Volaris Pet Policy : Everything You Need to Know

Mexico’s low-cost airline Volaris offers pet travel services to its passengers. This blog post brings you up to speed with the Volaris pet policy. It covers various aspects of pet travel—such as the types of pets allowed, in-cabin and checked baggage pet policies, volaris pet cargo policy, service animal policy, pet health and safety requirements, charges, pet travel tips, restrictions and prohibitions, emotional support animals, and approved pet carriers.

Volaris allows pets to travel in the cabin (only cats and dogs) or as checked baggage on board, depending on their size and weight. If you wish to travel with your pet in the aircraft cabin, you must purchase a special ticket and the combined weight of the pet and the carrier should not exceed 22lb/10kg.

Key Takeaways of Volaris Airlines Pet Policy

When travelling with pets, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the pet policy of the airline you’re flying with. This section provides an overview of Volaris Airlines pet policy, including some of the restrictions that apply. Whether you’re planning a vacation or relocating with your pet, understanding Volaris pet policy will ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your furry companion.

• Only dogs and cats can be transported as pets on Volaris flights. 
• Pets travelling in the cabin must not weigh more than 22lb/10kg (incl. pet carrier).
• Pets travelling as checked baggage can weigh up to 100lb/45kg (incl. pet carrier). 
• Passengers who wish to travel with their pets must purchase a ticket for their pets at the time of booking or at the airport (the sooner the better). The pet fee will depend on your route and how your pet is travelling—in the cabin or as checked baggage.
• The number of pets allowed per flight is limited.
  • Only 4 pets can be transported on a flight. 
  • Only 2 pets can be transported in the passenger cabin per flight. 
• Only 1 pet is allowed per passenger. 
• Emotional support animals and trained service dogs are allowed to travel for free with their owners in the aircraft cabin but some restrictions apply.
• To be eligible to travel on Volaris:
  • Your pet must be at least 4 months (16 weeks) of age. 
  • Your pet must have a proper vaccination and health certificate, along with any other documentation required by the destination/transit country. 
  • Your pet must be clean and should not emit foul odor.
• The following pets will not be accepted on Volaris:
  • Infected, sick, dead, pregnant, or violent pets. 
  • Sedated pets.
  • Pets that have undergone a surgical procedure within 5 days before departure. 
  • Brachycephalic (short-snouted) dog and cat breeds. 
  • Certain dangerous and small dog breeds.
• Only 1 pet per carrier/container/cage is permitted. 
• Only IATA-approved pet carriers/containers/cages are accepted. 

Volaris Pet Policy for In-Cabin Pets

Volaris pet travel policy allows you to bring only small dogs and cats in the cabin as long as they meet the requirements below.

Pet Travel Requirements for In-cabin Pets 

• Pet Age. Your pet must be at least 16 weeks old.
• Pet Weight. The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 22lb/10kg.
• Pet Reservations. Can be made by phone or online at the time of booking. If you’re booking online, look for the Travel with Pet option on the Select Your Seat page.
• Volaris pet cargo fees

How much does Volaris charge for pets travelling in the aircraft cabin?

