Pets and assistance dogs

Advance booking

When travelling with your pet cat or dog, please reserve space for them at least 3 days prior to departure. This ensures that the maximum number of pets per aircraft has not been exceeded. Passengers who have not made advance arrangements may be denied carriage of their animal.

At the airport

Ensure your pet is inside their cage and delivered to our check-in counters no later than 90 minutes prior to departure. Animals presented after that time may be denied transport;

Before departure, we will confirm that your pet has been loaded into the cargo hold and on arrival, where your pet will be delivered;

In the event of a delay Air Transat will make every effort to return the animal to the responsible passenger.

Documentation

Each country has specific requirements for the acceptance of animals, including documentation, restrictions on breeds, and fees and conditions for acceptance. Please consult local authorities before departure.

You must be at least 16 years of age to travel with an animal. You must bring a health certificate indicating your pet’s breed and proof of rabies vaccination. You must also bring any additional entry and agricultural documents required by the destination country.

Restrictions

• Only cats and dogs are allowed in the checked baggage hold.
• This service is not available on connecting or codeshare flights.
• With Train + Air, pets are not allowed in the baggage hold.

Certain breeds of dog are refused entry to some countries or regions. We are, therefore, unable to transport the following breeds of dogs or mixed breeds, including one or more of the following breeds:

• Mastiffs: All breeds including; Argentine (Dogo Argentino), Bandog (Bandogge), South African (Boerboel), Brazilian (Fila Brasileiro), Italian (Cane Corso, Neapolitan), Canary Mastiff (Presa Canario), Japanese Mastiff (Tosa Inu)
• Pit Bulls: all breeds, including American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Akita (Akita Inu)
• Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd Dog)
• Karabash Dog (Kangal/Anatolian Shepherd Dog)
• Rottweiler
• Wolf-dog hybrids
• Doberman Pinscher

• All other Mastiff breeds, not specified above, such as Bull Mastiffs and French Mastiffs (Dogue de Bordeaux)

Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats will be accepted for transport; however, due to the increased risk of respiratory distress, the following transport requirements must be met:
 

• Passengers must submit a signed Acknowledgment and Exclusion of Liability to the check-in Agent.
• The animal must be shipped in a kennel one size larger than the normal standard.
• There must be ventilation openings on the four sides of the carrier.
• It is recommended that the pet be acclimatized to the carrier as long as possible before departure.
• You are solely responsible for your pet’s health.

See the list of accepted brachycephalic dogs and cats Breeds.

Should those conditions not be met, the pet's transport may be refused. The fees would be non refundable.

Please also note the following country-specific restrictions on travelling with pets:

To Jamaica: No animals are accepted on flights to Jamaica

To Republic of Ireland and to United Kingdom: Cats and dogs are accepted as cargo only on Air Transat flights – advance arrangements are required and additional fees apply. 
Exceptions: Certified service dogs are accepted on flights to London, Manchester, Dublin and Glasgow (when reserved through our Call Centre at least 7 days in advance).

To Mexico: Strict regulations are in effect. Owners must hold specific health certificates issued within a certain time period prior to travel. Failure to present valid documents will result in the quarantine of the animal upon arrival and additional costs for veterinary inspection. Complete information can be found on the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria website (only in Spanish).

To Portugal: Advance arrangements are mandatory for all cats & dogs (including service dogs) entering Portugal from outside the European Union. Click here  Will open in a separate browser window for details.

To St. Maarten: An advance application for entry is required and can be requested via email at lvv@sintmaartengov.org, minimum five (5) days prior to your expected arrival date. For further information, please contact: Inspection Department TEZVT - Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Tel: +1 (721) 542-5641, +1 (721) 542-9887 (O) / +1 (721) 520-7213 (M)

Larger cages must be shipped via Air Transat cargo and advance arrangements are required. Should your animal or cage exceed the maximum size detailed below, please contact our cargo department for assistance.

• The animal must be in a cage approved for air transportation (IATA regulations) and bear the animal’s name.
• A plain rigid plastic cage is mandatory. Cages made of wire or any other material will not be accepted (a wire door is acceptable).
• All cage doors must be secured with a locking mechanism to prevent opening (see additional information below about supplemental strapping).
• Maximum weight accepted at check-in: 45kg (99 lbs) (including the carrier).
• Maximum carrier size accepted: to the South, USA and on flights within Canada: 122cm x 81.3cm x 84cm / 48 in. x 32 in. x 33 in. (W x L x H) or to Europe and the UK: 122cm x 81.3cm x 89cm (48 in. x 32 in. x 35 in.) at check-in; larger cages must be shipped via Air Transat cargo and advance arrangements are required.
• The cage must provide sufficient space for the animal to stand up straight-legged, turn around, and lie down. For the comfort and safety of the animal, cages that do not comply with the requirements described above will be denied for transportation of the animal.

