Ciao, Marco here, flying Copa with Mochi curled up in the cabin like she owns the aisle. Here's what nobody tells you about Copa: dogs travel in cabin, which is the only line I care about. My little French Bulldog can't do cargo, so cabin acceptance is the deal-breaker, and Copa checks that box. Let me save you a couple of the mistakes I already made.
Copa Airlines'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 Copa Airlines 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 ✓ AcceptedSmall dogs and cats can be flown in the cabin. verified 2026-07-20 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesRelated: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-20 Minimum age 8 weeks Puppies or kittens less than 8 weeks old, accompanied by their mother Animals less than 8 weeks old will not be accepted for transport if… verified 2026-07-07 Advance booking notice 48 hours Pets must be checked in at least 48 hours prior to flight departure or at the time of ticket purchase through the Sales Offices or Call Center. verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking required ✓ YesPets must be checked in at least 48 hours prior to flight departure or at the time of ticket purchase through the Sales Offices or Call Center. verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per passenger 1 Only one pet per passenger is allowed. verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per flight 3 Only three pets are permitted to fly in the cabin on each flight. verified 2026-07-20 Booking method booking or through Copa Airline’s Sales Office s for your pet should be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance of departure either: at the time of your booking or through Copa Airline’s Sales Office or by contacting Copa Airline’s Call Center or Pets that arrive at the airport without a verified 2026-07-20 Banned destinations ✗ YesThe importation of dogs and cats from South and Central America (excluding Suriname), is prohibited. verified 2026-07-25 Sedation allowed ✗ NoInformation Sedated pets will not be accepted verified 2026-07-01 Advance notice hours 48 hours Make sure you reserve through our Reservations Center at least 48 hours before the flight's departure verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per carrier 1 Only one pet allowed per passenger and one pet per kennel. verified 2026-07-13 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ Noing with companions You are in: Special Services Types of Assistance for Passengers with Special Services Special Services Request Traveling with infants Traveling with pets Minors traveling alone Pregnant women Other… verified 2026-07-15 Carrier size 28 × 28 cm Maximum carrier dimensions are 18″L x 11″m W x 11″H (45.7 x 28 x 28 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Max weight (pet + crate) 10 kg If the pet together with its carrier or bag weighs more than 10kg (20 pounds). verified 2026-07-13 Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, soft-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Maximum carrier dimensions are 18″L x 11″m W x 11″H (45.7 x 28 x 28 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedAll pets transported as checked baggage (in cargo hold) or carry-on baggage (in the main cabin) will be charged a fee, based on excess baggage rates. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesRelated: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Minimum age 24 weeks If you are traveling to the United States, pets under 24 weeks of age are not accepted, as required by the CDC verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours Make a reservation for the pet The pet must be checked in at least 48 hours prior to flight departure or at the time of ticket purchase through our Sales Offices or Call Center verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesRabies Certificate or Titer Test(For Import of Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets) stating that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days prior to departure, but not more than 1 to 3 years prior to departure verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoInformation Sedated pets will not be accepted d under the seat. verified 2026-07-01 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ Noing with companions You are in: Special Services Types of Assistance for Passengers with Special Services Special Services Request Traveling with infants Traveling with pets Minors traveling alone Pregnant women Other… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Your pet’s crate must have ventilation on all four sides verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedDogs and cats who don't meet the requirements for transport in the cabin can travel as cargo instead with Copa Pets. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesThe following breeds or their mixes will not be permitted to fly Copa Cargo: Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Argentine Dogo, Brazilian Fila, Cane Corso, English Bulldog, Canary Catch Dog, Canary, Cane Corso,… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours Make a reservation for the pet The pet must be checked in at least 48 hours prior to flight departure or at the time of ticket purchase through our Sales Offices or Call Center verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesRabies Certificate or Titer Test(For Import of Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets) stating that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days prior to departure, but not more than 1 to 3 years prior to departure verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Max pets per flight 3 Only 3 pets are allowed in the main cabin per flight Only 3 pets are allowed in the main cabin per flight verified 2026-06-03 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedated pets will not be accepted. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label All crates must be labeled with LIVE ANIMAL stickers and a Shipping Declaration that includes feeding and watering instructions. verified 2026-07-20 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesA current health certificate and proof of valid rabies vaccination is required for all pets flying in the cabin with Copa Airlines. