Porter Airlines Pet Policy: A Comprehensive Guide

Traveling with pets can be both thrilling and intimidating. If you wish to fly with your furry companion on a Porter Airlines flight, it is crucial to comprehend the carrier’s pet policy. Porter Airlines pet policy is explained in detail, including everything from reaching the airport to arriving at your final destination. 

Porter Airlines is well-known for its excellent flight experience and customer service, thus providing travelers with a comfortable travel journey. 

This blog helps you discover travel requirements and restrictions, along with the defined fees. Some key tips to keep in mind for pet travel are also on your way.

Go ahead! Give it a read!

Everything You Must Know About Porter Airlines Pet Policy 

We’ve got you covered with everything important included as part of pet travel on a flight operated by Porter Airlines. 

Here we go!

Basic Information 

Porter Airlines allows you to travel with small dogs and house cats in the cabin. You can take up to two pets in the cabin. A fee ranging from $50 to $57.50 (along with applicable taxes) is defined for one direction. This fee cannot be refunded. 

Since the pet travel is permitted on the basis of space availability on a flight, you are advised to book it at the time of making your flight reservation. You can also contact the customer service centre of the airline for assistance. Once you post a request for pet travel, the airline’s team needs at least 24 hours to respond. 

Pet Travel Guidelines 

  • You can take a pet only if you are an adult who can pay the flight fare. Pets cannot travel with unaccompanied minors. 
  • Porter Airlines does not allow pet travel with you if:
  • You are flying with infants.
  • You have to sit in an emergency exit row.
  • You need a medical device to be placed under the seat.
  • You need to assist as a registered travel attendant.
  • You are required to mark your check in online. You can collect your boarding pass from the check-in counter located at the airport. 

Important Note: Porter Airlines may not allow you to take aggressive pets in the cabin.

Pet Carrier: Size and Weight

Please bear in mind to bring a soft-sided, leak proof, and fully ventilated pet carrier. Besides, it must not exceed the maximum dimensions i.e., 55 cm length x 40 cm width x 27 cm height (or 21.5 in x 15.5 in x 10.5 in).

You must choose a small pet carrier which can be kept easily under the seat set right in front of you. This goes according to the guidelines defined by the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If the carrier cannot be fitted under the seat, you may not be permitted to take it on the flight.

  • One passenger is permitted to take one pet carrier. The carrier can have only one pet.
  • The carrier must have proper space so that the pet can stand up, move around, and lie down without any hassle. 
  • Your pet must be in the carrier right from the time of screening at the airport security checkpoint to reaching the final destination.
  • You must not keep your pet in the baggage hold. They are not allowed as checked baggage. 
  • You can take your pet in the lounge operated by Porter Airlines. Make sure that it remains in the pet carrier all the time.
  • Keep the carrier closed when it is kept under the seat onboard. 
  • Not even a single part of your pet should extend or come out of the carrier.

Please Note: When you take a pet carrier on a Porter Airlines flight, it counts as one standard item of your carry-on baggage or hand luggage that is allowed to be taken onboard. So, in this case, you are permitted to bring only one additional personal item. The size of the latter must not go beyond 33 x 43 x 16 cm (or 13 x 17 x 6 inches).

Significant Points to Remember

  • A screening is conducted at the airport security checkpoint for pets travelling with you in the cabin.
  • The carrier is passed through the X-ray machine, and not your pet. The pet needs to come out of the carrier, and you must hold it while you pass through the metal detector.
  • Make sure to maintain your pet on a leash, as there is a huge crowd at the security checkpoint, which can upset or make the pet distressed. 
  • If need be, you can request the screening authorities to check your pet at a private room.
  • It is beneficial not to give them food up to two hours before you leave for the airport. 
  • When you are at the airport, make sure to take your pet to the separately allocated animal relief area before the screening process at the airport security checkpoint. 
  • Please bear in mind you will have to go through the security screening process again if you leave the secure boarding area and take your dog or cat to an outside relief area. In this case, it shall be your responsibility to return to the boarding gate and catch the flight on time. 
  • Since the pet policy defined by Porter Airlines is applicable for its flights only, you are required to contact the relevant airline for their pet policy, if you have to connect to or from it, as part of an indirect flight (including layovers).
  • In case of an international flight, you are strongly advised to contact the consulate or embassy of the country you wish to fly to. This helps you stay familiar with their pet travel guidelines and requirements. Also, make sure to confirm with your veterinarian that your pet is fit to travel as per the foreign pet health regulations. Thus, you can also prepare all the mandatory certificates or documents, as required by your destination country. All such arrangements, if put in place in advance, help you avoid any complications after you land. 

