Air Canada Airlines
Psychiatric Service
Dog Policy

Air Canada Airlines Main Takeaways:

Psychiatric service dogs fly FREE on all Air Canada flights with US DOT documentation submitted 48 hours before departure.
Up to TWO service dogs allowed on US flights if both fit within your foot space without encroaching on other passengers.
Emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals and must travel as pets with fees.
US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form required for all flights to/from the United States
Flights over 8 hours require Relief Attestation Form attesting your service dog won’t relieve itself or can do so sanitarily.
Additional floor space available for purchase if your service dog doesn’t fit comfortably at your feet – request 48 hours ahead.
CDC dog import requirements apply for all dogs entering the United States, including microchip requirement effective August 1, 2024.

Understanding Air Canada’s Service Animal Policy

Air Canada welcomes passengers with disabilities traveling with trained psychiatric service dogs on all flights. Psychiatric service dogs travel free of charge in the aircraft cabin and receive full protection under applicable disability laws. Air Canada provides comprehensive accommodations for service animals, recognizing them as essential medical equipment rather than pets. This guide covers current regulations, required documentation, and what to expect when flying with a psychiatric service dog on Air Canada.

The Air Carrier Access Act: Federal Law Governing Airline Policies

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), enacted in 1986 and codified at 49 U.S.C. § 41705, prohibits discrimination against air travelers with disabilities. Enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation through 14 CFR Part 382, the ACAA applies to all U.S. airlines and foreign airlines operating flights to or from the United States. The law requires airlines to allow trained service dogs in the cabin at no charge, provide boarding assistance, and make reasonable accommodations for passengers with disabilities.

Air Canada complies with all ACAA requirements for flights to and from US airports. Air Canada accepts psychiatric service dogs at no cost, processes required DOT documentation, and ensures passengers with service dogs receive equal treatment on all US routes. The ACAA allows airlines to accept up to two service dogs per passenger on US flights, provided both fit within the passenger’s foot space.

Important Policy Change: Emotional Support Animals No Longer Recognized on Flights

Effective March 1, 2021, Air Canada changed its service dog program following the U.S. Department of Transportation’s revised rules on service animals. No emotional support animals are accepted as service animals on any Air Canada flights.

Before March 2021: Old ESA Rules

Service animals and emotional support animals both flew free in the cabin
ESA letters from mental health professionals were accepted as sufficient documentation
Multiple species were accommodated at no charge
Less stringent documentation requirements for ESAs

After March 2021: Current ESA Rules

Only trained service dogs are recognized as service animals
Emotional support animals are NOT recognized as service animals
ESAs must travel as regular pets with applicable fees and restrictions
Psychiatric service dogs (task-trained) still qualify for free accommodation
Stricter documentation requirements including US DOT Service Animal Form for US flights

Psychiatric Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals

The key distinction is task training. Psychiatric service dogs must perform specific trained tasks such as interrupting panic attacks, reminding you to take medication, providing tactile stimulation during dissociative episodes, guiding you to safety during psychiatric episodes, waking you from nightmares, or creating physical barriers in crowded spaces. If your dog only provides comfort without performing trained tasks, it’s classified as an ESA and must travel as a pet with applicable fees and restrictions.

Advanced Notice

Notify Air Canada when booking your reservation that you’ll travel with a psychiatric service dog. Air Canada requires providing at least 48 hours’ advance notice to ensure proper seating arrangements and smoother boarding.

Submit your US DOT Service Animal Form at least 48 hours before departure if you booked your flight in advance. If you purchase tickets less than 48 hours before departure, you may complete the form at the airport but should arrive with extra time for processing.

Contact Air Canada Medical Assistance Desk by phone at 1-800-667-4732 (toll-free from North America). Hours are Monday to Friday: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET, and Saturday to Sunday: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET. You can also email [email protected] to submit your documentation.

Get Your PSD Letter Now

Air Canada PSD Requirements

US DOT Service Animal Form Requirements (For US Flights)

The U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form is mandatory for psychiatric service dogs on all Air Canada flights to or from the United States. You must:

Attest to your dog’s task training for your psychiatric disability
Confirm appropriate public behavior and training
Verify your dog won’t threaten other passengers
Provide veterinarian’s name and contact information
Submit rabies vaccination date and expiration
Provide trainer’s name/organization and contact number
For flights over eight hours, complete the DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form attesting your dog can refrain from relieving itself or do so sanitarily

Download the form from Air Canada’s website or transportation.gov and submit at least 48 hours before departure if booked in advance. For flights booked less than 48 hours before departure, complete the form at the airport check-in desk or departure gate. Submit forms to [email protected].

Training Requirements for Psychiatric Service Dogs

Air Canada accepts fully trained psychiatric service dogs. Service dogs must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a psychiatric disability. Your dog must remain under your control at all times and behave appropriately in public settings.

Health Certificate Requirements

Health certificate requirements vary based on travel direction and destination.

Traveling Within the United States (Domestic): Health certificates are not required for service dogs traveling within the US. However, Air Canada requires proof of rabies vaccination for interstate travel.
Dogs Entering the United States: Dogs must meet CDC requirements effective August 1, 2024. Requirements vary based on the dog’s location in the previous six months, including microchip, health verification, 6+ months age, CDC Dog Import Form, and rabies vaccination. Visit cdc.gov/importation/dogs for country classifications and complete requirements.
Traveling to Canada from US: Dogs require rabies vaccination certificate. Health certificates generally not required for service dogs, but recommended to carry veterinary documentation.
International destinations: Health and vaccination requirements vary by destination. Check specific country requirements well in advance through the consulate, embassy, or appropriate government authority. You are responsible for meeting all import/export regulations.

