Air Canada restricts cabin and cargo hold travel to only cats and dogs. However, AC Animals, Air Canada Cargo’s specialized solution for animal transportation, allows a large variety of animals to be shipped as unaccompanied cargo.

You will work with an AC Animals agent to book a pet cargo shipment, and that agent can answer questions throughout the process. Make sure to regularly check for potential pet travel restrictions if you plan on traveling internationally. Some countries require you to make international bookings for pets in cargo with a registered International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA).

 

AC Animals Shipping Prices

Shipping prices vary based on size and dimensional weight of your pet’s kennel. Domestic trips and transborder trips (Canada to/from U.S.) have different pricing tiers. If you are traveling outside Canada or the U.S., you will pay based on the origin and destination of your shipment, type of animal you are shipping, and the combined weight of the animal and kennel/container. An AC Animals agent will confirm your

 

Cargo-Approved Animals

Many different animals are permitted. Pets such as cats and dogs, as well as other animals like rabbits, and hares. Animals that must travel in a tank, like snakes and reptiles, and aquatic creatures can also be accommodated as cargo. When shipping live animals internationally, there are different species and breed restrictions and requirements that you should familiarize yourself with.

 

AC Animals Travel Benefits

Flying with pets can be nerve-wracking, but for some, flying pets as cargo unaccompanied can be an even more anxious experience. Air Canada will safely transport your animal and provide your pets with appropriate accommodations. Should your animal need to be held for a layover, or overnight and comfort stops, they will be cared for in airport kennels, or Toronto-based partner kennels. Select stations offer designated holding areas for your pet’s comfort and safety. Your pet will travel via dedicated transport vehicles to ensure safe arrival.

 

Comfort Stops

Air Canada will include a comfort stop for your pet if the overall journey contains a connection time longer than 6 hours, or if you do not retrieve your pet from the destination after 4 hours. In the event you do not retrieve your pet after 4 hours, Air Canada will send your pet to a kennel or veterinarian service. You will pay all fees that apply.

 

Find more information about Air Canada Pet Policies.