Flying with Your Pet on Copa Airlines Colombia: What You Need to Know

I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, and I've learned that the difference between a smooth pet flight and a stressful one comes down to one thing: knowing the airline's rules inside and out. Copa Airlines Colombia allows both cats and dogs to travel with you, but there are specific requirements you need to follow. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to do.

Can Your Pet Fly with Copa Airlines Colombia?

Yes. Copa Airlines Colombia allows both cats and dogs in the cabin, as well as in cargo and checked baggage. The travel method you choose depends on your pet's size, your budget, and how comfortable you want your pet to be during the flight.

However, not all pets qualify. Your pet must be:

  • At least 8 weeks old for cabin travel (10 weeks for cargo or checked baggage)
  • Fully weaned
  • Not visibly pregnant
  • Not a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed, unless you've confirmed directly with the airline
  • In good health with a valid health certificate

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin

This is the option I always choose with Cooper when possible. Your pet stays with you in the cabin, which means less stress for both of you.

Cabin Carrier Requirements

Your pet must travel in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Here are the exact dimensions:

  • Maximum length: 45 cm (18 inches)
  • Maximum width: 30 cm (12 inches)
  • Maximum height: 25 cm (10 inches)
  • Maximum combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg (17.6 lbs)

Your carrier must also have:

  • Mesh ventilation on the sides for airflow
  • An absorbent liner or mat inside to handle accidents
  • Soft sides (not hard plastic) so it compresses under the seat

When I flew with Cooper on a similar airline, I learned the hard way that the carrier dimensions are strictly enforced at the gate. Measure your carrier before you book, and test that it actually fits under the seat in front of you at home.

Cabin Booking & Fees

  • Cabin pet fee: $100 USD per pet, one way
  • Advance booking required: You must book your pet at least 48 hours before departure. Do not show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement — Copa limits the number of pets per flight
  • Maximum pets per passenger: 1 pet carrier per passenger

Cargo & Checked Baggage Travel: For Larger Pets

If your pet is too large for a cabin carrier (like Cooper at 28kg), cargo or checked baggage is your option. Your pet travels in the hold with climate control, but you won't see them during the flight.

Cargo/Checked Baggage Carrier Requirements

These carriers are much more robust than cabin carriers:

  • Hard-sided crate only (soft-sided carriers are not accepted)
  • IATA-compliant — meets International Air Transport Association Live Animals Regulations
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • An absorbent mat or liner inside
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on at least two sides

I used a cargo crate for Cooper on one international move, and the IATA compliance was non-negotiable. The airline staff checked every detail at check-in. Invest in a proper crate — it's worth it for your pet's safety and to avoid being denied boarding.

Temperature Restrictions for Cargo/Checked Baggage

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

  • Temperature at origin or destination is below -6.7°C (20°F) — unless you have an acclimation certificate from your vet
  • Temperature at origin or destination exceeds 29.4°C (85°F)

If you're traveling during extreme weather, contact Copa directly to discuss options. A vet acclimation certificate may allow travel in cold conditions.

Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breeds: Special Restrictions

Most airlines, including Copa, restrict brachycephalic breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. This includes:

  • 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)
  • And many others

If your dog is on this list, contact Copa Airlines directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions, but you need explicit approval. Don't assume your breed is allowed — I've seen travelers denied boarding at the gate because they didn't confirm breed restrictions in advance.

Health Certificates: Non-Negotiable

You must have a vet-issued health certificate for your pet, regardless of whether Copa's website mentions it. I've seen travelers turned away at the airport without one.

  • Validity: Issued within 10 days of your departure date
  • What it covers: Confirms your pet is healthy and fit to fly
  • When to get it: Schedule your vet appointment at least 2 weeks before travel, so you have time to get the certificate within the 10-day window

Book your vet appointment early. During peak travel seasons, vets get backed up, and you don't want to miss your flight because you couldn't get a certificate in time.

Important: Sedation is Prohibited

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide, including Copa. If your vet or anyone else suggests sedating your pet for the flight, that's a red flag — get a second opinion.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: $100 USD, one way
  • Cabin carrier max dimensions: 45 cm L × 30 cm W × 25 cm H
  • Cabin carrier max weight: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Minimum pet age (cabin): 8 weeks
  • Minimum pet age (cargo/checked baggage): 10 weeks
  • Advance booking required: 48 hours before departure
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue date
  • Cold embargo (cargo/checked baggage): -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Heat embargo (cargo/checked baggage): 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1 carrier

What You Need to Do: Step-by-Step Checklist

8-10 weeks before travel:

  • Confirm your pet's breed is not on the brachycephalic restricted list (or contact Copa if unsure)
  • Book your vet appointment for a health certificate
  • Decide: cabin, cargo, or checked baggage travel
  • If cabin: measure and purchase a soft-sided carrier that fits the dimensions above
  • If cargo/checked baggage: order an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate

4-6 weeks before travel:

  • Test your cabin carrier (if applicable) — make sure it actually fits under a seat
  • Check weather forecasts for your destination (if using cargo/checked baggage)
  • Contact Copa Airlines to pre-book your pet — do not wait until the last minute

2 weeks before travel:

  • Visit your vet for the health certificate
  • Ensure the certificate is issued within 10 days of your departure date
  • Prepare your carrier: add absorbent liner, ensure ventilation is clear

48 hours before travel:

  • Confirm your pet booking with Copa Airlines
  • Pack your pet's essentials: food, water, medications, comfort items
  • Have your health certificate ready to present at check-in

At the airport:

  • Arrive early and go directly to the pet check-in counter
  • Present your health certificate
  • Confirm your carrier meets all requirements
  • Pay the pet fee if not already paid online

Additional Resources

For more detailed guidance, check out our flying with a dog guide, documents checklist, and brachycephalic breed guide. If you're concerned about costs, our cost guide breaks down all the expenses you'll face.

Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals

We're still verifying Copa Airlines Colombia's specific policies for service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs). Contact Copa directly to confirm whether your service animal or ESA qualifies for cabin travel without a carrier or fee.

Still Have Questions?

Contact Copa Airlines Colombia directly at their pet travel desk before booking. Policies can change, and you want confirmation in writing that your specific pet meets all requirements. I always call the airline directly — it takes 15 minutes and saves hours of stress later.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure you haven't missed anything.

Data last verified: January 2025. This guide is based on Copa Airlines Colombia's official pet travel policies. Policies change — always confirm directly with the airline before booking. Information auto-verified from official sources.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026