Air Canada will no longer allow the transport of snubbed-nosed dog and cat breeds as cargo or checked baggage on health and safety grounds.
The airline said that from today snubbed-nosed breeds, such as pugs, bulldogs and Japanese chin dogs and persian and burmese cats, would no longer be accepted because of concerns about the stress levels the animals faced during flights.
“In August 2014, we introduced precautionary measures to render their transportation safer and more comfortable,” the airline said.
“We lowered the maximum temperature to ship snub-nosed breeds to 24 Degrees Celsius and implemented a requirement for larger cages for these breeds, for improved air circulation.
“Despite these precautions, we find that air travel continues to be distressing and potentially harmful to these animals.
“Safety is Air Canada's top priority, and this extends to the animals we transport. This decision has been made only out of concern for the safety of these animals. We regret any inconvenience it may cause our customers.”
However, pet owners will still be able to transport the animals in the cabin where this is permitted.
