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Travel Info

Pets

Westjet vacations   Air only reservations with WestJet

Vacation   WestJet Vacations package bookings

Flights   Air only reservations with WestJet

Pets are our guests too. Here's what you need to know to fly with your best friend.

  1. When to consult a veterinarian
  2. Conditions for acceptance
  3. How to reserve space for your pet
  4. Fees
  5. Entrance requirements for pets
  6. Before your flight
  7. Kennel information
  8. Quarantines
  9. Embargoes
  10. Holiday restrictions
  11. Restrictions related to extreme heat
  12. Limits of liability

  1. When to consult a veterinarian

    For your pet's health and safety, WestJet recommends that you consult your veterinarian prior to reserving travel if your pet is:

    • Pregnant, in heat (estrus) or less than eight weeks old.
    • A snub-nose (brachycephalic or short-nosed) pet. These types of pets suffer from respiratory problems that increase with stress and heat, and therefore may not be suitable for travel.

    2. Additionally, you should not administer any tranquilizer or other medication to your pet before travel without first consulting a veterinarian.

     

  2. Conditions for acceptance
    • Your pet must remain in the kennel at all times for safety and operational reasons.
    • If you remove your pet from the kennel while onboard, you may be banned from travelling with your pet in the cabin on future WestJet flights.
    • The kennel must be stored at your feet at all times.
    • Pets that appear to be aggressive, unruly or in distress may be denied for transport at our discretion.

     

  3. How to reserve space for your pet
    • For your pet's comfort, we recommend that you consider non-stop or direct flights, as well as early morning or late evening flights in the summer and midday flights in the winter.
    • Space for pets cannot be reserved online. To add your pet to your travel plans, please contact us at 1-800-581-9499.
    • We strongly recommend requesting space for your pet as soon as you have completed your booking and a minimum of 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure. If you check in without requesting space for your pet(s) 48 hours prior to departure, you may not be permitted to travel with your pet(s) as we limit the number of pets permitted on each flight. See below for fees and kennel information. WestJet cannot assume responsibility for pets that are not accepted for travel.
    • To add a service animal to your travel plans, visit our service animals page.
    • Pets travelling unaccompanied: WestJet Cargo accepts pets travelling unaccompanied on domestic flights only. If you wish to transport an unaccompanied pet within Canada contact WestJet Cargo for rates and information at 1-866-952-2746 (1-866-WJCARGO). If you wish to transport an unaccompanied pet to a U.S. or international destination, you must make arrangements through transportation companies and/or commercial businesses that meet specific shipping and administrative criteria.

  4. Fees

    A fee applies for pets travelling in the cabin or as checked baggage.

  5. Entrance requirements for pets
    • We are unable to keep track of all requirements for all pets, and we assume no responsibility for your compliance with any such requirements. If you are taking your pet(s) in or out of any province, territory or country, you are responsible for meeting customs and/or regulatory entrance requirements.
    • Entrance and documentation requirements are subject to change and may vary depending on your destination or breed of pet. For example, the import of pit bull terriers is regulated in some areas.
    • Contact your consulate, embassy or government authority to ensure your pet will meet the entrance requirements for your destination. If you are taking a round trip, your pet will be subject to re-entry requirements at your country of origin.
    • Pets may be denied entry to another country if they are in poor health, and may be subject to a medical examination.
    • Most pets travelling to the U.S. will require a health certificate from their veterinarian as well as proof of rabies vaccination in the last year.
    • When travelling with a bird, an import permit may be required and may need to be arranged in advance. You should contact the local country's embassy or consulate to confirm the import regulations for pet birds. There are also additional import regulations that require advance arrangements in order to return to Canada or the U.S. with a pet bird.

  6. Before your flight
    • Your pet must be fed and watered in the four (4) hours prior to check in. Feed your pet only a light meal prior to departure and provide a quick drink of water before check in. Food and water is not permitted in the kennel.
    • An empty water dish should be placed inside the kennel and attached securely to the kennel door to avoid movement. In the event of a delay, our ground handlers may provide water to your pet without opening the kennel door.
    • Exercise your pet before leaving for the airport. Some airports may require pets to remain in the kennel at all times.
    • Please ensure you check in a minimum of two (2) hours prior to your flight time. You may be required to accompany your pet through additional security screening prior to proceeding through passenger screening.
    • If travelling to or from the United States, we cannot accept your pet for check-in more than two (2) hours prior to the scheduled departure of your flight.