Porter Airlines Disclaimer

This is what you must take care of: 

  • If you take a pet with you, the airline will not be responsible for any delay, loss, illness, injury, damage, or death of the pet or service animal.
  • You shall be responsible to take complete care of your pet or feed it at the time of traveling. You can take the pet to a lounge operated by Porter Airlines.

Flying With Service Animals 

Service animals are not allowed in cabins on flights operated by Porter Airlines. However, if the animal is taken to help a passenger with a disability onboard then it can be taken, provided it is licensed and professionally trained. It can also be an emotional support dog. 

Thus, if you wish to take such a service animal on the flight, you must inform the airline’s team at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure so as to help them make proper arrangements. 

You can mark the check in online and collect the boarding pass available at the airport’s check-in desk. This must be done at least 90 minutes before the departure of your flight. The team checks the necessary paperwork and the animal’s behavior at the airport to allow it onboard and confirm that all safety regulations are being followed.

In case of a service dog, you need to provide your service dog certificate at least 48 hours before the departure of your flight. This certificate is given to you by the training institution.  If the service dog is under training, it won’t be allowed on the flight.

The handler must be able to take complete care of the service dog onboard. The dog must be under control. It needs to fit in the foot space of the seat that is meant for the service animal handler. It cannot occupy a seat or sit in an exit row.

If it is felt that an animal can cause a safety threat to passengers and crew or there could be a health hazard because of it, Porter Airlines will not allow you to take it onboard. So, reptiles, snakes, rodents, ferrets, farm poultry, or animals having hooves cannot fly with you. Even if they don’t seem to be of a suitable size and weight, are aggressive, or could disrupt cabin operations on the flight, they won’t be permitted to fly.

Your service animal can sit on your lap if its size does not exceed that of an infant. But you need to provide a document received from a licensed medical or mental health expert saying it needs to be lap held. Make sure to submit the same to the airline’s team at least 48 hours before the departure of your flight. 

Apart from this, if it is an emotional support dog, make sure that it remains in its carrier all the time. It cannot sit on your lap. This is a part of the guidelines formed by the Canadian Transportation Agency.

Tips to Follow While Flying with Pets 

Traveling with pets can be a great experience, provided you proceed in a well-planned manner and comply with certain important factors. 

Here are some major tips to keep in mind.

Follow the Airline’s Policies

Since different airlines have different rules about pet travel, such as types of pets allowed, fees applicable, and cabin conditions, you must review the same on their official website for better planning. Moreover, you can get in touch with their customer service department for guidance and assistance. 

Add Pet to Your Flight Reservation 

When you book a flight, you need to inform their team that you will bring your pet along. This helps them issue you the permission as only a certain amount of cabin spaces are there for pets on some airlines.

Visit Your Veterinarian

Make sure your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccines. You can do this by scheduling a visit to your veterinarian before heading on your flight journey. If the airline or the destination you are traveling to requires a document or a certificate, you need to get it prepared on time. 

Select the Appropriate Carrier

Choose a pet carrier that is safe, secure, and comfortable for your pet. In fact, read the carrier related guidelines defined by the airline you choose to fly with. Make sure it meets the cabin travel size criteria. 

Prepare Your Pet 

You need to make your pet accustomed to the carrier. So, let them spend some time in it prior to the trip. You can even take quick, short vehicle rides to give them a sense of traveling.

Pack Essential Items 

Make sure to pack food, water, a leash, waste bags, and any prescription drugs your pet might need. You can also bring a few familiar items such as blankets or toys.

