I'm travelling across Canada and need to bring my Ferret(s) - What do I do?

Ferrets aren't accepted on board WestJet or Air Canada flights in cargo or under the cabin, but don't panic - there is one option left, you can still fly your ferret unaccompanied. You have two options, do you want your ferret to fly WestJet or AirCanada? (No I'm serious... for about double the cost you can still get your fuzzbuts where they need to go.)

First though, you need to do some preparation. Standard kennel requirements for pets traveling unaccompanied (including ferrets) is a hard plastic crate, with ventilation on all sides. It needs to have knut & bolt closures on the sides and a metal gate door. This kennel available from PetSmart meets these requirements, is affordable and is what I personally fly my ferret Rolo in.

I like to line the bottom with puppy pads, and then toss in a whole ton of blankets for burrowing & sleeping purposes. No toys or harnesses are allowed in the carrier as it is a hazard to your ferret while confined (and bored) in cargo. I highly recommend getting your ferret(s) used to spending time in the carrier before the flight - I just used it as a den on the floor and found that Rolo enjoying sleeping inside it anyway.
Additionally, you will want to get a very small locking no-drip water bottle. These can be tough to find, but the FlatBac water bottle from Super Pet is my first choice, with a small locking dish underneath it to catch any drips. The airline may tell you that no water is allowed however, so call and ask. (They let me do it, even though it was against policy so I can't guarantee it will be the same for everyone.)
Regardless, you still need a locking dish on the inside of the carrier, so that should there be a delay or problem at the airport, the staff handling you pet will be able to provide water without needing to open the kennel. (And risk escape.) I also like to print copies of all my ferrets vet records and health information and put this inside a ziplock bag, and tape it to the top of the kennel. Don't worry about any other special stickers, as the airline will want to use their own.
Speaking of escape, once you have filled the kennel with blankets, locking dish, and your ferret(s), make sure to zip tie the door and kennel in the special holes provided to prevent anyone from opening the kennel during transit.

Now that you are ready to load your ferret on an airplane, I'll go over your flight options.

Option #1: Westjet - WestJet Cargo uses extra space on WestJet airplanes to transport various things, including animals. Despite the name, WestJet Cargo is actually Swissport, a logistics company. They will require you to book your ferret's flight no more than 5 days in advance. You can try to request that they be on your flight, but on such short notice it is unlikely, and you will need to enlist the help of friends and family to help you coordinate the pickup and drop off of your ferret.
To book your ferret's space you can contact WestJet Cargo at 1-866-952-2746 (1-866-WJCARGO).

WestJet Cargo needs you to arrive to drop your ferret(s) off 2 hours before their flight, and at the other end, it will take anywhere from 45minutes to 2 hours once the plane has landed to receive them again. They will also allow you to put two ferrets in one carrier, which is much more economical because they are going to charge you for the price of a cat anyway. To get an idea of cost, Rolo's flights from Vancouver to Toronto so far have been about $110 each way, and this is the company that I booked with. Always ask for the guaranteed temperature in the cargo hold, I was told between 5-15 degrees Celsius.

Option #2: Air Canada - ELS Marketing has the same deal with Air Canada, they are a logistics company that uses space on Air Canada's aircraft. They do offer a two week booking window, so again, no guarantees that you will be able to put your ferret on your flight, but there is a much higher chance, and once of my readers has successfully been able to arrange this with Air Canada. To book your ferret's flight with ELS Marketing, you can call 1-888-472-8888, and this is a link to their website: ELS Marketing

ELS Marketing will ask you to arrive 2 hours before the flight, and it will take between 1-2 hours the other end to pick them up, though this really depends on the airport and their individual procedures and level of business. They will allow you to put two ferrets together in one carrier, and also allow you to send an additional package of pet items while waiving the minimum service fees. When I called to get a price quote, I was told about $110, so they are price matched with WestJet Cargo. This company also offers trans-border travel, but in that scenario you will need proof of a rabies vaccine administered 6 months before the flight, and 10 days before travel a note from your vet stating that, to their knowledge, your ferret is fit to travel.

There is so much to cover, so if there are any unanswered questions about transporting your ferret (or other pets) leave a comment and I will get back to you!