Southwest Airlines Pet TravelWN
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FAQ about Southwest Airlines pet policy
Policy last updated: April 19, 2026
In-Cabin Travel
AllowedOne pet carrier per ticketed Customer; each carrier may hold up to two of the same species of small cat or dog. Southwest-branded carrier dimensions: 15" L x 10" W x 10" H. Other carriers maximum: 18.5" L x 13.5" W x 9.5" H (converted max: ~47 x 34.3 x 24.1 cm). Carrier counts as either a personal item or carry-on. Customers may also bring one additional personal item or carry-on bag. Pet Fare must be paid at the airport ticket counter with accepted credit cards; fee is refundable if reservation is cancelled. Pets may not sit in exit rows or seats with no under-seat stowage. Pets must remain secured in carrier at all times in gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and throughout the flight. Unaccompanied Minors cannot travel with a pet. Space is limited; reservations must be made in advance by phone. Only domestic (US) flights accepted — no international itineraries.
Cargo / Hold
Not allowedSouthwest does not transport pets as checked baggage or cargo. Pets are only accepted in the cabin.
Service Animals
AllowedFully trained law enforcement dogs and search-and-rescue dogs are accepted without charge when accompanied by their handler on official business. Documentation (letter of mission and certification) must be presented to a Customer Service Agent at the airport. Dogs must not obstruct emergency exits and may not occupy a seat or sit in an emergency exit row. Note: Southwest no longer accepts emotional support animals; no mention of traditional service animals (e.g., disability-assistance dogs) in the current pages beyond law enforcement/search-and-rescue dogs.
Species Rules
Each pet carrier may contain no more than two of the same species of small cat or dog. Law enforcement and search-and-rescue dogs are accepted without charge on official business.
Documentation Required
- proof of vaccination (pets must be vaccinated)
- What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
- Southwest welcomes small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an appropriate pet carrier in the cabin on domestic flights.
- What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?
- Southwest does not specify a maximum weight for pets in the cabin. The pet must be small enough to fit comfortably inside the carrier and be able to stand up and move around with ease.
- What are the carrier size requirements for in-cabin pet travel?
- Carriers must fit under the seat in front of you. The Southwest-branded pet carrier dimensions are 15" (L) x 10" (W) x 10" (H). Other carriers are accepted with maximum dimensions of 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 9.5" (H). Carriers must be specifically designed as pet carriers (soft or hard), leak-proof, and well ventilated. The pet must be able to stand up and move around inside with ease.
- Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?
- No. Southwest does not accept pets as checked baggage or cargo. Pets may only travel in the cabin.
- What are the fees for traveling with a pet?
- A Pet Fare applies and must be paid at the airport ticket counter with accepted credit cards. The specific fee amount is listed on Southwest's Optional Travel Charges page and is subject to change at any time. The Pet Fare is refundable if you cancel your reservation.
- Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?
- One pet carrier is allowed per ticketed Customer. Each carrier may contain no more than two of the same species of small cat or dog. Space is limited overall, so reservations must be made in advance by calling Southwest.
- Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
- Southwest does not list specific breed restrictions, but notes that animals with brachycephalic (flat-faced) airways are more susceptible to complications during flight. You and your vet are best suited to determine if your pet can travel safely.
- What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
- Pets must be vaccinated. No specific health certificate is mentioned for domestic travel, but specific requirements may apply for travel to Puerto Rico. For law enforcement or search-and-rescue dogs, a letter of mission and copy of the animal's certification must be presented to a Customer Service Agent.
- How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
- Space is limited, so Southwest asks that you make a reservation in advance by calling them. Online booking for pets is not mentioned as an option.
- Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
- Southwest does not accept pets on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight. Pets are not allowed on flights to/from Hawaii (from the mainland), but are accepted on inter-island Hawaiian flights. Specific requirements may apply for travel to Puerto Rico.
- Are there temperature-related restrictions for pets traveling in the cargo hold?
- Southwest does not transport pets in the cargo hold, so temperature restrictions for cargo do not apply.
- What is the airline's policy on sedating pets during travel?
- Southwest does not state a specific policy on sedation, but advises that you and your vet are best suited to determine if your pet can travel safely, particularly for animals with heart disease, anxiety disorders, or brachycephalic airways.
- Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
- Southwest asks customers to call them to make pet reservations in advance due to limited space. The general Southwest customer service line handles pet travel inquiries.
Source: Official pet policy page ↗