Southwest pet fee: what it costs to fly your pet
Here's what Southwest charges to bring your dog or cat along, the main rules to know, and how it compares with other airlines.
Last updated: October 2026 · US prices · 11 sources · see sources
Prices at a glance
| Item | Typical US price | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest pet fee | $125 per carrier (US mainland); $35 between Hawaiian islands | [1] [2] |
| Health certificate from a vet (U.S. only, two California clinics) | $100–$170 | [3] [4] |
Ranges come from the sources below, and each measures something a little different (store prices, surveys or budgets). Prices vary by area, so check locally before you commit.
Good to know
Up to two pets of the same species can share a carrier. No cargo or checked pets. The pet fee is refunded if you cancel. Southwest sells a pet carrier for $58. [1] [2]
Policies change, so check with Southwest when you book and reserve your pet's spot early.
Health certificate
Many airlines and states ask for a health certificate, and pets crossing state lines usually need one even by car [5]. One California clinic charges $100 for a U.S.-only certificate, and another charges $170 [3] [4]. See health certificate costs.
How it compares
| Airline | In-cabin pet fee | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | $150 each way (US, Canada, Puerto Rico, USVI); $200 international [6] | Fee applies to tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025 ($95 before that). Brazil is $200. Pets aren't allowed in the cabin to or from some destinations, such as Australia. |
| American Airlines | $150 per kennel, carry-on [7] | Checked pets ($200) are only for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department travelers on orders. Cargo fees vary. Service animals fly free. |
| United | $150 each way [8] | In-cabin only, and only cats and dogs. Pets can't fly in the cabin to or from Hawaii. |
| Southwest | $125 per carrier (US mainland); $35 between Hawaiian islands [1] [2] | Up to two pets of the same species can share a carrier. No cargo or checked pets. The pet fee is refunded if you cancel. Southwest sells a pet carrier for $58. |
| Alaska and Hawaiian | $100–$200 each way, per kennel [9] | The price depends on the type of travel (cabin or baggage compartment) and route. Trained service animals fly free. |
| Frontier | $149 per pet, each way [10] | Non-refundable. Frontier doesn't accept checked pets. |
| JetBlue | Not listed on its pet page [11] | Small cats and dogs in the cabin only, carrier up to 17 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches. JetBlue sells a carrier for $55. Check the fee when you book. |
Common questions
How much does Southwest charge for pets?
$125 per carrier (US mainland); $35 between Hawaiian islands. Fees are charged each way.
Is the Southwest pet fee round trip?
No. It's charged each way, so a round trip costs twice the fee.
Related guides
Sources (11) — tap to show
- Southwest Airlines – Travel fees
- Southwest Airlines – Pet policy
- South Pasadena Animal Hospital (Alhambra, CA) – Published prices
- Southpaw Vets (Los Angeles) – Pricing
- AVMA – Holiday pet safety (travel)
- Delta – Traveling with pets (in-cabin pet fees)
- American Airlines – Traveling with pets
- United Airlines – Traveling with pets
- Alaska Airlines – Traveling with pets
- Frontier Airlines – Optional services and fees
- JetBlue – Traveling with pets