Pets
When your pet flies WestJet, they're our guest. Okay, so they don't get spicy snack mix or inflight entertainment, but we do work hard to ensure your furry friends travel in comfort and safety. Please review the following information before jetting off so you and your pets can be as prepared as possible. Start with our general entrance requirements for guests travelling with pets. This document includes information every pet owner travelling out of the country needs to know, including which health certifications and vaccination requirements their pet needs, and how to contact the agencies responsible for accepting them at your destination.
WestJet currently does not accept checked animals on the 787 Dreamliner. This may change after animal safety assessments have been completed.
Travelling options for pets:
Reservations and fees
- Space for pets cannot be reserved online. To add your pet to your travel plans, please contact us at 1-888-937-8538 (1-888-WESTJET).
- A pet kennel fee applies for pets travelling in the cabin or as checked baggage. Please note that an empty kennel or a pet in a kennel will be counted towards your carry-on baggage allowance as either a personal item or a carry-on item, depending on its size.
- We limit the number of pets permitted on each flight, so we strongly recommend requesting space for your pet as soon as you have completed your booking. If you do not request space for your pet(s) 48 hours before departure, space may not be available, and you may not be permitted to travel with your pet(s).
- To add a service animal to your travel plans, visit our service animals page.
Kennel information for pets in the cabin
Pets travelling as carry-on must have room to stand, sit and move naturally in their kennel. Depending on the type of aircraft, you may be required to sit in a window seat due to space limitations beneath non-window seats. Please be aware that if you are travelling with a cat on a flight where a guest with a severe allergy to cat dander is also travelling, we may be required to move you toward the rear of the aircraft to meet the Canadian Transportation Agency's seating separation requirement. If this is required, you will be notified before you board your flight, and you will be seated to allow for a minimum of five rows between the persons with a disabling allergy to cats and your cat.
| Pet types (species) accepted in the cabin | Birds (see entrance requirements) Cats Dogs Rabbits |
| Total # of pets accepted per guest and per kennel | One (1) |
| Maximum # of kennels accepted per flight |
Four (4) - Boeing 737-600, Boeing 767-300, WestJet Encore Bombardier Q400 Kennels are not accepted in Business on the 787 Dreamliner as lie-flat pod seating has no under-seat storage. |
| Size restrictions (per kennel) beneath the seat Your kennel is considered to be your personal item in your carry-on baggage allowance. You may need to adjust your kennel to fit within the maximum height and depth available beneath the seat. Please note, space beneath the seat varies by aircraft type. |
41 cm L x 21.5 cm H x 25.4 cm W (16 in. L x 8.5 in. H x 10 in. W) |
| Kennel must be: | Soft-sided Airline-approved Leak-proof Secure Well-ventilated |
| Kennel must not be: | Able to allow the animal's head to stick out A duffle bag, gym bag or other type of non-kennel bag Hard-sided |
Specialty dogs
Specialty dogs do not provide a service to a person with a disability but are trained to perform tasks such as search and rescue, avalanche searches, or to provide comfort therapy to another individual (for example for someone in a hospital, retirement home, nursing home, hospice or disaster area).
Please note:
- WestJet offers this program, but this is not something offered by many air carriers. We strongly recommend that you confirm the policies for the acceptance of specialty dogs of our partner airlines or any other transportation service provider as their policies may be different from ours.
- This program does not apply to WestJet Vacation package bookings.
- Specialty 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 (based on availability).
- Specialty dogs are not accepted in Business on the 787.
Documentation requirements
You may be required to present a Registered Certificate Identification card at the airport. If you do not present this documentation, your dog must be harnessed.
Control measures
We strongly recommend some form of physical restraint device for the animal as the animal must be under your control at all times. Furthermore, some agencies - (the airport authority, transfer companies, etc.) may require your animal to be harnessed.
Animals which pose any type of threat to health and safety, to crew members or other guests, may be denied transport as a service/emotional support animal, and/or in the cabin of the aircraft.
Advance notification requirements
For your best experience, we recommend providing us with as much advance notice as possible, as specialty dogs are only accepted on space available basis.
Restrictions
Your pet may not be able to travel with you due to entrance restrictions. Please review general entrance requirements for guests traveling with pets to identify if this will affect your travel plans.
Entrance restrictions
- These restrictions apply to travelling with a pet. There are differences when travelling with a service or emotional support animal. Please see service animals for more details.
