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Volaris Airlines’ Policies for Flying with Psychiatric Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals

Volaris Airlines allows both psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) and emotional support animals (ESAs). ESAs are accepted free of charge on flights within and between Mexico, Central America, and South America, provided valid documentation is submitted. PSDs are permitted on all routes at no cost with the appropriate paperwork.

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Flying with a psychiatric service dog (PSD) or emotional support animal (ESA) on Volaris Airlines can be simple if you meet their guidelines. To ensure a smooth experience, knowing Volaris’ policies, understanding documentation requirements, and being familiar with any restrictions for ESAs and PSDs is essential. Here, we’ll guide you through preparing to fly with your pet on Volaris Airlines without any hassles.

Key Points to Know about Volaris’ Service Dog and ESA Policies

Service Dog Policy: Psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are allowed to fly with their owners on Volaris Airlines.
ESA Policy: Emotional support animals are also permitted on certain routes.
Fee Waivers: Both ESAs and PSDs travel free of pet fees.
Documentation: Required documents include a PSD letter for psychiatric service dogs or an ESA letter for emotional support animals.

Documents such as these letters can be easily obtained through reputable providers like Fast ESA Letter.

Does Volaris Airlines Allow Psychiatric Service Dogs to Fly?

Yes, Volaris Airlines allows you to travel with a psychiatric service dog (PSD) at no additional cost. However, you must comply with the airline’s documentation requirements and any specific regulations for the countries you’re traveling to.

What Documents Do You Need to Travel with Your Psychiatric Service Dog?

Here’s a list of essential documents required for flying with a PSD on Volaris Airlines:

A rabies vaccination record. The vaccine’s validity can be 1, 2, or 3 years.
You should present your service dog’s health certificate from your vet. The certificate should mention the animal’s health status. To prove your health certificate is original, it must be on the vet’s official letterhead. Also, the letter must be no older than five days before the flight.
You must submit the Volaris pet transportation form.
Remember, a transportation form is NOT required for flights to or from the United States. Instead, you only need to provide the U.S. DOT Form.
When traveling from Mexico to Central America, make sure to have both the original and a copy of the animal health certificate for export issued by SAGARPA/SENASICA.
If you are traveling from Colombia, you must also present a Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS) issued by the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA).
A PSD letter to verify your need for a psychiatric service dog.

What is a PSD Letter, and How Do You Get One?

A PSD letter is an official document signed by a healthcare professional that states a psychiatric service dog is part of your treatment plan. To obtain one, connect with a licensed mental health professional, who will assess your mental health and approve a PSD letter if appropriate. This document is essential for ensuring your PSD can travel with you on Volaris Airlines.

Dog with boarding pass and suitcase at airport terminal

Does Volaris Airlines Allow Emotional Support Animals to Fly?

Volaris Airlines allows emotional support animals to fly with their owner free of charge. However, this luxury of flying with an emotional support animal is only available on the following routes:

Within Mexico
From Mexico to Central America
From Central America to Mexico
From Mexico to South America
From South America to Mexico
Within Central America
Within South America
From Central America to South America
From South America to Central America

What Documents Do Volaris Require to Fly With An ESA?

Volaris emotional support animal policy requires you to complete a few documents, including:

You must present a vaccination card indicating the initial administration of a rabies vaccine or the most recent booster dose. The card should be valid for up to three years.
Your ESA must also have completed deworming treatment recently (no more than six months before the date of return).
Health certificate
- It must state that your ESA is healthy for traveling.
- It must also be on the doctor’s official letterhead and dated fewer than five days before the flight date.
You must sign the pet transportation forms.
If your flights are from Mexico to Central America, you must present the original and a copy of the Animal Health Certificate issued by SAGARPA/SENASICA.
If you are traveling from Colombia, you must also present a Certificate of Sanitary Inspection (CIS) issued by the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) for your emotional support animal.
An emotional support animal letter.

What Is The ESA Letter, And How Do You Get It?

An ESA letter is a standalone document signed by a licensed mental health professional stating that your pet is a part of your ongoing treatment and is benefiting you in overcoming your mental or emotional disability.
The first step to getting a legitimate ESA letter is to book an appointment with a professional. They will evaluate your medical condition and the need for an ESA letter. You will receive your letter after approval.

Promotion for getting an ESA letter with a happy family and dog

Types of Animals Allowed as Service Animals or ESAs on Volaris

Service Animals: Only dogs qualify as psychiatric service dogs on Volaris.
Emotional Support Animals: Both dogs and cats are accepted as ESAs on eligible Volaris routes.

Carrier Or Kennel Requirements On Volaris Airlines

The maximum allowed pet carrier requirements are as follows:

44 cm long x 30 cm wide x 19 cm high or (17.5 x 12 x 7.5 inches).
Your pet must be able to move within the carrier.
Your pet carrier must be made of fabric, sturdy plastic carriers, or bubble backpacks.
Your animal may leave the carrier during the flight.
Your animal should not leave the carrier during take-off and landing.

Breed Restrictions On Volaris Pet Travel Policy?

