WestJet allows pets in the cabin but they must remain under the seat in their carrier at all times. This means you want to be sure that your dog, cat or rabbit will be comfortable and have enough room.
But we humans barely have enough room on the plane, so how are you supposed to find room for our furry friends?!
When I was researching WestJet approved pet carriers before our first flight with our dog Miley, I found the recommendations were all over the place and confusing.
So, after thoroughly researching which airline pet carrier to buy, purchasing it and successfully using it, I wanted to compile a succinct yet informative post about the best WestJet approved in cabin pet carriers so you know exactly what you need.
In this post you will find my recommended top choices for WestJet approved pet carriers for long flights, budget-friendly picks, best carriers for small animals and best carrier with wheels.
All carriers I feature in this post have been tested and are guaranteed to fit under the seat on WestJet and Air Canada flights.
WestJet states that your carrier must be no bigger than 41 cm L x 21.5 cm H x 25.4 cm W (16 in. L x 8.5 in. H x 10 in. W).
As long as your carrier is somewhat close to these dimensions and flexible, you’ll have no problem bringing it on the plane.
When choosing the size of carrier you’re going to purchase, it’s important you measure your pet first and not go by weight.
Measure the length of your pet from its neck to base of tail and the height by floor to top of shoulder.
>> Read my detailed experience about flying with a dog in the cabin on WestJet (everything you need to know – including which seats you should book).
This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!
Best OVERALL Westjet Approved Pet Carrier
Sherpa Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier
Reasons I love this one: high quality, it comes in 3 sizes, is very sturdy but flexible enough to squish down, and the open-top zipper.
This carrier is under $75 and comes in small, medium and large and all sizes will fit under the seats on both WestJet and Air Canada.
Seats and Sizing
We have the medium size, and I noticed that there was still enough room for a larger carrier to fit under the seat on WestJet flights.
The large size of the Sherpa Deluxe bag will fit under the seat just fine.
Even though the carrier is soft-sided, the sides of the bags are built with spring wire, so it’s able to squish down pretty easily under the seat.
Just make sure your dog is able to comfortably fit if you do have to squish it.
WestJet allows you to push the carrier down to make it fit under the seat as long as it’s safe for your pet and they’re comfortable.
If you’re flying on Air Canada, the large size might be slightly too big for some aircrafts and you’ll have to be comfortable with squishing it down to squeeze it in.
If you buy the large size, the carrier will extend out into your leg room so it’s not ideal for tall travelers.
Comfort and Features
This carrier unzips from the front and the top.
It’s mesh on 3 sides and the mesh is a hard rubber material and seems very durable.
The hand and shoulder straps are padded and comfortable and makes it easy to carry around.
There’s a strap that allows you to attach it to your roller-luggage for ease getting around the airport.
It comes with a nice faux lambskin mat that can be removed to be washed.
If your dog likes to burrow blankets (like my Chihuahua does), I recommend adding a blanket to the carrier for extra comfort since they can’t burrow in the lining.
We bought this super soft and fluffy blanket to add in.
Make sure you pack collapsible dog dishes to bring on your travels.
These are the dishes I have and were incredibly handy to have in the airport and on the flight.
Sizes and Dimensions:
Small size: 38.1 x 25.4 x 10.2 centimeters or 15″ x 10″ x 8.5″
Medium size: 43.2 x 27.9 x 26.7 centimeters (L x W x H) or 17″ L x 11″ W x 10.5″ H – you’ll notice that this is larger than the WestJet allowance – we had no problem bringing this size on the plane.
Large size: 48.3 x 29.8 x 29.2 centimeters (L x W x H)
Best Pet Carrier for Long Flights
Mr. Peanut’s Double Expandable
Reasons I love this one: it’s ideal for long flights. it has two expansion sides in case you have layovers or flight delays, your pet has plenty of room to hangout.
I also love that the top is mesh so you and your pet can keep a close eye on each other.
Expandability
An expandable pet carrier is definitely something you want to consider while you wait between connecting flights.
And depending on what type of aircraft you’re on, you might even be able to open up one side of the expansion compartments (ideal if you’re on a long flight)
Comfort and Features
The removable pad is soft fleece and I like the zippered pocket to store documents, treats and other small items you’ll need to access.
This carrier will comfortably fit a pet up to 15 pounds, but you should still measure by length and height first.
For safety, you can lock the zippers and there’s a leash tether inside.
I love Mr. Peanut’s as a brand because they donate percentage of gross profits to animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Size and Dimensions
45.7 x 27.9 x 26.4 centimeters or 18″ L x 10.5″ W x 11″ H
Best Westjet Approved Pet Carrier with WHEELS
Sherpa on Wheels Pet Carrier
Reasons I love this one: it has wheels which makes it very easy to get around airports, especially if you’ll be travelling to large airports with big terminals and need to do a lot of walking.
Carrier with Wheels
The best part about this carrier is the wheels. If you visit big airports, have your hands full with kids or need assistance carrying your dog through the airport, this is the perfect in-cabin pet carrier.
It even fits between the aisle of the plane, so you never need to pick it up.
Comfort and Features
All four sides are mesh with roll-down privacy panels.
There’s a pocket to store small items or travel documents.
A dog or cat up to 20 pounds will fit well inside this carrier.
Size and Dimensions
50.8 x 31.1 x 26.7 centimeters or 20in L x 12.25in W x 10.5in H
Best Budget Friendly Airline Approved Carrier
Basics Soft Sided Transport Carrier
Reasons I love this one: it’s affordable, there’s lots of mesh and it comes in 3 sizes (Small to Large).
Cheapest Option
This is a great low-cost carrier that is sturdy but flexible enough to squish down to fit under the aircraft seat if necessary.
It’s essentially a knock-off of the Sherpa Deluxe listed above.
If you’re traveling with your puppy who will likely outgrow the carrier, this is a great low cost option if you don’t plan on needing to use it for many trips.
A Couple Cautions
However, there are a couple reasons why this one isn’t my favorite.
All 4 sides are mesh, but don’t come with privacy screens, so if you have an anxious pet, you might want to go with either of the two carriers I listed above, or bring a towel/blanket to drape over top.
The sizes listed online do appear to be off and on the smaller side, so if you think your pet might be in between sizes, I would order a size up.
Comfort and Features
Lightweight and dual entry points and the most affordable option on the market. Since all four sides are mesh, it’s a good option if your pet likes seeing its surroundings at all times.
Size and Dimensions
Small size: 35L x 22W x 22H centimeters
Medium size: 42L x 24W x 25H centimeters
Large size: 50L x 25.9W x 28.4H centimeters
Best Airline Approved Carrier for Cats and Smaller Animals
Fruiteam Soft-Sided Travel Carrier
Reasons I love this one: it’s a top choice for cats, rabbits and small puppies.
It also collapses for easy storage.
Comfort and Features
If you don’t need a very big pet carrier, this one is perfect. It’s compact but also has several pockets to store items for easy access.
It’s got lots of mesh siding, but it’s not completely mesh so your animal will have some privacy.
The removable plush mat is also very cozy.
Size and Dimensions
45cm L x 25cm W x 28cm or 18″ L x 10″W x 11″H
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