Flying with Your Pet in 2026: Airline Carrier Requirements for US and Canadian Flights
Estimated read time: 11 minutes Last updated: June 2026
Flying with a pet is one of those things that sounds simple until you are standing at the gate and an agent tells you your carrier does not fit. Or that it is the wrong material. Or that your pet's paperwork is missing a date.
The rules are specific, they vary by airline, and they change more often than most people realize. This guide breaks down the current carrier requirements for the major US and Canadian airlines, what your pet carrier actually needs to pass inspection, and how to prepare your pet for a calm, uneventful flight.
The basics: How in-cabin pet travel works
Most major airlines in North America allow small dogs and cats to fly in the cabin with you — but only under specific conditions.
Your pet must travel in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier counts as one of your carry-on items. Your pet must stay inside the carrier for the entire flight, including takeoff, landing, and taxiing. There is a per-flight pet fee (typically $100–$200 USD each way), and most airlines limit the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight, so you must book early.
The carrier is the single most important piece of the equation. Get it right, and flying with your pet is straightforward. Get it wrong, and you may not board.
Airline-by-airline carrier requirements (2026)
Rules differ by airline and even by aircraft type. Here are the current requirements for the airlines most commonly used by Canadian and US pet parents.
Air Canada
Air Canada requires all in-cabin pets to travel in soft-sided carriers as of June 2025. Hard-sided carriers are no longer permitted in the cabin. The maximum carrier dimensions vary by aircraft, but the most common limits are 43 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm (17" x 16" x 8") on narrowbody planes and 55 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm (22" x 16" x 10") on widebody aircraft. The combined weight of pet plus carrier must be under 10 kg (22 lbs). Only one pet per passenger is allowed.
Pets must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned. Air Canada strongly recommends booking your pet's spot within 24 hours of purchasing your ticket — spaces fill quickly, especially on popular routes.
American Airlines
American Airlines accepts soft-sided carriers that are leak-proof, ventilated on at least three sides with nylon mesh, and made of water-repellent material. The carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat without being excessively compressed. Standard dimensions are approximately 45 cm x 33 cm x 23 cm (18" x 13" x 9"), but this varies by aircraft.
One pet per carrier, one carrier per passenger. The combined weight of pet and carrier cannot exceed 11 kg (25 lbs). The cabin pet fee is $150 USD each way for flights within the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Delta Air Lines
Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm (18" x 11" x 11"), as this size fits under the seat on most Delta aircraft. The carrier must have adequate ventilation and be leak-proof and secure. Hard-sided carriers are allowed but must still fit under the seat, which limits them to very small sizes.
The cabin pet fee is $150 USD each way for domestic flights and flights to Canada, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. International flights are $200 USD each way.
United Airlines
United accepts both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers, but soft-sided is recommended because it can flex slightly to fit under seats of varying sizes. Maximum dimensions are 44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm (17.5" x 12" x 7.5"). The pet and carrier together must weigh under 11 kg (25 lbs).
United charges $150 USD each way for in-cabin pets on most routes.
WestJet
WestJet allows soft-sided carriers with maximum dimensions of 41 cm x 21 cm x 23 cm (16" x 8.5" x 9") — notably smaller than most US airlines. The pet and carrier combined must weigh under 9 kg (20 lbs). Only cats and dogs are allowed in-cabin.
The cabin pet fee is $70 CAD each way for domestic Canadian flights and $119 CAD for transborder (Canada-US) flights — one of the most affordable options.
What makes a carrier "airline approved"
There is no single universal certification for airline-approved pet carriers. When airlines say "airline approved," they mean the carrier meets their specific size, material, and ventilation requirements. Here is what every good airline carrier needs.
Soft-sided construction. Most airlines now prefer or require soft-sided carriers for cabin travel. Soft carriers flex to fit under seats of varying dimensions, which hard cases cannot do. The fabric should be durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean.
Mesh ventilation on at least three sides. Your pet needs airflow from multiple directions, especially during boarding when the cabin can be warm and crowded. Carriers with mesh on just one side do not meet most airline requirements and are uncomfortable for your pet.
A flat, reinforced bottom. The carrier sits on the floor under the seat. A floppy, saggy bottom means your pet sits unevenly, which causes anxiety and discomfort on a multi-hour flight. A removable, padded insert gives your pet a stable, comfortable surface.
Secure closures. Zippers should be lockable or at least double-pull so your pet cannot push them open. During a flight, the last thing you want is a loose cat or dog in the cabin.
A top opening or side zipper for easy loading. Getting your pet into the carrier at the gate should take seconds, not minutes. A wide top opening is the most practical design — you can lower your pet in without folding their legs or forcing them through a narrow door.
Dimensions that actually fit under the seat. This is the part most people get wrong. They buy a carrier that technically meets the listed maximum dimensions but forget that "under the seat" includes the metal support brackets, the curvature of the fuselage wall, and any wiring or hardware. A carrier that measures exactly 18" wide may not slide in smoothly. Buy slightly under the maximum, not right at it.
At Paws the Life, our Carry On Baggage Dog and Cat Carrier Travel Bag is designed with airline travel in mind — soft-sided construction that meets Air Canada’s 2025 mandate, mesh ventilation, reinforced structure, secure closures, and dimensions that work across multiple airlines. It is built to pass inspection at the gate, not just look good on the product page.
Preparing your pet for the flight
The carrier is only half the equation. Your pet's behavior during the flight matters just as much.
Get your pet comfortable with the carrier weeks before the flight. Leave the carrier open at home with a blanket and treats inside. Let your pet go in and out on their own terms. Feed meals in the carrier. The goal is to make the carrier a familiar, positive space — not a trap they are forced into at the airport.
