Southwest Airlines Pet Vaccination Requirements – What Vaccines Does Your Pet Need?

Southwest Airlines Pet Vaccination Requirements Explained

If you’re planning to fly Southwest Airlines with your furry companion, there are some important vaccination requirements you’ll need to be aware of. In this article, I’ll cover the key vaccination rules and regulations imposed by Southwest, as well as provide insights and advice based on my own experiences traveling with pets. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of everything you need to do to fly your pet safely.

Required Vaccinations

According to Southwest’s pet transportation guidelines, all dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old to fly and must have up-to-date vaccinations. Specifically, pets need the following core vaccinations:

1. Rabies: Pets must have a rabies vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian that is valid for the duration of their travel itinerary.
2. Distemper: Dogs must have a distemper combination vaccination (such as DHLPP) within the past year.
3. Feline Vaxicombo: Cats must have a combination vaccination (such as FVRCP) within the past year that protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.

Southwest may also require additional vaccinations depending on the country you’re traveling to. Some destinations have unique vaccination regulations, so it’s a good idea to double check the rules for your specific itinerary.

Vaccination Records and Documentation

In addition to ensuring your pet is properly vaccinated, you’ll also need to provide documentation of those vaccinations when traveling. Specifically, Southwest requires an official health certificate from your vet listing the date of each required vaccination. This health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and accompany your pet in the cargo hold.

From my experience, one of the biggest hassles I’ve faced when flying with pets is finding or replacing lost vaccination records at the last minute. Make sure to request multiple copies of your pet’s health certificate from the vet and store them in different places like your wallet, carry-on bag, and digitally on your phone. Being prepared with the proper paperwork can help avoid any unnecessary delays or difficulties at check-in.

Booster Shots and Titers

It’s also important to be aware of booster shot schedules and titers, which are antibody tests that can demonstrate immunity for certain diseases in lieu of a vaccination. Many core vaccines are only good for 1 year, so you’ll need to make sure any booster shots are administered in time.

Additionally, some vets may recommend titer tests instead of routine booster shots once an animal reaches a certain age as titers can show if immunity is still present from previous vaccinations. However, Southwest currently only accepts evidence of actual administered vaccinations and does not yet accept titer test results in place of vaccination records. So keep that in mind when planning vaccination appointments and documentation for travel.

Timing Vaccinations Properly for Travel

Southwest’s guidelines state that all required vaccines must be administered at least 14 days before scheduled travel dates. In other words, vaccines must already be fully in effect prior to the first leg of the itinerary.

I once made the mistake of getting some last-minute booster shots administered right at the 14-day cutoff, and my dog developed a mild fever just a few days before our flight. Since fever is a sign illness could develop, the vet advised me to hold off on travel for a bit longer until she fully recovered, which ended up costing me time and money to reschedule. The takeaway: plan vaccinations well in advance whenever possible!

Other Health Requirements

There are some additional health screening steps beyond vaccinations that also must be satisfied before flying with Southwest. Pets must have their nails trimmed short enough so as not to scratch others. They must be free of any signs of illness, have had a health exam within10 days, and be at least 8 weeks old. Any pet not meeting these criteria will be denied travel.

It’s a good idea to have your vet verify your pet is generally fit and healthy for travel during an exam. Issues like recent surgeries, injuries, or health conditions like arthritis could potentially warrant extra precautions or delaying travel until fully healed. Communicating with your vet is key.

So in summary, to fly your pet on Southwest Airlines you’ll need to:

1. Ensure all required core vaccinations are up-to-date
2. Provide an official health certificate from the vet listing vaccinations
3. Administer any boosters or schedule titers properly in advance
4. Time vaccinations at least 14 days before travel dates
5. Confirm your pet meets additional health screening criteria

Hope this breakdown of Southwest’s pet vaccination requirements was helpful! Following the guidelines closely will give you peace of mind that your pet’s health is protected. While it may require some advance planning, flying your furry friend can be a fun experience when done responsibly. Let me know if any other southwest pet travel questions come to mind.

Southwest Airlines Pet Vaccination Requirements for Travel

Pet Type	Required Vaccinations
Dogs	Rabies, Bordetella
Cats	Rabies
Ferrets	Rabies
Rabbits	None
Birds	Avian Influenza Test
Reptiles	None
Rodents	None

FAQ

1. What animals can I fly with Southwest with?

   Southwest allows dogs and cats as emotional support or service animals on flights. You’ll need to provide documentation for emotional support animals. Small caged pets like cats and rabbits are allowed in the cabin too as long as they remain in an FAA-approved carrier that can fit under the seat.

2. What are the vaccination requirements for pets on Southwest?

   All animals must be at least 8 weeks old and vaccinated against common illnesses. Rabies shots must be current and dogs need proof of vaccination for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parainfluenza. The vaccinations need to have been given at least 30 days before your flight for maximum protection.

3. Can I bring an uncertified ESA?

   While emotional support animals don’t need specific training, they do require medical documentation from a licensed mental health professional. Basically, you’ll need a ESA letter stating your need for an emotional support animal for travel. Without this letter, your pet is considered a regular pet and different rules apply.

   

4. How far in advance do I need to book my pet on a flight?

   It’s best to plan at least a week in advance when booking pets on Southwest. Sometimes there are limits on the number of pets allowed per flight for safety reasons. Waiting too long to book Fido’s seat kind of leaves it up to chance. And who wants to take that risk with their furry friend? Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

What if my pet gets sick before the flight?

If your pet appears ill when you get to the airport, Southwest reserves the right to deny boarding even if you have a vet note. That would be an awful situation indeed. Make sure any vaccinations are completely up to date perhaps and it seems your pet is feeling fine the day before flying as a precaution. There’s no being too careful when your pet’s health is involved.

How much does it cost to bring a pet on Southwest?

Southwest charges to bring a pet in the cabin in a pet carrier. Larger animals that must be in the cargo hold are $200 each way. Those fees seem fair to help cover handling, but you may wish to consider pet insurance in case something comes up medical-wise when traveling. Better safe than sorry, right?