Avianca Pet Travel Policy

Flying with Your Pet on Avianca: What You Need to Know

I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, and I've learned that flying with pets requires precision, planning, and knowing your airline's exact rules. Avianca operates primarily across South America and the Caribbean, and their pet policies are straightforward—but you need to get the details right before you book.

This guide covers everything: cabin travel, cargo transport, carrier specs, health certificates, fees, and the timeline you need to follow. Let's break it down so you can travel with confidence.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin pet fee: $100 USD one-way (varies by route)
• Cargo pet fee: $200–$500+ one-way (weight & destination dependent)
• Cabin carrier max dimensions: 22cm L × 14cm W × 9cm H
• Cabin carrier max weight (pet + carrier): 8kg combined
• Minimum pet age for cabin: 16 weeks
• Minimum pet age for cargo/checked baggage: 10 weeks
• Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
• Advance booking required: 48 hours before flight (cabin)
• Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
• Cold embargo threshold: -6.7°C (20°F)
• Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1 pet
• Brachycephalic breeds banned: Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers (cabin & cargo)

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin

This is the option I always choose with Cooper when possible—he stays with me, and I can monitor him throughout the flight. Avianca allows dogs and cats in the cabin, but there are strict requirements.

Who Can Fly in the Cabin?

• Dogs and cats only (no other species)
• Minimum age: 16 weeks old
• Maximum combined weight (pet + carrier): 8kg
• Maximum 1 pet per passenger
• Not visibly pregnant
• Brachycephalic breeds are banned: Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers cannot fly in the cabin due to respiratory risks

Important: If your pet is a flat-faced breed, you'll need to explore cargo or checked baggage options—though these also have restrictions. See our brachycephalic breed flying guide for alternatives.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin

Your carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you. Here are the exact dimensions:

• Maximum length: 22cm
• Maximum width: 14cm
• Maximum height: 9cm
• Type: Soft-sided only (hard-sided crates won't fit)
• Ventilation: Mesh sides required for airflow
• Absorbent liner: Required inside the carrier to manage accidents

When I flew Cooper on a similar route, I used a collapsible soft-sided carrier with mesh panels. It fit perfectly under the seat, and the mesh kept him cool. Make sure you test the carrier at home first—your pet needs to be comfortable in it for several hours.

Cabin Fees & Booking

• Fee: $100 USD one-way (varies by route)
• Advance booking required: 48 hours before departure
• How to book: Contact Avianca directly—you cannot add a pet during online check-in

Book early. Avianca limits the number of pets per flight, and cabin spots fill up quickly on popular routes.

Health Certificate for Cabin Travel

• Required: Yes, mandatory
• Validity: Must be issued within 10 days of departure
• Issued by: A licensed veterinarian
• What it covers: Confirmation that your pet is healthy and fit to fly

Get this as close to your departure date as possible. I schedule my vet appointment 5–7 days before travel to ensure the certificate is fresh and valid. The vet will check your pet's overall health, vaccinations, and fitness for air travel.

Cargo Travel: Shipping Your Pet Below Deck

When Cooper was too large for cabin travel on one of my moves, I used cargo. It's more expensive and requires more preparation, but it works for larger pets and certain breeds.

Who Can Fly in Cargo?

• Dogs and cats (no other species)
• Minimum age: 10 weeks old (must be fully weaned)
• Not visibly pregnant
• Brachycephalic breeds are banned: Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers cannot fly in cargo
• Temperature restrictions: Cannot fly if tarmac temps exceed 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination, or drop below -6.7°C (20°F) without a vet acclimation certificate

The temperature restrictions are real. I once had to reschedule Cooper's cargo flight because the forecast showed 32°C at our destination airport. Airlines won't risk it.

Cargo Carrier Requirements

Cargo carriers are completely different from cabin carriers. They must be hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates:

• Type: Hard-sided crate only (soft-sided not accepted)
• IATA compliance: Must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) standards
• Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides for airflow
• Water bowl: Attached external water bowl or trough (airline staff can refill without opening the crate)
• Absorbent liner: Required inside to manage accidents during transport
• Live Animals labels: Required on all sides with orientation arrows (showing which way is up)

When I shipped Cooper, I bought an IATA-approved crate from a pet supply specialist. It was expensive (around $150–$250), but it's reusable and gives me peace of mind. Make sure the crate is large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Cargo Fees & Booking

• Fee: $200–$500+ one-way (depends on pet weight and destination)
• Advance booking required: Yes, mandatory pre-booking
• How to book: Contact Avianca's cargo department directly

Cargo is significantly more expensive than cabin travel. For a 28kg dog like Cooper, I've paid $350–$450 one-way. Get quotes from Avianca before committing.