- Before travelling with your pet in or out of any province, territory or across borders, we strongly recommend confirming the entrance requirements with the consulate, embassy or appropriate government authority. You are responsible for meeting entrance requirements for any province, territory or country you are entering, including the point of departure.
- Pets may be denied entry at your destination (including Canada) if they are in poor health and may be subject to a medical examination. Any costs associated with a medical examination will be at your expense.
- Please view general entrance requirements for guests travelling with pets for more information. Entrance and documentation requirements are subject to change and may vary depending on your destination, the animal's breed and the type of animal travelling (e.g. a pet and a rescue animal can have different requirements).
- Entrance and documentation requirements are subject to change and may vary depending on your destination, the animal's breed and the type of animal (for example, a pet or a rescue animal).
- WestJet assumes no responsibility for your compliance with any such requirements.
- A designation of "does not accept" is applicable to both carry-on and checked baggage.
- If any of the countries on your itinerary include a note to see details, this means there are specific restrictions that must be met in order for your pet to be permitted to travel.
- WestJet does not accept pets for travel to/from Barbados, Hawaii, Ireland (Dublin), Jamaica or the United Kingdom (Glasgow or London Gatwick).
Bird embargoes
- Birds of any type may not be imported into the Dominican Republic.
- Endangered birds and the remains of extinct birds may not be exported from Mexico at any time.
- When travelling with a bird, an import/export 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/export 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.
Conditions for acceptance
- Pets are not permitted on itineraries which include flights operated by our code-share and interline partners.
- For your pet's comfort, we recommend considering flights without connections, as well as early morning or late evening flights in the summer and midday flights in the winter.
- A pet may not travel with an unaccompanied minor.
- Pets that are younger than eight weeks old will not be accepted for transport.
- Pets travelling in the cabin must remain in the kennel and be stored under the seat in front of you at all times. If you remove your pet from its kennel while on board, you may be banned from travelling with your pet in the cabin on future WestJet flights.
- Pets that appear to be aggressive, unruly or in distress may be denied for transport at our discretion.
- All kennels are subject to approval by WestJet at check in. See the kennel information for carry-on pets or kennel information for "Checked" and "On their own (as cargo)" sections above.
- WestJet assumes no responsibility for the care or feeding of pets while in transit.
- 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 or companionship, inconvenience, etc. are not compensable.
When to consult a veterinarian
For your pet's health and safety, WestJet recommends consulting your veterinarian before reserving travel if your pet is pregnant or in heat (estrus). Additionally, you should not administer any tranquilizer or other medication to your pet before travel without first consulting a veterinarian.
Preparing for your flight
- Your pet must be fed and watered within the four (4) hour period before check-in. Only feed your pet a light meal prior to departure and provide a quick drink of water before check-in. Containers with food and water are prone to spilling during the course of kennel-handling and transportation. For the comfort of your pet, WestJet recommends that you empty all food and water containers before your flight.
- Exercise your pet before leaving for the airport. Some airports may require pets to remain in the kennel at all times.
- 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.
WestJet Vacations package bookings
For guests travelling on a WestJet Vacations package, the following information applies in addition 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.
Reservations and fees
- Space for pets cannot be reserved online. To add your pet to your travel plans, please contact us at 1-888-937-8538 (1-888-WESTJET).
- A pet kennel fee applies for pets travelling in the cabin or as checked baggage. Please note that an empty kennel or a pet in a kennel will be counted towards your carry-on baggage allowance as either a personal item or a carry-on item.
- We strongly recommend requesting space for your pet as soon as you have completed your booking and a minimum of 48 hours before your scheduled departure. If you check in without requesting space for your pet(s) 48 hours before departure, you may not be permitted to travel with your pet(s) as we limit the number of pets permitted on each flight. 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.
Kennel information for checked pets
A "Live Animals Handling Declaration" must be completed for a pet travelling in checked baggage. We will provide the live animal declaration form and sticker at the check-in counter upon request. Please be prepared with a contact number, destination address and destination contact number.
Your pet must have room to stand, sit and move naturally in the kennel.
