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
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedvw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Age:</b> Pets (dogs or cats) older than 4 months, except on domestic flights in Colombia, where we accept animals older than 2 months with a vaccination schedule appropriate… verified 2026-07-06 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yeshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, or canines resulting from crosses or hybrids of these breeds is prohibited”. If your pet was born in Colombia and you want to take it out of the country, you must obtain a permit… verified 2026-07-16 Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Shar Pei The following list is solely an illustrative example of the breeds that are generally considered brachycephalic or flat-nosed or that have similar physical characteristics Dogs breeds Cats breeds • Affenpinscher •… verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking notice 48 hours …0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1. 5;"><b>Booking:</b> This service can be booked up to 48 hours before departure through our Contact Center, travel agencies, and sales points verified 2026-07-10 Advance booking required ✓ Yescontainer.</li> <li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Container:</b> Must travel in a flexible container of no more than 55x35x25 cm (length, width and height).</li> <li… verified 2026-07-15 Max pets per passenger 1 Only one pet case is allowed per passenger. verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per flight 6 There is a limit of 6 pets per flight in the cabin including service and emotional support dogs. verified 2026-07-20 Banned destinations ✗ YesPets are not permitted to fly in the cabin to the United Kingdom. verified 2026-07-20 Max per flight 6 There is a limit of 6 pets per flight in the cabin including service and emotional support dogs. verified 2026-07-20 Advance notice hours 48 hours you must request this service at least 48 hours before the departure of your flight verified 2026-06-11 Aircraft restrictions ✗ YesImportant note It is important to take special precautions with the following brachiocephalic breeds (also known as short-faced or snub-nosed dogs), because they are susceptible to an increased risk of suffocation and… verified 2026-07-20 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoInformation Animals that have given birth in the 48 hours previous to flight are not permitted. verified 2026-07-20 Carrier size 56 × 36 × 25 cm The container must measure 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm) verified 2026-07-16 Max weight (pet + crate) 10 kg Dogs and cats weighing no more than 10 kg (22 lb) , including the weight of their container, may fly in the cabin. verified 2026-07-16 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier The container must measure 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm) verified 2026-07-16 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets weighing no more than 70 kg (154 lb) , including the container's weight, may fly in the hold verified 2026-07-16 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yes& Limitations: Avianca Airlines does not allow brachycephalic (snub-nosed) animals to fly as checked baggage or cargo in the airplane hold due to health risks. The following dog breeds are not permitted to travel in the… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog We do not transport the following brachiocephalic breeds and crossbreeds of these breeds in the hold: Chinese Shar Pei, Boxer, Dogue de Bordeaux, Bulldog, Belgian Griffon, Griffon Bruxellois, Petit Brabancon, Chin,… verified 2026-07-16 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours …0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1. 5;"><b>Booking:</b> This service can be booked up to 48 hours before departure through our Contact Center, travel agencies, and sales points verified 2026-07-07 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ Yescontainer.</li> <li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Container:</b> Must travel in a flexible container of no more than 55x35x25 cm (length, width and height).</li> <li… verified 2026-07-06 Hold: Banned breeds list Staffordshire Terrier Allowed breeds We transport in the hold the following breeds: American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Presa Canario, Doberman, Argentine Dogo, Bordeaux Mastiff, Brazilian Fila, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pitbull Terrier,… verified 2026-07-16 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoInformation Animals that have given birth in the 48 hours previous to flight are not permitted. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Carrier size 8 cm …should be 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm) — length, width, and height — and your pet should not exceed 8 in (20 cm) in height. verified 2026-07-16 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 70 kg Pets weighing no more than 70 kg (154 lb) , including the container's weight, may fly in the hold. verified 2026-07-16 Hold: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …should be 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm) — length, width, and height — and your pet should not exceed 8 in (20 cm) in height. verified 2026-07-16 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ Accepteder information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS. Route or aircraft restrictions Pets are not permitted to fly as checked baggage to the United Kingdom. No pets are permitted to fly in the cargo hold on Embraer 190 and ATR… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesf, have proper ventilation, and contain easily accessible water and food bowls. Restrictions & Limitations: Avianca Airlines does not allow brachycephalic (snub-nosed) animals to fly as checked baggage or cargo in the… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list French Bulldog English Bulldog American Bulldog Pug Boston Terrier Four breeds of snub-nosed dogs will no longer be allowed in the cabin or cargo hold as checked baggage or air cargo on KLM aircraft: English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, American Bulldog, and Dutch Pug. