When it was time for me to return to the United States, I chose VivaAerobus for my trip from Puerto Vallarta to Oakland, California. After researching several options, I found that VivaAerobus was the best choice for me—especially since one of my dogs is a pitbull. Many airlines don’t allow pitbulls in cargo, but VivaAerobus does when flying out of Guadalajara, which also offers a direct flight to Oakland.
The process was seamless from start to finish. The staff were friendly, professional, and genuinely kind to my pets. They helped me handle my dogs with care, and I made sure to tip them for their excellent service. I flew with two dogs and one cat, and everything went smoothly.
For my cat, I always use gabapentin prescribed by my veterinarian—it helps calm her during travel since she tends to meow nonstop otherwise. The medication keeps her relaxed for the entire journey, making the experience easier for everyone.
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-backpack-carrier-bubble-bag-transparent-space-capsule-pet-carrier-dog-hiking-backpack-small-dog-backpack-carrier-for-cats-puppies-airline-approved-travel-carrier-outdoor-use-black
To get to the Guadalajara airport, I arranged a pet taxi service, which I highly recommend. The driver was fantastic—friendly, bilingual (English and Spanish), and extremely knowledgeable about pet travel logistics. I’ve used her multiple times for airport trips and vet visits, and she even offers pet daycare services if you need them. I’ll include her contact information below as well.
When I arrived in Oakland, the process was just as smooth. The staff there were equally kind and helpful, and everything went perfectly.
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.
All in all, my experience with VivaAerobus was wonderful. The service, care, and overall ease of travel made a world of difference. I highly recommend VivaAerobus for anyone flying with pets—especially if you’re traveling with larger breeds or multiple animals.
