Air Canada ESA Policy: Updated Guidelines For Stress-Free Travel

Air Canada aligns with the US Department of Transportation’s regulations, impacting travelers with emotional support animals (ESAs). Since March 2021, ESAs are no longer recognized as service animals, requiring pet fees and adherence to Air Canada’s Pet Policy for in-cabin travel. Read on to understand the most recent and significant updates regarding this airline’s policies for smooth traveling.

Important Air Canada Rules For Traveling With Emotional Support Dogs & Service Dogs

Air Canada has established comprehensive policies to facilitate the safe and comfortable travel of passengers accompanied by their beloved animals. Below are the essential guidelines you need to follow.

Service Dogs
- Definition: Air Canada recognizes service dogs as those individually trained to perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.
- In-Cabin Travel: Service dogs are permitted to accompany their handlers in the cabin at no additional charge.
- Number of Service Dogs: Each passenger may travel with only one service dog. Exception for flights to/from the U.S., you may travel with two service dogs.
Documentation: Passengers must submit a completed Service Animal Form at least 48 hours before travel.
- Emotional Support Dogs
- Policy Update: As of March 2021, Air Canada no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals.
Travel Options: Emotional support dogs can travel as pets, subject to Air Canada's pet travel policies, including applicable fees and carrier requirements.
Psychiatric Service Dogs
- Recognition: Psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are accepted as service animals, provided they are trained to perform specific tasks related to a psychiatric disability.
Documentation: Passengers traveling with PSDs must submit the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form in advance.
- Pet Travel Policies
- In-Cabin Pets: Small cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin if they fit in an approved carrier under the seat. Only one pet per passenger is permitted.
Checked Baggage: Larger pets can travel in the checked baggage compartment, subject to size and weight restrictions. Advance booking is required.
- Advance Notice
- Notification Period: Passengers must inform Air Canada of their intent to travel with a service dog at least 48 hours before departure. For pet travel, it's recommended to notify the airline as early as possible due to limited space.
Health and Behavior Requirements
- Standards: All animals must be well-behaved, non-disruptive, and in good health. Aggressive or ill animals may be denied boarding.

Air Canada’s Cargo Travel For ESAs & Pets

For emotional support animals and pets that cannot be accommodated in the cabin due to size or weight restrictions, Air Canada offers cargo services.

This service guarantees that pets travel in a temperature-controlled and pressurized environment, adhering to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations. Advance booking is required, and pets must be dropped off at a dedicated Air Canada Cargo facility, not at the airport terminal.

Pets are placed in airline-approved kennels that provide adequate ventilation and comfort. The kennel is large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Air Canada also enforces temperature restrictions to maximize pet safety. If, at any point during the transport, the temperature is forecasted to be below 10°F (-12°C) or above 85°F (29°C), the pet may be refused transport as checked baggage. Between June 10 and September 10, no pets are transported as checked baggage; however, they may be accepted as air cargo.

Fundamental Aspects Of Revised Air Canada’s ESA Pet Policies

Following the U.S. Department of Transportation's 2021 regulations, Air Canada has updated its policies regarding emotional support animals (ESAs) and pet travel. Here are the main updates:

ESAs No Longer Accepted

As of March 1, 2021, Air Canada no longer recognizes ESAs as service animals. Passengers wishing to travel with ESAs must adhere to the airline's pet travel policies, which include specific size requirements, carrier specifications, and applicable fees.

In-Cabin Pet Travel

Air Canada permits small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin, provided they are transported in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Each passenger is allowed one pet in the cabin, and the pet carrier counts as the carry-on baggage allowance. Pet fees for in-cabin travel are $50 CAD/USD for flights within Canada and the U.S. and $100 CAD/USD for international flights.

Pets Traveling As Checked Baggage

Larger pets that cannot be accommodated in the cabin may travel as checked baggage in the aircraft's pressurized cargo compartment. The pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned. Fees for pets traveling as checked baggage are $105 CAD/USD for flights within Canada and the U.S. and $270 CAD/USD for international flights. Advance booking is required, and certain breed restrictions may apply.

Service Dogs & Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) Travel Free Of Charge

Air Canada continues to accept service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs, in the cabin at no additional cost. These dogs must be individually trained to perform tasks related to the handler's disability. Passengers are required to provide documentation, such as the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form, at least 48 hours before the flight.

Advance Notification Is Highly Recommended

Passengers traveling with pets or service dogs are advised to inform Air Canada in advance to ensure all requirements are met and to facilitate a smooth travel experience. It's recommended to contact Air Canada's Medical Assistance Desk at least 48 hours before departure when traveling with a service dog and at least 96 hours when traveling with an emotional support dog.

