Th
ere is a reason why dogs have been called man's best friend. "Fifty-seven percent of Canadian Households own pets," according to Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.
Which is why when people are relocating or temporarily moving for a long-term job assignment pet travel may become a discussion topic.
At ExecSuite we service this contingent, with pet-friendly furnished apartments available at our Chinook location.
As an HR, relocation, or corporate housing specialist what happens when a client needs to travel with a pet?
Below we have outlined the criteria for air travel with furry friends.
A pet may travel one of three ways depending on its size and weight.
Pets in the Cabin
Small cats and dogs can travel at a person's seat if they are small enough to fit in a carrier that goes under the seat in front of a person.
A pet in its carrier counts as one standard item towards a person's carry-on baggage allowance.
Size restrictions for this option are as follows*:
Max weight of 10 kg (22 lb)- pet and carrier combined
Max carrier size:
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Hard-sided Carrier
Height: 23 cm (9 in)
Width: 40 cm (15.5 in)
Length: 55 cm (21.5 in)
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Soft-sided Carrier
Height: 27 cm (10.5 in)
Width: 40 cm (15.5 in)
Length: 55 cm (21.5 in)
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Cost*:
There may be a charge of $50 within Canada or USA or $100 Internationally based on the flight itinerary.
Restrictions to pets in the cabin:
A pet cannot travel with a person in the cabin if they are:
Pets in the Baggage Compartment
If a pet is too large to fit in a carrier under the seat it can travel on the same flight as the owner in the pressurized baggage compartment.
Size restrictions for this option are as follows*:
Max 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (length + width + height)
Max weight of 32 kg (70 lb) - pet and kennel combined
Cost*:
Within Canada and U.S. (except Hawaii) $105 CAD
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International
$270 CAD
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Pets Shipped via Air Cargo
The third way a pet can travel is by being shipped separately as air cargo, to arrive timely at the owner's destination.
There is an entire airline program designed around safely and comfortably transporting large pets via air cargo. Specially trained staff cares for pets through their transit.
Bookings can be made up to 30 days before departure.
The following information is required to book:
Shipping information:
- Shipper's name, address, telephone numbers
- Consignee/recipient name, address, telephone numbers
- City of origin and destination
- Documentation that may be required for transport
About the animal:
- Type of animal and breed
- Age
- Weight, length and height
- Name
- Kennel dimensions (for cats and dogs)
Other Considerations
The airline must be notified ahead of time if a pet will be accompanying a flyer.
First, the person's flight must be booked. Second, the airline must be called to register the pet on the flight.
Before calling, the booker must know the dimensions of the carrier as well as the size and breed of the animal.
Is it helpful to register a pet within 24 hours of booking a flight. This way airlines can ensure the pet's travel arrangements. If, for instance, there is an issue the flight can be cancelled and changed for free within that 24 hour time period.
A traveler should arrive 30 minutes before the suggested arrival time of the flight, and see an agent at check-in. Passengers traveling with animals are unable to use web or kiosk check-in.
*Please note this information has been compiled based on the regulations of Air Canada flights. For more information visit their website. Other airlines procedures may differ slightly.
For Westjet requirements visit their website.