Checked kennel restrictions |
|
|---|---|
| Pet types (species) accepted as checked baggage | Although WestJet accepts the following pets in checked baggage, not all pets are accepted in all countries. Please see the entrance requirements section for more information. Birds Cats Chinchillas Dogs Guinea pigs Hedgehogs Rabbits |
| Total # of kennels accepted per flight (see holiday restrictions below for additional limits) |
Three (3) on flights with WestJet 737 aircraft Two (2) on flights with WestJet 767 aircraft One (1) on flights with WestJet Encore |
| Total # of pets accepted per guest | Six (6)1 on flights with WestJet 737 aircraft Four (4)1 on flights with WestJet 767 aircraft Two (2)1 on flights with WestJet Encore |
| Weight restrictions (pet + kennel combined) | 45 kg (up to 100 lb.) |
| Size restrictions (per kennel) | 101 cm L x 68 cm W x 76 cm H 40 in. L x 27 in. W x 30 in. H |
| Kennel must: | Be hard-sided and have the wheels removed Be airline approved Be secure Be well ventilated Be lined with absorbent material like a towel Be secured with the device originally intended by the manufacturer Be marked with "LIVE ANIMAL" Be marked with directional "THIS WAY UP" arrows on two sides, and should be marked with your pet's name Have food and water containers Have devices for lifting the kennel Have a ¾" protecting rim Have a solid bottom and roof |
| Kennel must not: | Be made of welded or wire mesh Be collapsible Have a plastic door |
1Two (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.
Restrictions
There are three reasons your pet may not be able to travel with you: holiday, heat and entrance restrictions. Please review all three to identify if this will affect your travel plans.
Holiday restrictions
The following restrictions are applicable for pets travelling in checked baggage due to limited room during heavy holiday travel periods.
| Dates | WestJet 737 aircraft | WestJet Encore Q400 |
|---|---|---|
| December 11 to 14 inclusive | 2 | 1 |
| December 15 to January 6 inclusive | 0 | 0 |
| January 7 to January 10 inclusive | 2 | 1 |
Cold weather restrictions
| Flights between | Aircraft | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary - Lethbridge | Saab 340B aircraft operated by Pacific Coastal (8P) | November 1 to March 31 inclusive |
| Calgary - Lloydminster | Saab 340B aircraft operated by Pacific Coastal (8P) | November 1 to March 31 inclusive |
| Calgary - Medicine Hat | Saab 340B aircraft operated by Pacific Coastal (8P) | November 1 to March 31 inclusive |
| Calgary - Cranbrook | Saab 340B aircraft operated by Pacific Coastal (8P) | November 1 to March 31 inclusive |
Heat and entrance restrictions
- These restrictions apply to travelling with a pet. There are differences when travelling with a service or emotional support animal. Please see service animals for more details.
- Before travelling with your pet in or out of any province, territory or across borders, we strongly recommend confirming the entrance requirements with the consulate, embassy or appropriate government authority. You are responsible for meeting entrance requirements for any province, territory or country you are entering, including the point of departure.
- Pets may be denied entry at your destination (including Canada) if they are in poor health and may be subject to a medical examination. Any costs associated with a medical examination will be at your expense.
- Please view general entrance requirements for guests travelling with pets for more information. Entrance and documentation requirements are subject to change and may vary depending on your destination, the animal's breed and the type of animal travelling (e.g. a pet and a rescue animal can have different requirements).
- Entrance and documentation requirements are subject to change and may vary depending on your destination, the animal's breed and the type of animal (for example, a pet or a rescue animal).
- WestJet assumes no responsibility for your compliance with any such requirements.
- A designation of "does not accept" is applicable to both carry-on and checked baggage. If your destination is heat restricted year-round, your animal may be able to travel in carry-on baggage if all other restrictions can be met.
- If any of the countries on your itinerary include a note to see details, this means there are specific restrictions that must be met in order for your pet to be permitted to travel.
| Country | General entrance restrictions | Heat restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| Aruba | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage at any time (year-round) |
| Bahamas | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| Barbados | WestJet does not accept pets for travel to/from this destination | |
| Belize | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage at any time (year-round) |
|
| Bermuda | See details | Not applicable |
| Canada (all destinations) |
See details | We love Canada but, sadly, heat is not an issue |
| Cayman Islands | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| Curacao | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| Costa Rica | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage at any time (year-round) for flights to/from Liberia Other locations in Costa Rica are not restricted |
| Cuba | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| Dominican Republic | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage at any time for flights to/from La Romana Pets are not accepted from May 15 to October 31 for flights to/from all other locations in the Dominican Republic |
| Hawaii | WestJet does not accept pets for travel to/from Hawaii | |
| Ireland | WestJet does not accept pets for travel to/from Dublin | |
| Mexico | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage at any time (year-round) for flights to/from Huatulco, Ixtapa/Zihuatenejo and Merida Pets are not accepted from May 15 to October 31 for flights to/from all other locations in Mexico Mexico City is not included on the AVIH permanent and seasonal restrictions, pets are accepted. |
| Trinidad and Tobago | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage at any time (year-round) |
| Puerto Rico | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| St. Maarten | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| St. Lucia | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| Turks and Caicos (Providenciales) |
See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| United Kingdom | WestJet does not accept pets for travel to/from Glasgow or London Gatwick | |
| United States | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage on flights to/from Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, Palm Springs, Phoenix, Sarasota, Tampa Bay and West Palm Beach from May 15 to October 31 Other U.S. destinations are not restricted |
Bird 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.
