Flying with a Pet
Cabin or cargo, carrier sizing, which fees and paperwork to confirm, and breed and temperature restrictions.
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FlyingWith editorial team
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Whether your pet can fly in the cabin comes down to the airline's weight limit, whether that limit counts the carrier, and the under-seat space on your aircraft. Fees, paperwork deadlines and breed rules vary too, so confirm each one for your exact flights before booking.
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General advice: applies wherever you fly
The basics
Cabin or cargo: know before you book
Small pets in an airline-approved soft carrier can often fly in the cabin under the seat in front of you. The weight limit, and whether it counts the carrier too, is set by each airline, as are the carrier's maximum dimensions, so check both against your own pet and carrier before you book. Larger pets may need to fly as cargo or checked baggage. Confirm early: most airlines cap how many pets are allowed in the cabin per flight.
Read the guide: Airline Pet Policies: What to Check Before You BookCarrier sizing and comfort
Your carrier needs to fit fully under the seat in front of you, so check your specific aircraft's under-seat dimensions where possible. Let your pet get used to the carrier for a few weeks before the trip, and avoid a big meal right before flying to reduce motion sickness.
Fees and required paperwork
Pet fees are charged separately from your ticket and vary widely by airline, route and whether your pet travels in the cabin or as cargo. Check the fee for your exact flights before booking, and again if you change them. You'll typically need a recent health certificate from your vet and proof of vaccinations; how recent the certificate has to be is set by the destination, so confirm it with the destination's animal-import authority rather than the airline. International trips can add country-specific import permits, so start well ahead of departure.
Read the guide: Airline Pet Policies: What to Check Before You BookBreed and temperature restrictions
Many airlines restrict or ban snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like bulldogs and pugs from cargo due to breathing risk, and pause pet cargo during extreme heat. Call the airline's dedicated pet desk directly. The general reservations line often doesn't have full answers.
Plan beyond the flight
Confirm that the accommodation accepts your animal and ask about restrictions, charges and where the pet can stay. Arrange a transfer that accepts the carrier. Plan a quiet place to settle after arrival, and keep the destination documents accessible rather than in checked baggage.
Take it with you
What to confirm with your airline
Everything here is drawn from the advice above. Airlines and airports set their own rules, so these are the things to ask about for your own flights.
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Helpful guides
Airline Pet Policies: What to Check Before You Book
Confirm two things before you book: the airline's pet policy for your exact flights, and your destination's entry rules. Some take months, such as Japan's 180-day waiting period for dogs and cats from non-designated regions.
Flying to Toronto with a Pet: Canada's Entry Rules for Dogs and Cats
Check the CFIA's import rules for your pet's species, age and country of origin, then confirm with your airline that your pet can fly on every leg. Dogs eight months or older and cats three months or older need rabies documentation that meets the CFIA's requirements.
Flying with a Cat in the Cabin
Reserve the cat's place before assuming the booking is finished. Airlines limit the number of cabin pets, and paying for your own ticket does not reserve space for the animal.
Flying with a Dog from Canada to the United States
Every dog entering the United States needs its own CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Where the dog has been during the six months before entry decides which CDC process applies, and leaving from Canada does not by itself put the dog on the simpler route.
Montréal: YUL Airport Hotel or City Stay?
Start near YUL when reaching the airport or getting to a room after a late arrival is your main priority. Start downtown for a city-based itinerary, or in Old Montréal when your plans centre on the old city and waterfront. Compare the complete journey before choosing the cheapest room.
Questions before you book
Does buying my ticket reserve a place for my pet?
Do not treat a passenger booking as confirmation of a pet arrangement. Ask the airline to confirm the pet booking for every operating carrier, including connections, before committing to other travel costs.
What if my route includes another airline?
Check each operating carrier’s requirements and how the animal travels between flights. Ask who handles the transfer and whether you need to collect the animal or complete entry formalities at the connection.
Travel essentials
Complete your travel plans
Choose the service you need, then compare the offer and its terms with the provider.
Mobile data for your trip
Compare an eSIM with your carrier’s roaming offer and a local SIM. An eSIM only helps if your exact device and the plan suit the trip.
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Build my eSIM shopping list →Checks before choosing
Installing an eSIM and starting its validity period can be different events. Follow the chosen plan’s instructions. The checklist is a reminder, not an automatic device check.
- Check the device model, purchase region and network lock with the provider before paying.
- Compare the countries covered, data allowance, validity start, hotspot rules and any speed limits.
- Check whether calls and SMS are included. Save maps, the hotel address and installation instructions for offline use.
Getting from the airport
Compare the airport’s official public transport and taxi information with a prebooked transfer. Choose based on the whole journey to your accommodation.
GetTransfer is a transfer marketplace. Availability and suitability depend on the offer; a listed vehicle does not confirm accessible transport or a child seat.
Affiliate partner options
Affiliate links through Travelpayouts. FlyingWith may earn a commission on an eligible purchase or paid service.
Take these details to your airport pickup quote
Copy these questions into your request. A marketplace listing alone does not confirm a child seat or accessible vehicle.
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Checks before choosing
- Confirm the exact terminal, meeting point, luggage space and contact method if your flight changes.
- Ask for written confirmation of any child seat, pet or mobility requirement before payment.
- Read the total price, waiting policy, cancellation deadline and refund method for the specific offer.
The provider handles prices, booking terms, payment and support. Review the details there before paying.
Sources checked
Destinations to explore for this trip
This page is general preparation guidance. Rules change, and this page does not state any official one: where an official detail matters, the linked guides quote it, cite the authority that sets it and show the date it was checked. Confirm anything that affects your booking with the airline, the airport or the authority concerned. The date at the top is when this page's text last changed. It is not a verification of any rule.
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