Everything You Need To Know About Owning Volaris Pets

Traveling with Pets on Volaris Airlines

If you want to bring Fido or Fluffy along on your next trip to Mexico, you’ll need to know Volaris’ pet travel policies. As a low-cost carrier, Volaris has some restrictions to be aware of. In this article, I’ll cover all the important details to help make your pet-friendly vacation a smooth one.

What Pets Are Allowed?

Volaris only accepts dogs and cats as checked baggage. Other pets like birds, reptiles, rodents, etc. cannot travel in the cargo hold. Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old to fly. Puppies and kittens younger than this are still developing and their immune systems may not handle the stress of air travel well.

What Are the Requirements?

1. Your pet must travel in an IMO-approved soft-sided kennel specifically made for air travel. Hard plastic carriers do not meet Volaris’ standards.
2. The kennel must be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Most airlines require a kennel no smaller than 18x13x9 inches.
3. Your pet’s kennel must be clearly labeled on all sides with your contact information in case it gets separated from you during the journey.
4. Pets are only accepted on direct international flights to/from Mexico. You cannot travel with a pet on a connecting itinerary with stops anywhere else.
5. You must purchase a non-refundable pet ticket in advance, which is paid separately from your own airfare.

What Are the Fees?

Volaris charges a flat fee of USD each way to transport your pet in the cargo hold. This fee applies whether you have a small dog or a Great Dane. There is no additional charge based on your pet’s size or weight. The fee must be paid at the time of booking and is non-refundable even if your pet ends up not flying for some reason.

From my experience, it’s best to pre-purchase the pet ticket well in advance of your travel dates. Space is limited and if the pet compartment fills up, your furry friend may be denied boarding. It’s not worth the risk of showing up to the airport and hoping there’s room.

What Are the Travel Restrictions?

Unfortunately, some destinations have further restrictions beyond the airline’s rules:

• Mexico – Pets entering Mexico require a valid health certificate issued within 30 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian. Rabies and other vaccinations may be required depending on your pet’s destination city.
• USA – Pets entering the U.S. from Mexico need a microchip for identification per FDA regulations. The chip number must be noted on import documents.
• Costa Rica – Declawing of cats is prohibited. So your cat must have its claws to enter the country.

Be sure to research import requirements for your specific destination well ahead of time. Rules can vary greatly depending on the location.

Anything Else to Keep in Mind?

A few other things to help ensure a smooth pet travel experience on Volaris:

1. Bring proof of vaccinations like rabies, distemper, etc. in case customs officials request it upon arrival.
2. Provide your pet with ample food, water, treats and their favorite toy for comfort during the trip.
3. Do not sedate pets without veterinary guidance. Too much medication could be dangerous at high altitudes.
4. Consider pet health insurance in case your furry friend gets injured or sick overseas.
5. Know the airline’s cut-off time for checking pets – it’s often 1-2 hours before departure.

Are There Alternatives to Flying?

If the stress of air travel concerns you, other options exist but take more time:

• Drive across the border – But be aware of import/export regulations for any states/countries crossed.
• Ship as cargo via boat – This is slowest but may cause less anxiety than air travel.
• Board your pet while you travel solo – Only viable for short trips or if a friend can care for them.

So in summary – with some planning Volaris can get your pet to Mexico safely. Double check all their policies and restrictions to avoid surprises. Communicating with your vet is key too. Safe travels to you and your furry companion!

Has Anyone Had Experience with This?

Here are a couple examples from real pet parents who have flown Volaris:

Susana M. shared: “I brought my 8-pound Chihuahua mix Lola to Cancun on Volaris last year. Other than some whining in her carrier, the flight went smoothly. Just be sure to give your pet extra love and treats when you pick them up – the reunion is what they need!

Miguel D. commented: “We flew our cat Simba to Los Cabos in his carrier. Check-in was easy but I had to help soothe him during take-off with calming treats. At baggage claim it seemed like he was happy to see us! Overall it went better than I expected for an low-cost airline option.”

