Can You Fly with Pets on Copa Airlines?

Yes, Copa Airlines allows dogs and cats to travel both in the cabin and in cargo. However, there are specific rules, fees, and restrictions you need to follow. This guide covers everything you need to know before booking your pet's flight.

Important note: If you're traveling to Jamaica, Copa Airlines only accepts dogs and cats from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. Check your destination country's import rules separately.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: $125 USD per pet, one-way
  • Maximum pets per passenger: 1
  • Maximum pets per flight: 3
  • Minimum age: 16 weeks (cabin), 10 weeks (cargo/checked baggage)
  • Advance booking required: 48 hours before departure
  • Carrier dimensions (cabin): 45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H (18" × 11" × 11")
  • Maximum weight (cabin): 10 kg (22 lbs) including carrier
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure

Cabin Travel: Flying Your Pet with You

If your pet is small enough, you can bring them in the cabin where they'll stay with you during the flight.

Carrier Requirements

Your pet's carrier must meet these specifications:

  • Dimensions: Maximum 45.7 cm long × 27.9 cm wide × 27.9 cm high (approximately 18" × 11" × 11")
  • Weight limit: Pet plus carrier cannot exceed 10 kg (22 lbs)
  • Type: Soft-sided carriers are required; hard-sided carriers are not accepted for cabin travel
  • Ventilation: Must have adequate mesh or ventilation openings
  • Interior: Must include an absorbent liner or mat to manage accidents
  • Fit: Must fit completely under the seat in front of you

Measure your carrier carefully before booking. If it doesn't fit under the seat, Copa will not allow it in the cabin.

Breed Restrictions

Copa Airlines restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. Restricted breeds include:

  • Dogs: Bulldogs (all types), Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Chow Chows, Mastiffs (all types), Pit Bulls and related breeds, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Brussels Griffons, Affenpinschers, Lhasa Apsos, Shar Peis, Japanese Chins, King Charles Spaniels, English Toy Spaniels, Cane Corsos, and Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Cats: Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans, Burmese, British Shorthairs, and Scottish Folds

If your pet is on this list, contact Copa Airlines directly to confirm whether your specific breed is restricted.

Age Requirements

Your pet must be at least 16 weeks old to fly in the cabin.

Health & Documentation

You must provide a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of your departure date. The certificate confirms your pet is fit to fly. Get it as close to your departure date as possible to avoid any issues at check-in.

Booking & Fees

Cabin pet travel costs $125 USD per pet, one-way. You can bring a maximum of one pet per passenger, and Copa limits three pets total per flight.

You must book your pet at least 48 hours before departure. Do not assume you can add a pet at the airport — advance booking is mandatory.

What You Cannot Do

  • Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide.
  • Do not bring a visibly pregnant pet. Most airlines, including Copa, do not accept pregnant animals due to health risks during flight.

Checked Baggage & Cargo: Larger Pets

If your pet is too large for cabin travel, you can check them in baggage or send them via cargo.

Carrier Requirements for Checked/Cargo Travel

  • Type: Hard-sided IATA-compliant crates only (soft-sided carriers are not accepted)
  • Ventilation: Must have openings on at least three sides per IATA standards
  • Water bowl: Must have an attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • Labeling: Must display "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on at least two sides
  • Interior: Must include an absorbent mat or liner

IATA-compliant crates are specifically designed for air transport and are non-negotiable for cargo travel.

Age & Health Requirements

Pets traveling in checked baggage or cargo must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned. A health certificate issued within 10 days of departure is required.

Temperature Restrictions

Copa Airlines will not accept pets for checked baggage or cargo if:

  • Heat embargo: Tarmac temperatures at origin or destination exceed 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo: Temperatures drop below -6.7°C (20°F)

If you need to travel in cold conditions, ask your veterinarian about an acclimation certificate, which may allow travel in colder weather.

Breed Restrictions

The same brachycephalic breed restrictions apply to checked baggage and cargo travel.

Advance Booking

Pets traveling in checked baggage or cargo must be pre-booked before arrival at the airport. You cannot show up with a pet without prior arrangement.

Assistance Animals (Service Dogs)

Assistance animals follow a separate policy from pet animals. Documentation is required. Contact Copa Airlines directly for specific requirements and any pre-approval needed for your assistance animal.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

  • 48 hours before departure: Book your pet with Copa Airlines. Do not wait until the airport.
  • 10 days before departure: Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate. Get it issued as close to your departure date as possible.
  • Before booking: Confirm your pet's breed is not on Copa's restricted list, especially if you have a snub-nosed breed.
  • For cabin travel: Measure your carrier to ensure it fits under the seat (45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H maximum). Weigh your pet plus carrier to confirm it doesn't exceed 10 kg.
  • For checked/cargo travel: Purchase or rent an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate with proper ventilation, water bowl, and absorbent liner.
  • Check weather: If traveling in extreme heat (above 29.4°C / 85°F) or cold (below -6.7°C / 20°F), confirm with Copa that your pet can still travel.
  • Destination rules: Research your destination country's pet import requirements. Jamaica, for example, only accepts dogs and cats from specific countries.
  • Pack essentials: Bring food, water, bowls, medications, and comfort items for your pet during travel.
  • Avoid sedation: Do not sedate your pet before or during the flight.

Common Questions

Can I bring multiple pets? You can bring one pet per passenger, but Copa limits three pets total per flight. Book early if you have multiple pets.

What if my pet is pregnant? Most airlines do not accept visibly pregnant animals. Contact Copa directly to discuss your situation.

Can I sedate my pet for the flight? No. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel on all commercial airlines worldwide. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies.

What if my pet has a medical condition? Consult your veterinarian before booking. They can advise whether air travel is safe and may provide documentation if needed.

How much does it cost? Cabin travel is $125 USD per pet, one-way. Checked baggage and cargo fees are not listed on Copa's public policy — contact the airline directly for pricing.

Need Help Planning?

Pet travel involves multiple steps and rules that vary by destination. For a personalized travel plan tailored to your pet and route, get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo.

For more guidance, see our flying with a dog guide, documents checklist, and brachycephalic breed guide.

This guide is based on Copa Airlines' official pet travel policy, last verified on April 10, 2026. Policies can change — always confirm directly with Copa Airlines before booking. Contact them at their official website or customer service for the most current rules.

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