8 Tips for Travelling with Pets

Nitro and Ramsey are two globetrotting, jet-setting pups — and when they travel, they like to make sure that they're comfortable, safe and on time for their flights.

Our Flightie Allison Wallace recently appeared on CTV with Nitro and Ramsey's mom, Ann Luu, to talk about the best ways to travel with your pet or service animal. Her advice includes how to plan ahead with your airline, how to prep your pet for travel and so much more! Read on for eight tips and tricks for travelling with your pet.

Planning on flying with your dog? Make sure to research airline pet requirements for size and weight restrictions, carrier measurements and cost information. Keep maximum pet allowance in mind! There is a maximum number of pets permitted onboard and in checked baggage on a given flight, due to limited room or peak travel seasons, so it's important to know how many are registered for the flight you want to book.

On Air Canada and WestJet airlines, travellers are each allowed to take one pet in the passenger cabin. Both Air Canada and WestJet allow up to two pets per passenger to travel as checked baggage.

If your furry friends are under a certain size and weight you will be permitted to bring your pet onboard in an airline-approved pet carrier. You will be required to stow your pet in the carrier in the space beneath the seat in front of you (just like you would with a carry-on bag), so it's important to make sure that your carrier meets the airline's requirements.

If your pet is flying in checked baggage, pets must be under a certain size and weight and travel in an airline-approved pet carrier. Pet carriers must be leak-proof, hard-sided with ventilation and no part of the animal is allowed to protrude from the carrier or kennel door (to keep them safe from surrounding carriers and baggage). It must also be big enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably.

Remember that not all aircraft have heated or air-conditioned cargo — so keep the time of year in mind (particularly for summer and midday flights) when flying with your dog, as blackout dates will apply.

For pets that exceed the onboard and checked baggage size and weight restrictions, pet owners have the option to fly pets in cargo.

If your flight has a codeshare (an airline that another airline partners with for one leg of your journey), the rules may change and you'll see that pets will be restricted altogether — or that you'll only be permitted to fly all the way through when travelling with your pet. (Ask a travel consultant for more information on codeshare flights!)

Once you've booked your flight, you must register your pet for travel on the same flight as yours. You'll be asked to provide the weight and breed of your pet, along with carrier measurements. Unfortunately, there are breed restrictions you need to watch out for — Staffordshire bull terrier dogs and pit bull terriers, for example, aren't allowed to fly with certain airlines.

Unregistered pets will not be accepted at the airport. Air Canada recommends registering your pet within 24 hours of completing your booking. This allows you a grace period to make any changes without charge in case your pet cannot be accommodated. WestJet recommends registering your pet within 48 hours of completing your booking.

Make sure that your pet is fit to fly, doesn't require any additional vaccinations (and is up to date on its rabies vaccination) and that you have any refills of medications needed. Your airline might also require that your vet provides documents that verify your pet's health before they'll be allowed to fly.

Knowing how to prep your pet for travel is essential to ensuring they feel safe on board. Whether you're flying with them as a carry on or checked passenger, get your pet familiar with their kennel or crate — and be sure to pack toys and a blanket that smell like home to make sure your pet is as happy and comfortable as possible while on route to your destination country. In addition, make sure your pet has ID tags on at all times.

Give your pets plenty of exercise before kennel/crate time. Avoid feeding your pet 6–8 hours prior to departure, or giving them water two hours prior to departure. It's important to make sure that your pet is not hungry or dehydrated, but you don't want your pet stressed out if they need a bathroom break. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the recommended check-in time to make time to see an agent. This extra time will also give you and your pet enough time to get familiar with your travel surroundings and conditions, or to check your pet in at checked baggage.

Every airline is different, so it's important that you check the size and weight restrictions, carrier measurements and costs for whichever one you're flying with. Air Canada and WestJet pet carrier dimensions, for example, vary greatly. Here's some information that will help you travel with your pet:

• For pets that weigh over 32kg or exceed the maximum carrier dimensions, WestJet cargo can ship your pet. Ask a travel consultant for help with rates and assistance.

For more advice on how to fly with your cat or dog, or help understanding airline pet requirements, contact a Flight Centre travel consultant by connecting with us online, calling 1–877–967–5302 or visiting your closest Flight Centre store.