No Breed Restrictions for Service Dogs

Air Canada does not have breed restrictions for trained service dogs traveling in the cabin. However, your service dog must fit within your seating area and behave appropriately throughout the flight.

Behavior Standards During Flight

Your psychiatric service dog must remain leashed, harnessed, or tethered at all times in the airport and on the aircraft. The dog must stay under your control within your foot space or on your lap if small enough (no larger than an infant).

Your dog must behave appropriately without excessive barking, biting, jumping, or displaying aggression toward passengers or crew. Dogs cannot occupy seats or tray tables, and cannot block aisles or emergency exits.

Air Canada may refuse transport or remove dogs that pose safety threats or cause significant disruptions during flight.

Seating Rules for Psychiatric Service Dog Handlers

You may select any available seat except emergency exit rows. Depending on aircraft type and cabin configuration, you may be required to sit in specific seats due to space limitations.

Air Canada accepts a maximum of one service dog per person on Canadian domestic and international flights. For flights to or from the United States, Air Canada accepts a maximum of two service dogs per passenger, provided both fit within your seating area without encroaching on other passengers. The size of your service animal(s) must not exceed the footprint or personal space of your seat or foot area during the entire flight.

Additional floor space may be available for purchase on US and international flights if your service dog does not fit comfortably within your foot space. Contact the Medical Assistance Desk at 1-800-667-4732 at least 48 hours before departure to request additional space.

No Fees for Psychiatric Service Dogs

Psychiatric service dogs travel completely free under applicable disability laws. Air Canada does not charge for cabin access, documentation processing, or any disability-related accommodations. You only pay for your own passenger ticket.

Emotional Support Animals: Traveling as Pets on Air Canada Flights

Since March 1, 2021, emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals on Air Canada flights. Your emotional support animal must travel as a regular pet with all applicable fees and restrictions.

ESA Pet Fees

Cabin pets cost $50-60 USD each way for flights within Canada and the US. International cabin pets cost $100-120 USD each way. Contact Air Canada directly at 1-800-667-4732 for current pet fees on your specific flight.

Pet Carrier Size Requirements

Only dogs and cats at least 10 weeks old are permitted as cabin pets. Effective June 1, 2025, only soft-sided carriers are accepted. Carriers must not exceed aircraft-specific dimensions. Standard aircraft dimensions are approximately 40 cm wide x 43 cm long x 20 cm high (16″ x 17″ x 8″). The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you, be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and secure.

Breed Restrictions for Baggage Compartment (Pets Only)

Snub-Nosed (Brachycephalic) breeds CANNOT travel in the baggage compartment due to increased risks of heat stroke and breathing problems. Restricted breeds include:

Dogs: Boston Terrier, Boxer, Pug, all Bulldog breeds (English, French, American, etc.), Shih Tzu, American Pit Bull Terrier, Pekingese, and other flat-faced breeds
Cats: Persian, Himalayan, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, and other flat-faced breeds

Note: Brachycephalic breeds CAN travel in the cabin as pets with proper carrier, but are prohibited from baggage compartment travel. Similarly, pets in cabin have no breed restrictions, but all pets must fit comfortably in an approved carrier under the seat.

Strong Dog Breeds: Certain dog breeds classified as “strong dogs” must be transported in special reinforced containers when traveling in the baggage compartment. The container must be constructed of weld mesh, wire mesh, metal, wood, or synthetic material other than plastic. The crate door must be made of wire mesh, metal, or wood with a secure lock.

Air Canada reserves the right to refuse any animal that exhibits aggressive behavior or cage destruction tendencies.

Pet Travel Requirements

Your pet must remain in the carrier throughout the entire flight with head and tail fully enclosed. Vaccination records may be required depending on destination. Your pet carrier counts toward your carry-on baggage allowance. Space must be reserved in advance by contacting reservations after booking your passenger ticket. ESAs traveling as pets receive no special accommodations and are subject to all standard pet policies including destination limitations.

Air Canada’s Travel Requirements

Air Canada has different requirements based on where a passenger travels with a pet or service dog.

Domestic US Flights

Service dogs traveling domestically within the US must have rabies vaccination documentation. Pets in cabin do not require health certificates for domestic travel within the US.

Canada to US Flights

For dogs traveling from Canada to the United States, Canada is classified as a low-risk rabies country. Most US service dog owners returning from Canada who have US-issued rabies vaccination certificates will follow the “U.S. vaccinated” pathway, which requires:

Valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate
Microchip matching certificate
CDC Dog Import Form
Dog at least 6 months old

International

International destinations have varying requirements. You are responsible for meeting all import/export regulations including health certificates, permits, and vaccinations. Failure to meet requirements may result in denial of entry, quarantine, or return at owner’s expense.

US Inbound

Dogs entering the U.S. must meet CDC requirements effective August 1, 2024. Requirements vary based on the dog’s location in the previous six months:

Low-risk countries (including Canada): Microchip (ISO-compatible 15-digit), health verification, minimum 6 months age, CDC Dog Import Form submitted 2-10 days before arrival
High-risk countries (U.S. vaccinated): Above requirements plus U.S.-issued rabies vaccination certification with microchip number matching certificate
High-risk countries (non-U.S. vaccinated): Not accepted for entry into United States

All dogs entering the US must: