Traveling with Your Pet on Volaris – Everything You Need to Know
If you want to take your furry companion along on a trip to Mexico but don’t know the rules and regulations for flying with pets on Volaris, this guide has you covered! From requirements and restrictions to tips and tricks, here are answers to all your questions.
Eligibility Requirements
Not all pets are allowed to fly in the cargo hold, so the first step is making sure your pet meets Volaris’ qualifications:
- Dogs and cats only – no exotic pets.
- Must be at least 10 weeks old.
- Cannot weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) including the carrier. Larger pets cannot be accommodated.
Your pet also needs to be in good health with no illnesses or injuries. You’ll need to get a certificate from your vet stating your pet is fit to travel within 10 days of your flight date.
Reserving a Spot
Space in the cargo holds is limited, so you need to reserve a spot for your pet when booking your ticket. There is a non-refundable fee of 195 pesos (about $10 USD) per pet per direction. If space runs out, you’ll have to leave Fido at home.
Required Travel Carrier
The pet carrier is one of the most important items. Make sure it meets these criteria:
- Hard-sided with secure latches that cannot accidentally open.
- Adequate size for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Clearly labeled on all sides with your contact information in case of emergency.
Soft-sided carriers don’t provide enough protection, so skip those. And don’t use a crate – it must be IATA-approved hard plastic.
Food, Water, and Supplies
Bring enough food in an easy-to-open package for the duration of travel plus an extra day. Containers must not leak. Freeze-dried or canned food that won’t spoil works best. Also pack bowls, a leash, bags for waste, and any medications in your carry-on – not in the crate.
Travel Documents
In addition to your pet’s health certificate, you’ll need:
- Volaris reservation confirmation showing your pet is booked to travel.
- Rabies vaccination record at least 30 days prior to travel date.
- export permit if traveling internationally.
Keep originals with you during the flight in case they’re requested at any point.
Check-In Procedures
Plan to arrive at least 2 hours before your domestic flight or 3 hours for international to allow extra time:
- Check your pet in at the oversized luggage counter.
- Provide all required documents for review.
- Safely secure your pet inside the carrier for X-ray screening.
- Attach the luggage ID tag Volaris provides.
- Leave your pet in their crate at the designated drop-off area.
Fetching Your Pet
At your destination airport, go to the oversized baggage or animal recovery area after deplaning to claim your pet.
From my experience, have patience – it can take 20-30 minutes for pets to be unloaded after the last passenger deplanes. Make sure to bring food, water, a leash or blanket for your pet’s comfort during the wait.
Important Restrictions
Now for the not-so-fun parts you need to know:
- Pets cannot sit in your lap or fly in the cabin – only in cargo hold.
- Never let your pet loose during check-in, screening, or baggage claim for their safety and others’. Keep leashed or in carrier.
- No flying during summer months from May to September due to hot temperatures.
- Multilingual pets are cool, but no emotional support animals allowed.
I’ve faced situations where passengers try to sneak small pets in hand luggage or under coats. But it puts animals at huge risk, so strictly follow the rules.
Tips for a Smooth Travel Experience
To reduce stress on you and your pet, here are some recommendations:
- Acclimate your pet to the travel carrier before your trip with short training sessions and treats.
- Provide a worn article of your clothing in the carrier for comfort and familiar scents.
- Consider calming supplements or natural supplements from your vet for high-strung pups.
- Bring toys and litter for kitties to occupy them during long waits.
- Keep your pet fed, exercised, and on their regular potty schedule as close as possible.
At the end of the day, assess how your pet tolerates travel. If they seem overly anxious, it may be better having a petsitter care for them next trip instead.
Potential Issues and What To Do
No journey goes perfectly as planned, so here are some common hiccups:
- Delayed or cancelled flights – call the number on your pet reservation to check their status.
- Lost or misrouted pet – immediately notify the airport and file a lost report.
- Signs of illness – seek vet care promptly. Symptoms can appear due to stress.
- Escaped pet during transit – stay calm and have someone track while another notifies staff.
Is that fair to subject pets to potential problems like that? Maybe, but with proper planning and precautions, the positives of togetherness can outweigh risks for many furry friends. It’s a personal call between you and your pet.
Last But Not Least…
Enjoy your Mexican getaway! Be sure to share some fun with your four-legged family member too with extra play time, fetching at the beach if allowed, or new sights, smells and sounds. Quality bonding experiences are what make the journey worthwhile. Safe travels to you and your pet!
I hope this covers all the most important things to know about flying with pets on Volaris. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Caring for animals is so rewarding.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Car for Pets
Factor | Details |
---|---|
Cargo Space | Have enough room for a pet carrier or dog bed as well as any other cargo. |
Doors | rear opening trunks or hatches are easiest for loading pets. |
Flooring | Padded or easily cleanable flooring will contain pet hair and messes. |
Ventilation | Pet-safe air vents and windows that can open for airflow on trips. |
Safety | Properly secured seats or crates to protect pets in case of sudden stops or crashes. |
visibility | Can see and interact with pet without compromising safety for driver. |
FAQ
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What is a Volaris pet?
A Volaris pet is basically a type of digital pet you can adopt on the Volaris app. It’s sort of like a virtual hamster or dog that lives in your phone instead of a real home.
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How much does a Volaris pet cost?
Volaris pets are surprisingly affordable. You can adopt most basic pets for around $5. However, if you want a rare breed it may set you back $10-15. But is it worth it to spend extra on looks alone?
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What can Volaris pets do?
Volaris pets have some neat skills that make them more than just a picture. They can play simple games, be trained to do tricks, and their happiness depends on how well you care for them. Some people spend hours every day tending to their virtual pet packs!
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How do I take care of my Volaris pet?
To keep a Volaris pet happy and healthy basically involves regular feeding, playing, grooming, and vet visits. You can buy toys and treats in the app store. Strangely enough, neglecting a digital pet can be kind of sad! On the other hand, giving it plenty of love is very rewarding.
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Is the Volaris app safe for kids?
For the most part, Volaris gets good remarks about child safety from expert reviews. The chat features are monitored, and you can limit spending. However, does someone really know what kids get up to using online games and social apps these days? Make sure to talk to your kids about protecting private info for themselves – and their virtual pets!
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What breeds of pets are available?
The choices can seem endless! You’ll find all the usual favorites like dogs, cats, rabbits – not to mention some more exotic options such as parrots or hedgehogs. Volaris even surprises users with new rare breeds that appear from time to time. Honestly, it’s kind of amazing how realistic some of the digital designs look nowadays.
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How can I get help with my Volaris account?
If you run into problems playing the game or have payment issues, the Volaris Support site is a good place to search first. You can usually find answers to common questions already answered there. Nevertheless, their live chat team is very responsive during business hours. They’ll do their best to resolve concerns quickly so you can get back to caring for your pets!