Air Canada has stopped accepting new requests for pets to travel in the baggage compartment of its flights until September 12, as major airports around the country face travel delays, flight cancellations, and logistical challenges.

Air Canada announced that small animals will still be allowed in the cabins of most flights, provided it is small enough to stand, turn around and lie down in their carrier under the seat in front of the passenger.

Reports noted that Air Canada will not be accepting new requests for pets traveling in the baggage compartment but all current pet bookings will be honored.

It added that this does not affect trained service animals, nor smaller pets traveling in the cabin, adding that the airline often has an embargo on pets in the cargo hold on select routes during certain times of the year, "particularly, for destinations where there is extreme heat.

"For customers booking flights who wish to travel with a pet that cannot be in the cabin with them, there are still several safe solutions available via Air Canada Cargo," the airline said.