Guide for selecting the correct crate for the animal:

In the diagram above:

• A is the length of animal from nose to root of tail.
• B is the height from ground to elbow joint. A + 1/2 B = length of container.
• C is the width across musters. C x 2 = width of container.
• D is the height of container (top flat or arched)/height of animal in standing position.

Your pet’s cage must respect the length of the pet from the muzzle to the tail’s tip:

• The length of the cage corresponds to the length of the animal from the muzzle to the length of the tail by adding half of the height from the ground to the elbow joint.
• The width of the cage should be twice the width of the shoulders.
• The height of the cage is calculated relative to the pet’s height when standing.

Make sure the cage contains air vents and space bars.

No animal under 12 weeks of age may travel alone.
Exceptions: A female dog with puppies or a female cat 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 be large enough to accommodate all of the animals and meet the comfort requirements outlined above.

Supplemental strapping

For the safety for your animal, Air Transat may apply supplemental strapping to your animal’s cage (at no charge) which helps to ensure your dog or cat remains secure for the duration of their trip. Once you have exited the baggage hall at your destination, you will need a sharp instrument to cut the strapping from the cage.

Please note that security restrictions prevent our ground personnel from providing this tool for you. We recommend the cutting tool be packed in your checked baggage as it won’t be permitted as carry-on or through any security checkpoint.

Below are the fees for pets in the checked baggage hold.¹ Service animals on duty fly in the cabin for free.

¹Prices are per pet, per flight segment. These may vary at airports outside of Canada and will be charged in the currency of the departure city.

Upon entry into Canada: A CAD $30 fee (plus tax, per animal) will be required for inspection by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Will open in a separate browser window. Arrivals from USA are exempt.

Upon payment of the charges associated with the reservation for your animal, Air Transat will reserve a space on the flight(s) selected. Passengers must notify Air Transat of any changes to their itinerary. Changes to the travel itinerary of the animal are accepted up to 3 days prior to departure without any penalty. Cancellations to the travel itinerary of your animal are accepted up to 30 days prior to departure. In the event of cancellation as provided in the present clause, Air Transat’s liability is limited to refunding the charges incurred for this service only.

Air Transat is committed to being a leader in protecting and improving global animal welfare. In our air and cargo operations, Air Transat pledges to:
 

• Prohibit the transport of the following:
  - Big game hunting trophies from the African “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, cape buffalo) 
  - Endangered species and their related products, unless they are carried under a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) permit
  - Unsustainably traded wildlife, including their body parts (ex. shark fins)
  - Animals destined for laboratory research and/or scientific experimentation, such as nonhuman primates and dogs

• Comply with all government regulations regarding protected species and act in accordance with IATAs Resolution on the Illegal Trade in Wildlife, including the United for Wildlife Buckingham Palace Declaration

• Transport animals in accordance with IATA live animal regulations

• Support animal welfare groups working to promote the humane treatment of animals in tourist destinations via the transport of veterinary supplies, equipment, and rescued animals

Advance booking

If you’d like to travel with your pet in the aircraft’s cabin, we recommend you book this service at least 72 hours before departure. The number of pets allowed on board is limited, and only certain seats can accommodate them. If you don’t book in advance, your pet may be denied boarding.

At the airport

Ensure your pet is inside their carrier and at our check-in counters no later than 90 minutes prior to departure; otherwise, they may be denied boarding.

Train + Air

Pets are allowed on board. See SNCF conditions Will open in a separate browser window for more details.

Documentation

Each country has specific requirements for the acceptance of animals, including documentation, restrictions on breeds, and fees and conditions for acceptance. Please consult local authorities before departure.

You must be at least 16 years of age to travel with an animal. You must bring a health certificate indicating your pet’s breed and proof of rabies vaccination. You must also bring any additional entry and agricultural documents required by the destination country.

Restrictions

• Only cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin.
• Only one animal per passenger is allowed. It is therefore strongly recommended that passengers book this service in advance.
• Passengers are not entitled to a carry-on item in addition to the pet in the cabin. The animal carrier counts as a carry-on item.
• The total weight of the carrier and animal must not exceed 10 kilos.
• A passenger with a pet in the cabin cannot occupy a seat in Club Class, or the emergency exit or bulkhead seats.
• In addition, unaccompanied minors and passengers travelling with medical equipment cannot bring an animal in the cabin.
• In the case of allergies, there must be a minimum of 5 rows between a passenger allergic to dogs and/or cats and a passenger travelling with the animal in the cabin. If they are seated 5 rows or fewer from each other, the passenger travelling with the animal in the cabin must change seats to comply with the rule.
• Each country has specific requirements for the acceptance of animals, including documentation, restrictions on breeds, and fees and conditions for acceptance. Please consult local authorities before departure.
• This service is not available on codeshare flights.
• The animal must be at least 12 weeks old and fully weaned.
• The animal must remain in its cage, tucked under the seat in front of the passenger, for the full duration of the flight.
• The passenger must arrive with the animal at least 90 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time.
• Animals appearing aggressive, undisciplined, ill or in distress may be refused travel. This decision is at the discretion of the Air Transat staff at the airport.

