Flying Back to the U.S. with My Pets on VivaAerobus ✈️🐾

When it was time for me to return to the United States, I chose VivaAerobus for my trip from Puerto Vallarta to Oakland, California, departing from Guadalajara. After researching several airlines that allow pets on international routes, VivaAerobus stood out as the best option — especially since one of my dogs is a pitbull.

Many airlines restrict pitbulls from traveling in cargo, but VivaAerobus allows certain breeds when flying from Mexico. Another major advantage was the direct Guadalajara → Oakland route, which reduced overall travel stress for my pets.

The process was smooth from start to finish. The airline staff were friendly, professional, and genuinely kind toward my pets. They assisted with handling the dogs during check-in and made the cargo process feel organized and safe. I flew with two dogs and one cat, and everything went seamlessly.

For my cat, I use gabapentin prescribed by my veterinarian to help reduce travel anxiety. She tends to meow during flights, and the medication keeps her calm throughout the journey, making the experience easier for both of us.

I’ll be linking the airline-approved pet carriers I use below. My dogs travel in durable, certified cargo carriers, while my cat rides comfortably in a backpack-style carrier that fits under the seat.  https://petsvoyage.myshopify.com/products/cat-bubble-backpack-airline-approved-carrier

Dog Crates:  https://petsvoyage.myshopify.com/products/airline-approved-36-inch-dog-flight-cage

To reach the airport, I arranged a pet taxi service, xochitl ramirez driving services, which I highly recommend when traveling with multiple animals. The driver was bilingual (English and Spanish), experienced with airport pet logistics, and extremely helpful. I’ve used her several times for airport transfers and vet visits, and she even offers pet daycare services.

Upon arrival in Oakland, the experience was just as positive. Airport staff were attentive and helpful, and the process of retrieving my pets went smoothly without complications.

Here are a few of my personal travel tips:

• Fly late at night or early in the morning. It helps avoid traffic and airport congestion.
• Monitor temperatures. While pet cargo areas are climate-controlled, the outdoor time between check-in and loading can vary—so aim for cooler parts of the day.
• Use Apple AirTags. I attach them to my dogs’ collars so I can track them throughout the journey for peace of mind.

Overall, my experience with VivaAerobus was excellent. The airline’s willingness to accommodate larger breeds, supportive staff, and smooth logistics made international pet travel far less stressful.

I highly recommend VivaAerobus for travelers flying with pets, particularly those traveling with multiple animals or larger dog breeds.