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 7 days Official Veterinary Health Certificate (dated within 7 days of travel date) from the exporting country detailing all requirements. verified 2026-07-15 Microchip · Required ✓ YesRequirements for Category 2 countries: Pets must be microchipped; Pets must be vaccinated against rabies after implantation of the microchip; Thirty (30) days after rabies vaccination, pets must have a blood test (FAVN… verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Type quarantine facilities . Animals from other countries are not allowed to enter Jamaica as there are no quarantine facilities available on the island. verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Reducible ✓ YesCategory 2: All other countries and territories Requirements for Category 1 countries Pets must be microchipped; Pets must be vaccinated against rabies after microchip implantation; Thirty-five (35) d Within seven (7)… verified 2026-06-25 Quarantine · Pre-approval required ✓ YesCategory 2: All other countries and territories Requirements for Category 1 countries Pets must be microchipped; Pets must be vaccinated against rabies after microchip implantation; Thirty-five (35) d Within seven (7)… verified 2026-06-25 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Approved laboratory required ✓ YesCategory 2: All other countries and territories Requirements for Category 1 countries Pets must be microchipped; Pets must be vaccinated against rabies after microchip implantation; Thirty-five (35) d Within seven (7)… verified 2026-06-25 Health certificate validity 10 days 2-0064 Valid import permit. Pet treatment for parasites (internal and external) within 10 days of travel. Medical certificate. verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Issuer an official veterinarian / All dogs and cats entering Barbados must be accompanied by an Official Export Health Certificate signed and stamped by an official veterinarian of the country of origin. verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesYou must present a USDA-endorsed Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form or USDA-endorsed export health certificate issued prior to July 31, 2025 (with valid unexpired rabies vaccination information listed). verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate · Original required ✓ Yesand exit of dogs and cats: Sanitary requirements for the entry of dogs and cats Original health certificate, issued by the official health entity of the country of origin with seal and or Category 2: All other countries… verified 2026-07-02 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesRequirements for Category 2 countries: Pets must be microchipped; Pets must be vaccinated against rabies after implantation of the microchip; Thirty (30) days after rabies vaccination, pets must have a blood test (FAVN… verified 2026-07-14 Rabies vaccination · Booster required ✓ Yesategory 2 countries: Pets must be microchipped; Pets must be vaccinated against rabies after implantation of the microchip; Thirty (30) days after rabies vaccination, pets must have a blood test (FAVN rabies antibody… verified 2026-07-14 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 16 weeks Age/Weight requirements Your pet must be at least 16 weeks of age to fly. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate valid within days · Health certificate valid within days 7 days Official Veterinary Health Certificate (dated within 7 days of travel date) from the exporting country detailing all requirements. verified 2026-07-15 Other rules Minimum age 16 weeks Age/Weight requirements Your pet must be at least 16 weeks of age to fly. verified 2026-07-20 Dangerous breeds banned ✗ YesThe following breeds are not accepted as cargo: Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, English Bulldog, Canary Catch Dog, Argentine Dogo, Cane Corso, and Brasilian Fila. verified 2026-07-20 Breed restrictions apply ✗ YesThe following breeds are not accepted as cargo: Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, English Bulldog, Canary Catch Dog, Argentine Dogo, Cane Corso, and Brasilian Fila. verified 2026-07-20 Assistance animals accepted ✓ YesTravel with your service dog Copa Airlines only transports service animals that are trained dogs in the cabin under certain conditions: Service dogs are accepted on all routes Service dogs can travel in the Main Cabin… verified 2026-07-15 Service & assistance animals Esa note ESAs are only permitted to or from Colombia and Mexico ESAs are only permitted to or from Colombia and Mexico. verified 2026-07-20 Fee waived ✓ YesCheck in Related: How to clear airport security with a pet Pet fee Domestic Flights: $25 USD | $29-33 CAD International Flights $125 USD | 147-166 CAD Service dog pet policy All service dogs may fly in the main cabin or… verified 2026-07-20 Recognized ✓ YesTravel with your service dog Copa Airlines only transports service animals that are trained dogs in the cabin under certain conditions: Service dogs are accepted on all routes Service dogs can travel in the Main Cabin… verified 2026-07-15 Cabin allowed ✓ YesTravel with your service dog Copa Airlines only transports service animals that are trained dogs in the cabin under certain conditions: Service dogs are accepted on all routes Service dogs can travel in the Main Cabin… verified 2026-07-15 Esa recognized ✓ YesTravel with your dog or emotional support animal Copa Airlines only transports emotional support animals in the cabin under verified 2026-07-14 Forms required ✓ YesIf you are traveling to/from the United States, you must complete the DOT Service Dog Transportation Form and submit two copies to the airport on the day of flight departure. verified 2026-07-15 Max pets per passenger 1 Only one pet per passenger is allowed verified 2026-07-14 Documentation required ✓ Yestination countries when traveling with your service dog If you are traveling from dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries to the United States with a dog starting from August 1, 2024, find out the entry requirements here… verified 2026-07-14 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedSmall dogs and cats can be flown in the cabin. verified 2026-07-20 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesPets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. verified 2026-07-20 Minimum age 16 weeks Your pet must be at least 16 weeks of age to fly. verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking notice 48 hours Pets must be checked in at least 48 hours prior to flight departure or at the time of ticket purchase through the Sales Offices or Call Center. verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking required ✓ YesPets must be checked in at least 48 hours prior to flight departure or at the time of ticket purchase through the Sales Offices or Call Center. verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per passenger 1 Only one pet per passenger is allowed. verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per flight 3 Only three pets are permitted to fly in the cabin on each flight. verified 2026-07-20 Booking method contacting Copa Airline’s Call Center n advance of departure either: at the time of your booking or through Copa Airline’s Sales Office or by contacting Copa Airline’s Call Center or Pets that arrive at the airport without a reservation will