Should those conditions not be met, the pet's transport may be refused. The fees would be non refundable

• Mastiffs: All breeds including; Argentine (Dogo Argentino), Bandog (Bandogge/band dog), South African (Boerboel), Brazilian (Fila Brasileiro), Italian (Cane Corso, Neapolitan), Canary Mastiff (Presa Canario), Japanese Mastiff (Tosa Inu)
• Pit Bulls: all breeds, including American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Akita (Akita Inu)
• Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd Dog)
• Karabash Dog (Kangal/Anatolian Shepherd Dog)
• Rottweiler
• Wolf-dog hybrids
• Doberman Pinscher

The following breeds are exempt from the above restriction and will be accepted for transport:

• All other Mastiff breeds, not specified above, such as Bull Mastiffs and French Mastiffs (Dogue de Bordeaux)

Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats will be accepted for transport; however, because of the increased risk of respiratory distress, the following transport requirements must be met:

• There must be ventilation openings on the four sides of the carrier.
• It is recommended that the pet be acclimatized to the carrier as long as possible before departure.
• You are solely responsible for your pet’s health.

See the list of accepted brachycephalic dogs and cats Breeds.

Please also note the following country-specific restrictions on travelling with pets:

To Jamaica: No animals are accepted on flights to Jamaica

To Republic of Ireland and to United Kingdom: Cats and dogs are accepted as cargo only on Air Transat flights – advance arrangements are required and additional fees apply. 
Exceptions: Certified service dogs are accepted on flights to London, Manchester, Dublin and Glasgow (when reserved through our Call Centre at least 7 days in advance).

To Mexico: Strict regulations are in effect. Owners must hold specific health certificates issued within a certain time period prior to travel. Failure to present valid documents will result in the quarantine of the animal upon arrival and additional costs for veterinary inspection. Complete information can be found on the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria website (only in Spanish).

To Portugal: Advance arrangements are mandatory for all cats & dogs (including service dogs) entering Portugal from outside the European Union. Click here  Will open in a separate browser window for details.

To St. Maarten: An advance application for entry is required and can be requested via email at lvv@sintmaartengov.org, minimum five (5) days prior to your expected arrival date. For further information, please contact: Inspection Department TEZVT - Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Tel: +1 (721) 542-5641, +1 (721) 542-9887 (O) / +1 (721) 520-7213 (M)

Passengers must be able to place the animal carrier under the seat in front of them. Therefore, its dimensions cannot exceed 17.7 cm (7.4 in) in height x 45.7 cm (18.3 in) in width x 43 cm (17.7 in) in depth.

The carrier must be leak-proof, well ventilated and soft-sided. A hard-sided carrier or any other type of bag is not permitted.

The pet carrier must be big enough to allow the animal to stand, turn or lie down safely and comfortably. No part of the animal may extend outside of the carrier during the flight. The animal may be denied for transport if the carrier is too small.

If any of these conditions are not met, the pet in cabin may be denied boarding, with no refund.

Below are the fees for pets in the cabin.¹ Service animals on duty fly in the cabin for free.

¹Prices are per pet, per flight segment. These may vary at airports outside of Canada and will be charged in the currency of the departure city.

Upon entry into Canada: A CAD $30 fee (plus tax, per animal) will be required for inspection by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Will open in a separate browser window. Arrivals from USA are exempt.

Upon payment of the charges associated with the reservation for your animal, Air Transat will reserve a space on the flight(s) selected. Passengers must notify Air Transat of any changes to their itinerary. Changes to the travel itinerary of the animal are accepted up to 3 days prior to departure without any penalty. Cancellations to the travel itinerary of your animal are accepted up to 30 days prior to departure. In the event of cancellation as provided in the present clause, Air Transat’s liability is limited to refunding the charges incurred for this service only.

Air Transat is committed to being a leader in protecting and improving global animal welfare.  In our air and cargo operations, Air Transat pledges to:
 

• Prohibit the transport of the following:
  - Big game hunting trophies from the African “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, cape buffalo) 
  - Endangered species and their related products, unless they are carried under a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) permit
  - Unsustainably traded wildlife, including their body parts (ex. shark fins)
  - Animals destined for laboratory research and/or scientific experimentation, such as nonhuman primates and dogs

• Comply with all government regulations regarding protected species and act in accordance with IATAs Resolution on the Illegal Trade in Wildlife, including the United for Wildlife Buckingham Palace Declaration

• Transport animals in accordance with IATA live animal regulations

• Support animal welfare groups working to promote the humane treatment of animals in tourist destinations via the transport of veterinary supplies, equipment, and rescued animals