We are pleased to welcome on board emotional support and certified service animals that are travelling with a person with a disability.
Service Dog
Air Transat will, on the request of a person with a disability who needs to travel with a service dog, accept a service dog for transport, and permit the animal to accompany the person on board.
A service dog must have been individually trained by an organization or person specializing in service dog training, performs a task to assist a person with a disability with a need related to their disability.
Before you travel
Air Transat will require the person with a disability requesting to travel with a service dog to:
- Contact us as early as possible, either before booking or at the time of booking. We require at least 48 hours notice in order to review documents and arrange seating and additional space. We will do all possible to assist and accommodate within that time frame.
- For flight to the U.S. or the U.K. advanced arrangements are necessary, please submit your request at least 7 days prior to departure when possible. Despite the absence of such notice, we will do our best to accommodate you and provide the requested services.
- For all flights with the exception to flights to or from the U.S., provide, at the time of reservation, the completed Air Transat Service Dog forms, attesting to:
- The service dog’s training by an organization or person specializing in service dog training.
- The breed and physical characteristics of the dog and any physical characteristics of the person with the disability that may affect the floor space at their seat so that appropriate seating arrangements may be reserved.
- For flights to or from the U.S., provide, at the time of reservation, the completed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form, attesting to:
- The service dog’s training by an organization or person specializing in service dog training.
- The breed and physical characteristics of the dog and any physical characteristics of the person with the disability that may affect the floor space at their seat so that appropriate seating arrangements may be reserved.
Provide, before departure, an identification card or other document that is issued by an organization or person specializing in service dog training that identifies the person with a disability and attests that the service dog has been individually trained by the organization or person to perform a task to assist the person with a disability with a need related to their disability.
Seating requirements:
Service dogs weighing up to 12kg may travel in the floorspace at the passengers feet or on their lap. Additional floor space will be provided when arrangements are made at least 48 hours in advance for dogs weighing over 12kg, for the comfort and safety of the animal. Service animals are not permitted in the emergency exit row on any aircraft or to occupy an empty seat.
Emotional Support Dog
Air Transat will, on the request of a person with a mental or cognitive disability who needs to travel with an emotional support dog, (ESAN) accept a support dog for travel, and permit the animal to accompany the person on board, provided the acceptance conditions are met. This service is not available on codeshare flights or vacation packages.
A support dog must have been trained to behave in public settings and take direction, be at least 24 weeks old and be able to manage without access to relief facilities for extended periods of time.
Before you travel
Air Transat will require the person with a mental or cognitive disability requesting to travel with an emotional support dog to:
In advance:
- Contact us as early as possible, either before booking or at the time of booking. We require at least 48 hours notice in order to review documents and arrange seating and additional space if required. For flight to the U.S., please submit your request at least 7 days prior to departure when possible. We will do all possible to assist and accommodate within that time frame. Emotional Support dogs must be pre-approved by Air Transat's Request department, animals without pre-approval will not be accepted for transport at the airport.
- Provide, at the time of reservation, the completed Air Transat Air Transat Emotional Support Dog forms, attesting to:
- The passenger’s confirmation of compliance to Air Transat’s procedures
- The dog’s health and wellness, with a signed declaration from the attending Veterinarian
- The requirement of the passenger to travel on an aircraft with a support dog, and that the passenger has a condition as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders by the attending mental health professional or Physician
- The weight, height and length of the support dog and the intended manner of onboard restraint (leash, harness or container)
Seating requirements:
Emotional support dogs weighing up to 12kg may travel in the floorspace at the passengers feet or on their lap. An extra ticket for additional floor space in front of the adjacent seat must be pre-purchased at least 48 hours in advance for dogs weighing over 12kg, for the comfort and safety of the animal.
Emotional support dogs are not permitted in the emergency exit row on any aircraft or to occupy an empty seat.
Upon check-in:
- A behavioural assessment will be done at the Air Transat check-in counter, during which the emotional support dog's obedience to the following commands must be demonstrated:
- The dog will be required to stay at its position upon command
- The dog will be required to come towards their owner upon command
We recommend that you review the section on service animals on the Canadian Transportation Agency website Will open in a separate browser window.
