Travelling pets are welcome at the airport, but for their safety and comfort, must be kept in their carriers at all times. Only assistance animals, which includes guide and service dogs accompanying passengers and visitors, are permitted inside the terminal building without being in a carrier.

Transporting Pets

Pets travelling with a passenger must be kept in airline-approved carriers. For information including the required carrier size, and necessary travel documents, please contact your airline. For information on shipping a pet by air, please contact a freight forwarder for more information.

Taking Pets Through Security

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) sets the rules around what you can take with you as carry-on luggage when travelling. If you are taking your pet through security, you must let the screening officers know. All passengers travelling with animals must undergo explosive trace detection testing. For more information, visit CATSA’s website.

Pet Relief Areas

Halifax Stanfield has designated pet relief areas for individuals travelling with their pets.

The pre-security pet relief area is located outside the front of the terminal building. To access it, go to the lower level of the terminal building and take the Centre Tunnel by the Security Office. The pet relief area is located across Bell Blvd. between the parkade and Alt Hotel (see map below for specific location).

Travellers who have gone through domestic/international security screening will find a pet relief area in Departures by Gate 15.

Travellers who are travelling to the U.S. will find a pet relief area in U.S. Departures.

Pet Boarding Services

Don’t want to bring your furry friend along on your journey? Air Buddies Pet Services offers overnight boarding for dogs and cats and is conveniently located at the airport.