Trevor James
Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on most domestic flights. The airline requires pets to be vaccinated and at least eight weeks old, and they must fit in an airline-approved carrier under a seat. However, Southwest Airlines does not require specific vaccination records or a health certificate for domestic flights within the US mainland. While some passengers have registered their pets before flying without being asked for proof of vaccination, it is recommended to carry your pet's current vaccination records and consult a veterinarian before travelling. For travel to Puerto Rico, a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination are required.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination records check | Southwest Airlines does not generally require a health certificate or specific vaccination records for domestic flights within the US mainland. However, it is highly recommended to carry your pet's current vaccination records. |
| Health certificate requirement | A health certificate is required for travel to Puerto Rico, and there may be additional regulations for bringing animals into this territory. |
| Allowed animals | Only small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs are accepted for in-cabin travel. Trained service dogs are the only exception for live animals beyond small in-cabin pets. |
| Carrier requirements | The pet must fit comfortably in an approved carrier that goes underneath the seat. Each carrier can contain up to two pets of the same species, and the maximum dimensions are 18.5 inches long x 8.5 inches high x 13.5 inches wide. |
| Reservation process | Due to the limit of six pet carriers per flight, it is recommended to call Southwest Airlines to reserve a spot for your pet as soon as your travel is booked. |
| Other considerations | Pets cannot travel as checked luggage or via cargo service. A fee of $125 one-way applies for each pet carrier. |
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What You'll Learn
- Southwest Airlines requires pets to be vaccinated
- The airline doesn't require vaccination records for domestic flights
- A health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination are required for travel to Puerto Rico
- Trained service dogs are exempt from the airline's pet policies
- Only small pets that fit in an airline-approved carrier under a seat are allowed
Southwest Airlines requires pets to be vaccinated
Although the airline does not require specific vaccination records or a health certificate for domestic flights within the US mainland, it is still highly recommended that you carry your pet's current vaccination records and consult with your veterinarian before travelling. For travel to Puerto Rico, a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination are required.
To ensure a smooth journey, it is important to familiarise your pet with its carrier and ensure it is comfortable and calm before travel. Additionally, exercising your pet before the flight and limiting food and water intake can help minimise the chance of accidents. Southwest Airlines has a strict limit of six pet carriers per flight, so it is recommended to book your pet's spot as soon as possible.
While some sources mention that proof of vaccination has not always been requested when flying with Southwest Airlines, it is always better to bring the necessary documentation to avoid any potential issues.
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The airline doesn't require vaccination records for domestic flights
Southwest Airlines does not require vaccination records for domestic flights within the United States. However, pets must be vaccinated to travel on Southwest Airlines and must be at least 8 weeks old. Only small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs are accepted for in-cabin travel, and each passenger is allowed to travel with one pet carrier. The pet must fit comfortably in an airline-approved carrier that can slide under the seat, with a maximum dimension of 18.5 inches long, 8.5 inches high, and 13.5 inches wide. Additionally, there is a limit of six pet carriers per flight, so it is recommended to reserve a spot for your pet as soon as possible.
While vaccination records are not required for domestic flights, specific destinations like Puerto Rico have additional requirements. When travelling to Puerto Rico with your pet, a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination are mandatory. It is always recommended to carry your pet's current vaccination records and consult with your veterinarian before travelling.
Southwest Airlines does not accept pets as checked baggage or cargo, except for trained service dogs. Service animals are not subject to the same pet policies and must meet specific training and behaviour standards. A completed U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form is required and must be presented at the ticket counter or gate on the day of travel.
Although not a requirement, it is advisable to call Southwest Airlines ahead of time to register your pet and ensure a smooth travel experience. By making this call, you can confirm that there is enough room for your pet on the flight and avoid any last-minute surprises. Remember to exercise your pet before the flight and limit their food and water intake to minimise any potential accidents during the journey.
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A health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination are required for travel to Puerto Rico
Southwest Airlines requires that all pets travelling in the cabin are small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs. Pets must be at least eight weeks old to travel and must be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably in a leak-proof and well-ventilated carrier that fits entirely under the seat in front of you.
