

If we cannot find a sitter for the dog, we drive or stay home.

But your dog has short legs J.

AFAIK dogs should be able to stand and turn around in the carrier/crate.

yes she does, and she would have no issue physically fitting, its her high pitched bark or as my wife calls it a scream that would annoy people...

Indeed the animal should be able to stand and turn around in the kennel, if they are unable to do so, the kennel is too small.