Sun Country Airlines Pet Policy (2025)

Traveling with a cat or small dog aboard a Sun Country Airlines flight is a straightforward process when you understand the carrier’s pet policy for 2025. Sun Country welcomes well-behaved pets in the aircraft cabin on flights within the contiguous United States, but there is no cargo or checked baggage option for animals. This guide covers every detail you need—from booking and carrier requirements to in-flight etiquette—so you and your pet can enjoy a calm, safe trip.

Sun Country’s In-Cabin Pet Policy: What You Need to Know

Sun Country Airlines permits domesticated cats and dogs to travel in the cabin with their owners. The airline does not transport pets as checked baggage or cargo. Only small pets that fit comfortably inside an approved carrier and remain under the seat for the duration of the flight qualify for in-cabin travel. Reservations are limited to a total of six pets per flight, making early booking critical. Pets must be at least four months old, and routes to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and all international destinations are fully excluded from pet travel.

Always review the most current rules on the official Sun Country Airlines website, as policies can shift throughout the year.

Understanding Carrier Dimensions and Construction

The pet carrier acts as your pet’s safe zone and must meet precise size requirements: 16 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 8 inches high. Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are accepted as long as they fit entirely under the seat in front of you and provide adequate ventilation on at least two sides. Your pet needs enough interior room to stand, turn around, and lie down without touching the top or walls. Hard-sided carriers with secure latches and ventilation holes tend to offer better protection, but a quality soft-sided carrier with mesh panels is also acceptable and often conforms more easily to varying underseat spaces.

The carrier counts as your one personal item or carry-on. You may bring an additional small item like a purse or laptop bag, but everything must stay within the airline’s carry-on limits and not interfere with stowing the pet carrier. Sun Country does not provide or rent carriers—purchase one that satisfies the dimensional requirements well before your trip.

Pet Travel Fees and How to Reserve

Sun Country charges a non-refundable pet fee per direction. When you book your pet’s space in advance, the fee is $75 each way. If you arrive at the airport without a prior reservation and a spot is available, the walk-up rate jumps to $100 each way. Each ticketed passenger may travel with only one pet, and the fee is separate from your own fare. Pet reservations can only be made by calling Sun Country Reservations at 651-905-2737; online booking for pet travel is not currently supported. Payment is collected at the time of booking to secure your pet’s place.

Walk-Up vs. Advance Booking

Because each flight carries a maximum of six pets, showing up without a reservation is risky—especially during holidays and peak travel seasons when slots fill quickly. Whenever possible, finalize your flight booking and then call immediately to add your pet to the itinerary. This also allows time to discuss any route-specific concerns or health documentation questions with a reservations agent.

Flight Restrictions and Health Considerations

Beyond the route limitations, several health and breed-related rules determine whether your pet can fly. The airline reserves the right to refuse transport to any animal that seems ill, aggressive, or extremely distressed at check-in.

Brachycephalic Breeds and Temperature Embargoes

Dogs and cats with short, pushed-in noses—such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Persian cats, and Himalayans—face a higher risk of respiratory distress and heat stroke at altitude. Sun Country may deny boarding to these breeds, particularly during summer months when tarmac temperatures can spike. Even if your short-nosed pet has flown before, consult your veterinarian about the risks and have a backup plan. The airline can impose a heat embargo when forecasts predict extreme temperatures, grounding all pets regardless of breed. Check the forecast and call the airline a few days before departure to confirm no active pet travel restrictions apply.

Restricted Routes and Destination Limitations

Sun Country does not allow pets in the cabin on flights to or from Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. All international routes are also excluded. Your itinerary must stay within the 48 contiguous states. Layovers are allowed as long as every segment remains within the eligible region and your pet stays inside the carrier during the ground stop. If your travel involves multiple airlines, verify each carrier’s pet policy separately.