Volaris is one of the most pet-friendly airlines. However, the airlines pose a limitation of a few animal breeds considering the safety of fellow passengers. They do not recommend air travel for:

Brachycephalic breeds.
Small breeds.
Aggressive or dangerous breeds.

If the animal you are trying to onboard falls within any of the above-mentioned categories, you have to pass this information to the airlines beforehand. The airline may check the risk factors involved before permitting animals of the below-mentioned families.

Affenpinscher
Akita Inu
American Staffordshire Terrier
Anatolian Shepherd
Australian Silky Terrier
Beagle
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Boxer (all breeds)
Brazilian Mastiff
Brussels Griffon
Bulldog
Cane Corso
Chihuahua (all breeds)
Chow Chow
Dachshund (wiener dog).
Doberman
Dogue de Bordeaux
English Toy Spaniel
French Poodle
Japanese Chin
Lhasa Apso
Mastiff
Pekinese
Pit Bull
Presa Canario
Pug (all breeds)
Rottweiler
Schnauzer
Sharpei
Shih Tzu
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Tibetan Spaniel
Tosa Inu.
Toy Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

Cat breeds:

Burmese
Exotic Shorthair
Himalayan
Persian.

Tips For Flying With An ESA or PSD On Volaris Airlines

Be sure to label your kennel or carrier with your information and that of your animal.
Do not sedate or cloak your pet.
Do not add food items inside the kennel.
Read the Volaris pet policy before booking tickets.
Feed your pet about four hours before the trip.
Ensure that your pet is properly hydrated before the flight.
Arrive early at the airport to complete the necessary check-in procedures for your pet.
Make sure your pet is comfortable. Provide your pet with comfort items, such as their favorite toys, to help reduce stress during the flight.
If your service dog is vaccinated for the first time, you should have a 30-day travel gap.
For dogs 15 months of age or older, a current rabies booster dose is required before flying without waiting 30 days.
Additionally, your service dog must have been dewormed recently (a maximum of six months before the return date)
Read volaris baggage fees carefully.

Bottom Line

For a seamless experience flying with a psychiatric service dog or emotional support animal on Volaris Airlines, preparation is key. Make sure to have all necessary documents, including a current vaccination card, health certificate, and an official ESA or PSD letter from a licensed mental health professional. If your pet is a restricted breed, check Volaris’ specific guidelines in advance. To ensure your pet’s safety and comfort, remember to label their carrier with your contact details, avoid sedating them before travel, and keep their carrier free of food items. By planning ahead and following Volaris pet policies, you can enjoy a stress-free journey with your support animal by your side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Take Your Psychiatric Service Dog Or Emotional Support Animal On Volaris?

When booking your travel with Volaris Airlines, you must inform the airline that you have an ESA or PSD to accompany you. This should be done at least 48 hours before your departure so that necessary arrangements can be made.

How to Prepare an ESA for International Flights on Volaris?

When flying internationally with an ESA, ensure all vaccinations and deworming treatments are up to date, and secure a health certificate issued within five days of departure. Additional documents, like the Animal Health Certificate for Central America routes, may be necessary for smooth transit.

What is the Volaris Pet In-Cabin Policy?

Volaris allows emotional support animals to travel in the cabin free of charge, provided they meet carrier and size requirements. Your ESA should remain inside the carrier during takeoff and landing and must not disrupt other passengers during the flight.

What is the Volaris Service Dog Policy for International Flights?

Volaris accommodates psychiatric service dogs on international flights at no extra charge. However, specific documentation, such as the U.S. DOT Form for U.S. routes or additional health certifications for certain countries, may be required.

What Happens if My ESA or Service Dog Doesn’t Meet Volaris’ Travel Requirements?

If your ESA or service dog doesn’t meet Volaris’ requirements, such as having the correct documentation or breed restrictions, you may be unable to bring the animal on your flight. In such cases, it’s advised to contact Volaris customer service in advance to discuss alternative options and prevent any disruptions to your travel plans.

What if I Have Multiple Emotional Support Animals on Volaris?

Volaris typically allows one emotional support animal per passenger, but exceptions may be possible in specific situations. Contact Volaris in advance to inquire about bringing multiple ESAs and be prepared to provide supporting documentation for each animal.

How Recent Must The ESA Letter Be To Travel With Volaris?

Your ESA letter must be current, generally issued within the last year, to meet Volaris’ requirements. This letter from a licensed mental health professional confirms your need for an ESA and ensures that your documentation is up-to-date for the airline.

Can Emotional Support Animals Be Seated on My Lap During the Flight?

No, emotional support animals on Volaris must remain in a carrier or seated at your feet rather than on your lap. This rule helps maintain cabin safety and comfort for all passengers, including those who may have allergies or sensitivities to animals.

Does Volaris Provide Any in-Flight Amenities For Service Dogs?

WestJet requires service dogs to be fully trained, so young puppies are generally not permitted as service animals unless they can demonstrate appropriate behavior and perform necessary assistance tasks. Puppies under eight weeks are not eligible for air travel, as per WestJet’s minimum age policy for pets.

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