🐾 Complete & Honest Guide to Southwest Pet Policy (Everything Pet Parents Must Know Before Flying) 

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Introduction: What Is Southwest Pet Policy and Why It Matters

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The Southwest Pet Policy is designed for travelers who want to fly with their pets safely, legally, and without confusion 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. Many pet owners search for Southwest Pet Policy because flying with animals involves rules that can cause stress if misunderstood 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

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Unlike some airlines, the Southwest Pet Policy is simple but strict 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. Southwest allows small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in the cabin, but only under specific conditions 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

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Understanding the Southwest Pet Policy before booking avoids denied boarding, extra fees, or last-minute surprises 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. This guide explains the policy in clear human language, not confusing airline terms 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

What Does Southwest Pet Policy Actually Allow? (Step-by-Step)

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The Southwest Pet Policy allows small dogs and cats to travel only in the cabin, not in cargo 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. Pets must remain inside an approved carrier at all times during the flight 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

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According to the Southwest Pet Policy, each passenger can bring one pet carrier, and the carrier counts as a carry-on item 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. This means you cannot bring a full-size carry-on bag if traveling with a pet 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

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The Southwest Pet Policy does not allow pets on international flights, Hawaii routes, or charter flights 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. Understanding route restrictions is critical before booking 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

How Much Is the Pet Fee on Southwest? 

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Under the Southwest Pet Policy, the pet fee is charged per one-way flight segment 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. This means a round trip will cost double the one-way fee 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

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The pet fee under the Southwest Pet Policy must be paid at the airport ticket counter, not online 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. Payment is required before boarding and is non-refundable 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

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Even if your ticket is refundable, the Southwest Pet Policy pet fee is separate and does not qualify for ticket refunds 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. Planning ahead helps avoid wasted fees 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

What Are the Rules for Taking a Dog on Southwest Airlines? 

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The Southwest Pet Policy requires dogs to be well-behaved, calm, and able to fit comfortably in a carrier 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. Aggressive or disruptive animals may be denied boarding 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

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Dogs must remain fully enclosed in the carrier during taxi, takeoff, landing, and the entire flight under the Southwest Pet Policy 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. Holding the pet on your lap is not allowed 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

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The Southwest Pet Policy allows emotional support animals only under current DOT guidelines, which may differ from standard pets 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. Always verify classification before travel 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

Does Southwest Require Proof of Vaccination for Pets? 

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The Southwest Pet Policy does not typically require vaccination documents for domestic pets on domestic routes 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. However, pets must be healthy and free of illness 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

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Even though documents are not required, the Southwest Pet Policy strongly recommends pets be up-to-date on vaccinations 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. Airlines can deny boarding if a pet appears sick 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

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State regulations may still apply depending on destination, so understanding local laws along with the Southwest Pet Policy is important 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

What Size Carrier Can a Pet Fly in on Southwest? 

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The Southwest Pet Policy requires carriers to fit under the seat in front of you 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are allowed 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

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Your pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier according to the Southwest Pet Policy 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286. If the pet cannot move naturally, boarding may be denied 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

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Choosing the right carrier is one of the most important steps when following the Southwest Pet Policy 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

FAQs About Southwest Pet Policy

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Can two pets share one carrier under Southwest Pet Policy?
No, the Southwest Pet Policy allows only one pet per carrier 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

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Are large dogs allowed on Southwest flights?
No, the Southwest Pet Policy only allows pets that fit under the seat 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.

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Can I change my flight after paying the pet fee?
Yes, but the Southwest Pet Policy pet fee does not transfer automatically 📞 1-877-245-9769 / 1-844-222-0286.