I'll be traveling cross-border (US to Canada) with a feline companion this summer. I have done this on United (from Canada to US) several times, but have never done it on AC metal.

I know that AC requires that I present a recently issued health certificate from a vet, and I know I can't travel in the Executive First cabin with kitty.

Does anyone know if AC will let me book an extra seat so I can have a little extra room beside me? (UA allows this, but I'm not sure about AC. BTW, I know the cat has to stay in the kennel under the seat in front of me, but it's a lot easier to manoeuvre with cat in tow if I have an empty seat beside me.)

If it is possible to book an extra seat, is there a way to do so online, or does it have to be done through the call centre?

Finally, Canada Customs rules require that imported cats/dogs have had a rabies shot within the past year. Given there are wild animals with rabies in both Canada and the US, this strikes me as ridiculous, but whatever. The pet in question is rather senior, and she's a 100% indoor cat who could not ever possibly have contracted rabies. Does anyone know how vigorously the customs officials enforce the rabies-shot rule? If someone fails to present a rabies certificate on demand, would the officials confiscate the animal or would they simply demand that a rabies shot be administered within a set period of time?

Many thanks.