Southwest Airlines requires pets (small cats and dogs) to be vaccinated, but they generally do not require, nor ask to see, official vaccination paperwork for travel within the U.S.. While not always checked at the gate, it is highly recommended to have your pet's vaccination records readily available.

What do I need for my pet to fly southwest?

Key Guidelines for Traveling with Pets on Southwest

• In-Cabin Only: Southwest does not allow pets in the cargo hold. Only small dogs and cats can fly.
• Age Requirement: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
• Pet Carrier Requirements: ...
• Pet Fee: A $125 fee per pet carrier, each way applies.

Does a pet need a vaccine paper for domestic flight?

For domestic flights

Your pet's proof of vaccination document must be valid for the length of your trip. Other vaccinations worth getting before traveling domestically in the United States include the parvovirus, canine influenza, feline leukemia, and the feline immunodeficiency virus.

Can you fly with an unvaccinated pet?

Generally, dogs should travel with documentation proving current rabies vaccination if they're above a certain cutoff. (That is usually 3-4 months of age.) Most states only ask that rabies vaccines are up to date. Most states require a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) issued within 10-30 days before travel.

Do airlines ask for a pet health certificate?

Most airlines also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) issued within 10 days of travel.

Southwest Airlines CEO on Covid: Companies shouldn't require vaccines

Does TSA require pet health certificates?

No, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require a health certificate for pets to go through security. However, airlines and state authorities may require one, depending on the travel destination.

Do you need proof of vaccination to fly?

"This rescission takes effect for flights departing to the United States from a foreign country on or after 12:01am EDT on May 12, 2023. Noncitizen, nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States."

Does my dog need vaccines to fly?

The rabies vaccinations must be completed at least 28 days before travel for both dogs and cats. This applies for all international travel, to and from the United States.

Can I take my unvaccinated puppy out if I carry him?

Yes, carrying an unvaccinated puppy outside is OK as long as they don't have close nose-to-nose contact with other dogs and are not allowed to sniff the feces of other pets. Consider carrying them or placing them in a dog carrier or dog stroller to keep them off the ground.

Do all dog boarding require vaccinations?

At Amigo Animal Hospital, serving Westminster and Huntington Harbour, CA, we help pet owners understand the vaccines required to keep their furry friends safe and healthy during their stay. Boarding facilities typically require proof of up-to-date vaccinations to protect all animals from contagious diseases.

What do airlines require for pets?

Pets must be secured in a pet carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire flight. If you don't follow this requirement, your pet may be denied transportation. Carriers must be stowed under your seat while onboard.

Do dogs need Bordetella vaccine to fly?

It's required almost everywhere. Distemper: Especially important for dogs, as it's highly contagious. Feline Panleukopenia: Often required for cats. Bordetella: Needed for airline or kennel travel.

Does Southwest require vaccines for dogs?

In addition to size, Southwest requires that your pet be “harmless, not disruptive, odorless and require no attention during flight.” Southwest requires that your pet be vaccinated, but they do not ask you to present a veterinary health certificate or other medical documentation at check-in.

How strict is Southwest with pet carriers?

Pets must be secured in a pet carrier at all times while in the gate area, during boarding/deplaning, and for the entire flight. If you don't follow this requirement, your pet may be denied transportation. Customers traveling with pets will board with their assigned boarding group.

Can my pet sit on my lap during a Southwest flight?

You may sit anywhere onboard the aircraft except for in an emergency exit seat. Your dog must be sitting at your feet or in your lap (if it is no larger than a child under the age of two). If your dog is using a carrier, it must be stowed under the seat in front of you for taxi, takeoff, and landing.

What does TSA require for pets?

You should maintain control of your pet with a leash and remember to remove the leash when carrying your pet through the metal detector. Animal carriers will undergo a visual and/or physical inspection. The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

What happens if I don't get my dog vaccinated?

If you don't vaccinate your dog, they become highly vulnerable to deadly and contagious diseases like Parvovirus, Distemper, and Rabies, risking severe illness, expensive emergency treatments, or even death, while also posing a zoonotic risk to humans and other pets and potentially leading to legal issues for mandatory vaccines like rabies.

Are vaccines mandatory for dogs?

Some vaccinations are mandatory for pets here in California. Please keep in mind that all dogs four months or older have to have their vaccinations for rabies. Cats should also have their vaccinations for feline rabies.

What counts as proof of vaccination?

Proof of vaccination typically includes official documents like a CDC card, state immunization registry records, or a healthcare provider's patient portal printout, all showing the vaccine type, dates, and recipient's name. Digital apps or screenshots of these official records are also often accepted, but self-reporting usually isn't enough, except for some flu/pneumococcal shots.
 

Do you need proof of vaccinations?

Some countries require proof of vaccination (for example, for polio or yellow fever vaccination), which must be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before you enter or when you leave a country.

Is it mandatory to get vaccines for travel?

Yellow fever, meningococcal, and polio vaccines may be required by certain countries. Recommended vaccines are those that CDC recommends travelers get to protect their health, even if they aren't required for entry by the government of the country you are visiting.

What certification do I need to fly with my dog?

Airlines set their own requirements for domestic flights. Some require a CVI (health certificate) some do not. A true CVI must be issued by a USDA accredited veterinarian.

What does a dog need to go on a plane?

These rules are enforced: Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably inside the closed / zipped carrier. Non-collapsible kennels can't exceed the under-seat dimensions of any aircraft included in your journey. Please contact Reservations to verify maximum dimensions.

How much is a certificate for a dog to fly?

USDA Endorsement Fee (No Labs) - $101. USDA Endorsement Fee (1-2 Labs) - $160.

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