The director of an animal rescue organization hopes Air Canada will reverse a decision to ban pets from domestic passenger flights, saying many Canadians have no other options for transporting their animals.

Canada's largest airline announced Thursday that beginning July 15, dogs, cats and other animals will have to be shipped separately on cargo flights.

The airline is also waiting for approval from the Canadian Transportation Agency to ban pets from flights to the U.S. or other international destinations.

Liz White, director of the Animal Alliance of Canada, said that puts many Canadians in a tough spot.

"We're hoping that Air Canada will change its mind because it's our largest carrier," she told CTV's Canada AM.

"Fifty per cent of people in Canada share their home with pets, many of them travel and some of them have to travel, and to not be able to deliver your animals safely to your next home, when you have to fly, is not a good thing."

With a load factor of over 80 per cent and tough post-9/11 security measures, Air Canada says more and more bags are being checked and it simply no longer has room for pets in the cargo holds.

"So essentially it comes down to a question of carrying bags for the vast majority of our customers or carrying pets for a smaller number of our passengers,'' said Peter Fitzpatrick, a Toronto-based spokesperson for the airline, on Thursday

He pointed out that pets require more room for air and ventilation, and restrict the amount of baggage the airline can carry.

But White argues that the percentage of people who travel with pets is so small, the airline should be able to make accommodations.

She said the Animal Alliance rescues pets from dangerous situations, and has relied on Air Canada in the past to transport animals from as far away as Newfoundland.

"From time to time organizations like ours depend on the generosity of airlines to do these sorts of things for us, and Air Canada has done it for us in the past," White said.

"I'm, really sorry they've made this decision because I don't think they needed to. I think they could have done right by the pets and their passengers, given it's just a small number."

Pet policies vary among airlines. Southwest Airlines does not allow pets on its planes, British Airways allows pets on passenger flights, but only in the cargo holds.

WestJet allows small dogs, cats, rabbits and birds in the cabin on both domestic and transborder flights.

JetBlue and Lufthansa both allow cats and small dogs in the cabin.

Air Canada's new policy does not apply to guide dogs for the blind. Travellers who have already purchased tickets, or plan to buy tickets up until the policy takes effect on July 15, will be allowed to bring along their pets in the cargo hold.

White said Canadians who have to travel with their pets should consult their veterinarian and try to ensure their pet is not left waiting for long periods of time before and after flying.