Please be aware that Air Transat does not 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/band dog), South African (Boerboel), Brazilian (Fila Brasileiro), Italian (Cane Corso and 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 Hybrid
- Doberman Pinscher
*Certified service dogs of the above breeds may be accepted, following additional verification.
The following breeds are exempt from the above restriction and will be accepted for transport:
- Bull Mastiffs and French Mastiffs (Dogue de Bordeaux)
Please also note the following country-specific restrictions on travelling with animals:
To Canada: From non-rabies free countries dogs and cats may enter Canada if accompanied by valid health certificate issued in either English or French, by a licensed veterinarian, clearly identifying the animal and showing that they are currently vaccinated against rabies. The certificate should indicate the type of rabies vaccine used, date administered and expiry date (if validity date does not appear on certificate, it will be considered a 1year vaccine).
From rabies-free countries (as recognized by Canada) Dogs and cats may enter Canada if accompanied by a valid health certificate, in either English or French, of an official government veterinarian clearly identifying the animal and showing that rabies has not existed in that country for the 6 month period immediately preceding shipment of the animal, and that the animal has been in that country for the 6 months preceding import or since birth.
The owner of the animal will have to pay CA$30 (plus tax) or a fee per animal for inspection by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency upon entry into Canada (except from the U.S.). Complete information can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.
One-way flights only
From the Dominican Republic, Colombia, El Salvador, Cuba, Peru, Morocco and Haiti: Cats and dogs are not accepted one way from these destinations.
Exceptions when reserved in advance through our contact centre: Cats and dogs are accepted when travelling round trip to or from the Dominican Republic, Colombia, El Salvador, Cuba, Peru, Morocco and Haiti. Certified service dogs are accepted on one way flights from the Dominican Republic, Colombia, El Salvador, Cuba, Peru, Morocco and Haiti.
To the United States: Information on requirements and documentation regarding the entry of dogs into the United States are found on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s website Will open in a separate browser window
Starting on August 1, 2024, dogs entering or returning to the United States must meet new, specific requirements depending on where they have been in the 6 months before entering the U.S. and where they received their rabies vaccines (if required). Please see the CDC’s list of high-risk countries Will open in a separate browser window to ensure that the appropriate requirements are met. No animals that have visited a high-risk country within the 6 months before entering the U.S. will be accepted.
Exceptions: Certified service dogs and emotional support dogs (when reserved through our Contact Centre in advance).
Passengers are solely responsible for verifying and completing the regulatory requirements.
Dogs that do not meet all entry requirements or do not have accurate and valid forms will be denied entry to the United States and returned to the country of departure at the importer’s expense. These requirements apply to all dogs, including service dogs and dogs that were born in the United States.
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).
From 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, and Glasgow (when reserved through our Call Centre at least 7 days in advance).
Certified service dogs are accepted on flights from London, Manchester and Glasgow.
Pets in the checked baggage hold and in the cabin are accepted on flights from Manchester and Glasgow, but not accepted from London.
To European Union (EU) countries:
Animals can travel to the European Union from a non-EU country if the following requirements are met:
- Cats and Dogs originating outside the EU are subject to EU regulations and require a health certificate. The health certificate must be filled out by the animal’s veterinarian prior to travel.
- From Canada: The Canadian health certificate must be issued/completed by a veterinarian at most 10 days before arrival in the EU and endorsed by an official veterinarian of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (the endorsement is not necessary when the form is completed and signed by an official veterinarian of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency). The certificate is available from the CFIA website.
- For EU animals returning: Animals originating from an EU country may use an EU health certificate in lieu of a Canadian health certificate. The EU animal health certificate must be issued by an official State vet in the country of departure not more than 10 days before the animal arrives in the EU.
- European Pet Passport: An European Pet Passport cannot replace the health certificate required for animals travelling from Canada and is only valid for travel between EU countries. The pet passport remains valid for the pet’s lifetime, provided that its rabies vaccination is kept up to date.
- The animal must have been micro-chipped or has a clearly readable tattoo.
- The microchip should comply with the ISO standard 11784. If it does not, the owner is responsible for providing a suitable microchip reader.
- If a tattoo is used, it must have been applied before July 3, 2011. A tattoo is not accepted in the Republic of Ireland.
- The animal has been vaccinated against rabies.
- The animal was at least 12 weeks old at the date the vaccine was administered.
