WestJet Airlines Psychiatric Service Dog Policy and Emotional Support Animal Guidelines


Key Points
- Psychiatric Service Dogs: WestJet allows psychiatric service dogs to travel with you without additional fees.
- One Service Dog Per Passenger: WestJet Airlines service dog guidelines permit one psychiatric service dog per person. For flights within the USA, WestJet can accommodate two service animals.
- Contact WestJet 48 Hours in Advance: You must contact WestJet 48 hours before your trip to add your service animal.
- Documentation Requirements: A PSD letter may be required to confirm your need for a psychiatric service dog. You can obtain this document through services like Fast ESA Letter.
- Seating Requirements: You must also follow seating requirements set by WestJet pet travel regulations.
- Emotional Support Animals: WestJet ESA policy states that ESAs are treated as pets, subject to pet fees and kennel requirements.
- Pet Behavior Requirements: Your psychiatric service dog and emotional support pet must behave well and remain under your control.
- Breed Restrictions: Some dog and cat breeds, like the British Shorthair, Affenpinscher, and Brasileiro, are not allowed to fly with WestJet.
Does WestJet Airlines Allow Psychiatric Service Dogs to Fly?
Yes, according to WestJet Airlines service dog rules, psychiatric service dogs are allowed on flights without any additional fees. For domestic, international, and Caribbean flights, the service dogs must be trained individually by a recognized service dog trainer or someone specializing in service dog training.
How to Fly with a Psychiatric Service Dog on WestJet Airlines?
- Contact WestJet in Advance: Inform WestJet at least 48 hours before your flight to ensure arrangements can be made for your service animal.
- Confirm Documentation Requirements: The airline may request a psychiatric service dog letter (PSD letter) verifying that your dog is a service animal.
- Prepare Your Dog for Travel: Ensure your dog is trained to behave appropriately in public spaces and follows WestJet Airlines service dog guidelines.
WestJet Airlines Service Animal Documentation Requirements
WestJet Airlines requires vaccination records, the proper USDOT form, and a PSD letter. PSD letter is a specific documentation to verify that your dog is a psychiatric service animal. To get a PSD letter:
- Schedule a consultation with a licensed healthcare provider to discuss your need for a service animal.
- After approval, obtain your PSD letter.
WestJet Emotional Support Animal Policy and ESA Travel Requirements
- It must be soft-sided.
- It must be airline-approved.
- It must be leak-proof.
- It must be secure.
- It must be well-ventilated.
- Allow the animal’s head to stick out.
- Resemble a duffle bag, gym bag, or other non-kennel bags.
What Kind Of Animal Is Permitted To Take Flight Under WestJet Pet Travel Policy?
WestJet pet travel regulations don’t accept all types of pets. They only accept domesticated:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Birds
- Chinchillas
- Guinea pigs
- Hedgehogs
- Rabbit.
Breeds Of Animals That Are Restricted To Fly By WestJet Animal Policy
As per the WestJet pet policy, the breeds of dogs and cats with small or bulbous noses—brachycephalic—cannot be transported in the checked baggage area. Moreover, any combination of these breeds must be scheduled for cargo transportation.
Cats :
- British Shorthair
- Burmese
- Exotic Shorthair
- Himalayan
- Persian
- Selkirk Rex
- Scottish Fold
Dogs :
- Affenpinscher
- Brasileiro
- Brussels Griffon
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Bulldog – (all breeds)
- Bullmastiff
- Cane Corso
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Chihuahua (apple-headed)
- Chow Chow
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- English Toy Spaniel
- Japanese Chin
- Lhasa Apso
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Pekingese
- Pug – all breeds, including the Chinese Pug
- Shar-Pei
- Shih Tzu
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Tibetan Spaniel
WestJet Airlines pet policy does not accept the following strong breeds as checked animals. You must transport them in a CR 82 crate and book them through WestJet Cargo. A CR 82 crate is made from synthetic, metal, or wood material other than plastic.
- American Bulldog
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Anatolian Shepard
- Bandog
- Cane Corso
- Caucasian Shepherd
- Doberman
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Mastiff (all breeds)
- Pitbull (all breeds)
- Presa Canario
- Rottweiler
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Wolf Dog Hybrids
WestJet Airlines Seating and Control Requirements for Service Dogs
To ensure your service dog can travel safely and comfortably, WestJet has established specific seating and control requirements:
- Seating Rules: Service dogs are not allowed to sit in the emergency exit row or occupy an empty seat. If your service dog is not small enough to fit under your seat, you can request additional floor space by contacting the airline at least 48 hours before departure.
- Behavioral Expectations: Service animals must be under your control at all times and behave appropriately. Unacceptable behaviors, such as barking, growling, or running freely, can result in denial of boarding.
Some Essential Factors Need to Be Taken into Account
- WestJet Airlines pet policy restricts pets on flights operated by their code-share and interline partners.
- In summer, take early morning or late evening flights; in winter, consider midday flights for your pet’s comfort.
- Choosing a direct flight is good to avoid the hassle of traveling with pets.
- An unaccompanied minor may not travel with a pet.
- Pets must be older than eight weeks old to be eligible for travel.
- WestJet doesn’t take any responsibility for providing food to your pet.
- It is important to remember that consequential damages, such as loss of companionship, inconvenience, etc., are not compensable under the WestJet pet policy.
- Your pet should be given a light meal and a small drink of water four hours before check-in.
- You should reach the boarding gate at least 40 minutes before departure.
- The airline will deny boarding if you arrive less than 10 minutes before departure.
- WestJet may rebook a later flight for service dogs that exceed weight limitations or transport them to the aircraft’s hold.
Bottom Line
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does WestJet Airlines Verify My Dog Is a Psychiatric Service Dog?
How Many Service Dogs Can Travel with Me on WestJet?
When Can An Airline Deny Transporting Your Animal?
How Can I Prepare My Service Dog for a WestJet Flight?
Does WestJet Require Service Dogs to Wear Identification?
Are WestJet’s ESA Policies Different on Code-Share Flights?
How Should I Prepare for Check-In When Traveling with a Service Dog on WestJet?
Are There Specific Training Standards for Service Dogs on WestJet?
While there is no formal certification required, WestJet mandates that psychiatric service dogs are trained to provide disability-specific assistance. The dog’s behavior should reflect adequate training, especially in public and high-stress environments, to ensure safety for all passengers and crew members.
Can I Fly with a Puppy as My Service Dog on WestJet?
Post Author
Prince Sharma
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