Health Certificate for Cargo

• Required: Yes, mandatory
• Validity: Must be issued within 10 days of departure
• Issued by: A licensed veterinarian

Same as cabin travel—get it within 10 days of departure. The vet will also assess whether your pet is fit for cargo travel, which involves longer periods in a crate and potential temperature fluctuations.

Checked Baggage: Not Recommended

Avianca does not allow pets in checked baggage. Your only options are cabin or cargo.

Important Rules That Apply to All Travel Methods

No Sedation Allowed

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide, including Avianca. If your vet suggests sedation, ask them to clarify—they may mean a calming supplement, not a sedative drug.

Pregnant & Animals in Heat

• Visibly pregnant animals: Not accepted (health risks during flight)
• Animals in heat: We're still verifying this—contact Avianca directly

If your pet is pregnant, confirm with Avianca before booking. Most airlines won't accept them.

Pets Must Stay in Carrier

Your pet must remain in their carrier throughout the entire flight. No exceptions. This is for safety and airline regulations.

Route & Destination Considerations

Avianca operates primarily in South America and the Caribbean. Destination country regulations may impose additional requirements (import permits, quarantine, specific health certificates). Check with your destination country's agriculture or customs authority before booking.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Travel Checklist

12 Weeks Before Travel

• Confirm your pet meets Avianca's age and weight requirements
• Check if your pet's breed is restricted (brachycephalic breeds banned)
• Research destination country pet import rules
• If flying cargo, purchase or arrange an IATA-compliant crate

8 Weeks Before Travel

• Schedule a vet appointment for a health check and certificate (needed within 10 days of departure)
• Ensure vaccinations are current
• If flying cargo, confirm the crate meets IATA standards and fits your pet

4 Weeks Before Travel

• Contact Avianca to check pet availability on your specific flight
• Get a quote for pet fees (especially for cargo)
• If flying cabin, test your soft-sided carrier at home
• Acclimate your pet to the carrier gradually

2 Weeks Before Travel

• Book your pet with Avianca (48-hour advance notice required for cabin)
• Confirm all booking details in writing
• Double-check destination country import requirements

1 Week Before Travel

• Schedule your vet appointment for the health certificate (must be within 10 days of departure)
• Prepare your pet's travel kit: food, water, bowls, medications, comfort items
• For cargo: label the crate with "Live Animals" stickers and orientation arrows

3 Days Before Travel

• Pick up the health certificate from your vet
• Verify the certificate is signed and dated correctly
• Pack your pet's carrier with absorbent liner and comfort items
• Confirm your flight details with Avianca

Day of Travel

• Arrive at the airport early (at least 3 hours for international flights)
• Have your health certificate ready at check-in
• Confirm your pet is in the carrier and secure
• Keep your pet calm and hydrated before boarding

Cost Breakdown: What to Budget

• Cabin travel: $100 USD one-way + vet health certificate ($50–$150)
• Cargo travel: $200–$500+ one-way + vet health certificate ($50–$150) + IATA crate ($150–$250 if purchasing)
• Soft-sided cabin carrier: $40–$100 (one-time purchase)
• Hard-sided cargo crate: $150–$250 (reusable)

For my three international moves with Cooper, cabin travel has always been the most economical and least stressful option. Cargo is necessary for larger pets, but budget accordingly.

Final Tips from My Experience

• Call Avianca directly. Pet policies can vary by route and destination. Don't rely solely on the website.
• Get the health certificate close to departure. A certificate issued 9 days before travel is better than one from 10 days out.
• Acclimate your pet to the carrier weeks in advance. A stressed pet is harder to manage on travel day.
• Bring extra absorbent pads. Accidents happen, and having extras gives you peace of mind.
• Check weather forecasts. If cargo travel is planned and temperatures are borderline, consider rescheduling.
• Keep copies of all documents. Health certificate, booking confirmation, and destination import permits should be printed and digital.

Need Help Planning Your Pet's Journey?

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo—we'll help you navigate Avianca's policies and prepare all required documents.

Data Note: This guide is based on Avianca's official pet travel policies, auto-verified as of April 9, 2026. Policies can change, and destination country regulations vary. Always confirm directly with Avianca and your destination country's customs authority before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 09, 2026