Fly with your Pet

Don't leave your best friend behind!

If your pet weighs a maximum of 22 lb (10 kg), including the cage, you may carry it as Pet On Board. Otherwise, your pet will have to travel as Pet In Belly.

Measurements of the cage

Carry your pet in a cage approved for air transport, completely enclosed and measuring a maximum length of 17.5 in (44 cm), width of 12 in (30 cm) and height of 7.5 in (19 cm). Your pet must have mobility inside the cage.

Type of Cage

If you carry a dog, the cage may be soft (cloth) or rigid (plastic). If you carry a cat, it must be rigid (plastic). In both cases, it must comply with the permitted dimensions.

Place on board

The cage must go under the seat in front of you safeguarded with a zip tie that we will provide you at the airport. Your pet can't leave it during the flight.

Weight of the cage

The weight between your pet and the cage must not exceed 100 lb (45 kg). Consider that your pet should be able to turn freely around its axis and to stand in its four legs inside it.

Size and conditions of the cage

The cage must measure a maximum of 62 in (158 cm) total, with a rigid structure and scratchproof surface. It also must be clean, waterproof, well-ventilated, free from objects that may harm your pet, with no wheels and equipped with handles for lifting.

Identification and Contact Information

You must label the cage with your contact information (name, phone number, and address) and identification of the pet (name, age, and gender).

Spill-proof containers

You can place spill-proof containers with food and water (provided by the customer) in the cage. The cage should contain absorbent materials or sanitary stones and neutralizer of aromas.

Important

If your pet is traveling as a pet in belly, it is important to pick it up in the baggage claim area as soon as possible after your flight arrives.

Documents needed to Travel with your Pet

Vaccination record

The vaccination record that includes rabies vaccination* (maximum one year from the date of application and at least 30 days before the date of the flight) and valid deworming (no more than 6 months considering the date of the return flight).

*It also applies if your pet is 4 months old.

Animal Health Certificate

You must present an animal health certificate (original and copy), stating that your pet has been subject to inspection and that it is healthy.

It must be issued on official letterhead with the veterinarian's professional ID number and dated fewer than 5 days before the departure date of your flight.

If the certificate does not include the professional license number in the letterhead, you must also present a copy of the professional license of the veterinarian.

If the return is later than 5 days from the issuance of the certificate, you must present a new one that complies with the validity.

If you travel from Mexico to Central America, you will also have to present an International Animal Health Export Certificate, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA)/ National Health Service for Food Safety and Food Quality (SENASICA).

Service Restrictions

a) Only dogs and cats are permitted.

b) Pets under 4 months or in lactation, sick, dead, violent or pregnant females are not accepted.

c) There is a limit of 7 checked pets and 2 pets traveling on board per flight.

d) You can carry only one animal per cage.

e) Pets subjected to surgical procedures within 5 days before the flight cannot travel either.

f) The emotional support animals must wear a collar and leash or harness.

Restrictions for Special Breeds

Brachycephalic Breeds

For its own safety, your pet won´t be able to travel if it belongs to a brachycephalic breed, animals with an excessively shortened or flattened snout and with a proportionally wide head.

These breeds usually encounter hereditary respiratory problems and run a great risk of suffering heatstroke and respiratory disorders when exposed to stress or extreme heat.

Dogs that are not permitted: Affenpinscher, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier Boxer, Bulldog, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles, Chihuahua (apple shaped head), Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Brussels Griffon, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Mastiff, Pekinese, Pit Bull, Presa Canario, Pug (all breeds), Sharpei, Shih Tzu, Tibetan Spaniel and Staffordshire Bull terrier.

Cats not permitted: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, and Persian.

Dangerous Breeds

Dogs considered aggressive or dangerous may only travel as a Pet In Belly: Akita Inu, Anatolian Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, Brazilian Mastiff, Doberman, Rottweiler, and Tosa Inu.

Keep your pet well fed and hydrated

Feed and give water to your pet about four hours before the flight.

Have your pet get used to its cage

Allow your pet to get used to the cage days before traveling.

Carry a toy or garment

Put an object that is familiar to your pet in the cage so that it can travel more relaxed.

Keep the cage clean

Place absorbent material or sanitary stones in the cage.

Don't sedate your pet

Doing so may increase the risk of suffering cardiac or respiratory problems during the flight on some animals, in accordance with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the norms of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

How early do I have to be at the airport?

It is necessary that you arrive at the airport in advance so that the customer service agent can carry out an assessment that your pet complies with the requirements. Once you´re at the counter, you will have to:

Submit the documents to the customer service agent.
Fill in the required form with your information and that of your pet.
Pay for the transportation of your pet if you didn´t do so during the reservation.

Do you want to know more?

For more information about official provisions for traveling with pets, please visit:

Requirements by country of origin

Review the SENASICA requirements regarding the importation of animals to Mexico, depending on their country of origin and point of departure.
Senasica

Know the requirements of SAGARPA-SENASICA to enter with pets (only dogs and cats) to Mexico.
Centers for Disease Control

Check the regulations of the United States Government to enter with animals.