fly subject to availability in the c verified 2026-07-20 Sedation allowed ✗ NoInformation Sedated pets will not be accepted verified 2026-07-01 Advance notice hours 48 hours Make sure you reserve through our Reservations Center at least 48 hours before the flight's departure verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per carrier 1 Only one pet allowed per passenger and one pet per kennel. verified 2026-07-13 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ Noing with companions You are in: Special Services Types of Assistance for Passengers with Special Services Special Services Request Traveling with infants Traveling with pets Minors traveling alone Pre verified 2026-07-15 Max weight (pet + crate) 10 kg If the pet together with its carrier or bag weighs more than 10kg (20 pounds). verified 2026-07-13 Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, soft-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Pets in the Cabin Small cats and dogs at least 16 weeks old can be transported in the cabin on a number of flights with Copa Airlines if the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 20 lbs (10 kg) Pets in… verified 2026-06-04 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedAll pets transported as checked baggage (in cargo hold) or carry-on baggage (in the main cabin) will be charged a fee, based on excess baggage rates. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesRelated: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Minimum age 16 weeks Pets less than 16 weeks old are not accepted verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours Make a reservation for the pet The pet must be checked in at least 48 hours prior to flight departure or at the time of ticket purchase through our Sales Offices or Call Center verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesRabies Certificate or Titer Test(For Import of Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets) stating that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days prior to departure, but not more than 1 to 3 years prior to departure verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoInformation Sedated pets will not be accepted d under the seat. verified 2026-07-01 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ Noing with companions You are in: Special Services Types of Assistance for Passengers with Special Services Special Services Request Traveling with infants Traveling with pets Minors traveling alone Pregnant women Other… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label Pet carrier requirements Your pet’s carrier must: Have adequate ventilation on at least 3 sides (domestic US) or 4 sides (international) Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfor verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedDogs and cats who don't meet the requirements for transport in the cabin can travel as cargo instead with Copa Pets. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesRelated: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: One-way fee 125 USD Pets that weigh between 11 and 32 kg and are transported in the cargo hold will incur a charge of USD 125 Pets that weigh between 11 and 32 kg and are transported in the cargo hold will incur a charge of USD 125… verified 2026-07-04 Cargo: Minimum age 16 weeks Pets less than 16 weeks old are not accepted verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours Make a reservation for the pet The pet must be checked in at least 48 hours prior to flight departure or at the time of ticket purchase through our Sales Offices or Call Center verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesRabies Certificate or Titer Test(For Import of Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets) stating that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days prior to departure, but not more than 1 to 3 years prior to departure verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Max pets per flight 3 Only 3 pets are allowed in the main cabin per flight Only 3 pets are allowed in the main cabin per flight verified 2026-06-03 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedated pets will not be accepted. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Carrier size 16 × 16 cm For pets traveling as cargo, carriers can be between the dimensions of 16” x 15” x 21” (40 cm x 38 cm x 53 cm) and 27” x 30” x 40” (68 cm x 76 cm x 101 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label For pets traveling as cargo, carriers can be between the dimensions of 16” x 15” x 21” (40 cm x 38 cm x 53 cm) and 27” x 30” x 40” (68 cm x 76 cm x 101 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesA current health certificate and proof of valid rabies vaccination is required for all pets flying in the cabin with Copa Airlines. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 7 days Official Veterinary Health Certificate (dated within 7 days of travel date) from the exporting country detailing all requirements. verified 2026-07-15 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Approved laboratory required ✓ Yesimplantation of the microchip; Thirty (30) days after rabies vaccination, pets must have a blood test (FAVN rabies antibody titer test) performed by an approved laboratory with a result of at least 0.5 I Category 2: All… verified 2026-07-02 Health certificate · Validity days 10 days hile after Staying Abroad for More Than 21 Days: An official Import Zoosanitary Certificate (CZI) issued abroad is required, valid for 10 days from the date of issuance until the date of entry into Chile. verified 2026-07-14 Other rules Minimum age 16 weeks Age/Weight requirements Your pet must be at least 16 weeks of age to fly. verified 2026-07-20 Copa cargo bookings for a dog must be made at least 48 hours before flight departure. Reserve the pet slot at ticket purchase, or contact a Copa Sales Office or Call Center to lock it in. Miss that 48-hour window and the reservation cannot be guaranteed. Confirm the booking directly with Copa before arriving at the airport, not on the departure day.
Frequently asked
How many pets can I bring on Copa Airlines? Copa Airlines allows 1 in the cabin, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier. What is the cabin weight limit on Copa Airlines? In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 10 kg. 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.
So there it is, the Copa version straight from someone who learned it the hard way at a customs window. Rules shift by breed, route, and mood of the check-in agent, so don't trust a random blog. Build your personalized plan with Pawgo's plan-builder using your actual dog, weight, and route. Mochi judges the queue length, not me, and a solid plan keeps that queue short.
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.
