Flying with Your Pet on Azul Brazilian Airlines

I've spent years moving rescue dogs across borders—from Morocco to France, from shelters to families who've been waiting. Each journey taught me something: international pet travel isn't just logistics. It's about trust, preparation, and understanding that your companion deserves the same care whether they're a purebred or a street rescue like my Tafoukt.

Azul Brazilian Airlines welcomes pets in the cabin and cargo hold. Whether you're relocating a rescue dog, bringing your cat home, or traveling with a small companion, this guide covers everything you need to know—the practical details, the numbers, and the peace of mind that comes from being ready.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: 250–790 BRL (one-way)
  • Cabin carrier weight limit: 10 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H (approximately 18" × 11" × 11")
  • Minimum age for cabin: 16 weeks
  • Minimum age for cargo: 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo threshold: −6.7°C (20°F)

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet Beside You

Azul allows both dogs and cats in the cabin. This is the option I always prefer when possible—your pet stays with you, and you can monitor their comfort throughout the flight.

Carrier Requirements

Your pet must travel in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Hard-sided carriers are not suitable for cabin travel on Azul.

The carrier must meet these dimensions:

  • Length: 45.7 cm (18 inches)
  • Width: 27.9 cm (11 inches)
  • Height: 27.9 cm (11 inches)

The combined weight of your pet and carrier cannot exceed 10 kg. This is the critical constraint—measure and weigh before booking.

Your carrier must have:

  • Mesh ventilation on the sides for airflow
  • An absorbent liner or mat inside to manage accidents
  • Secure closures so your pet cannot escape during boarding or turbulence

Age Requirements

Your pet must be at least 16 weeks old for cabin travel with Azul. This is older than the industry standard of 8 weeks, so plan accordingly if you're traveling with a young rescue puppy or kitten.

Breed Restrictions

Azul restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds in the cabin due to respiratory risks during flight. Restricted breeds include:

  • Bulldogs (all types: English, French, American)
  • Pugs (all types)
  • Boston Terriers
  • Boxers
  • Shih Tzus
  • Pekingese
  • Chow Chows
  • Mastiffs (all types)
  • Pit Bulls and related breeds (American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier)
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
  • Japanese Chins
  • Shar Peis
  • Lhasa Apsos
  • Brussels Griffons
  • Cane Corsos
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Presa Canarios
  • American Bullies

If your pet is on this list, read our guide on flying with brachycephalic breeds—cargo travel may be an option, though it carries its own considerations.

Cabin Booking & Fees

Cabin pet travel costs 250–790 BRL (Brazilian Real) one-way. The exact fee depends on your route and pet size. You must pre-book your pet before arrival at the airport—Azul limits the number of pets per flight, and you cannot add a pet at check-in.

Only one pet carrier per passenger is allowed in the cabin.

Cargo Travel: For Larger Pets

If your dog or cat is too large for cabin travel, or if you prefer cargo transport, Azul accepts pets in cargo hold. This is how I've relocated many rescue dogs from Morocco—it works well when properly prepared.

Carrier Requirements for Cargo

Cargo requires a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate—not a soft-sided carrier. Your crate must include:

  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides (per IATA Live Animals Regulations)
  • An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • An absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the crate

IATA compliance is non-negotiable for cargo. If you're unsure whether your crate meets standards, ask your airline or a pet travel specialist before booking.

Age & Temperature Restrictions

Pets must be at least 10 weeks old for cargo travel.

Azul will not accept pets in cargo if:

  • Tarmac temperature at origin or destination exceeds 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Temperature drops below −6.7°C (20°F) (unless your vet provides an acclimation certificate)

This matters in Brazil's climate. Summer months (December–February) can exceed the heat threshold. Plan your travel dates carefully, or contact Azul to discuss acclimation options.

Breed Restrictions in Cargo

Brachycephalic breeds are also restricted in cargo. The respiratory risks don't disappear in the hold—they're actually higher due to temperature and pressure changes. If your pet is a restricted breed, cargo is not an option.

Advance Booking Required

Like cabin travel, cargo pets must be pre-booked. You cannot arrange cargo transport at the airport.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable: you must have a vet-issued health certificate for both cabin and cargo travel. Even if Azul's website doesn't explicitly mention it, you will be denied boarding without one.

Certificate Timing

Your health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your departure date. Some destinations require 7 days, so aim for as close to departure as possible—don't get it too early.

What the Certificate Should Include

Your vet should confirm:

  • Your pet's identity (microchip number, breed, age, color/markings)
  • Current vaccinations (especially rabies, if required by destination)
  • Health status—that your pet is fit to fly
  • Any medications or special needs

If you're traveling internationally, check destination requirements. Some countries require specific vaccines or import permits. Our documents checklist covers this in detail.

What NOT to Do: Sedation & Pregnancy

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. If your vet or the airline suggests sedation, get a second opinion.

Visibly pregnant animals are not accepted for travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with Azul before booking.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

  • Book your pet in advance. Call Azul or book online—don't assume you can add a pet at check-in. Confirm the exact fee for your route.
  • Verify your pet's age. Cabin requires 16 weeks; cargo requires 10 weeks. Rescue animals sometimes have uncertain ages—ask your shelter for their best estimate.
  • Check breed restrictions. If your pet is brachycephalic, confirm with Azul whether they're on the restricted list.
  • Get a health certificate. Schedule a vet appointment 10 days before departure. Don't wait until the last minute.
  • Measure and weigh your carrier. For cabin travel, your pet + carrier must be ≤10 kg and fit the dimensions. Test it at home first.
  • Prepare the carrier. Add an absorbent mat, ensure ventilation, and let your pet acclimate to it weeks before travel. This reduces stress on flight day.
  • Check temperature embargoes. If traveling to/from Brazil in summer, confirm that tarmac temperatures won't exceed 29.4°C. If they will, ask about acclimation certificates.
  • Arrange ground transport. Plan how your pet will get to the airport and from the destination. Stress doesn't end at boarding.
  • Pack essentials. Bring water, food, medications, and comfort items in your carry-on. Your pet's cargo crate won't be accessible during flight.

A Perspective on Rescue Travel

When I first brought Tafoukt from Morocco, I was nervous. She was a 20 kg Border Collie mix from a shelter—no pedigree papers, no breed certainty. But the same rules applied: health certificate, proper carrier, advance booking, patience.

What I learned is this: international pet travel infrastructure exists for all animals, not just purebreds. Shelters across the world—in Morocco, Romania, Greece, Brazil—have animals waiting for families. If you're adopting internationally or relocating a rescue, the process is the same as traveling with any pet. The care required is identical. The love is often deeper.

Azul's policies are clear and fair. Follow them, prepare thoroughly, and your pet will arrive safely.

Still Have Questions?

We're still verifying some details about Azul's pet policies—contact Azul Brazilian Airlines directly for:

  • Exact fees for your specific route
  • Confirmation of breed restrictions for your pet
  • Acclimation certificate procedures for extreme temperatures
  • Service animal policies and documentation

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo—we'll help you navigate the details specific to your journey.

Data auto-verified from official Azul Brazilian Airlines sources. Last updated: January 2025.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 30, 2026