When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Does WestJet allow pets on your specific route? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on WestJet? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for WestJet? All your answers related to WestJet pet policy are answered below.
Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.
Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines
- In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat. - Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
- Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.
Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes (Certain Flights)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? Yes
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes
Where is WestJet based?
WestJet [IATA: WA] is based out of Calgary International Airport in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Most layovers within WestJet’s network will occur in this airport.
What countries does WestJet fly to?
WestJet [IATA:WR] offers service to pets to the following countries: Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominican Republic, France, Honduras, Iceland, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Saint Lucia, Sint Maarten, United Kingdom and United States.
*Regulations for dogs flying to the United States have changed. Find new regulations to import a dog to the United States here.
WestJet Pet Policy – In Cabin
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in WestJet’s pet policy to fly in the cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required to address a physical or medical disability.
Pets allowed flown by WestJet in the cabin
WestJet will transport small cats, dogs and small birds in the cabin on most of their flights (see Route restrictions below). Pets must be clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly.
Reservations
Reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to travel. The airlines limit the number of pets traveling on a given flight, so it is important to contact WestJet early.
Age requirements
All pets must be at least eight weeks of age.
Pet carrier requirements
Your pet’s carrier must:
- Have adequate ventilation on at least three sides (domestic US) or four sides (international)
- Be soft-sided
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
- Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
- Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
- Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)
Maximum carrier size may vary depending on the aircraft serving the route. Recommended carrier size is 16″L x 10″W x 8.5″H (41 x 25.4 x 21.5 cm). One pet is permitted per carrier. One carrier is permitted per passenger.
Pets must remain in carriers for the duration of the flight. They must be clean, mannerly and not aggressive. A pet may not travel with an unaccompanied minor.
Exit row or bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when flying with a pet. Pets must remain in carriers for the duration of the flight. If you are travelling with a cat on a flight where another guest with a severe allergy to cat dander is also travelling, the flight crew is required to move you to the rear of the aircraft to meet the Canadian Transportation Agency’s seating separation requirement. This requirement is disclosed prior to boarding the flight. The regulations provided a minimum of five rows between persons with an allergy to cats.
Related: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant
Forms required
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Route restrictions
Dogs and cats are not accepted on flights to, from or through Barbados, Hawaii, Ireland, Jamaica, Glasgow or London when flying in the cabin or as checked baggage. An exception is made for service dogs – except for Barbados & Jamaica).
Birds of any type may not be imported into the Dominican Republic at any time. Endangered birds and the remains of extinct birds may not be exported from Mexico at any time. Note that there will be import permits and possible quarantine for birds transported internationally.
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least 2 hours prior to departure. Your pet should be fed a light meal and watered 4-6 hours prior to the flight. Water should only be provided in spill-proof containers. Exercise before boarding is important to tire your pet.
Related: How to clear airport security with a pet
Pet fee
- Travel within/between Canada and the U.S.: $50 – $59 CAD/USD
- Travel between Canada/U.S. and all destinations outside the U.S.: $100 – $118 CAD/USD
Working Dogs
Working dogs are permitted to fly in the cabin regardless of size. They are not the same as service dogs. They perform specialized tasks such as:
- locating people or items (search, rescue, avalanche, or tracking dogs)
- performing specific tasks for the military or police (detection, scout, sentry)
- other highly specialized skills
Working dogs will be charged the pet in-cabin fee, and if the specialty dog requires additional floor space to ensure its comfort and safety on board, an additional seat must be purchased by the passenger (based on availability). Working dogs are not accepted in the Business cabin on the 787 Dreamliner.
A Registered Certificate Identification card must be presented at the airport. Dogs must be mannerly and show no aggression toward other passengers or flight crew.