Do a practice run. Put your pet in the carrier, zip it closed, and carry it around the house. Sit with it on your lap. Drive to the store and back. The more your pet experiences the carrier in calm situations, the less stressful the airport will be.
Skip the big meal before the flight. Feed your pet a light meal three to four hours before departure. A full stomach plus altitude changes and cabin pressure can cause nausea. Offer water up until you head to the gate, then limit it to small sips.
Talk to your vet about anxiety. If your pet is genuinely stressed by travel, your vet can recommend calming supplements or, in some cases, mild sedation. Do not administer any medication without veterinary guidance — some sedatives affect breathing at altitude, and airlines may refuse to board a visibly sedated animal.
Exercise before the flight. A tired dog or cat is a calm dog or cat. Take your dog for a long walk before heading to the airport. Play with your cat for 15 to 20 minutes. Burn off the energy so they are more likely to sleep during the flight.
At the airport: What to expect
Check in early. Most airlines require you to check in at the counter (not online) when traveling with a pet. Arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international. Pet spots are limited and first-come, first-served on some airlines.
Security screening. You will need to remove your pet from the carrier and carry them through the metal detector while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine. This is the moment when a harness and leash inside the carrier pay off — clip the leash to your pet before opening the carrier so they cannot bolt in the security line.
Gate inspection. The gate agent may ask to see your pet and verify that the carrier fits under the seat. Be polite, be prepared, and have your pet's booking confirmation and health documents ready.
Boarding. Board as early as possible to get your carrier settled under the seat before the cabin fills up. Place the carrier with the mesh facing you so you can see your pet and they can see you. A familiar blanket or shirt inside the carrier helps keep them calm.
Required documents for flying with your pet
Domestic US flights: Most airlines require a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of travel and proof of rabies vaccination. Some airlines accept certificates up to 30 days old — check with your airline.
Domestic Canadian flights: Proof of rabies vaccination is standard. Health certificates are recommended but not always mandatory for domestic flights.
US to Canada or Canada to US: You will need a valid rabies vaccination certificate. The certificate must include your pet's description (breed, color, weight), the vaccine date, the vaccine product name and serial number, and the expiration date. Dogs under three months old may not require rabies vaccination for entry into Canada but may face restrictions entering the US.
International flights: Requirements vary widely by destination. Some countries require import permits, blood titer tests, or quarantine periods. Research your destination's requirements at least three months before travel.
Common mistakes that get you turned away at the gate
The carrier is too big. If it does not slide easily under the seat, the gate agent can refuse boarding. Always test your carrier dimensions against the specific aircraft type on your route — not just the airline's general guidelines.
The carrier is hard-sided on an airline that requires soft-sided. Air Canada made this change in 2025. Other airlines may follow. Check current policy, not last year's blog post.
No health certificate. Even if your airline does not explicitly require one, having a current health certificate prevents problems at check-in and at the border.
The pet is too heavy. If the combined weight of your pet and carrier exceeds the limit, you will be denied. Weigh your pet in the carrier at home before traveling.
You did not book a pet spot. On most airlines, you cannot just show up with a pet. You must reserve a spot in advance, often by phone. Do not assume your pet is confirmed until you have a booking reference.
How to choose the right carrier for your pet and your airline
Start by checking the maximum carrier dimensions for the airline and aircraft you are flying. Then work backward.
Measure your pet. Your pet should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down inside the carrier. If they are cramped, they will be stressed. If the carrier is too roomy, it may exceed the airline's size limits.
Go soft-sided. Unless your airline specifically allows hard cases, a soft-sided carrier is the safer bet. It flexes to fit, it is lighter, and it is easier to store when you are not flying.
Prioritize ventilation. Three-sided mesh is the minimum. More airflow means a calmer, cooler pet.
Check the weight of the carrier itself. Some carriers weigh 2 to 3 kg empty. If your airline's combined weight limit is 10 kg, that leaves only 7 to 8 kg for your pet. A lightweight carrier gives your pet more weight allowance.
Think beyond the flight. The best pet travel carrier is one you also use on the ground — at the hotel, in the car, walking through the airport. A carrier that converts into a comfortable travel bag means you are not juggling multiple pieces of luggage. Our carriers at Paws the Life are designed exactly this way. The Carry On Baggage Dog and Cat Carrier Travel Bag is purpose-built for the cabin, while the City Light Dog and Cat Backpack Carrier doubles as an airport-to-sidewalk carrier — airline-ready dimensions, lightweight construction, and a design that works as well on the sidewalk as it does under seat 14C.
The bottom line
Flying with your pet takes more preparation than most other forms of travel. The rules are specific, the margins are tight, and the consequences of getting it wrong are immediate — you do not board.
But with the right carrier, the right paperwork, and a well-prepared pet, flying together is absolutely doable. Book early. Measure carefully. Get your pet comfortable with the carrier long before the trip. And invest in a carrier that actually meets airline requirements — not one that is "close enough."
Your pet trusts you to get this right. A little homework now means a smooth flight for both of you.
Keep reading: Still choosing a carrier? Our pet carrier buyer's guide compares every type. Nervous flyer (the four-legged kind)? See how to calm an anxious dog or cat during travel. Prefer to stay on the ground? Here's how to road trip with your dog.
At Paws the Life, we design premium pet travel bags, carrier backpacks, and outdoor accessories for dogs and cats who go everywhere with their people. Every product is built for real-world use — on the trail, in the city, and everywhere in between. Shop our collection at pawsthelife.com.