So in summary, with the right prep work even smaller pets can tolerate Volaris cargo flights. But it’s wise to have a back-up plan in case your furry family member gets stressed. Open communication with the airline is key too.

Any Final Recommendations?

My ultimate tips for Volaris pet travel would be:

1. Book early and purchase the non-refundable pet ticket asap
2. Thoroughly research all import policies for your destination
3. Use an approved soft-sided carrier and label it clearly
4. Bring vet records and any required documents
5. Give your pet calming aids and favorite items for comfort
6. Trust that with preparation, your fur baby will be well cared for

Explore alternate transportation if your pet tends to get anxious. But many small dogs and cats can tolerate the cargo hold experience with the right arrangement. Best of luck and happy travels with your pet!

“Top Criteria for Choosing a Pet

Criterion	Details
Size	Consider space and care requirements for small, medium, or large pets.
Lifespan	Some pets like parrots can live over 50 years so consider a long commitment.
Compatibility	Think about allergies, lifestyles, existing pets, and if the animal is social or more independent.
Cost	Ongoing costs for food, supplies, medical care, boarding/daycare when traveling.
Energy Level	High energy pets need more exercise while lazy pets prefer napping.
Training	Ease of training, housebreaking, and managing behaviors like barking or chewing.

FAQ

1. Do Volaris allow pets on flights?

   Basically, Volaris does permit animals as cargo for domestic flights within Mexico. However, it basically comes down to the airplane’s size – smaller planes don’t have too much extra space.

2. What types of pets can fly on Volaris?

   Volaris will transport dogs and cats as cargo. Any pet must be in a securely closed carrier that fits under the seat. It’s possible they may take other small pets too. Check Volaris’ website for more details on size limits and paperwork.

3. How much does it cost to bring a pet on Volaris?

   Flying with a pet on Volaris will definitely set you back some cash. Pets require an extra booking and paperwork stuff. The fees appear to range like around $30-50 per direction depending on the size of your pet. Not sure, fees may change over time.

4. Do I need any documents for a pet on a Volaris flight?

   You definitely need some important documents for your pet to fly as cargo on Volaris. That includes like a valid health certificate and proof of vaccinations. Pets also need to be securely housed in an FAA-approved pet carrier. It’s best to check Volaris’ website for their full pet travel policy and documents required.

5. Can I bring an emotional support animal on Volaris?

   Sort of maybe – it seems Volaris’ policy on emotional support animals is kind of vague. Legally they have to allow documented emotional support animals for passengers with disabilities. But it appears space limitations might be an issue on smaller Volaris planes. You’d basically need paperwork proving the animal’s vital role.

   

6. Are there any size/weight limits for pets on Volaris?

   Yes, there are definitely size/weight restrictions for pets traveling in the cargo hold of Volaris planes. Pets must fit in an approved carrier that can go under the seat. Think like medium-sized dogs/cats. Something over 20-25 lbs may be too big. Check the website for exact guidelines to be safe.

7. What if my pet becomes stressed during the Volaris flight?

   That would obviously not be good for your poor pet! Volaris suggests sedating very anxious animals with a vet’s advice. You could also try calming aids like pheromone sprays. Having toys and snacks might help. But realistically, long flights in cargo are tough on pets – certain small dogs appear to cope better.

Nevertheless, pets usually do fine on Volaris if properly prepared. However, stress levels obviously rise for owner and animal alike when flying in cargo. Some people claim sedatives are necessary, but citations vary. Overall, it basically comes down to knowing your pet’s tolerance for strangeness. Perhaps start with shorter Volaris trips first before longer hauls. If uncertain though, some vets argue driving may offer less mental pain overall – but that’s debatable. On the other hand, millions of pets fly safely each year. Just make sure to study guidelines and talk to your vet. Safety should remain tops in deciding whether winging it with pets.