WestJet Cargo FAQs
Have a question before you ship a package or pet by air cargo? There is a good chance someone else was wondering the same thing.
What documentation/approvals are required for me to import to or export from another country?
Import requirements are dictated by the country you are shipping to. It is your responsibility to be aware of all applicable regulations and provide all necessary documentation. There may be import requirements from numerous regulatory agencies including, but not limited to, customs, food and agriculture, and commerce. You must ensure that all required documentation is provided with your shipment at the time you tender it for shipping.
It is also your responsibility to arrange for a customs broker to handle clearance of your shipment when it arrives in destination. Failure to have a broker in place and/or have the necessary documents for import may result in your shipment being delayed or seized by authorities. WestJet is not responsible for shipments that are delayed or refused due to improper documentation or approvals. You will be responsible for any additional fines or charges for importation or to have the shipment returned to its point of origin.
Do I need to have an account to ship with WestJet Cargo?
You do not need to have an account to ship with WestJet Cargo.
How do I open an account with WestJet Cargo?
A credit application is available on our site for any guest who wants to create an account with WestJet (some conditions apply). You can sign up here.
Are there limits to the weight and size of a shipment?
Yes. For the current weight and size limitations please visit the Shipping guidelines page.
Can I order pre-printed air waybills?
Yes. WestJet Cargo guests with active accounts can order pre-printed air waybills. Please see Request for pre-printed air waybills.
Are there specific tender/recovery times for each cargo facility?
Yes. Please see the Cargo facility hours of operation.
What are the hours of operation for each cargo facility?
Cargo facility hours of operation will vary. To view the current hours of operation for all cargo stations, please see the Cargo facility hours of operation.
Does WestJet provide pickup and/or delivery service?
WestJet currently offers airport to airport service.
Is my shipment guaranteed to travel on the flight it is booked on?
WestJet Cargo makes every effort to ensure your shipment travels on the flight that it is booked on. In the event of a last-minute change, or cancellation of your booking, WestJet Cargo will contact you (the shipper) immediately. For this reason, it’s extremely important to provide accurate contact information when making your booking. Please include a 24-hour contact number to make sure that we‘re able to make arrangements in case of an unforeseen event.
What forms of payment are accepted?
WestJet Cargo only accepts payment for shipment via account holders. If you don’t have a WestJet Cargo account, you may pay with a major credit card, or pre-paid credit card. Please note: WestJet Cargo does not accept cash as a form of payment.
Can I ship my pet or other animal to any WestJet destination?
Please note that not all cities served by WestJet have cargo facilities. Please see our list of WestJet Cargo offices.
Please also note that we cannot accommodate all types of live animals at all times of year. Please view our Restrictions and embargoes page for more information. Our cargo agents will be happy to help you if you have any questions.
Can I book my pet on any WestJet flight within your cargo network?
Pets cannot be shipped on flight with more than one connection. For flight routings that require more than one connection, we may be able to offer your pet a comfort stop in Calgary or Toronto. For more information on comfort stops, inquire with one of our cargo service and sales agents when you are making your kennel booking. Pets being shipped over weekends must be sent on direct flights.
How much in advance of departure do I need to arrive with my pet at the cargo building?
Depending on the cargo facility your pet will be departing from, tender and retreival times may vary. Click here for more information on domestic tender and retrieval times.
Is the cargo hold safe? Will my animal be travelling alone?
All of our aircraft’s cargo holds are pressurized and dark during flight. Most pets will sleep inflight. Your animal’s kennel will be secured and placed to provide maximum ventilation. There may be other animals on the same flight as your pet. Please see our Pet and kennels page for further details.
Can I ship my dog and cat in the same kennel?
No. A combination of animals in the same kennel is not permitted.
Can I ship in any type of kennel?
Pets transported as cargo must be carried in airline approved kennels which meet specific safety requirements. Please view our Kennel guidelines for further details.
Do I have to accompany the animal to its destination?
No. You do not have to travel to send your pet to a destination serviced by WestJet Cargo.
What happens if there's a delay or my pet or other animal misses a connecting flight?
In the event that an unpreventable circumstance (eg. weather) causes a flight to be cancelled or delayed, WestJet Cargo will contact the shipper immediately. For this reason it is very important to provide accurate contact information when making your booking. Please include a 24-hour contact number to make sure we are able to make arrangements in case of an unforeseen event.
What are my responsibilities as an animal shipper?
If you are shipping an animal that is aged 8 to 12 weeks, or it has had recent surgery, you must provide records to go with the animal. Also, you (the shipper) must comply with all carrier and IATA Live Animal Regulations that include:
- finalizing the route and any special care required upon making the booking and prior to acceptance;
- informing the carrier if a female animal is in heat (not recommended condition for travel);
- advising the carrier if an animal is pregnant or has given birth in the last 48 hours;
- ensuring that containers or kennels provided conform to IATA's Live Animals Regulations;
- providing a record of any medication given (eg. type of drug, dosage, time given). This information must accompany a veterinary certificate and a copy must be affixed to the container;
- providing a 24-hour phone number on the kennel;
- advising the receiving party of flight details in order to arrange for immediate retrieval upon arrival at destination;
- ensuring the animal is fit to be transported by air.
What are WestJet Cargo's responsibilities as a carrier of live animals?
As per IATA's Live Animal Regulations we are responsible for verifying the presence of all mandatory documents, if applicable:
- Air waybill
- Shipper's certification for live animals
- Health certificate (if sedated)
- A completed checklist for live animals
- 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.
Glad we could help!
Thank you for your feedback.