Service dog pet policy
One service dog may fly in the cabin with a disabled passenger while on duty at no charge. They must be trained by an organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability. Disabled passengers may only be required to provide credible verbal assurance when flying with their service dog. In situations where verbal assurance is questioned, WestJet may request a Registered Certificate Identification card or other written documentation. Alternatively, WestJet will accept the presence of physical indicators, which may include but are not limited to harnesses or tags, as proof that the dog is a service animal.
Notice must be provided to the airline at least 48 hours prior to departure. Information regarding your dog’s breed, weight, length, height and width must be provided to assure proper floor space is available.
Service dogs must be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the space provided at their passenger’s feet without intruding on cabin operations or other passengers. They will not be seated in exit rows. They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.
If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation forms must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. All required documentation required for the destination country must be provided at check in.
All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally. Note that service dogs are not accepted on flights to or from Bridgetown, Barbados or Montego Bay or Kingston, Jamaica.
WestJet Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
If the size of your pet is too large to fit in an airline-compliant pet carrier, or it is a pet other than a cat, dog or small bird, it will be transported as checked baggage on WestJet if it is flying with an adult passenger. This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin.
Live animals are checked in by reservation employees and are checked in at the airport terminal. The airline will move your pet between aircraft in their fleet during layovers if the layover is not over about 3 hours in length.
Pets flown by WestJet as checked baggage
WestJet will allow dogs, cats, birds, chinchillas, guinea pigs, hedgehogs and rabbits to fly as checked baggage; however, when flying internationally, some of these pets may be prohibited depending on country regulations.
Pet crate requirements
The maximum weight limit for pets flying as checked baggage including their crate is 100 lbs. (45 kg). Maximum crate size is 40″L x 27″W x 32″H (101 L x 68W x 81H cm). Two (2) pets of the same species (e.g. two cats or two dogs) that reside in the same household will be permitted to travel in one kennel if the combined weight of the pets and the kennel does not exceed 45 kg.
The number of crates permitted in the cargo hold of WestJet 737 is 3. The number of crates permitted in the cargo hold of WestJet 787 is 2. The number of crates permitted in the cargo hold of Dash8 or Saab aircraft is 1.
The maximum number of pets allowed per flight in B737 is 6, B787 is 4 and Dash8 or Saab is 2. Note that these limits will vary during holiday seasons (mid-November through the first week of January).
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
Route restrictions
Dogs and cats are not accepted on flights to, from or through Barbados, Hawaii, Ireland, Jamaica, Glasgow or London when flying in the cabin or as checked baggage. An exception is made for service dogs – except for Barbados & Jamaica).
Birds of any type may not be imported into the Dominican Republic at any time. Endangered birds and the remains of extinct birds may not be exported from Mexico at any time. Note that there will be import permits and possible quarantine for birds transported internationally.
WestJet currently does not accept checked animals on the 787 Dreamliner.
Forms Required
Pet owners must compete a Live Animals Handling Declaration for all pets flying as checked baggage. This form will be available at the check-in counter.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Check in a minimum of two (2) hours prior to your flight time for domestic flights and 2 ½ hours for international flights. You should arrive at the boarding gate at least 40 minutes before flight departure. If you arrive less than 10 minutes before departure you will be denied boarding.
Your pet should be fed a light meal and watered about 4 hours prior to departure. A good walk to exercise your pet prior to crating it is a good idea.
Pet fee
- Travel within/between Canada and the U.S. $100 – $118 CAD/USD
- Travel between Canada/U.S. and all destinations outside the U.S. $200 – $236 CAD/USD
WestJet Pet Policy – Air Cargo
All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight. The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. Unlike checked baggage, pets are generally checked in and claimed at the airline’s cargo facility. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal. Many airlines require that an agent books the transport. If you need a licensed agent to arrange your pet’s transport, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.
Pets flown by WestJet as air cargo
Dogs, cats, birds and all sorts of small mammals can be transported by WestJet as air cargo.
Reservations
Contact WestJet Cargo at 1-866-952-2746 (1-866-WJCARGO).
Age requirements
Minimum age for transport as air cargo is 8 weeks.
