Airlines love to bury pet rules in tiny dropdowns and footnotes. Contour Airlines is no exception—except the rules themselves are refreshingly simple once everything’s laid out in plain English. This isn’t a carrier trying to move peacocks or emotional-support iguanas. It’s a small regional airline with a very specific way of doing things, and that shapes the entire Contour Airlines Pet Policy.

Short version? Small pets, in cabin only, strict limits, and zero wiggle room at the gate. Long version? Keep reading.

First Things First: Does Contour Airlines Allow Pets?

Yes—Contour Airlines allows small domestic cats and dogs to fly in the cabin on select flights.

No cargo hold options.
No checked pets.
No exotic animals.

If the pet doesn’t fit under the seat, the trip ends before it starts. That’s the reality of flying a regional jet with limited space and even less patience for surprises.

This policy works well for travelers with tiny, calm pets—and terribly for anyone hoping to fly with a larger dog “just this once.”

What Kind of Pets Are Accepted?

Contour Airlines keeps this part simple:

• Cats and dogs only

• Domestic pets only

• Healthy, clean, and odor-free (yes, that’s a real thing they care about)

No birds.
No rabbits.
No reptiles.
No “but technically it’s a mini pig.”

If it isn’t a cat or dog, the conversation stops there.

In-Cabin Pet Rules: The Non-Negotiables

This is where most travelers trip up—not because the rules are confusing, but because they’re strict.

Pet Carrier Requirements

Every pet must travel inside a soft-sided carrier that fits completely under the seat in front of you.

General size guidelines (always measure the aircraft seat, not the website optimism):

• Maximum carrier size: 18 x 11 x 11 inches (approximate)

• Carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated

• Zippers must close fully—no heads popping out

Hard-sided kennels are usually a no-go. If it doesn’t squish a little, it probably won’t fit.

And yes, gate agents will check.

Pet Weight Limits

Contour Airlines doesn’t publish a flashy weight number, but here’s the real rule that matters:

The pet must fit comfortably inside the carrier and remain inside for the entire flight.

If the carrier bulges.
If the animal can’t turn around.
If it looks cramped or stressed.

That’s grounds for denial—even with a confirmed booking.

Where the Pet Stays During the Flight

• Under the seat

• In the carrier

• For the entire duration of the flight

No lap pets.
No mid-flight cuddles.
No “just for landing.”

Regional flights are short, but rules don’t loosen at 10,000 feet.

Pet Fees on Contour Airlines

Flying with a pet isn’t free—this isn’t a charity flight.

• Pet fee: Typically around $125 per one-way flight

• Fee is non-refundable

• Paid during booking or by calling customer service

That fee covers the pet’s space—not a seat, not priority boarding, not extra care. Just permission.

And yes, if there’s a connection on another Contour flight, expect the fee to apply again.

How Many Pets Are Allowed Per Flight?

Here’s one of the quietest but most important rules in the Contour Airlines Pet Policy:

There is a very limited number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight.

Sometimes it’s two. Sometimes four. Sometimes already full by the time booking opens.

That’s why last-minute pet travel on Contour Airlines is risky business. Once the limit is hit, that’s it—no exceptions, no standby miracles.

Booking a Flight With a Pet on Contour Airlines

Online booking alone isn’t enough. Even if the website lets you add a pet, confirmation matters.

Best practice:

1. Book the ticket

2. Call Contour Airlines immediately

3. Confirm pet availability on that exact flight

4. Pay the pet fee

5. Get verbal confirmation—and ideally an email note

Skipping step two is how travelers end up arguing at the gate while a carrier sits awkwardly between their feet.

Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals

This is where airline policies shifted hard—and Contour Airlines followed suit.

Service Animals

• Trained service dogs are accepted

• Must meet U.S. DOT requirements

• Required forms must be submitted in advance

• Dog must behave appropriately in the cabin

If the animal disrupts other passengers or blocks aisles, removal is possible. Harsh but real.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Not accepted as a special category.

ESAs are treated as standard pets under the Contour Airlines Pet Policy:

• Carrier required

• Pet fee applies

• Size limits enforced

No letters, no loopholes, no exceptions.

Breed Restrictions to Know About

Contour Airlines doesn’t publish a dramatic banned-breed list, but brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds deserve caution.

That includes:

• Bulldogs

• Pugs

• Shih Tzus

• Persian cats

Since pets only fly in the cabin, risk is lower—but gate agents may still deny travel if the animal shows breathing distress.

Short snouts plus stress plus cramped space? Airlines don’t gamble on that.

Health Documents and Vaccinations

For domestic flights within the U.S.:

• No health certificate is typically required

• Vaccinations should be up to date

• The pet must appear healthy at check-in

That said—some states and airports may have their own rules. Always double-check destination requirements, especially for island or rural airports.

Better safe than explaining paperwork at 6 a.m.

Airport Experience: What It’s Really Like

Contour Airlines flies mostly from smaller airports. That’s good news for pet travelers.

Shorter lines.
Less chaos.
Fewer TSA theatrics.

At security:

• Pets come out of carriers

• Carriers go through the X-ray

• Leashes help—always

Practice holding the pet securely ahead of time. Airports are loud, and a panicked dash under a conveyor belt ruins mornings fast.

Boarding With a Pet

No special boarding group.
No early access.

Pets board with their human, same as everyone else. The only difference? Gate agents may recheck carrier size before letting anyone through.

It’s not personal. It’s policy.

Connecting Flights and Partner Airlines

Contour Airlines operates under capacity purchase agreements for major carriers on certain routes. That complicates pet travel.

Important note:

Pet policies do not always transfer between airlines—even on shared routes.

If one leg is operated by another carrier, that airline’s pet rules apply. Fees, limits, and approvals reset.

Always verify the operating airline—not just the brand name on the ticket.

International Travel With Pets on Contour Airlines

This one’s quick.

Contour Airlines does not support international pet travel.

No customs processing.
No quarantine handling.
No documentation support.

For international routes, larger airlines with dedicated pet desks are the safer bet.

Common Reasons Pets Get Denied at the Gate

This is where things go sideways—often unexpectedly.

Most common issues:

• Carrier is too large

• Pet doesn’t fit comfortably

• Flight pet quota already met

• Pet appears sick or distressed

• Incorrect documentation for service animals

Arguing doesn’t help. Gate agents don’t have override powers for pet rules, no matter how polite—or desperate—the situation gets.

Tips That Actually Help (Learned the Hard Way)

A few practical truths that don’t always show up in official policies:

• Choose aisle seats when possible—more under-seat clearance

• Bring absorbent pads inside the carrier

• Skip feeding right before departure

• Exercise the pet before arriving at the airport

• Carry extra zip ties (zippers fail at the worst moments)

Small prep steps prevent big gate disasters.

Is Contour Airlines a Good Choice for Pet Travel?

For the right pet? Yes.

Contour Airlines works best for:

• Small dogs and cats

• Calm travelers

• Short domestic flights

• People who plan ahead

It’s not built for flexibility. It’s not forgiving. But it’s consistent—and consistency matters when traveling with animals.

The Contour Airlines Pet Policy isn’t warm and fuzzy. It’s functional. Follow it closely, and the experience stays smooth. Push boundaries, and the system pushes back harder.

Final Thoughts (Without the Wrap-Up Clichés)

Flying with pets is always a little nerve-racking. Even when rules are clear, nerves aren’t. Contour Airlines keeps things tight, simple, and slightly unforgiving—but honest.

Know the rules. Measure twice. Confirm early.
And never assume “close enough” works in aviation.

Because it rarely does.