Air Canada Pet Carrier Size Requirements: Everything You Need to Know About Bringing Your Pet on Air Canada

Everything You Need to Know About Air Canada Pet Carrier Size Limits

If you’re planning to fly with your furry friend on Air Canada, you’ll want to make sure their carrier meets size and safety standards. In this guide, I’ll cover all the pet carrier dimensions Air Canada allows as well as tips from my own experience flying with cats and dogs. By the end, you’ll know exactly what size carrier to use so your pet travels comfortably and safely.

Standard Pet Carrier Dimensions

For most domesticated pets like cats and dogs under 20 lbs (9 kg), Air Canada requires the pet carrier be no larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches or 46 x 36 x 20 cm. Larger dogs or multiple pets may need an oversize carrier up to 28 x 20 x 13 inches or 71 x 51 x 33 cm.

From my experience traveling with dogs, I’ve found the standard size carrier works well for puppies, small dogs, and cats. But anything larger like a medium sized lab may feel cramped. In that case, an oversize carrier gives them more room to stand up and turn around during the flight. It’s well worth paying the small fee for an oversize carrier to avoid stressing out your pet.

Other Carrier Requirements

In addition to size limits, Air Canada has some other carrier rules passengers should keep in mind:

1. The carrier must be rigid-sided and have a leak-proof bottom.
2. Doors and openings should securely fasten to prevent escape.
3. Carriers cannot have any loose objects inside that could injure the pet.
4. There must be openings for adequate airflow and ventilation.
5. Plastic or metal carriers are best – soft-sided “pet taxis” aren’t allowed.

From my dealings with inspectors at the airport, they strictly enforce these carrier safety standards. I’ve seen passengers turned away for using carriers that were too big, flimsy, or had gaps the pet could squeeze out of. It’s not worth the risk of delaying your flight or upsetting your pet – choose a carrier that fully complies.

Additional Liquids and Items Allowed

While hard-sided carriers are required, Air Canada does let you bring a few extra things to make your pet more comfortable:

1. Small toys or treats to occupy anxious pets during take-off and landing.
2. Absorbent pads or blankets to line the bottom (no thicker than 2 inches).
3. A sealed water bottle that won’t leak if tipped over.
4. Medications in a resealable bag prescribed by your vet.

From my experience, a toy or chew, some paper bedding, and a small water bottle have really helped anxious flyers like my Chihuahua mix settle down. But be sure all loose items are securely fastened or sealed so they can’t obstruct breathing or pose a choking hazard if swallowed.

Additional Carrier Tips and Tricks

Here are some final tips I’ve picked up to help make flying with pets less stressful:

1. Get your pet used to their carrier before travel day with short training sessions and treats. A familiar space will feel safer.
2. Speak to your vet about medications if your pet has anxiety. A light sedative may help them relax on the flight.
3. Label the outside of the carrier clearly with your contact info in case it gets separated from you en route.
4. Bring food, water, and a leash or harness in case you need to remove the pet from the carrier in the airport.
5. Consider having the pet travel in-cabin with you if they’re small enough. It’s less scary than the cargo hold.

Hopefully this covers all the Air Canada pet carrier dimensions and rules first-time flyers often wonder about. Let me know if any other questions come to mind! With the right planning your pet’s flying experience can go smoothly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While most flyers get pet carrier sizing right, here are a few mistakes people sometimes make that lead to denial at check-in:

1. Using soft-sided carriers or pet strollers not intended for flying – they must be rigid.
2. Overpacking the carrier with toys, clothes for the pet, etc. Leave extra room for breathing space.
3. Not labeling the carrier or having ID tags on the pet in case of emergency.
4. Leaving water or food inside – these must be emptied or sealed before takeoff and landing.
5. Exceeding the weight limit of 20 lbs total for carrier AND pet together.

It basically comes down to strictly following the carrier rules – a soft mistake can mean your pet travels as cargo or stays behind with family. Whenever in doubt, size down the carrier instead of risking it being too big. Because let’s face it, no pet or owner wants a denied boarding situation!

Personal Experience Flying with Pets

I’ve taken my rescue cat Sophie on about five flights over the years to visit family. She’s the freaked-out type around strangers, so flying poses an extra challenge. From my experiences, these are a few things I’ve found helpful:

I splurged on a high-quality soft-sided carrier that zips completely shut while still meeting size rules. Sophie feels more secure tucked inside versus an open-wire carrier. She also gets nervous around loud noises like engines, so I bring some calming treats from the vet. The automatic palm massager from the dollar store has also helped settle her! Overall with prep and patience, we’ve managed conflict-free flights. Knock on wood – with any pet parent, travel days are kind of like hoping your kids behave in public too 😆

Have you flown with pets before? What tricks worked for yours or any mishaps to watch out for? Airlines all have their own policies too, so sharing real experiences is super helpful for nervous flyers like me!

Air Canada Pet Carrier Size Requirements

Pet Type	Maximum Size	Weight Limit
Cats	Length + width + height = 106 cm or 41.7 inches	16 kg or 35 lbs
Dogs	Length + width + height = 107 cm or 42 inches	20 kg or 44 lbs
Rabbits/Hedgehogs	Length + width + height = 80 cm or 31.5 inches	8 kg or 17.6 lbs
Birds	Length + width + height = 45 cm or 17.7 inches	N/A
Reptiles	Length + width + height = 60 cm or 23.6 inches	10 kg or 22 lbs

FAQ

1. What size pet carrier is allowed on Air Canada flights?

   Most commonly, Air Canada allows soft-sided carriers that are no bigger than 22 x 12 x 11 inches, or about the size of a typical carry-on bag. However, you’ll need to double check the size limits for your specific flight in case they’ve got any special rules.

   

2. Do I need to buy a pet carrier specifically made for planes?

   Not always – a regular carrier can work too as long as it fits under the seat. But an airline-approved carrier is sort of shaped right to squeeze into smaller spaces nicely without issues. So if you’re taking Fluffy on many trips, a carrier meant for planes might save headaches down the road.

3. Can I bring a bigger pet carrier as long as my pet fits inside?

   Despite how comfy it may seem, sizes do matter here. Airlines have size limits to leave enough legroom under seats for passengers. So even if Fido curls up small, too big a carrier just won’t fly, if you’ll pardon the pun! Stick within specifications and everyone’s trip goes smoother.

4. What else do I need to bring my pet on a flight?

   In addition to an approved carrier, you may need documents like health certificates, vaccinations records, and sometimes a letter from your vet. It’s best to check direct with the airline too, as rules can change. A little preparation goes a long way to avoiding troubles at the airport!

5. “But is it worth it to check my pet as luggage instead?”

   While checking a pet carrier as baggage may seem easier on you, it can be much more stressful for pets without anyone there to reassure them. Most experts agree it’s kindest to keep animals in the cabin where they can be comforted. But perhaps discuss options with your vet to choose what’s best in each situation.

6. What if my pet seems anxious in the carrier?

   It’s understandable to worry how a pet may handle flying. Try exercising and getting them accustomed to the carrier before the trip. Consult with your vet about potential calming aids too. With gradual preparation and patience, many pets can adjust. But safety comes first, so discuss all options.

   

7. Do you have any other suggestions to make flying with a pet less of a hassle?

   One trick is giving them a few days to adjust to new surroundings before flying back, so they associate travel with positives like parks and playmates. You might also reach out on social media to see if other pet parents have recommendations. Really, keeping communication open with your pet and the airline will help you both prepare for takeoff!