WestJet: Pet Policy

What methods of transport does WestJet Airlines provide for my pet?

  • Travel in the passenger cabin.
  • Checked as baggage in pressurized and temperature controlled area of your aircraft.

Does my pet qualify for travel in the passenger cabin?

Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel in the passenger cabin:

  • Only domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits and birds are allowed.
  • You are not traveling to/from Honolulu or Maui.
  • Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel, under the seat for the entire flight.
  • The kennel is specifically made for animal carriage and does not exceed 16in x 17.5in x 8.5in in its dimensions or weigh more than 22 lb/10 kg (including animal).
  • Pets are over eight weeks old.
  • Your pet has all necessary health documents required by your destination (see below for more information).

Does my pet qualify for travel as checked baggage?

Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel as checked baggage:

  • Only domesticated dogs, cats, birds, chinchillas, guinea pigs, hedgehogs and rabbits are allowed.
  • Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel for the entire flight.
  • The kennel does not exceed 36in x 24in x 26in in its dimensions or 100 lb/45 kg and meets all requirements (see below for more information).
  • Your pet has all necessary health documents required by your destination (see below for more information).
  • You are not traveling to Phoenix, Palm Springs, Honolulu, or Maui, at any time of the year.
  • You are not traveling to Tampa, Orlando, or Fort Lauderdale between May 1 and September 30.

What are the fees associated with pet transport?

  • Fee for animal in the passenger cabin: $50.00 CAD / $59.00 USD.
  • Fee for animal checked as baggage: Regular baggage fees apply. Please refer to  Excess Baggage Fees.

What are the kennel requirements?

In addition to the size and weight maximums, WestJet requires that kennels meet the following requirements:

  • Size restrictions (per kennel): 36in x 24 in x 26 in/ 91cm x 6cm x 66 cm (length x width x height);
  • Be leak-proof and escape-proof;
  • Be properly ventilated, but not allow any part of the animal from protruding outside of the container;
  • Provide enough room for the animal to stand and turn around;
  • Be soft sided;
  • Contain absorbent material or litter;
  • Have functional handles on the kennel's exterior to prevent tilting and any direct contact with the animals;
  • Be closed securely, but not locked;
  • Have labels with the words "Live Animal" in letters at least 1-inch tall on the crate's top and on at least one side;
  • Have upright arrow labels indicating kennel's correct position.

What health documentation is required?

While WestJet does not require a health certificate for an animal some States and Countries do require health documents. As it is the passenger's responsibility to be aware of all regulations, you should consult your veterinarian and the Department of Agriculture to ensure that your animal will comply with all requirements.

Are there any other restrictions?

WestJet can refuse to transport an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports.

How do I book this service?

Space for pets cannot be reserved online. To add your pet to your travel plans, please contact WestJet at 1-800-581-9499.

Please contact the airline directly for information about traveling with a service animal.

More Information on Travelling with Pets