• Volaris pet fees on national routes within Mexico during the low season is:
  • Up to MXN 1,650 online, by phone, or at the airport.
• Volaris pet cost on national routes during the high season is:
  • Up to MXN 1,900 online, by phone, or at the airport.
• Volaris pet fees on international routes (USA-SAM, MEX-SAM, USA-CAM, MEX-CAM, SAM-CAM, MEX-USA, and intra-CAM) during the low or high season is:
  • Up to USD 192 online, by phone, or at the airport.
• Approved Pet Carrier Requirements for Cabin Pets. Volaris has specific guidelines in place to ensure the safety and comfort of both pets and passengers.
  • Must be an IATA-approved, fully-enclosed pet carrier. 
  • Must not measure more than:
    • 44cm/17.5in in length
    • 30cm/12in in width
    • 19cm/7.5in in height
  • Your pet must be able to stand up and move inside the carrier comfortably. 
  • Both soft (cloth) and rigid (plastic) cages are permitted, provided they meet the requirements specified above. 
  • The pet carrier must fit under your front seat.
  • Your pet must remain inside its carrier throughout the flight. 
  • The pet carrier must be fastened with a plastic strap provided at the airport. 
• Seating Restrictions
  • You’re not allowed to occupy an emergency exit or premium seat. 
  • You must travel on a window seat if you’re travelling with a dog. 
  • You must travel in the last row on a window seat if you’re travelling with a cat. 
• Country Restrictions
  • For dogs travelling to the U.S. from high risk for dog rabies countries, refer to the section titled Restrictions for pets traveling to the US.
  • For pets travelling to Honduras, refer to the Information for pets traveling to Honduras section.
  • For pets travelling to Peru, refer to the Information for pets traveling to Peru section.
• Breed Restrictions. Brachycephalic dog and cat breeds (see below) are not permitted. 
• Pet Documentation
  • You must carry an up-to-date vaccination card (original plus copy), incl. anti-rabies vaccination. Pets receiving first-time vaccinations must be vaccinated no less than 30 days prior to departure.
    • Pets older than 15 months must have a record of older anti-rabies vaccination, i.e., initial and reinforcement for at least 1 year before the travel date. If you have this record, you won’t have to apply for the vaccination 30 days before the flight date. 
    • You must carry an up-to-date anti-parasitic certificate that is not more than 6 months old, taking into account the date of your return flight. 
    • Vaccination cards must be issued by a licensed vet on their letterheads bearing their license number.
  • You must carry both your pet’s Health Certificate (original plus copy), stating that your pet is clinically healthy after inspection. The health certificate must be issued by a veterinarian on the official letterhead, along with their license number duly, signature/stamp, and date within 5 days of the initial flight. For return flights at least 5 days after the certificate’s issuance, you must submit another certificate within the validity period. 
  • You must sign volaris pet travel form (onboard pet form) provided at the airport check-in counter. To save time at the airport counter, download and fill it out. 
  • If your flight is from Mexico to Central America, you must bring the export zoo-sanitary certificate (original plus copy) issued by SENASICA/SAGARPA.
  • If you’re flying from the U.S. to Mexico, you’re not required to bring a health certificate. Your pet will be physically inspected upon arrival by SENASICA personnel. 
  • Passengers travelling in Mexico with the Volaris Frequent Traveler Pet program are only required to bring SENASICA’s Entry Register form.
  • You must carry all the necessary documents on domestic or international flights. 
• You’re responsible for feeding, caring for, and handling your pet. 

Volaris Pet Policy for Checked Pets in the Cargo Hold

Volaris Airlines pet policy allows larger and heavier dogs to be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold section of the aircraft. The temperature and pressure conditions in this section are the same as those in the aircraft cabin. 

The Volaris pet policy does not allow any other types of pets on board, such as birds, rodents, reptiles, or insects. 

Pet Requirements for pets travelling in the cargo hold

The following conditions apply to pets travelling as checked baggage:

• Pet Age. The dog must be at least 16 weeks old.
• Pet Reservations. You can book your pet at the time of booking your flight (by phone or online). If booking online, look for the Travel with Pet option on the Select Your Seat page. You can also book your pet later via the same channels, subject to space availability.
• Pet Weight. The combined weight of the dog and carrier must not exceed 100lb/45kg.
• Pet Fee for Checked Pets

How much does Volaris charge for pets travelling as checked baggage?

• Volaris pet fee on national routes within Mexico during the low or high season is:
  • Up to MXN 1,750 online, by phone, or at the airport.
• Volaris pet fee on international routes (USA-SAM, MEX-SAM, USA-CAM, MEX-CAM, SAM-CAM, MEX-USA, and intra-CAM) during the low or high season is:
  • Up to USD 190 online, by phone, or at the airport.
• Breed Restrictions. Brachycephalic dog and cat breeds (see below) are not permitted. 
• Approved Pet Carrier Requirements for Checked Pets. The pet carrier must meet the following requirements: 
  • Must be IATA-approved and made of rigid material.
  • Must be properly ventilated on all 4 sides and waterproof. 
  • Must not have any objects that could cause injury to the pet. 
  • Must be leakproof and scratchproof.
  • Must have handles for lifting. 
  • Cages measuring more than 158cm (L + W + H) will be charged an oversized fee in addition to the pet transportation fee. 
  • Must be spacious enough for the pet to turn freely inside the cage.
  • Must be properly labeled with the passenger’s contact information and pet identification. 
  • Must be equipped with an aroma neutralizer. 
  • Must have sanitary stones/absorbent material placed inside.
  • Must have spill-proof containers for food and water. 
• Pet Documentation
  • Must include a Health Certificate and Vaccination Card issued by a veterinarian, which must be valid for 15 days from the date of issue. The certificate must include the pet’s breed, age, sex, color, and name. Additionally, the certificate must indicate that the pet is in good health and free from any contagious diseases.
  • Must include all the documentation required by the country of destination/transit, including but not limited to pet passport, microchip, etc.
  • You must fill out volaris pet travel form provided to you at the airport. 

