Flying with Dogs - Direct Flight - Domestic (Canada)
I recently flew 2 dogs as oversized checked baggage on a direct domestic flight within Canada using WestJet.
Here are some important points to consider:
Advance Booking: It's important to contact WestJet well in advance to make arrangements for your dog's travel. Airlines often have limited space for animals in the cargo hold, so booking early is recommended.
Pet Health and Documentation: Your dog may need a health certificate from a veterinarian stating that they are fit for travel. This certificate is usually required within a certain timeframe before the travel date. Additionally, ensure that your dog's vaccinations are up to date and that you have any necessary paperwork for your destination.
Crate Requirements: Your dog will need to travel in an IATA-approved pet crate or kennel. This crate should be properly ventilated, secure, and large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Make sure to follow WestJet's specific guidelines for crate size and requirements.
Feeding and Watering: Follow WestJet's guidelines for feeding and watering your dog before the flight. Typically, they recommend feeding your dog a few hours before the flight and not immediately before boarding. This will vary depending on length of flight and what is best for the individual dog.
Identification: Clearly label your dog's crate with your contact information and flight details. Include your dog's name and a photo for added identification.
Check-In Process: You'll likely need to check in your dog and their crate separately from your own check-in process. Arrive at the airport early to allow enough time for this.
Handling Fee: WestJet typically charges a fee for pets traveling in the cargo hold. The fee can vary, so check their website for the most current pricing.
Temperature Restrictions: Depending on the weather conditions, there might be temperature-related restrictions on when dogs can be transported in the cargo hold. This is for the safety and well-being of the animals.
Pet Restrictions: There may be certain breeds or types of dogs that are not permitted to travel in the cargo hold due to health or safety concerns.
flight information template for dog kennel
The flight information template is what I have printed for my travel to and from the destination. I keep both in the folder that is taped to the top of each dog kennel. The folder I put these in are linked below on my Amazon storefront.
Flying with dogs -Direct flight - International (Canada to amsterdam)
Note: This information is for travelling internationally with your dog. Be sure to check each destination if there are further requirements or vaccinations needed. This was for my travel into the European Union in 2023.
What you need to know going to your VET and getting your RABIES VACCINE CERTIFICATE.
For your dog’s rabies certificate, here are some things to ensure things are done correctly… On the certificate it must have your dog’s microchip number AND make sure your vet implants or scans the microchip PRIOR to administering the rabies vaccine. Have your vet include on the certificate, “I certify that I have scanned dogs’ microchip prior to vaccination” This will be important for those dogs that have no proof of when the microchip was implanted.
Example. Cali received her microchip when she was 6 months old when I took her into the vet to have this done. There is no official document to prove this.
On the other hand, Loot has a laminated passport from when he was a puppy that has his microchip number (his came with a sticker) and was dated. Again, it’s laminated to show proof it had not been tampered with.
That Loot had this proof it was not required to have the extra note on his rabies certificate. The vet still needs to scan the microchip prior to the vaccination to ensure the vet is vaccinating the right pet to the microchip.
The rabies vaccine certificate must also have the vaccine manufacturer, serial number, and lot expiry.
This certificate is signed by your vet.
It must is signed in BLUE ink.
I had mine in black the first time and had to go get it reprinted and signed in BLUE ink.
The rabies certificate is required along with the CFIA forms. Both will be required at the airport for international travel, both ways. Keep them in a safe spot as you would your own passport.
You also must ensure the rabies vaccine schedule hasn’t lapsed. Example, dog gets rabies vaccine on February 1, 2022, the second vaccine must be February 1, 2023, or a couple days earlier but NOT even a day later. If it’s administered February 2, 2023, you are off the required schedule. The 3rd, 4th, etc. vaccine may be given every 3 years but again, NOT a day later. Here is it in a list form for reference.
February 1, 2022 - 1st 1 year rabies vaccine
February 1, 2023 – 2nd, now 3-year rabies vaccine
February 1, 2026 – Now you are on your 3-year schedule
February 1, 2029
Etc.
Remember not to go a day over because then you are starting this schedule all over again.
Rabies vaccination must be at least 28 days prior to travel. I would double check this to be sure for current requirements. I had my dog’s rabies vaccine done months before we travelled.
What you need to know going to CFIA and what DOCUMENTS to bring.
This is the website where you will find the appropriate form to print out to take to CFIA. I was flying into the Netherlands, so I printed out the Dutch form. Scroll to the bottom of that link for the list.
I have attached the Dutch form and what was filled out by me, the vet, and CFIA. Again, make sure it is in BLUE ink. On my sample form, everything in BLUE is what was completed by either me, the vet, or CFIA.
Example mock form Dutch-English
The CFIA form needs to be completed by your vet within 10 days of travel. You must make your vet appointment to be within 10 days of your arrival into your destination and make your CFIA appointment after your vet appointment.
Here is the link to find a CFIA location and contact info near you.
For example, my vet appointment was on a Thursday, and my CFIA appointment was the following Monday. I was scheduled to arrive in the Netherlands on the Friday.
My advice is to try and make your CFIA appointment same day after the vet appointment or next day. I had to go back and forth from the vet to CFIA 3 times as the vet completed some things wrong, like the black to blue ink, or the dates not being correct, being listed month/day/year, when they needed to be day/month/year.
ITEMS I have for the kennels
Make sure to carry zap straps in case the airline doesn’t have any. You will use the zap straps to secure the crate door to the body of the crate on all 4 corners, as well as, around the body of the crate.
Give your dog water in the crate bowl, do not rely on or except the airline staff to give your dog water, even if they say they will.
Use an Airtag. I use mine on my dog’s collar, but you could also tape the airtag to the inside of the crate. Some airlines will ask you to remove airtags if they see them visible.
I use a RaincoastK9 collar, and my AirTag hold on my collar is from FurForgeCollars on Etsy.
You can also use waterproof AirTag holders off Amazon. I have the ones I have used on my Amazon Storefront.
Prepping my crate for airline travel
Linked on my Amazon account are the items I use or similar to the things I use for travelling. When buying items from my Amazon storefront in supports me putting together all this information and guides.
Amazon Storefront
- The document holder is to tape on top of the kennel.
- The double crate bowl is what I use that has a funnel to pour water from the outside. I added other funnels because I found that the funnel the double bowl comes with spills out the sides.
- The pouch is to attach to the outside of the crate door and hold items such as scissors to cut the zap straps later, some treats and a leash.
- You will need an absorbent mat for the crate. I use an absorbent mat that can be washed and reused all the time. That is also listed on my Amazon account.
- Included is the additional dog bed I use along with the absorbent mat. You could just use the absorbent mat listed as a 2-in-1 bed.