Minimum Age and Health Certificate Requirements

The four-month minimum age is strictly enforced. Young puppies and kittens lack fully developed immune systems and may struggle with the stress of air travel. Although Sun Country does not universally require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for in-cabin domestic pets, individual states may demand one. It is wise to obtain a health certificate dated within 10 days of travel that confirms your pet is free of infectious diseases and current on core vaccinations. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers a practical checklist for pre-travel vet visits and health certificates. For state-specific entry requirements, consult the USDA APHIS pet travel site to avoid surprises at your destination.

Preparing for a Smooth Journey with Your Pet

Thorough preparation transforms a potentially stressful experience into a manageable one. Start your pet’s travel training weeks before departure.

Acclimating Your Pet to the Carrier

Place the open carrier in your home with a familiar blanket and a few treats inside. Encourage your pet to enter voluntarily and spend time inside with the door closed for short intervals. Gradually extend the duration and introduce gentle motion—carry the occupied carrier around the house or take brief car trips. The goal is for the carrier to become a comfortable den, not a source of anxiety.

Packing Your Pet’s Travel Kit

Put together a dedicated pet carry-on that stays with you. Include:

• Collapsible water dish and a small bottle of water – offer hydration before and after the flight, but limit it mid-air to avoid accidents.
• Absorbent puppy pads or disposable liners – line the carrier floor and pack several spares in case your pet relieves itself during the flight.
• Leash and harness – required for the security checkpoint; a loose pet in a crowded terminal can panic easily.
• Veterinary records and a current photo – useful if your pet gets lost or an official asks for proof of vaccination.
• Familiar comfort item – a small towel or toy that smells like home can reduce anxiety.
• Plastic bags and wipes – for waste cleanup.
• Any necessary medication – with clear instructions. Never administer sedatives without consulting your veterinarian, as altitude can intensify side effects.

Timing Meals and Exercise

Feed your pet a light meal four hours before departure. A full stomach increases the chance of nausea. Provide a brisk walk or play session shortly before heading to the airport so your pet is pleasantly tired and more likely to rest during the flight.

Check-In, Security, and Boarding Procedures

Arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes earlier than normally recommended for your destination, because the pet verification process extends check-in time. Present your pet in its carrier at the ticket counter so an agent can confirm the carrier size and your pet’s general fitness for travel. Once you receive your boarding pass, proceed to the security checkpoint.

TSA guidelines require you to remove your pet from the carrier. Place the empty carrier on the X-ray belt and carry or leash-walk your pet through the metal detector. Cats and small dogs often stay calmer when secured in a harness with a short leash during this step. After screening, return your pet immediately to the carrier. Keep the carrier closed in the gate area and during boarding, even if your pet vocalizes.

Sun Country boards families and those needing extra time early; use this window to position your pet’s carrier under the seat in front of you. Ensure the carrier sits so your pet can breathe easily and does not block the aisle. Until the captain turns off the fasten seat belt sign, the carrier must remain completely under the seat and not on your lap.

In-Flight Etiquette and Responsibilities

From pushback to final parking, the pet carrier must stay stowed. You cannot open the carrier to soothe, feed, or walk the animal while airborne. If your pet starts whining, barking, or meowing excessively, flight attendants will ask you to quiet it. Your prompt action—speaking softly near the carrier or draping a thin, breathable cover over one side—can prevent escalation.

If an accident occurs despite your preparation, you are responsible for cleaning it up. Discreetly use the supplies from your kit to absorb the mess, seal waste in a plastic bag, and dispose of it once the seat belt sign is off. Airlines appreciate passengers who handle accidents efficiently without creating discomfort for crew or others.

Sun Country does not permit pets to travel in overhead bins. Any carrier that does not fit completely under the seat at boarding will be denied. Measure your carrier loaded with your pet at home to confirm compliance before you leave.

Service Animals and Emotional Support Pets

Only trained service dogs that meet the U.S. Department of Transportation’s definition are accepted free of charge in the cabin without a carrier. The dog must be individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability and must remain harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times. It must fit within the handler’s foot space and cannot occupy a seat or block the aisle. Sun Country requires submission of a DOT service animal air transportation form at least 48 hours before the flight if the reservation was booked more than 48 hours in advance.

