Southwest Pet Fees – Complete 2025 Guide for Travelers

Traveling with your pet on Southwest Airlines is simple, call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

but understanding the Southwest pet fees, rules, and restrictions is important to avoid last-minute issues at the airport. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

This 2025 guide explains everything you need to know before you fly with your furry companion. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

What Are the Southwest Pet Fees in 2025?

Southwest Airlines charges a fixed pet fare for pets traveling in-cabin only. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

The current Southwest pet fee is:

✔ $125 each way per pet carrier

This fee applies whether you fly domestically or between U.S. territories serviced by Southwest.call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

Important Notes:

The pet fee is non-refundable, except if your flight is canceled or you do not travel. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

You must pay the pet fee at the ticket counter on the day of travel. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

Southwest does not allow pets in the cargo hold. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

Does Southwest Allow Pets?

Yes — Southwest allows small vaccinated dogs and cats to travel in-cabin. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

Eligibility:

Pets must be domesticated. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

Only small dogs and cats are accepted. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

The pet must remain inside the carrier at all times. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

Southwest Pet Carrier Size Rules

Southwest has strict requirements for in-cabin pet carriers:

✔ Maximum carrier size: 18.5” (L) × 8.5” (H) × 13.5” (W)

Your pet must:

Fit comfortably inside the carrier,

Be able to move around, and

Remain fully zipped during the entire flight.

You may bring:

One pet carrier per passenger

Up to two cats or two dogs inside one carrier, call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

as long as they fit comfortably. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

Southwest Pet Travel Requirements

To ensure safe travel, call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

Southwest follows these rules:

1. Pets Must Be at Least 8 Weeks Old

Younger pets are not permitted.

2. Vaccination Rules

Your pet must be vaccinated, call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

but Southwest does not require you to show vaccine records unless state rules apply at your destination. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

3. First-Come, First-Served Basis

Southwest accepts pets on a limited basis—usually six carriers per flight.

Book early or arrive at the airport sooner to secure your spot. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

4. Pet Must Stay Under the Seat

Carriers cannot be placed:

On your lap

In the aisle

On an empty seat

What Types of Pets Does Southwest NOT Allow?

Southwest does not allow:

Snakes

Birds

Rodents

Rabbits

Exotic animals

Emotional Support Animals as pets

Pets traveling in cargo or checked baggage

Only service dogs are allowed beyond the standard pet policy. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

Southwest Pet Fee Refund Rules

The $125 pet fee is refundable only in these cases:

Southwest cancels your flight

You decide not to travel on the same day

Your pet is denied boarding for safety reasons

Otherwise, the fee is non-refundable. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

Tips to Avoid Issues When Traveling with Pets on Southwest

Here are some helpful tips to make your trip smooth:

Arrive early to ensure space for your pet. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

Train your pet to stay calm in the carrier before the trip. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

Use absorbent pads inside the carrier. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

Avoid giving food 2–3 hours before the flight. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

Bring a collapsible water bowl for hydration before boarding. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

Final Thoughts

Southwest’s pet policy is one of the simplest among U.S. airlines. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

With a flat $125 pet fee each way and clear in-cabin rules, call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

it’s easy to fly with a well-behaved, call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

small dog or cat. Make sure your pet meets the carrier size requirements, arrives early, call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]

and is comfortable for a stress-free journey. call 📞[+𝟣-𝟪𝟤𝟪-(𝟤𝟤𝟫)-𝟪𝟥𝟣𝟧]