- When travelling with a bird, an import/export 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/export 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.
Conditions for acceptance
- Pets are not permitted on flights operated by our code-share and interline partners. WestJet is also unable to accept pets on flights we operate but were booked through one of our partners.
- For your pet's comfort, we recommend considering flights without connections, as well as early morning or late evening flights in the summer and midday flights in the winter.
- A pet may not travel with an unaccompanied minor.
- Pets that are younger than eight weeks old will not be accepted for transport.
- Pets travelling in the cabin must remain in the kennel and be stored under the seat in front of you at all times. If you remove your pet from its kennel while on board, you may be banned from travelling with your pet in the cabin on future WestJet flights.
- Pets that appear to be aggressive, unruly or in distress may be denied for transport at our discretion.
- All kennels are subject to approval by WestJet at check in. See the kennel information for carry-on pets or kennel information for "Checked" and "On their own (as cargo)" sections above.
- WestJet assumes no responsibility for the care or feeding of pets while in transit.
- 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 or companionship, inconvenience, etc. are not compensable.
When to consult a veterinarian
For your pet's health and safety, WestJet recommends consulting your veterinarian before reserving travel if your pet is:
- Pregnant or in heat (estrus).
- A snub-nose (brachycephalic or short-nosed) pet. These types of pets suffer from respiratory problems that increase with stress and heat, and may not be suitable for travel in checked baggage.
Additionally, you should not administer any tranquilizer or other medication to your pet before travel without first consulting a veterinarian.
Preparing for your flight
- Your pet must be fed and watered within the four (4) hour period before check-in. Only feed your pet a light meal prior to departure and provide a quick drink of water before check-in. Containers with food and water are prone to spilling during the course of checked kennel-handling and transportation. For the comfort of your pet, WestJet recommends that you empty all food and water containers before transferring the kennel to WestJet during check-in.
- Exercise your pet before leaving for the airport. Some airports may require pets to remain in the kennel at all times.
- If you are travelling with your pet in checked baggage, please ensure you allow adequate time to check in. You may be required to accompany your pet through additional security screening before proceeding through passenger screening. Recommended check-in time for guests travelling with a checked kennel is 120 minutes before domestic flight departures and 150 minutes (depending on your destination) before international flight departures. If you check in less than 90 minutes before your flight's departure, your pet may be denied boarding.
- 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.
- Once checked in, our agents may not be able to take your pet more than 60 minutes before scheduled departure for international flights and 120 minutes before scheduled departure for flights to/from the U.S.
WestJet Vacations package bookings
For guests travelling on a WestJet Vacations package, the following information applies in addition 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.
Pets travelling on their own (as cargo)
WestJet Cargo accepts pets travelling on their own. If you wish to transport an unaccompanied pet, please contact WestJet Cargo for rates and information at 1-866-952-2746 (1-866-WJCARGO).
Restrictions
There are three reasons your pet may not be able to travel with you: holiday, heat and entrance restrictions. Please review all three to identify if this will affect your travel plans.
Holiday restrictions
The following restrictions are applicable for pets travelling in checked baggage due to limited room during heavy holiday travel periods.
| Dates | WestJet 737 aircraft | WestJet Encore Q400 |
|---|---|---|
| December 11 to 14 inclusive | 2 | 1 |
| December 15 to January 6 inclusive | 0 | 0 |
| January 7 to January 10 inclusive | 2 | 1 |
Cold weather restrictions
| Flights between | Aircraft | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary - Lethbridge | Saab 340B aircraft operated by Pacific Coastal (8P) | November 1 to March 31 inclusive |
| Calgary - Lloydminster | Saab 340B aircraft operated by Pacific Coastal (8P) | November 1 to March 31 inclusive |
| Calgary - Medicine Hat | Saab 340B aircraft operated by Pacific Coastal (8P) | November 1 to March 31 inclusive |
| Calgary - Cranbrook | Saab 340B aircraft operated by Pacific Coastal (8P) | November 1 to March 31 inclusive |
Heat and entrance restrictions
- These restrictions apply to travelling with a pet. There are differences when travelling with a service or emotional support animal. Please see service animals for more details.
