GOL (G3) is the Brazilian carrier that runs the densest domestic route network in South America, plus international hops to nearby countries. Their cabin pet program is functional but limited — strict age and weight cutoffs, and cabin space caps that fill quickly on the popular routes. The single decision is whether your pet meets the minimum age and weight requirements at the time of travel, not just at booking. Pixel makes friends with every customs officer at GRU.
G3'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 G3 treats your pet
Cabin policy
| Item | Detail | Source & confidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pets accepted | Accepted in the cabin | 95% | |
| Minimum age | 26 weeks old | 95% | |
| Pets per passenger | 1 per passenger | 95% |
Hold policy
| Item | Detail | Source & confidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pets accepted | Not accepted in the hold | 95% | |
| Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds | Not accepted in the hold | 95% |
Cargo policy
| Item | Detail | Source & confidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Policy | Not yet documented | — |
GOL requires dogs and cats to be at least 6 months old (26 weeks) and to weigh no more than 12 kilograms including the kennel for cabin travel. Pets younger than 6 months are not accepted in cabin, even when otherwise small enough to fit the carrier. The weight cap includes the kennel itself, so a heavy crate counts against the limit and can disqualify an otherwise eligible pet.
Frequently asked
- How many pets can I bring on G3?
- G3 allows 1 in the cabin, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier.
- Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly G3?
- Snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are not accepted in the hold.
- 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.
Quick checklist for GOL: verify your pet is at least 26 weeks old at travel date (not at booking), confirm the combined weight including the kennel is under 12 kg, and book the cabin slot through their special services line at the same time as your ticket. GOL's cabin capacity is limited on popular Brazilian domestic routes. Build your plan against your departure date in Pawgo before booking — it confirms the cabin slot capacity for your specific G3 flight.
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.