WestJet, Air Canada ban large pets on holiday flights

If you plan on flying anywhere for Christmas with the furry members of your family you'd better do it soon.

As of Dec. 15, no pets will be accepted as checked baggage on Air Canada or WestJet flights until after the holidays. Smaller pets will still allowed in the cabin as carry-on luggage, subject to various restrictions.

• Click here for Westjet's guidelines on travelling with pets

"It really meant that I had to hustle and make sure that I could book my flight in time to bring my dog," Dieter Friesen, a Vancouverite studying in Toronto told The Early Edition. 

"If I couldn't take her I wouldn't be going home for Christmas either." 

One man at a Vancouver dog park said he put off his holiday travel plans until Jan. 7 to accommodate his dog.

"It's a member of the family so obviously there's nothing different than anything else, you just want to have them around all the time," he said.

A statement from WestJet said "heavy holiday baggage levels pose a significant risk to animals transported below the wing."

Air Canada's website also states that the restrictions are imposed during this "peak winter travel period due to increased passenger and cargo loads."

• Click here for Air Canada's guidelines on travelling with pets

On Twitter, some pet owners told The Early Edition they've been put out by the rules, while others think there's a good reason behind them and pet owners need to plan accordingly.