How to Add a Pet to a Volaris Flight?

You can add a pet to your Volaris flight booking either by phone (contact Volaris customer service) or through the airline’s website. You can do this at the time of booking or later. 

To add your pet online at the time of booking, simply look for the Travel with Pet option on the Select Your Seat page and follow the prompts to complete the booking. If you’ve already booked your flight online, go to the homepage (Volaris.com), access your flight booking via My trips (or through your Volaris account if you have one), select the Travel with Pet option, and follow the prompts to add your pet.

Regardless of how you add your pet (by phone or online), you will be asked to provide some basic information, such as your pet’s breed, size, weight (with the pet carrier included), vaccination record, health certificate, etc.

Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

Volaris emotional support animal policy (ESA policy) allows emotional support animals (only cats and dogs) to travel for free in the passenger cabin:

• Within Mexico
• Between Mexico and South America 
• Between Mexico and Central America 
• Within South/Central America
• Between Central America and South America 

Pet Travel Requirements for Emotional Support Animals

To travel with an emotional support animals (1 dog or up to 2 cats) onboard, the following requirements must be met. If your emotional support animal is unable to meet the requirements below, it will have to travel as checked baggage in a pet crate/kennel for an additional fee. 

• You must present a certificate from a clinically licensed social worker, psychiatrist, or psychologist. 
• The certificate must have been issued within 1 year of departure. 
• The certificate must state that the passenger requires the emotional support animal to accompany her/him while flying and that the passenger is under professional care.
• The certificate must be on the specialist’s letterhead and must include the license number.
• The emotional support animal’s weight (incl. pet carrier) must not exceed 26lb.
• The emotional support cat or dog can be harnessed/leashed, or travel inside a pet carrier/kennel.
• Emotional support pets travelling in a pet carrier:
  • Can travel in bubble backpacks, fabric, or strong plastic carriers.
  • Can leave the pet carrier during the flight but must be inside the kennel/carrier at the time of take-off or landing. 

Documentation for Emotional Support Animals 

You will be required to show the documents below at the airport:

• A valid vaccination card (original plus copy)
  • Should include the first rabies administration or booster dose 
  • Emotional support animals receiving their first rabies vaccination must get their shots no less than 30 days prior to departure.
  • Emotional support animals that are 15 months or older are required to have a booster rabies vaccination to travel without having to wait for 30 days.
  • The emotional support animal must have received a full deworming treatment within 6 months prior to the return date.
• A valid health certificate (both original plus copy) issued by a vet on the letterhead (with license number) within 5 days before departure. For return flights at least 5 days after issuance, a fresh certificate must be presented.
• Volaris Pet Transportation Form (provided at the airport). If you’re travelling from/to the United States, you’ll also need to complete and show the DOT Form. 
• An animal health certificate from SENASICA/SAGARPA for Mexico to Central America flights. 
• A CIS or Sanitary Inspection Certificate from the ICA (Colombian Agricultural Institute) for flights from Colombia. 
• Frequent Traveler Program for pets. Mexican passengers who are members of this program are only required to provide a certificate from SENASICA and fill out a form provided at the airport.
• The emotional support animal must wear a harness and collar/leash at all times. 
• Brachycephalic dogs are allowed to travel after the owner signs a waiver of liability because they have more health risks due to respiratory issues.
• You can choose any seat other than an emergency exit seat.
• Emotional support animals that pose a threat to the safety or health of others may either not be allowed to travel or re-accommodate with the passenger on a later flight. 