- The primary vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before arrival and after the identification chip has been placed or the tattoo has been applied.
- Any subsequent vaccination (booster) must be carried out within the period of validity of the preceding vaccination and at least 21 days before arrival.
- Treatment against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis.
- Dogs travelling to the Republic of Ireland require treatment for echinococcus within a period of not more than 120 hours and not less than 24 hours before the time of scheduled entry of the dogs into the EU.
EU country-specific requirements
To Portugal: Advance arrangements are mandatory for all cats & dogs (including service dogs) entering Portugal from outside the European Union. Click on the Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária Website Will open in a separate browser window for details.
From and to Republic of Ireland: 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 Dublin (when reserved through our Call Centre at least 7 days in advance).
Africa
To Morocco: Strict regulations are in effect. Owners must hold a Canadian International Health Certificate issued 3 days before arrival in Morocco by a licensed veterinarian from the country of origin.
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 Kingdom of Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
South / Central America
To and from Colombia: Strict regulations are in effect. Owners must hold a completed Canadian International Health Certificate issued within 10 days of arrival to Colombia.
Failure to present valid documents will result in the quarantine of the animal upon arrival and additional costs for veterinary inspection. Passengers must also submit an electronic certificate at least 24 hours prior to departing Colombia with their pet. Complete information can be found on the Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario - ICA website (only in Spanish).
To Costa Rica: Advance arrangements are mandatory for all cats & dogs. Owners, must hold a completed International Health Certificate for Dogs and Cats, issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) within 14 days prior to arrival to Costa Rica. Failure to present valid documents will result refusal of entry for the animal.
Complete information can be found on the Costa Rican embassy website.
From Costa Rica: Returning passengers may present their valid International Health Certificate for Dogs and Cats, specific for export to Costa Rica (see example above) issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as long as the certificate is still valid, and was issued within the past 14 days.
If the International Health Certificate for Dogs and Cats certificate is expired or passenger is travelling one-way, the passenger must present the Republica De Costa Rica Certificado de Exportacíon de Caninos y Felinos. The certificate must be completed and signed by a Veterinarian and be stamped by Senasa (Health Control, National Service of Animal Health) and the passenger must present a receipt to confirm payment.
To Jamaica: No animals are accepted on flights to Jamaica.
To and from Peru: Strict regulations are in effect. Owner must hold a completed Canadian International Health Certificate issued within 14 days prior to your arrival in Peru.
Failure to present valid documents will result in the quarantine of the animal upon arrival and additional costs for veterinary inspection. Passengers must also obtain an animal health export certificate prior to departing Peru with their pet. Complete information can be found on the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria del Perú website (only in Spanish).
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).
Air Transat complies with the animal entry and exit requirements outlined in the IATA Travel Information Manual. For additional details on pet travel requirements, we recommend visiting the IATA Travel Centre website.
How we will help you?
Air Transat will:
- Review required documentation within 48 hours of receipt and provide a written approval or denial with reasoning. Note that final approval is based on observations by the airport personnel.
- Arrange for and provide sufficient floor space for the service dog to lie down at the person’s feet to ensure the well being of the dog and person, including the floor space of an adjacent seat where needed
- On request of the person with a disability, retain an electronic copy of the documents for a period of 36 months to facilitate future travel
At departure:
- Registration at check-in counter
- Moving to the boarding area
- Pre-boarding (passengers with service dogs board in priority)
On board:
- Your assistance dog must remain under your supervision and wear its leash and harness at all times
- You must ensure that the dog remains on the floor area provided, and not on a seat or protruding into an aisle, take note that a trained service dog weighing up to 11kg may sit on the persons lap.
- You must ensure any toileting needs are managed in a controlled and sanitary manner
On arrival:
- Deplaning
- Retrieving checked baggage
- Moving to the general public area
- Getting to a representative of another airline for a flight connection
Air Transat is not able to:
- Accept more than one service or emotional support dog per passenger
- Accept any other type of service animal except a service or emotional support dog on board
- Accept a dog that is displaying any unruly behaviour, including; not remaining with the person with a disability, barking, growling, making aggressive noises at others, biting, lunging, jumping on people, relieving themselves in a waiting area, terminal or on board. In such cases, corrective actions will be required or boarding of the dog may be denied.
- Accept therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, or service dogs in training