Flying with Your Service Dog in Canada
Complete guide to Canadian airline policies for service dogs and emotional support animals. Get the right forms, know the requirements, and fly stress-free.
48-Hour Pre-Flight Checklist
Most airlines require 48 hours advance notice for service dog travel. Use this checklist to prepare.
48 Hours Before Departure
- Submit airline forms (DOT form, service dog attestation) — keep digital + printed copies
- Confirm your reservation notes reflect your service dog request
- Verify seating arrangements and floor space needs (bulkhead often best)
- Arrive early — 2+ hours for domestic, 3+ hours for international
- Notify gate agent on arrival if you plan to pre-board
- Bring waste bags and relief supplies for your dog
Important: ESA Policy Change (2021)
Since January 2021, emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer accommodated as service animals by most airlines. Only trained psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) that perform specific tasks qualify for free cabin travel. ESAs are now treated as pets with applicable fees.
Canadian Airline Policies
Requirements vary by airline, route, and aircraft type. Always verify directly with your airline before travel.
Air Canada
✓ Service DogsLimited ESA48hr Notice
Service dogs: Accepted in cabin. Documentation form required at least 48 hours before departure.
ESA: Only dogs may qualify under specific conditions. Additional documentation may apply.
Forms: Air Canada Service Dog Form via their accessibility page.
WestJet
✓ Service DogsVaries ESA48hr Notice
Service dogs: Accepted. Request travel with service dog as soon as possible after booking.
ESA: Handled differently than service dogs. Check current policy.
Forms: Accessibility request via WestJet service dog process.
Porter Airlines
✓ Service Dogs✓ ESA Dogs48hr Notice
Service dogs: Accommodated in cabin when requirements are met.
ESA: Porter references emotional support dogs in their service animal policy.
Forms: Email disabilityassistance@flyporter.com
Flair Airlines
✓ Service DogsDiscretionary ESA48hr Notice
Service dogs: Only dogs trained to assist individuals with disabilities are accepted.
ESA: May be treated as pets (domestic-only courtesy). Not recognized as service dogs.
Forms: Flair accessibility contact. U.S. routes may require DOT forms.
Air Transat
✓ Service DogsForm Required ESABook Early
Service dogs: Accepted. Form + proof of training may be requested.
ESA: Requests may require additional documentation and assessment.
Forms: Service Dog Form at time of reservation via accessibility page.
Sunwing Airlines
✓ Service DogsLimited ESA48hr Notice
Service dogs: Referenced in Sunwing accessibility planning and tariff materials.
ESA: Tariff distinguishes ESA from service dogs; requirements may apply.
Forms: Sunwing special assistance process for documentation.
Flying to/from the United States?
If your itinerary includes the U.S., you may need to submit additional U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) service animal forms. TheraPetic can help you prepare the complete documentation package for cross-border travel.
🐾 Get Your Airline Forms Ready
Start early to avoid last-minute issues. We help you prepare the complete documentation package for your airline and route — including DOT forms for U.S. travel.
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