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer classified as service animals under DOT rules. They travel under the standard pet policy, meaning they must be in a carrier, stay under the seat, and the passenger must pay the applicable pet fee. Service dogs in training are not recognized and also fall under the pet policy.

Special Cases: Multiple Pets and Large Dogs

Each paid pet reservation covers one animal. If you travel with a companion, each of you can bring one pet. Two pets in a single carrier are not allowed, nor can you book two pet slots for yourself. Because Sun Country lacks a cargo hold for live animals, any dog or cat that exceeds the carrier size limits—no matter how well-behaved—cannot fly. For larger breeds, explore ground transportation services or an airline that offers temperature-controlled cargo options.

Proactive Strategies for a Calm Trip

• Choose nonstop flights – eliminating layovers reduces total crate time and minimizes missed connections.
• Fly during quieter travel windows – uncrowded airports and planes lower your pet’s stress.
• Test calming aids at home first – pheromone sprays, calming collars, or vet-prescribed gabapentin should be trialed days before travel. Never give over-the-counter human medications.
• Stay relaxed yourself – your pet reads your energy. Speak in a calm, reassuring tone.
• Label the carrier clearly – attach a tag with your name, cell number, and destination contact. A “Live Animal” sticker reminds ground crews to handle it carefully if it must be moved during an emergency.
• Monitor weather thresholds – if temperatures at any point in the journey exceed airline safety limits, reschedule rather than risk a last-minute boarding denial.

For additional breed-specific advice, the American Kennel Club’s guide to flying with dogs offers tips that align well with Sun Country’s rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book my pet’s reservation online?

No. Pet reservations are handled exclusively by phone at 651-905-2737. Customer service agents can check availability, answer questions, and take payment.

What if my pet makes noise during the flight?

You are expected to keep your pet quiet. If barking, whining, or meowing becomes disruptive, the crew may direct you to adjust the carrier or, in extreme cases, require you to exit the aircraft. Carrier training well before the flight greatly reduces this risk.

What if my pet has an accident in the cabin?

You are fully responsible for cleanup. Bring enough absorbent pads, wipes, and plastic bags to handle any mishap discreetly. Notify a flight attendant if you need to dispose of waste while the seat belt sign is off.

Does Sun Country accept birds, rabbits, or other small animals?

No. Only domesticated cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin. Reptiles, rodents, birds, and insects are not accepted under any circumstances.

Are there specific breeds that are never allowed?

Sun Country does not publish a banned-breed list, but gate agents and ground staff may deny boarding to any pet exhibiting respiratory distress, aggression, or illness. Brachycephalic breeds face heightened scrutiny, and a letter of veterinary clearance is strongly recommended.

Can I give my pet a sedative to keep it calm?

Sedation at altitude can impair breathing and body temperature regulation. It is not recommended unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian for air travel and tested beforehand. The FAA and most airlines discourage tranquilizers except when medically necessary.

Does the carrier count as my carry-on bag?

Yes. The pet carrier replaces your personal item or carry-on allowance. You may bring one additional small personal item, but all belongings plus the carrier must fit within the airline’s carry-on limits.

How early should I arrive at the airport with my pet?

Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before the normal check-in deadline. This allows time for pet document verification and security screening without rushing.

Final Checklist for Pet Travel on Sun Country

Before you head to the terminal, make sure you have:

• Confirmed pet reservation and payment receipt.
• Airline-compliant carrier (16″L x 11″W x 8″H max) with proper ventilation.
• Absorbent crate liner and spare pads.
• Leash and harness—retractable leashes are not recommended in the airport.
• Health certificate or vaccination records, if required for your destination state.
• Small water dish, bottle of water, and a few treats.
• Waste bags, wipes, and a familiar toy.
• Pet ID tag with current contact information.

Sun Country Airlines’ pet policy is among the more accessible within the low-cost carrier segment, but it demands planning. By booking early, respecting aircraft safety rules, and putting your pet’s comfort first, you set the stage for a smooth flight that keeps tails wagging from departure to arrival.