  7. Kennel information

    8.  

    Pets in the cabin

    		  

    Pets as checked baggage

    		  
             
       
      Types of pets accepted Cats, dogs, rabbits and birds*

    *Please contact the local country's embassy for travel with a bird     		  Cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, chinchillas, guinea pigs and hedgehogs  
       
      Total # of kennels accepted per flight Maximum of four (4) kennels per flight   Maximum of three (3) kennels per flight  
       
      Total # of pets accepted per guest One (1)*

    *Only one pet is permitted per kennel    		   Six (6)*
    (in three kennels)

    *A maximum of two 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    		  
       
      Weight restrictions (pet + kennel combined) 10 kg (22 lb.)   45 kg (Up to 100 lb.)  
       
      Size restrictions (per kennel) 40 cm x 44 cm x 21.5 cm
    (16 in. L x 17.5 in. W x 8.5 in. H)    		   91 cm x 61 cm x 66 cm
    (36 in. L x 24 in. W x 26 in H)    		  
       
      Kennel requirements

    • Only airline-approved, well-ventilated, secure, soft-sided kennels will be accepted.

    • Duffle bags, gym bags, other non-kennels or hard-sided kennels cannot be accepted.

    • Kennels must be able to fit under the seat in front of you, and your pet must remain in the kennel at all times.

    • Your pet must be able to stand, lie down and turn around in the kennel.

    		  
    • Only airline-approved, well-ventilated, secure, hard-sided kennels with the wheels removed will be accepted.
    • Kennels must be leak-proof, and be lined with absorbent material, like a towel. Material, such as straw, grass or hay, will not be accepted.
    • Secure the kennel with the device originally intended by the manufacturer, but do not lock the gate.
    • Kennel must be marked with "LIVE ANIMAL" and directional "this way up" arrows on two sides and should be marked with your pet's name.
    • For safety, we cannot allow kennels that:
      • are made of welded or wire mesh
      • are collapsible
      • have a plastic door.
    • Your pet must be able to stand, lie down and turn around in the kennel.
    		  
       
               
       
     
    		 
     
    		 

  8. Quarantines

  9. Embargoes
    • 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.

  10. Holiday restrictions

    The following restrictions are applicable for pets travelling in checked baggage only, as there is limited room due to heavy holiday travel, which can pose a significant health risk for your pet.

    • December 11 to 14: maximum 2 pets
    • December 15 to January 6 inclusive: no pets accepted
    • January 7 to January 10: maximum 2 pets

  11. Restrictions related to extreme heat

    The following restrictions are applicable for pets travelling in checked baggage only.

    The temperature in the cargo hold will vary based on whether the aircraft is on the ground (outside air temperature would then apply), the duration of the flight, the cruising altitude and the speed.

    Extreme heat can pose a significant risk to the health of pets; therefore, we do not accept pets in checked baggage annually from May 1 to October 31 on any flight to or from:

    • United States (Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Miami, New Orleans, Orlando, Palm Springs, Phoenix)
    • Puerto Rico (San Juan)
    • Mexico (Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Cozumel, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta)
    • Cuba (Cayo Coco, Holguin, Santa Clara, Varadero)
    • Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Samana)
    • Bahamas (Freeport, Nassau)
    • St. Maarten
    • Turks and Caicos
    • Bermuda

    Year round on any flight to or from:

    • Aruba
    • Ixtapa/Zihuatenejo (Mexico)
    • La Romana (Dominican Republic)

  12. Limits of liability
    • WestJet assumes no responsibility for the care or feeding of pets while in transit, so it is important that you prepare your pet for its journey.
    • The limits of liability outlined in our baggage claim page apply to pets as well. These amounts are not automatically payable but reflect the maximum compensation payable, as each claim is subject to proof of loss.
    • Consequential damages such as loss of enjoyment, loss of companionship, inconvenience, etc. are not compensable.
Vacation WestJet Vacations package bookings

For guests travelling on a WestJet Vacations package, the following exception applies to the information listed above:

  • Pets are not accepted at all hotels. Please contact the hotel directly for inquiries about pet acceptance.
  • Extra charges may apply and must be paid directly to the hotel. Guests wishing to travel with their pets are required to contact us so we can ensure your pet is added to your flight reservation.