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Rescue organizations based in Calgary are 'heartbroken' after reading of apparent changes to WestJet's policies regarding the import of dogs posted Thursday evening.
WestJet Airlines Pet Policy. WestJet accepts dogs, cats, rabbits and birds both in the cabin and as checked baggage. Pets need to be accompanied by a certificate of good health, and that your pet is transported in an approved pet carrier or cargo crate. Pet Shipping and Pet Transportation Services with Pet Air. Welcome FlyPets.com. At Pet Air we strive to provide affordable, professional animal transportation in the most convenient way for our customer and their pets. View flight schedule. Flight schedule. Please note that not all cities served by WestJet have cargo facilities. Please see our list of WestJet Cargo offices. Please also note that we cannot accommodate all types of live animals at all times of year. Please view our Restrictions and embargoes page for more information. Our cargo agents will be happy to help you if you have any questions.
In a blog post published on WestJet's website, the Calgary-based airline said it was changing its regulations in response to how the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) handles dogs coming into the country.
'This is not a WestJet initiative but one that we are subject to regulation on,' read the post, which has since been deleted.
In a statement provided to CBC News on Friday, WestJet said it was committed to work with rescue organizations to help alleviate barriers they may face.
'We recently released communications to ensure guests are aware of existing Canada Border Services Agency requirements that animals travelling into Canada as commercial imports are required to travel through cargo,' the statement reads. 'We have reinforced our procedures to ensure upon booking that we ask guests, who are importing an animal, if it's a commercial or personal import, and proceed accordingly.
'It is the guest's responsibility to meet the import requirements, for both personal and commercial animals.'
In response to a request for an interview, the CBSA deferred comment to WestJet, and said 'nothing had changed' in regards to government policy.
According to a CBSA document, dogs brought into Canada as rescues destined for adoption are 'considered commercial for import purposes.'
'[We're hoping WestJet will] rescind this policy and they'll see the bigger picture when it comes to dogs' lives,' said Belinda Morrison, founder of the CB Rescue Foundation in Calgary. 'We love [WestJet], they've helped us lots, and we hope it was just an oversight.'
Air Canada and Air Transat did not respond to requests for comment in regards to whether or not their pet import policies had changed.
Flight angels
Morrison said her organization previously was allowed to designate travellers as 'flight angels' — volunteers who escorted rescue dogs from overcrowded shelters in other countries back to Canada, where they would be paired with new families.
Under the new restrictions outlined, all dogs classified as commercial — those dogs that are for sale, those available for rescue and adoption and others — must be shipped as cargo, and must be inspected upon arrival.
Morrison said those changes would be a big financial hit on rescues across the country.
'It's going to be near impossible.… When I can do a flight angel, I can do 50 to 100 dogs in the cabin. Depending on where we're going, it can range from $150 to $220 a dog, depending on the length of the flight,' she said. 'But when you fly cargo, it'll be three to four times the money.'
Merrilee Davies, a volunteer with the Calgary-based Pawsitive Match Rescue Foundation, said the restrictions would likely put an end to the organization's dog import program.
'Well, it's going to have a huge impact. It's unlikely we'd be able to afford the fees that are charged for flying dogs in cargo,' she said. 'We're a volunteer and donation-based rescue, as many are. It would be cost-prohibitive for us.'
Westjet Cargo Booking
Dogs imported from other countries often have a history of being abused and neglected, Morrison said.
She said if shelters are unable to export dogs to Canada, it's likely those animals would be negatively impacted.
'Thousands of dogs will die because of this. The reason is [these rescues] phone me and say, 'Hey, Belinda, we have a dog that we can fly with a flight angel,' and then they can bring another dog into their rescue,' she said. 'But now they're full.
'They rely on Canadian great hearts to adopt these dogs. That's what's going on, and that's why I'm not mad, I'm heartbroken.'
Amazing WestJet Approved For Cargo Pet Carriers
According to WestJet, below are the dimensions of the approved pet carriers for Cargo. Please if you have any questions or concerns, contact WestJet for further information.
Miniature | 20 in. x 12 in. x 12 in. | 50 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm |
---|---|---|
Small | 21 in. x 15 in. x 15 in. | 53 cm x 38 cm x 38 cm |
Junior | 27 in. x 20 in. x 19 in. | 69 cm x 50 cm x 48 cm |
Medium | 32 in. x 22 in. x 23 in. | 81 cm x 56 cm x 59 cm |
Large | 36 in. x 24 in. x 24 in. | 91 cm x 61 cm x 61 cm |
Extra large | 40 in. x 27 in. x 30 in. | 101 cm x 68 cm x 76 cm |
Westjet Approved Pet Carriers For Cargo
AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel
Westjet Cargo Calgary
The Amazon Basics two door top load pet kennel comes in 2 sizes. The First size measures 23 inch, while the other measures 19 inch. The Kennel measures 55 x 35 x 30 cm (LxWxH). With all this said, it is westjet approved. You can use it on Air Canada as well as with WestJet. To read more on this Kennel, please click here.
Whisker Doodle Kennel
This is a great option for pets that weigh 15 pounds or less. But again, you need to measure your pet before purchase, and not purchase based on your pets weight. With all this said, the Whisker Doodle Kennel is very sturdy and comes with 2 doors, top and side door. If you want to read my review on the Whisker Doodle kennel, simply click here.
Westjet Airlines Cargo Tracking
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
A reliable crate feature tie-down strap holes, wire vents, and raised interior to keep pets safe and comfortable. In fact, this kennel is airline approved and works with both West Jet as well as Air Canada. Please refer to the measurements above and make your purchase accordingly. You can read more on the Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel, simply click here.
Westjet Approved Pet Carriers For Cargo
Petmate Sky Kennel
The petmate Sky Kennel is an airline approved Kennel that can be used by most airlines when flying your pet Cargo. Having said all this, this Kennel is WestJet approved. You can read more on this Kennel here.
SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Wire Door
From personal experience, this is one of the best Kennels you can use when traveling your pet in Cargo with Westjet. This Kennel comes with 2 dishes and 4 live animal stickers metal bolt and nuts. Moreover, this kennel comes with wheels which make it easier for your while at the airport. You can read more on that kennel here.
Westjet Live Animal Cargo Flights
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Westjet Flights
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