Air travel with pets

Travelling with your pets is not for the “last minute” traveller! There are a number of restrictions for both onboard cabin kennels as well as for cargo containers.

 

Onboard Kennels

• You must register your in-cabin pet within 24 hours of booking your flight. Airlines allow a maximum number of animals per cabin and you must be prepared to allow your reservation to be altered if the flight you’ve booked is at its maximum.
• Charges for onboard carriage ranges from $50 – $150 per flight depending on destination and duration.
• Not all destinations allow for onboard carriage. For instance, you cannot fly with your pet between Vancouver and Hawaii with Air Canada.
• Your animal may be denied onboard carriage if the ticket counter agent determines that the animal is aggressive, unruly and/or distressed at time of check-in.
• If you are travelling with a cat and seated near someone with a severe dander allergy, the airlines are mandated to then move you to the rear of the cabin!
• Travelling with an onboard kennel requires earlier check in. Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport 90 minutes prior to your departure to allow for the extra security screening required.
• Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel with animals. So no sending little Tommy to Grandma’s house with the new puppy!
• In-cabin pets are not allowed in most business class and/or Premium economy sections of the aircraft.

Checked Luggage Kennels

• Again, your pet must be booked in conjunction with your flight reservation to be guaranteed availability as kennels in the Cargo section are also heavily restricted on a per flight basis.
• Rates range from $105CAD to $270CAD depending on destination.
• Summer restrictions apply during June 20th – September 10th. Potentially high temperatures on the ground during the loading process have been deemed too dangerous.
• Winter restrictions apply during the period December 15th – January 12th due to high load capacities. No animals will be accepted as checked luggage during that time.
• Certain aircraft are also deemed “unsuitable” for live carriage as their baggage compartments are not heated.
• Maximum weight for carriage as checked luggage is a combined weight of 32kgs (70lbs).

The minimum age for cats or dogs to travel via air is 12 weeks. It is the passenger’s responsibility to be aware of any restrictions or requirements for travel to foreign countries. The airlines will not be held responsible should your animal be seized or quarantined upon arrival. Here is a handy link to check for entry requirements to different destinations. General Entry Requirements

The maximum liability for compensation should anything happen to your animal during transport as checked luggage is the same for all baggage. No consequential damages such as “loss of enjoyment or companionship” will be payable.

Be sure to feed and water your animal as well as some gentle exercise at least 4 hours prior to boarding. Check with your vet to see if some sedation medication may be recommended.

Air travel can be a traumatic experience for some animals. Those prone to anxiety issues and behaviour problems may be best served left behind in the care of others. You know your pet best. Take the time and attention to make the experience an enjoyable one for them as well as your fellow passengers.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.