WestJet ESA and Psychiatric Service Dog Policy

WestJet accepts dogs who provide services for people with physical or psychiatric disabilities. It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure the dog meets all entrance and import regulations and adheres to destination-specific restrictions. If there are any fees or costs associated with transporting the dog, the traveler is responsible for them. WestJet never assumes responsibility for incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Traveling internationally should contact each country’s consulate to ensure they adhere to all specific guidelines.

WestJet’s Advance Notice Requirements

WestJet recommends providing adequate notice when traveling with a service dog. Providing notice of at least 48 hours ensures that passengers and service dogs are both well-accommodated and comfortable on the flight and greatly reduces the chances of delays or denial of travel. Passengers who booked a WestJet Vacations package should provide at least seven days’ notice to ensure all accommodations, transfers, car rentals, and additional services can accommodate a service dog. Passengers may be required to tell travel representatives what tasks the dog performs. Passengers can provide advance notice by calling 1-888-937-8538.

WestJet’s Identification Requirements

Psychiatric service dogs should travel with vaccination records, the proper USDOT form, and a PSD letter. Proper documentation helps to ensure that the travel process goes smoothly.

WestJet’s Seating Requirements

Passengers traveling with a psychiatric service dog cannot sit in the emergency exit row or allow the dog to occupy an empty seat. If the service dog does not fit comfortably at the passenger’s feet, notice at least 48 hours must be given. This allows the airline ample time to provide additional floor space. This space is free of charge on flights within Canada but may require the purchase of an additional seat outside of Canada. Passengers can expect to discuss their dog’s breed and physical characteristics to ensure it receives enough space.

WestJet’s Control Requirements

WestJet ESA policy indicates that all service dogs are on duty at the gate and on the aircraft. Since they are on duty, psychiatric service dogs should be under the owner’s control, wearing a well-labeled harness and leash and behaving in a way that indicates being well-trained. Service dogs running freely, barking or growling, jumping, or relieving themselves in the cabin or gate areas may be denied transportation.

WestJet’s pet policy provides three traveling options for pets: carry-on, checked animals, and pets as cargo. When traveling with pets, passengers cannot reserve space for them online. Reservations can be made via phone call at 1-888-937-8538. WestJet limits how many pets can travel on each flight, so booking space for your pet as soon as possible is important. One pet per passenger is acceptable in the cabin of the airplane.

WestJet’s Pet Fees

Passengers with a pet traveling in the cabin or as checked baggage must pay a pet kennel fee. Pets traveling in the cabin will be charged $50-$118 USD, depending on where the passenger travels. Pets who are traveling as checked baggage will cost $100-$236 USD, depending on travel arrangements. If a dog travels alone as cargo, the owner must contact WestJet Cargo at 1-866-952-2746.

WestJet’s Breed Restrictions

WestJet does not have any breed restrictions. Pets are limited to one per passenger. Service dogs are limited to two per passenger. Any animal showing aggression or otherwise posing a danger to passengers or crew may be denied travel.

WestJet’s Pet Carrier Size Requirements

The pet’s kennel is considered a personal item in the carry-on baggage location. Kennels must fit under the seat, typically meaning they must be no bigger than 16 inches long, 8.5 inches high, and 10 inches wide. Kennels must be airline-approved, soft-sided, secure, well-ventilated, and leak-proof. They cannot be a duffel bag, backpack, or non-kennel bag that allows the animal’s head to stick out.

WestJet’s Travel Requirements

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

Domestic

Hawaii has special requirements regarding bringing pets to the islands. To learn about the restrictions and what to expect, passengers should visit Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture.

International

There are several restrictions regarding pets or service dogs traveling internationally. Service dogs are prohibited on flights that go to or from Bridgetown, Barbados, Montego Bay and Kingston, Jamaica. Pre-approval is required for service dogs to travel to various other destinations.

• Antigua
• Belize
• Cayman Islands
• France
• Hawaii
• Ireland
• Mexico
• Spain
• St. Lucia
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos
• United Kingdom

US Inbound

There are currently temporary restrictions regarding animals returning to the United States from high-risk countries. For dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the previous six months, the owner must provide a CDC Dog Import Permit that provides the CDC’s advance approval. There are no appeals if an import is denied.