Air Canada Policies For Psychiatric Service Dogs

Air Canada is committed to accommodating passengers with disabilities who rely on service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs (PSDs). These animals are permitted to accompany their handlers in the cabin at no additional charge, provided specific requirements are met to ensure safety and comfort for all passengers.

Training Requirements

Service Dogs and PSDs: They must be individually trained to perform tasks directly related to the handler's disability. This includes guiding individuals with visual impairments, alerting those with hearing impairments, pulling a wheelchair, or assisting during medical episodes.

Documentation Needed

Service Dog Form: Passengers traveling with a service dog on flights within Canada and to/from international destinations and the Caribbean must complete and submit Air Canada's Service Dog Form at least two days before travel. This form requires an identification card or documentation from an organization specializing in service dog training, attesting to the dog's training and the handler's disability.
U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form: For flights to/from the United States, passengers must submit this form, confirming the dog's health, behavior, and training. An additional form may be required for flights longer than 8 hours to certify that the dog can manage the duration without issues.

Behavior Standards

Conduct: Service dogs and PSDs must be well-behaved, under the handler's control at all times, and should not disrupt cabin operations. Air Canada reserves the right to deny boarding if the dog poses a safety risk or exhibits aggressive behavior.

Cabin Placement

Seating: Service dogs are expected to occupy the floor space in front of the handler's seat without obstructing aisles or emergency exits. Passengers may travel with only one service dog; however, for flights to/from the U.S., up to two service dogs are permitted.

Advance Notification

Notice Period: Passengers should inform Air Canada of their intent to travel with a service dog or PSD at least 48 hours in advance. This allows the airline to review the necessary documentation and arrange appropriate seating.

Air Canada's Flights Policies For ESAs & Pets: Key Takeaways

Air Canada does not accept ESAs; they are considered pets and must adhere to the pet travel policy.
Small cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin, with fees of $50 USD for domestic flights and $100 USD for international flights.
Larger pets can travel as checked baggage, subject to size and weight restrictions, with a fee of $105 per direction.
Service dogs and psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) fly free but require training and documentation.
Pet carriers must meet Air Canada's size requirements for cabin travel.
International travel may require health certificates, vaccinations, or quarantine.
Advance notification (48 hours) is needed for pets or service dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are emotional support dogs allowed on planes in Canada?

Yes, emotional support dogs are allowed on planes in Canada, but policies vary by airline. Air Canada no longer accepts ESAs in the cabin as of March 1, 2021, aligning with changes from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

What documents do I need to fly with my emotional support dog via Air Canada?

To travel with an emotional support dog, you will need the following documents:

Emotional Support Animal Letter: A completed form acknowledging your dog’s behavior and confirming the need for an ESA.
Medical/Mental Health Professional Form: A form filled out by a licensed professional verifying that they are treating you for a mental health condition that requires the support of an emotional support dog.
Veterinary Health Form: A statement from your veterinarian confirming that your dog is free from ticks, fleas, and any infectious diseases. It must also confirm that the dog’s behavior is appropriate and that they can comfortably fit in an under-seat carrier.
Travel Compliance Documentation: Proof that your emotional support dog meets all travel and entry requirements for your destination, including any relevant country, state, or local regulations.

Are there any breed restrictions for animals traveling on Air Canada Cargo?

Air Canada Cargo has specific breed restrictions for animals traveling in the cargo hold to ensure safety. Certain dog breeds, such as brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs, are not accepted due to health risks. Animals including:

Bulldogs
Pugs
Affenpinscher
Shih Tzu
Chow Chow

and some others, are prohibited.

What are the pet carrier size exceptions based on cabin or aircraft type on Air Canada?

Pet carrier size requirements can vary depending on the aircraft type and cabin class. For instance, on Boeing 77W and 77L aircraft, the maximum permitted carrier size is 16 inches (W) x 17 inches (L) x 8 inches (H) (40 cm x 43 cm x 20 cm). It's essential to check the specific requirements for your flight, as they may differ based on the aircraft and cabin class.

How to prepare your emotional support animal for a flight using Air Canada?

To create a comfortable journey for your ESA:

Exercise: Provide ample exercise before the flight to help your dog relax.
Feeding: Avoid feeding your dog right before the flight to prevent discomfort.
Hydration: Check that your dog has access to water during the journey.
Comfort Items: Bring familiar items like a favorite blanket or toy to reduce distress.