Air Transat: Pet Policy

What methods of transport does Air Transat provide for my pet?

  • No animal is allowed in the cabin except service animals.
  • Checked as baggage in pressurized and temperature controlled area of your aircraft.
  • Shipped as cargo in pressurized and temperature controlled area.
  • All Service dog travel must be booked well in advance; please contact request@airtransat.com for more information. 

Does my pet qualify for travel in the passenger cabin as a service animal?

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

  • A service animal is defined as a certified working animal wearing a harness and trained to assist a permanent or long-term disabled person.
  • Passengers must present the training certificate prior to travel.
  • Service animals will not be carried unless proper permits are obtained for entry into the countries of transit or final destination, and such permits are presented prior to commencement of travel.
  • Some countries have very specific entry requirements or restrictions for entry. For example, the United Kingdom will only allow entry through certain airports and extensive pre-flight arrangements and paperwork must be completed well before the intended date of travel.

Does my pet qualify for travel as checked baggage?

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

  • Animals of any kind are NOT accepted on flights going to, from or connecting in the United Kingdom (except service animals). Animals are also not accepted on flights going to or connecting in Ireland (cargo only) or Jamaica.
  • Animal must travel in a cage supplied by the passenger on which the name of the animal has been written.
  • The animal must be in a cage approved for air transportation (IATA regulations). A plain rigid plastic cage is mandatory. Cages made of wire or any other material will not be accepted (a wire door is acceptable).
  • The cage must be large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around, and lie down or acceptance may be denied.
  • All cage doors must be secured with a locking mechanism to prevent opening.
  • In general, only one (1) animal per cage is accepted, and no animal under 12 weeks of age may travel alone. Exceptions to this are as follows: Dogs and cats: a mother with puppies or a mother with kittens between 6-12 weeks old, or, up to 3 puppies or kittens from the same litter between 12 weeks and 6 months. The cage must always be big enough to accommodate all of the animals.
  • For the comfort and safety of the animal, passengers presenting cages that do not comply with the requirements described above may be denied transportation for the animal.
  • The owner of the animal will have to pay CA$30 (plus tax) per animal for inspection by Agriculture Canada upon entry into Canada (except from the U.S.).
  • The kennel meets all requirements (see below for more information) and does not exceed 32in x 48.5in x 35.5in (length x width x height) 
  • Your pet has all necessary health documents required by your destination (see below for more information).
  • All pet carriage must also be booked in advance via Air Transat's Seat Selection and Information Centre, as there is a maximum number of animals accepted per flight. 

Does my pet qualify to be shipped as cargo?

If your pet does not meet the requirements for travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, or if you would like your pet to travel unaccompanied, contact Air Transat Cargo for more information.

What are the fees associated with pet transport?

  • Fee for animal in a small cage (approximate size 19.5 x 27 x 19 in.): CA/US $100.
  • Fee for animal in a medium cage (approximate size 22.25 x 32.5 x 33 in.): CA/US $175.
  • Fee for animal in a large cage (approximate size 29.5 x 41 x 30 in.): CA/US $200.
  • Fee for animal in an extra-large cage (approximate size 32 x 48.5 x 35.5 in.): CA/US $225.

What health documentation is required?

While Air Transat does not require a health certificate for your animal to travel domestically, some States 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/Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada to ensure that your animal will comply with all requirements. Contact Air Transat about health documentation required for animals traveling to international destinations.

Are there any other restrictions?

Please be aware that Air Transat (in accordance with its AVIH program) does not transport Pit bulls. The carriage of this breed of dog will not be permitted under any circumstances. There are already some countries/territories that do not allow entry to this type of dog, or that do not permit ownership of these breeds. This ban includes the following breeds:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Boerbulls
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • American Pit Bull Terriers
  • Mastiff
  • Tosa

Each country has specific requirements for the acceptance of animals, including documentation, restrictions of breeds, fees and conditions for acceptance. It is very important that passengers travelling with their pets consult local authorities before departure. In addition, passengers with pets should always consult with their veterinarian and their travel agent prior to booking.

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