The airline does not accept pets as checked baggage or via its cargo service for general pet travel. The only exception for live animals beyond small in-cabin pets are trained service dogs. If your pet is too large to fit under the seat, you will need to find an alternative mode of transportation or another airline.
Southwest Airlines has simpler health documentation requirements for most domestic flights compared to other airlines. Your pet must be vaccinated, but the airline generally does not require a health certificate or specific vaccination records for domestic flights within the US mainland.
However, for travel to Puerto Rico, a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination are required. It is highly recommended that you carry your pet's current vaccination records and consult your veterinarian before any travel to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the journey. Additionally, if you are travelling with a dog to Puerto Rico, you need to fill out the Dog Import Form by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and bring a digital or paper receipt of the completed form.
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Trained service dogs are exempt from the airline's pet policies
Southwest Airlines does not accept pets as checked baggage or via cargo services for general pet travel. The airline only permits small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on most domestic flights. However, there is an exception for trained service dogs, which are exempt from the standard pet policy.
Southwest Airlines accommodates those with service animals, allowing them to pre-board regardless of the size of the service animal. The airline does not restrict the types of service dogs that will be transported, and they can include service dogs supporting individuals with physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities. Service dogs are required to wear a vest, harness, or leash and must be under control at all times, both at the airport and on the plane. They must also be well-mannered, as dogs that pose a direct threat or display disruptive behaviour will not be allowed to board.
To travel with a service dog, the owner must present a completed digital or printed U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form at the ticket counter or gate on the day of travel. This form must be dated on or after the ticket purchase date. Additionally, service dog owners should be prepared to answer questions that airline agents may ask to determine the legitimacy of the dog as a service animal.
While Southwest Airlines does require pets to be vaccinated, they generally do not ask for specific vaccination records for domestic flights within the US mainland. However, it is highly recommended to carry your pet's current vaccination records and consult with your veterinarian before travelling. For travel to Puerto Rico, a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination are required.
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Only small pets that fit in an airline-approved carrier under a seat are allowed
Southwest Airlines has a strict policy regarding pets on their flights. Only small pets, such as cats and dogs, that fit in an airline-approved carrier under a seat are allowed in the cabin. Each carrier can contain up to two pets of the same species, and each passenger is allowed to travel with one carrier. The maximum dimensions of the carrier are 18.5 inches long, 8.5 inches high, and 13.5 inches wide. It is important to ensure that your pet is comfortable and calm in their carrier before the flight and that they get enough exercise and a light meal a few hours beforehand.
It is worth noting that Southwest Airlines does not accept pets as checked baggage or cargo, except for trained service dogs. Therefore, all pet travel must be in the cabin, and only six pet carriers are permitted per flight. It is recommended to call and reserve a spot for your pet as soon as your travel is booked. Additionally, there is a fee of $125 one-way for each pet carrier.
Regarding vaccination records, while Southwest Airlines requires pets to be vaccinated, they generally do not require specific vaccination records or a health certificate for domestic flights within the US mainland. However, it is still recommended to carry your pet's current vaccination records and consult with your veterinarian before travelling. For travel to Puerto Rico, a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination are required.
Although it is not mandatory, it is always a good idea to bring your pet's vaccination records with you when travelling on Southwest Airlines. This ensures that you are prepared in case of any unexpected requirements or emergencies. It is also worth noting that you will need to present a completed US Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form at the ticket counter or gate if you are travelling with a service animal.
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Frequently asked questions
Southwest Airlines requires pets to be vaccinated, but they do not generally ask for specific vaccination records or a health certificate for domestic flights within the US mainland. However, it is recommended to carry your pet's vaccination records and consult a veterinarian before travelling.
Yes, for travel to Puerto Rico, a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination are required. Additional regulations may also apply.
Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated cats and dogs, over 8 weeks old, to travel in the cabin for a fee. Pets must be in an approved carrier that fits underneath the seat, and they cannot travel as checked luggage. Only 6 pet carriers are permitted per flight, so booking in advance is recommended.