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: One-way fee 222 USD …60 Paid at the airport: from USD 70 In the United States Prepay: from USD 210 Paid at the airport: from USD 222 To Europe Prepay: from USD 215 Paid at the airport: from USD 216 From Europe Prepay: from EUR 190 or GBP 160… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks Age requirements Minimum age is 8 weeks of age; however, this minimum may change depending on requirements of the desti verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours …https://ayuda.avianca.com/hc/en-us/articles/13091555715739 Book ahead Remember to add this service at least 48 hours before your flight departure. none Flight day tips Make sure you arrive at the airport at least 2… verified 2026-07-07 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ Yescontainer.</li> <li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Container:</b> Must travel in a flexible container of no more than 55x35x25 cm (length, width and height).</li> <li… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Max pets per flight 15 …travel agencies, points of sale and airports. Check the charges for this service. If your pet exceeds 154 lb in weight, including the container, please consult how you can transport it via avianca cargo . Although… verified 2026-06-01 Cargo: Banned breeds list Mastiff Allowed breeds We transport in the hold the following breeds: American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Presa Canario, Doberman, Argentine Dogo, Bordeaux Mastiff, Brazilian Fila, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pitbull Terrier,… verified 2026-07-16 Cargo: Advance notice hours 48 hours s and roosters , and you must request this service at least 48 hours before the departure of your flight. Important To ensure your pet’s safety and well-being, check the routes with restrictions for pet verified 2026-06-11 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoInformation Animals that have given birth in the 48 hours previous to flight are not permitted verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Carrier size 25 × 20 × 20 cm …be 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm) — length, width, and height — and your pet should not exceed 8 in (20 cm) in height verified 2026-07-16 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 70 kg For your pet to fly in the hold, its weight must not exceed 70 kg (154 lb), including the container's weight verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …be 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm) — length, width, and height — and your pet should not exceed 8 in (20 cm) in height verified 2026-07-16 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesConsiderations for Colombia When flying with your dog or cat to Colombia , you must have an original health certificate showing that your animal is fit to be transported verified 2026-07-16 Health certificate validity 10 days Forms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination Four breeds of snub-nosed dogs will no longer be allowed in the… verified 2026-07-20 Microchip · Required ✓ YesFor travels to Spain, the pet must have a passport (vaccination card or zoosanitary certificate) and be identified with a microchip or tattoo. verified 2026-07-16 Health certificate · Issuer a veterinary doctor Present the bird's health certificate issued by a veterinary doctor. verified 2026-07-16 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesConsiderations for Colombia When flying with your dog or cat to Colombia , you must have an original health certificate showing that your animal is fit to be transported. verified 2026-07-16 Health certificate · Original required ✓ Yesns for Colombia When flying with your dog or cat to Colombia , you must have an original health certificate showing that your animal is fit to be transported. verified 2026-07-16 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesForms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 8 weeks Age requirements Minimum age is 8 weeks of age; however, this minimum may change depending on requirements of the desti verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate valid within days · Health certificate valid within days 10 days Forms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination. verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Assistance animals accepted ✗ NoAn airline is not permitted to require a passenger with a disability who is traveling with a service animal and purchased a ticket within 48 hours of the flight to provide the form in advance. verified 2026-07-13 Emotional support animals allowed ✗ NoCats are not accepted as emotional support animals. verified 2026-07-14 Service & assistance animals Fee waived ✓ YesIn Colombia, the recognition of service animals is regulated under Decree 1079 of 2015. According to this regulation, a dog may