

Traveling with your pet can feel stressful, Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง) but Southwest Airlines makes the process straightforward with a simple in-cabin pet policy and a clear, Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง) flat pet fee. Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)This guide breaks down everything you need to know โ including costs, rules, carrier requirements, Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง) booking tips, Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง) and real-world advice to help your trip go smoothly.
1. What Is the Southwest Airlines Pet Fee?
Southwest Airlines charges a flat pet fare per one-way flight, Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง) and the fee applies per pet carrier, Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง) not per animal. Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)That means you pay the same fee whether you have one pet or two pets in the same carrier (as long as theyโre the same species and fit comfortably).
Southwest Pet Fee (2025):
$95 per one-way flight per pet carrier
The pet fee is refundable if you cancel your ticket or your pet can no longer travel. However, Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)you must pay the fee in person at the airport ticket counterโSouthwest does not allow prepayment online.
2. Southwest Airlines Pet Policy Overview
Southwest only accepts pets in the cabin. They do not transport animals in cargo.
Allowed Pets
Small domestic cats Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)
Small domestic dogs Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)
Not Allowed
Exotic animals Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)
Large pets that cannot fit in an under-seat carrier Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)
Emotional support animals (ESAs) no longer fly for free โ theyโre treated as pets Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)
Unaccompanied minors traveling with pets Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)
3. Pet Carrier Requirements
Southwest has specific rules for approved pet carriers: Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)
Carrier Size & Structure
Must be leak-proof and well-ventilated
Must fit completely under the seat in front of you
Pet must be able to stand up and turn around naturally
Either hard-sided or soft-sided carriers are acceptable
Passenger Rules
Only one carrier per ticketed passenger
Up to two pets may share one carrier (must be the same species)
The carrier counts as either your personal item or carry-on item
You cannot sit in exit rows or seats with restricted under-seat space
4. How Many Pets Are Allowed Per Flight?
Southwest allows up to six pet carriers per flight, Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง) accepted on a first-come, Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง) first-served basis. Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง) This makes it important to add your pet to your reservation early, Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง) especially during holidays or peak travel seasons.
5. Check-In Process for Pets
Traveling with a pet on Southwest is simple, Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)but you must follow these steps:
1. Arrive at the airport early
Pet check-in must be done at the ticket counter. Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)
2. Pay the pet fare
Youโll pay the $95 pet fee and receive a โpet cabinโ tag for your carrier. Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)
3. Keep your pet inside the carrier
Pets must remain fully inside their carrier at all times โ in the airport, Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง) at the gate, during boarding, and for the entire flight.
4. Board normally
Once onboard, Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)slide the carrier under the seat in front of you. You cannot remove the pet at any point.
6. Behavioral & Health Requirements
Southwest requires pets to be:
Healthy and well-behaved
Clean, odorless, and not disruptive
Free from aggressive behavior
If a pet appears unhealthy or unsafe, Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง) Southwest can refuse transport.
Note: Southwest does not provide oxygen masks or medical support for pets.
7. Service Animals vs. Pets
Service animals are not charged a pet fee. Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)They must be trained service dogs performing a specific disability-related task. Emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals and must fly under the pet policy.
8. Pros & Cons of Traveling With Pets on Southwest
Pros
Flat, predictable pet fee
Pets travel in-cabin only โ never in cargo
Ability to bring two small pets in one carrier
Refundable if plans change
Cons
Pet spaces are limited (only six carriers per flight)
Pet fee cannot be paid online
Seat restrictions (no exit rows)
No medical care for pets onboard
9. Tips to Make Flying With a Pet on Southwest Easier
Call ahead after booking to confirm pet space
Arrive early โ the check-in counter is the only place to pay
Use a soft-sided carrier to fit under the seat more easily
Line your carrier with an absorbent pad
Avoid giving pets food or water right before boarding
Bring chew toys or a small blanket to keep them calm
10. SEO-Optimized FAQ
How much is the Southwest pet fee?
The pet fee is $95 per one-way flight per pet carrier.
Can I pay the Southwest pet fee online?
No. Pet fees must be paid at the airport ticket counter.
Are pets allowed in cargo on Southwest?
No. Southwest only allows in-cabin pet travel.
How many pets can I bring?
One carrier per person, Call ๐ฃ~(๐ช๐ค๐ช)โขโ (๐ค๐ค๐ซ)โขโ (๐ช๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ง)with up to two same-species pets inside.
Is the Southwest pet fee refundable?
Yes. Itโs refundable if your trip or pet reservation is canceled.
Do service animals fly free on Southwest?
Yes. Trained service dogs fly at no cost.