Reach Airport Early

Arrive at the airport well in advance for a smooth check-in and security screening process. This will help you and your pet stay stress-free. Be vigilant and alert during checking and remove your pet from the carrier when it’s time for screening. Make sure they are leashed so that they can’t run away. In this way, you also help the security personnel and save other people at the airport from chaos. 

Keep Your Pet Hydrated

Make sure your pet drinks sufficient water before and throughout the air journey. You can use a travel dish or water bottle for this purpose.

Minimize Meals Before Flight

Don’t give your pet food just before a flight, as it may cause nausea. You can give them a light supper just a few hours prior to departure.

Identification Tag on Your Pet 

If your pet gets lost while traveling, microchipping or ID tags can help you identify or find it easily. You can attach the ID tag on your pet’s collar to make it stay visible.

Plan for Layovers

You may have an indirect flight to your destination. So, if your flight has a layover, think about how long it will last and whether you will have to eat or use the restroom. You must also confirm whether pets are allowed to be carried freely at airport terminals. You need to know the guidelines issued by the relevant airline and the airport as part of a layover.

Be Calm

Since pets have the sense to identify when their owners are stressed, it can make them feel disturbed or uncomfortable. Hence, to make your pet feel more secure during the trip, stay calm and happy. 

Concluding Words 

In a nutshell, you will be completely ready to manage every facet of traveling with your pet if you are familiar with Porter Airlines pet policy. The airline allows you to fly with small dogs and house cats in the cabin. One carrier can be taken per passenger, and it can have only one pet. If you actively adhere to the same, you will actually have fun traveling with pets on the airline. It can be a relaxing and stress-free trip for you and your pet both, if you follow the specified protocols for in-cabin travel, maintain the required paperwork, and take good care of your furry friend. 

So, before you head on to your air trip, always confirm the latest details with Porter Airlines, since their policies are subject to change. Please also note that only the flights run by Porter Airlines are subject to its in-cabin pet policy. Apart from this, if you comply with certain key tips for pet travel, you are all good to go! 

Have a great flying experience with your lovely friend on a Porter Airlines flight!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Some of the common concerns raised by travelers are addressed below for a quick read!

Are pets allowed on Porter Airlines flights?

Yes, you can travel with small dogs and house cats in the cabin onboard. You can take up to two pets. One passenger is allowed to have one carrier, which can contain only one pet. You are advised to check the carrier related guidelines in the detailed article above. You can also visit the official website of Porter Airlines.

When should I make a reservation for my pet’s travel on a Porter Airlines flight?

Pet travel on Porter Airlines is allowed on the basis of the availability of space. You are strongly advised to add pets to your travel while you make your reservation with the airline. This helps the airline’s team to respond to you after 24 hours.

Why can’t I book my pet on a Porter Airlines flight?

This might probably happen due to the unavailability of space for pets on that specific flight operated by Porter Airlines.

What is the size allowed for a pet carrier by Porter Airlines?

The maximum size allowed for a pet carrier by Porter Airlines is 55 cm length x 40 cm width x 27 cm height (or 21.5 in x 15.5 in x 10.5 in). Please make sure to bring a soft-sided and ventilated pet carrier. It must also be spacious for the pet to stand up, move around, and lie down properly.

Does Porter allow pets as checked baggage?

No! Pets cannot be transported as checked baggage on flights operated by Porter Airlines. You can take them only in the cabin. Refer to the article above for detailed information.

What happens if I need to modify my flight reservation with Porter Airlines?

If you had made the reservation through the Porter Airlines website, you can contact their customer service call center to get it modified. They will also do the same for your pet’s reservation accordingly. In case, it was made through a third-party agency or a travel company then also make sure to inform the airline’s customer service call center to confirm the availability of space for your pet on the new flight. Then you can finalize your reservation change by that agency.

Do I need to show a health certificate for my pet to travel on a Porter Airlines flight?

In case, it’s an international flight or you are bringing your pet into Canada, you must fulfil the criteria set by the customs. This also includes the regulatory entrance and exit requirements. So, you are advised to get in touch with the appropriate embassy or consulate to make sure that all the guidelines defined for that particular country are complied with. Although you need not get a health certificate in case you are flying domestically, you can consult your veterinarian to confirm the health and fitness of your pet for traveling on a long-distance flight.

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