only be recognized as a service animal if it has been trained by organizations that are… verified 2026-07-16 Recognized ✓ YesAvianca Pet Policy – In Cabin If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in Avianca’s pet policy to fly in the cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is… verified 2026-07-20 Cabin allowed ✓ YesDECLARATION FOR PET TRANSPORTATION IN CABIN OR AIRCRAFT HOLD Dear Customer, The pet transport service in cabin or in the cargo hold, emotional support dogs and/or service dogs (hereinafter "THE PET") provided by… verified 2026-07-20 Esa recognized ✓ Yese pet if it is considered that the pet does not meet the regulatory and safety conditions for the flight. Pets that are aggressive or may bother other passengers or crew won't be allowed to fly in the cabin. You can… verified 2026-07-14 Forms required ✓ Yesair transportation who is a qualified individual with a disability who receives assistance from a service animal(s) that does work or performs tasks that are directly related to the individual’s disability, or a third… verified 2026-07-13 Breed restrictions breed restrictions for service dogs We have no breed restrictions for service dogs. verified 2026-07-16 Advance notice hours 48 hours …can require a passenger with a disability who is traveling with a service animal to submit the form up to 48 hours in advance of the passenger’s flight if the passenger’s reservation was booked more than 48 hours… verified 2026-07-13 Documentation required ✓ Yesbility and assistance Can I travel with my service dog? Yes, you may travel with your service dog as long as you comply with the applicable documentation and regulations . Please let us know that you will be traveling… verified 2026-07-16 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets that are aggressive or may bother other passengers or crew won't be allowed to fly in the cabin. verified 2026-07-21 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yeshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, or canines resulting from crosses or hybrids of these breeds is prohibited”. If your pet was born in Colombia and you want to take it out of the country, you must obtain a permit… verified 2026-07-16 Snub-nosed breeds list Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese British Shorthair Scottish Fold The following list is solely an illustrative example of the breeds that are generally considered brachycephalic or flat-nosed or that have similar physical characteristics Dogs breeds Cats breeds • Affenpinscher •… verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking notice 48 hours …0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1. 5;"><b>Booking:</b> This service can be booked up to 48 hours before departure through our Contact Center, travel agencies, and sales points verified 2026-07-07 Advance booking required ✓ Yesonal support dogs Service dogs* *If you add the transport of your service dog on avianca.com, keep in mind that they can only travel in the cabin. Keep in mind: If you are flying with your dog to the United States ,… verified 2026-07-16 Max pets per passenger 1 Only one pet case is allowed per passenger. verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per flight 6 There is a limit of 6 pets per flight in the cabin including service and emotional support dogs There is a limit of 6 pets per flight in the cabin including service and emotional support dogs verified 2026-07-20 Booking method counter …cabin to the United Kingdom. Check in Passengers traveling with pets should plant to check in at the ticket counter with their pet in its carrier more than normal check in times. verified 2026-07-20 Advance notice hours 48 hours you must request this service at least 48 hours before the departure of your flight verified 2026-06-11 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoInformation Animals that have given birth in the 48 hours previous to flight are not permitted. verified 2026-07-20 Carrier size 56 × 36 × 25 cm The container must measure 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm) — length, width, and height verified 2026-07-21 Max weight (pet + crate) 10 kg They are dogs that accompany their owner due to an emotional condition. Weight: If it weighs up to 10 kg (22 lb), including the container, it can fly in the cabin. verified 2026-07-10 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier The container must measure 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm) — length, width, and height verified 2026-07-21 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedPets weighing no more than 70 kg (154 lb) , including the container's weight, may fly in the hold verified 2026-07-16 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesWe do not carry the following brachiocephalic cat breeds and crossbreeds : Burmese, Persian, Exotic Shorthair and Himalayan. verified 2026-07-16 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese British Shorthair Scottish Fold Consequently, Avianca will not transport in the cargo hold PETS that present such characteristics, including emotional support dogs and service dogs, in order to ensure their safety.7. The following list is solely an… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours …0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Booking:</b> This service can be booked more than 48 hours before departure through our Contact Center, travel agencies, sales points and airports. verified 2026-07-09 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ Yescontainer.