Emma · with Luna (Tabby cat, 4kg) “I made a spreadsheet of every airline's pet policy before booking.” Meet all guides →
About this guide ↓
This guide was generated by Pawgo's AI using verified data from official sources. Emma is a fictional persona — the data is real.
Avianca lets dogs fly in the cabin, which is where I start every comparison. The catch that landed in my spreadsheet: the cabin weight ceiling sits at 10 kilograms, pet and carrier combined. Luna clears that with room to spare, but larger dogs do not. Before you fall in love with the cabin option, weigh your companion honestly and read the rows below.
Avianca's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Avianca handles your pet
Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the to read the exact wording; the opens the source page.
Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate)70 kgverified 2026-08-15
Cargo: Crate must have/behard-sided ok, water bowl, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal labelverified 2026-06-24
Health & documents
Health certificate required✓ Yesverified 2026-08-06
Health certificate validity10 daysverified 2026-07-20
Health certificate · Validity days10 daysverified 2026-07-20
Cabin dog travel on Avianca requires a request submitted at least 48 hours before departure. Contact the airline no later than two days ahead to reserve the cabin slot. Waiting until check-in forfeits the space. Mark the 48-hour cutoff on the calendar and place the booking call the moment tickets are confirmed. Late requests get no cabin guarantee.
Avianca prohibits the American Pit Bull Terrier and canines resulting from crosses or hybrids of these breeds. Confirm the dog does not fall under this prohibited category before purchasing a ticket. Owners of a pet born in Colombia and leaving the country face additional export requirements. Verify breed eligibility and export paperwork before committing to the flight.
Cargo transport of a dog on Avianca within the United States starts at 210 USD when prepaid. Budget at least this amount and pay in advance to secure the lower rate. Fees differ by route, so confirm the figure for the specific itinerary. Prepay online rather than at the airport, where the airport-paid rate runs higher.
Avianca is workable for dogs across cabin, cargo, and hold, but the 48-hour window and breed rules reward the organized traveler. That is exactly the sort of thing I keep a printed copy in three places for. Rather than rebuild my spreadsheet from scratch, run your route through Pawgo's plan-builder for a personalized plan with the exact weights, fees, and deadlines for your trip.
ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard.
FAVN
Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations.
Brachycephalic
Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk.
AVIH
Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: August 29, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Avianca?
Yes, Avianca allows dogs in the cabin. Your pet and carrier combined must weigh under 10 kg. For your specific pet's eligibility, check Pawgo at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Does Avianca allow brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds?
Avianca bans brachycephalic breeds from cabin and cargo. Breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats are affected. Verify your breed at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
What are the pet carrier size limits for Avianca?
The cabin carrier limit on Avianca is 56 x 36 x 25 cm (L x W x H). Exact limits vary by aircraft. Compute your carrier fit at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
How much does it cost to fly with a pet on Avianca?
Does Avianca require a health certificate for pets?
Yes, Avianca requires a health certificate for pets. It must be issued within 10 days of travel. Your destination country may have additional requirements — check www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Can I ship my dog as cargo on Avianca?
Yes, Avianca offers cargo pet transport. Confirm the carrier's specific crate and documentation requirements with the airline directly before booking. Get the full details at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 10 kg. Heavier pets (up to 70 kg) travel in the hold.Build my pet's travel plan →
Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly Avianca?
Snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are not accepted in the cabin.Build my pet's travel plan →
How far in advance must I book my pet on Avianca?
Add your pet to the booking at least 48 hours before departure — do it when you book the ticket, not at the airport.Build my pet's travel plan →
What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity?
If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays.Build my pet's travel plan →
What happens if I forget a document?
At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.Build my pet's travel plan →
Flying Avianca?
Get a personalized travel checklist for your pet on Avianca.