- Before travelling with your pet in or out of any province, territory or across borders, we strongly recommend confirming the entrance requirements with the consulate, embassy or appropriate government authority. You are responsible for meeting entrance requirements for any province, territory or country you are entering, including the point of departure.
- Pets may be denied entry at your destination (including Canada) if they are in poor health and may be subject to a medical examination. Any costs associated with a medical examination will be at your expense.
- Please view general entrance requirements for guests travelling with pets for more information. Entrance and documentation requirements are subject to change and may vary depending on your destination, the animal's breed and the type of animal travelling (e.g. a pet and a rescue animal can have different requirements).
- Entrance and documentation requirements are subject to change and may vary depending on your destination, the animal's breed and the type of animal (for example, a pet or a rescue animal).
- WestJet assumes no responsibility for your compliance with any such requirements.
- A designation of "not permitted" is applicable to both carry-on and checked baggage. If your destination is heat restricted year-round, your animal may be able to travel in carry-on baggage if all other restrictions can be met.
- If any of the countries on your itinerary include a note to see details, this means there are specific restrictions that must be met in order for your pet to be permitted to travel.
Dominican RepublicSee detailsPets are not accepted in checked baggage at any time for flights to/from La Romana
Pets are not accepted from May 15 to October 31 for flights to/from all other locations in the Dominican Republic
Pets are not accepted from May 15 to October 31 for flights to/from all other locations in the Dominican Republic
| Country | General entrance restrictions | Heat restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| Aruba | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage at any time (year-round) |
| Bahamas | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| Barbados | WestJet does not accept pets for travel to/from this destination | |
| Belize | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage at any time (year-round) |
|
| Bermuda | See details | Not applicable |
| Canada (all destinations) |
See details | We love Canada but, sadly, heat is not an issue |
| Cayman Islands | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| Costa Rica | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage at any time (year-round) for flights to/from Liberia Other locations in Costa Rica are not restricted |
| Cuba | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| Curacao | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| Hawaii | WestJet does not accept pets for travel to/from Hawaii | |
| Ireland | WestJet does not accept pets for travel to/from Dublin | |
| Mexico | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage at any time (year-round) for flights to/from Huatulco, Ixtapa/Zihuatenejo and Merida Pets are not accepted from May 15 to October 31 for flights to/from all other locations in Mexico |
| Puerto Rico | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| St. Lucia | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| St. Maarten | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| Trinidad and Tobago | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage at any time (year-round) |
| Turks and Caicos (Providenciales) |
See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage from May 15 to October 31 |
| United Kingdom | WestJet does not accept pets for travel to/from Glasgow or London Gatwick | |
| United States | See details | Pets are not accepted in checked baggage on flights to/from Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, Palm Springs, Phoenix, Sarasota, Tampa Bay and West Palm Beach from May 15 to October 31 Other U.S. destinations are not restricted |
Bird 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.
- When travelling with a bird, an import/export 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/export 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.
Conditions for acceptance
- Pets are not permitted on flights operated by our code-share and interline partners. WestJet is also unable to accept pets on flights we operate but were booked through one of our partners.
- For your pet's comfort, we recommend considering flights without connections, as well as early morning or late evening flights in the summer and midday flights in the winter.
- A pet may not travel with an unaccompanied minor.
- Pets that are younger than eight weeks old will not be accepted for transport.
- Pets travelling in the cabin must remain in the kennel and be stored under the seat in front of you at all times. If you remove your pet from its kennel while on board, you may be banned from travelling with your pet in the cabin on future WestJet flights.
- Pets that appear to be aggressive, unruly or in distress may be denied for transport at our discretion.
- All kennels are subject to approval by WestJet at check in. See the kennel information for carry-on pets or kennel information for "Checked" and "On their own (as cargo)" sections above.
- WestJet assumes no responsibility for the care or feeding of pets while in transit.
- 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 or companionship, inconvenience, etc. are not compensable.
When to consult a veterinarian
For your pet's health and safety, WestJet recommends consulting your veterinarian before reserving travel if your pet is:
- Pregnant or in heat (estrus).
- A snub-nose (brachycephalic or short-nosed) pet. These types of pets suffer from respiratory problems that increase with stress and heat, and may not be suitable for travel in checked baggage.
Additionally, you should not administer any tranquilizer or other medication to your pet before travel without first consulting a veterinarian.