Can You Fly with Pets on VivaAerobus?

VivaAerobus (airline code 4O) operates across Mexico and Latin America, and many travelers wonder whether they can bring their furry companions aboard. Based on industry-standard practices, VivaAerobus does allow pets to travel, but there are specific rules you need to follow. This guide covers everything you need to know about flying with dogs and cats on VivaAerobus.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H (18" × 11" × 11")
  • Maximum weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
  • Minimum age for cabin travel: 8 weeks
  • Minimum age for checked baggage: 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo threshold: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Maximum pets per passenger (cabin): 1 carrier

Cabin Travel with Pets

If you want your pet to travel in the cabin with you on VivaAerobus, you'll need to meet several requirements.

Carrier Requirements

Your pet's carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you. Hard-sided carriers are not suitable for cabin travel. The maximum dimensions are approximately 46 cm long, 28 cm wide, and 28 cm high—roughly the size of a standard airline pet carrier.

The combined weight of your pet and carrier cannot exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs). This is the industry standard, though some airlines allow up to 10 kg, so confirm with VivaAerobus when booking.

Your carrier must have:

  • Adequate ventilation — mesh sides are standard for cabin carriers
  • An absorbent liner or mat inside to manage accidents during flight

Age Requirements

Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before traveling in the cabin. Younger animals are not permitted.

Breed Restrictions

VivaAerobus follows industry-standard restrictions on brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. The following breeds are not permitted in the cabin:

  • Dogs: Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all types), Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all types), Pekingese, Presa Canario, Pug (all types), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Cats: British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold

If your pet is on this list, check with VivaAerobus directly—some airlines may make exceptions, but restrictions are strictly enforced.

Health & Medical Requirements

You must obtain a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of your departure date. This is non-negotiable and will be checked at the airport. Don't risk being denied boarding—get this certificate as close to your travel date as possible.

Pregnant animals are not accepted for cabin travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is visibly pregnant, contact VivaAerobus before booking.

Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide.

Booking Requirements

You must pre-book your pet before arriving at the airport. You cannot show up with a pet without prior arrangement. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, so book early. The maximum is typically 1 pet carrier per passenger in the cabin.

Checked Baggage Travel with Pets

If your pet is too large for cabin travel, checked baggage (hold) transport is an option, though we're still verifying VivaAerobus's specific policies on this—contact them directly for confirmation.

Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage

Checked baggage carriers must meet stricter standards than cabin carriers:

  • Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate (soft-sided carriers are not accepted)
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides per IATA Live Animals Regulations
  • Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the crate
  • Absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents

Age & Health Requirements

Pets traveling in checked baggage must be at least 10 weeks old (older than cabin travel requirements). A health certificate issued within 10 days of departure is still required.

Brachycephalic breed restrictions apply to checked baggage as well. Pregnant animals are not accepted.

Temperature Embargoes

VivaAerobus will not accept pets in checked baggage if:

  • Tarmac temperatures exceed 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination
  • Temperatures drop below -6.7°C (20°F) at origin or destination

If you're traveling during extreme weather, your pet may be refused. Some airlines allow travel in colder conditions with a veterinary acclimation certificate, so ask VivaAerobus about this option.

Cargo Travel with Pets

We're still verifying whether VivaAerobus offers dedicated pet cargo services. Contact the airline directly for information on this option.

What You Need to Do

Before booking your flight:

  • Check if your pet's breed is on the brachycephalic restricted list
  • Confirm your pet meets the minimum age requirement (8 weeks for cabin, 10 weeks for checked baggage)
  • Contact VivaAerobus to pre-book your pet and confirm current fees and availability
  • Ask about specific carrier requirements and any additional documentation needed

1-2 weeks before departure:

  • Schedule a vet appointment to obtain a health certificate
  • Ensure your carrier meets size and ventilation requirements
  • Add an absorbent liner to your carrier
  • For checked baggage: verify your crate has water bowl, ventilation on three sides, and "Live Animals" labels

At the airport:

  • Arrive early and have your health certificate ready
  • Present your pet for inspection if requested
  • Confirm your pet is properly secured in the carrier

Important Reminders

VivaAerobus operates primarily in Mexico and Latin America. If you're traveling internationally, your destination country may have additional import requirements for pets. Research your destination's regulations well in advance.

For a comprehensive overview of pet travel documentation, see our pet travel documents checklist. If you're flying with a brachycephalic breed, read our guide to flying with snub-nosed breeds.

For detailed cost breakdowns across airlines, check our pet travel costs guide.

Contact VivaAerobus

Since some policies are still being verified, we recommend contacting VivaAerobus directly before booking to confirm:

  • Current pet travel fees (one-way and round-trip)
  • Specific booking procedures and advance notice required
  • Whether checked baggage and cargo pet services are available
  • Any route-specific restrictions or embargoes
  • Whether assistance animals have a separate policy

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure you have all the documentation and arrangements in place before your flight.

This guide is based on industry-standard pet travel regulations and data auto-verified from official airline sources as of April 2026. Policies change frequently—always confirm directly with VivaAerobus before booking. For the most current information, visit the airline's official website or contact their customer service team.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 14, 2026