YVR-MEX-ZIH

My preferred route now is AeroMexico, via MEX. I travel with my dog and I can usually get a flight around 23:15 with connection at MEX and into ZIH by the afternoon.

I leave ZIH on an evening flight to MEX and arrive at YVR around 06:30.

Travelling with my dog certainly complicates things and increases costs. At least once the fares for my dog have been more than a passenger fare.

Next month I have to overnight at MEX due to a 19 hour layover. I shudder at the cost of a hotel near the airport that will permit my dog.

A 19-hour layover? You could rent a car and drive and be here before your flight arrived and probably save money and enjoy yourselves a lot more.