Volaris Service Animals Policy

Volaris allows service animals to travel with passengers with physical, sensory (seeing/hearing), or intellectual disabilities at no extra charge. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. The tasks performed by the dog must be related to the person’s disability.

• When travelling with a service animal, you must notify Volaris when booking your flight. 
• You must also provide proper documentation (with the same requirements as those above), such as:
  • A valid vaccination card (original plus copy)
  • A valid health certificate (original plus copy) 
  • Volaris Pet Transportation Form (provided at the airport). If you’re travelling to or from the United States, you’ll also need to complete and show the DOT Form. 
  • A SENASICA/SAGARPA-issued animal health certificate if you’re flying from Mexico to Central America. 
  • A Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS) issued by the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) for flights from Colombia. 
  • Frequent Traveler Program for pets. Mexican passengers who are members of the program are only required to provide a certificate from SENASICA and fill out a form provided at the airport.
• Your service dog must always wear a harness and collar or leash. 
• Brachycephalic service dogs can only travel after you sign a waiver of liability.
• You can choose any seat other than an emergency exit seat.
• If your service animal poses a threat to the safety or health of others, you may either not be allowed to travel or re-accommodated on a later flight. 

Pet Restrictions

Volaris airlines pet policy allows only dogs and cats to travel as pets. Other types of pets, such as birds, reptiles, and rodents, are not allowed on board—either as in-cabin pets or as checked pets. Additionally, the airline has specific breed restrictions for brachycephalic (short-snout) pets due to respiratory problems, as well as certain dangerous and small dog breeds. 

Volaris International Pet Policy

Volaris international pet policy allows passengers to travel with cats and dogs on international flights. According to the policy, pets can be transported in the cabin or as checked baggage, depending on their size and weight. 

Pets traveling in the cabin must be small enough to fit in an approved carrier that can be stowed under the seat in front of the passenger. The maximum weight limit for pets in the cabin is 22 pounds (10 kilos). Larger pets (cats and dogs) can be transported as checked baggage in an IATA-approved carrier. The maximum weight limit for checked pets is 100 pounds (45 kilos). 

It is important to note that there are certain restrictions and requirements for volaris traveling with pets, including proper documentation, vaccinations, and health certificates. 

Pet Travel Tips

Traveling with pets can be stressful, but with some preparation, it can be a smooth experience for both you and your furry friend. Here are some tips to keep in mind when traveling with your pet on Volaris:

Before the Flight

• Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations and has a health certificate from your veterinarian.
• Check Volaris pet policy (above) to ensure you understand all the requirements for traveling with your pet.
• Book your pet’s ticket in advance to ensure availability and avoid any last-minute surprises.
• Choose a carrier that is appropriate for your pet’s size and weight and meets Volaris/IATA’s approved pet carrier requirements. The carrier should be comfortable, well-ventilated, and easy to clean.
• Label the carrier with your pet’s identification details (name, age, and sex), your contact information (name, address, and phone number), and any important instructions for the flight attendants.

During the Flight

• Arrive at the airport early to allow time for filling out the pet transportation form, check-in formalities, and security screening.
• Keep your pet calm and comfortable throughout the flight. You can place a familiar toy or blanket in the carrier to help them feel at ease.
• Follow the flight attendants’ instructions for storing the volaris airlines pet policy carrier during takeoff and landing.
• If your pet is traveling in the cabin, make sure they remain in their carrier throughout the flight. 
• If your pet is traveling in the cargo hold, ensure that the carrier is properly secured and labeled.

After the Flight

• Once you have landed, retrieve your pet (if it’s travelling as checked baggage) as soon as possible and take it to a quiet, safe area to allow it to rest and recover from the flight.
• If your pet is traveling internationally, be prepared for customs and quarantine requirements.
• If you notice any signs of stress or illness in your pet after the flight, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Remember, traveling with pets requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions About Volaris Pet Policy

If you’re planning to fly with Volaris, you may have some questions about its pet policy. In this section, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Volaris pet policy. From weight and size restrictions to fees and requirements, we’ve got you covered.

Also read more about Volaris cancellation policy