Pet crate requirements
The maximum allowable weight of a kennel (including the animal) is 160 lbs. (72.5 kg). A maximum of two animals of comparable size, no more than 14 kg each, which are used to co-habitation, may be shipped in the same container. Animals over that weight must travel individually. A maximum of three animals, up to six months old and from the same litter, may be transported in the same container.
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
Route or aircraft restrictions
When you route your pet’s transport, know that live animals cannot be held overnight at WestJet cargo facilities. Whenever possible, WestJet Cargo plans to ship live animals on a non-stop or direct flight, however, live animals will be allowed on a flight with a maximum of one connection involving WestJet aircraft. On weekends, pets may only be booked on direct flights.
Forms Required
When you check in your pet, you will be asked to complete a live animal checklist. When you sign this checklist, you are confirming that your pet has been offered food and water within four hours of check-in. On the checklist you must also give feeding and watering instructions for a 24-hour period. If in-transit feeding is necessary, you must provide food.
A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs and cats) and all forms required for your destination country. For those pets protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), those permits must also be available.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Pets must be presented to the warehouse at least two hours prior to flight departure. The Air Cargo office is usually located on the opposite side of the airport to the passenger terminal.
Pet fee
Contact WestJet Cargo at 1-866-952-2746 (1-866-WJCARGO).
WestJet Pet Crate Requirements
All pet crates must conform to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood.
The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The floor must be waterproof. The crate must not have wheels attached when checking your pet. Metal hardware should be used to fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together. WestJet requires either metal or plastic threaded nuts and bolts to secure both halves of the crate.
All crates must be labeled with LIVE ANIMAL stickers and a Shipping Declaration that includes feeding and watering instructions.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?
All pets should be acclimated to their crates prior to travel. This may take weeks or even months to accomplish; however it is the best thing you can do for your pet before flying.
Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier
Temperature Restrictions – Checked Baggage and Air Cargo
When temperatures rise above or drop under certain levels, commercial airlines will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold. These restrictions are implemented for the safety of your pet. It is important to note that the risk from high or low temperatures is not when your pet is airborne. The risks come during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac and taxiing to the take-off runway.
Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, however, no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).
Related: More information on acclimation certificates
Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower (75°) for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets.
WestJet does not accept pets as cargo from May 15 to October 31 on any flight from these WestJet Cargo destinations:
• Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Samana)
• Mexico (Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta)
• United States (Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Houston)
Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions.
Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold
Breeds Banned by WestJet
The following breeds must be transported as air cargo due to their brachycephalic (snub-nosed) characteristics:
Cats : British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, Selkirk Rex, Scottish Fold.
Dogs : Affenpinscher, Brasileiro, Brussels Griffon, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog – (all breeds), Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, (apple-headed), Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Pug – all breeds including the Chinese Pug, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel.
The following breeds must be transported as air cargo in a CR 82 reinforced metal crate: American Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, Anatolian Shepard, Bandog, Cane Corso, Caucasian Shepherd, Doberman, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff (all breeds), Pitbull (all breeds), Presa Canario, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Wolf Dog Hybrids.
The following breeds cannot enter or transit Ontario: Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Private Jet Charter
Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.
Other Information
The use of pet tranquilizers at high altitudes is unpredictable. If you plan to sedate your pet, you must have written consent from the pet’s veterinarian.
The information published here is a guideline for WestJet airline pet policy. For more airline pet policies, click the banner below.
Further Reading
How to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold
Tips for airline pet travel
Requirements for a pet transiting a country by air
When do you need a pet transporter?
Routing your pet’s flight
Flying with a snub-nosed breed
More information on airline pet travel
Questions About Flying a Pet on Westjet?
Have a comment or question about transporting a pet with WestJet? Post it below and we will respond. You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, X (Twitter), Facebook, or Email or follow our activities on Instagram and TikTok.
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to deny your pet boarding privileges at the time of check in. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following WestJet pet policy.
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