</li> <li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Container:</b> Must travel in a flexible container of no more than 55x35x25 cm (length, width and height).</li> <li… verified 2026-07-06 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoInformation Animals that have given birth in the 48 hours previous to flight are not permitted. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Carrier size 20 cm Its measurements should be 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm) — length, width, and height — and your pet should not exceed 8 in (20 cm) in height. verified 2026-07-16 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 70 kg Pets weighing no more than 70 kg (154 lb) , including the container's weight, may fly in the hold. verified 2026-07-16 Hold: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Its measurements should be 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm) — length, width, and height — and your pet should not exceed 8 in (20 cm) in height. verified 2026-07-16 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ Accepteder information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS. Route or aircraft restrictions Pets are not permitted to fly as checked baggage to the United Kingdom. No pets are permitted to fly in the cargo hold on Embraer 190 and ATR… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesdeparture of your flight. Important To ensure your pet’s safety and well-being, check the routes with restrictions for pet transport in the cargo hold. Where can I request this service? avianca.com Contact Center… verified 2026-07-16 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese British Shorthair Scottish Fold Consequently, Avianca will not transport in the cargo hold PETS that present such characteristics, including emotional support dogs and service dogs, in order to ensure their safety.7. The following list is solely an… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: One-way fee 222 USD …60 Paid at the airport: from USD 70 In the United States Prepay: from USD 210 Paid at the airport: from USD 222 To Europe Prepay: from USD 215 Paid at the airport: from USD 216 From Europe Prepay: from EUR 190 or GBP 160… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks Age requirements Minimum age is 8 weeks of age; however, this minimum may change depending on requirements of the desti verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours …must be clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly. Reservations Passengers must make reservations a minimum of 48 hours prior to departure but are encouraged to contact Avianca through their customer center, at the airport… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ Yesdeparture of your flight. Important To ensure your pet’s safety and well-being, check the routes with restrictions for pet transport in the cargo hold. Where can I request this service? avianca.com Contact Center… verified 2026-07-16 Cargo: Max pets per flight 15 …travel agencies, points of sale and airports. Check the charges for this service. If your pet exceeds 154 lb in weight, including the container, please consult how you can transport it via avianca cargo . Although… verified 2026-06-01 Cargo: Advance notice hours 48 hours s and roosters , and you must request this service at least 48 hours before the departure of your flight. Important To ensure your pet’s safety and well-being, check the routes with restrictions for pet verified 2026-06-11 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoInformation Animals that have given birth in the 48 hours previous to flight are not permitted verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Carrier size 20 × 20 cm …be 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm) — length, width, and height — and your pet should not exceed 8 in (20 cm) in height verified 2026-07-16 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 70 kg Pets weighing no more than 70 kg (154 lb) , including the container's weight, may fly in the hold verified 2026-07-16 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …be 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm) — length, width, and height — and your pet should not exceed 8 in (20 cm) in height verified 2026-07-16 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesYou must attach the Health Inspection Certificate issued by the origin country's agricultural authority that can only be issued with an animal health certificate issued by a veterinarian (original and verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 10 days Forms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination Four breeds of snub-nosed dogs will no longer be allowed in the… verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Validity days 10 days Forms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination. verified 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.
Frequently asked
How many pets can I bring on Avianca? Avianca allows 1 in the cabin, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier. What is the cabin weight limit on Avianca? In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 10 kg. Heavier pets (up to 70 kg) travel in the hold. Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly Avianca? Snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are not accepted in the cabin. 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. 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. 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.
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.
Glossary
ISO chip 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.
