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WestJet Airlines Psychiatric Service Dog Policy and Emotional Support Animal Guidelines

WestJet no longer accepts emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals; they are now treated as pets, subject to standard pet fees and carrier requirements. However, trained psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are permitted to travel in the cabin at no additional cost.
Robert Clendenin MD
Medically Reviewed by Robert Clendenin, MD
If you’ve ever had your travel plans disrupted because you weren’t sure about flying with a psychiatric service dog or emotional support animal on WestJet Airlines? You’re not alone. Many travelers face the challenge of understanding the WestJet Airlines Psychiatric Service Dog and Emotional Support Animal Policy. WestJet has clear guidelines to help you navigate traveling with support animals, making it easier to fly comfortably and safely with your PSD or ESA. Here’s an in-depth look at WestJet pet travel policy so you can prepare without hassle.
WestJet Airlines airplane flying above the clouds at sunset.

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?

To bring a service dog on WestJet flights, call the airline at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. You can also contact their Special Care Desk with questions about WestJet Airlines service dog guidelines and service dog travel tips. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
  • 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.
Dog with boarding pass and suitcase at airport terminal

WestJet Emotional Support Animal Policy and ESA Travel Requirements

WestJet does not recognize emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals. Instead, they are treated as pets under WestJet pet travel policy and are subject to WestJet pet fees and kennel requirements. To add your pet to your travel plans, you can contact the airline by phone at WestJet Contact. Remember that the airline limits the number of pets permitted on each flight, so you must request space for your pet as soon as possible. Space may be unavailable if you do not request space 48 hours before departure. For travelers with ESAs: Pet Fee: A fee of $50–$59 CAD/USD applies for pets traveling in the cabin for flights within or between Canada and the U.S. and all destinations outside the U.S. costs $100 – $118 CAD/USD. As checked baggage, the pet fee for travel within or between Canada and the U.S. is $100 – $118 CAD/USD. Traveling between Canada/the U.S. and all destinations outside the U.S. costs $200 – $236 CAD/USD. Kennel Requirements: ESAs must be kept in an airline-approved, soft-sided kennel that meets WestJet carry on dimensions and fits under the seat in front of you. Moreover, your kennel is considered a personal item in your carry-on baggage allowance. The space beneath the seat varies by aircraft type. The maximum height and depth available are: 41 cm L x 25.4 cm W x 21.5 cm H (16 in. L x 10 in. W x 8.5 in. H) As per the WestJet animal policy, the kennel must meet the following 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.
The kennel must not:
  • 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

  1. WestJet Airlines pet policy restricts pets on flights operated by their code-share and interline partners.
  2. In summer, take early morning or late evening flights; in winter, consider midday flights for your pet’s comfort.
  3. Choosing a direct flight is good to avoid the hassle of traveling with pets.
  4. An unaccompanied minor may not travel with a pet.
  5. Pets must be older than eight weeks old to be eligible for travel.
  6. WestJet doesn’t take any responsibility for providing food to your pet.
  7. It is important to remember that consequential damages, such as loss of companionship, inconvenience, etc., are not compensable under the WestJet pet policy.
  8. Your pet should be given a light meal and a small drink of water four hours before check-in.
  9. You should reach the boarding gate at least 40 minutes before departure.
  10. The airline will deny boarding if you arrive less than 10 minutes before departure.
  11. WestJet may rebook a later flight for service dogs that exceed weight limitations or transport them to the aircraft’s hold.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, WestJet Airlines has a clear set of guidelines to help travelers bring their psychiatric service dogs and emotional support animals on board safely and comfortably. By understanding the specific documentation, behavioral expectations, and kennel requirements, you can prepare for a smooth and stress-free journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does WestJet Airlines Verify My Dog Is a Psychiatric Service Dog?

There are specific WestJet Airlines service dog guidelines to verify that your dog is a service animal. The airline may request you to present a psychiatric service dog letter. It will allow them to know about your medical needs for having a service animal. Moreover, it’s a crucial part of WestJet service animal documentation needs.

How Many Service Dogs Can Travel with Me on WestJet?

According to WestJet service dog rules, only one service dog is allowed per person with a disability. However, if you’re flying within the USA, WestJet Airlines service dog guidelines allow up to two service animals.

When Can An Airline Deny Transporting Your Animal?

Westjet Airlines reserves the right to refuse any animal for transport, including those that exhibit aggressive, unruly, or distressed behavior and/or cage destruction. Additionally, WestJet may deny transport if the animal directly threatens the health and safety of other passengers or crew, causes significant disruption in the cabin, or does not comply with all required documentation requirements.

How Can I Prepare My Service Dog for a WestJet Flight?

WestJet requires all service dogs to remain on duty during the flight. Dogs should wear a harness and be under control at all times. Proper training and familiarization with airline environments are recommended for a stress-free journey.

Does WestJet Require Service Dogs to Wear Identification?

Although specific identification is not mandated, service dogs must display visible harnesses and remain under the owner’s control. Proper documentation, including a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) letter, is advised to avoid issues at check-in​.

Are WestJet’s ESA Policies Different on Code-Share Flights?

WestJet’s Emotional Support Animal (ESA) policies apply specifically to their own flights. For code-share or interline flights, ESA policies will differ based on the partner airline’s regulations. It’s essential to verify policies directly with the partner airline if your flight involves a code-share arrangement.

How Should I Prepare for Check-In When Traveling with a Service Dog on WestJet?

When you arrive at the airport, proceed to the special assistance desk for service dog verification and seating arrangements. Having all necessary documentation ready, including your PSD letter, USDOT Service Animal Transportation Form, and vaccination records, will streamline the check-in process.

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?

WestJet requires service dogs to be fully trained, so young puppies are generally not permitted as service animals unless they can demonstrate appropriate behavior and perform necessary assistance tasks. Puppies under eight weeks are not eligible for air travel, as per WestJet’s minimum age policy for pets.

Post Author

Patricia Thompson

Prince Sharma

Prince Sharma is a content manager with a passion for reading, design, and cats. When he's not working, he enjoys discovering new design trends or relaxing with a good book and his furry friends

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