Avianca Pet Policy 2026: Fees, Carriers, Rules & Travel Tips

Planning to fly with your dog or cat on Avianca? Colombia’s flag carrier transports pets in three ways cabin, checked baggage (hold), and air cargo plus dedicated rules for service dogs and emotional support dogs. But the details matter. The wrong carrier size, a missing health certificate, or a snub-nosed breed can get your pet denied at the gate.

Does Avianca allow pets in the cabin?

Yes, Avianca allows dogs and cats in the cabin if their combined weight with the carrier does not exceed 10 kg (22 lb). Pets must stay inside a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, and only one pet per passenger is permitted in the cabin. The service is subject to availability and an additional fee.

According to Avianca’s official policy, cabin pets must meet these requirements:

Real-world example: A 7 kg (15 lb) French Bulldog in a 2.5 kg carrier totals 9.5 kg under the limit, so it qualifies for the cabin. But a 12 kg Beagle exceeds 10 kg and must travel in the hold instead.

One important catch: pets and emotional support dogs cannot fly in the cabin if you’re booked in Business Class on a B787 aircraft.

What are Avianca’s rules for pets in the hold (checked baggage)?

Pets that exceed the cabin limit can travel in the hold as checked baggage, provided the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 70 kg (154 lb). The carrier must be rigid made of fiberglass, metal, or plastic and large enough for the pet to stand, turn, and lie down. Only one pet per container is allowed.

Key hold travel rules:

• Weight limit: 70 kg (154 lb) including the carrier.
• Carrier: Rigid materials only (fiberglass, metal, hard plastic). You supply it.
• Age: At least 4 months (2 months for Colombian domestic flights).
• Aircraft limits: On 32S-family aircraft with ventilated holds, up to 15 pets may travel, each under 70 kg. Pets cannot fly in non-ventilated holds.
• No hold transport on Embraer 190 or ATR aircraft.

Pet eligibility calculation: A 38 kg (84 lb) Labrador in a 12 kg rigid crate totals 50 kg well within the 154 lb limit, so it qualifies for the hold. Pets and carriers over 154 lb must ship via Avianca Cargo.

How much is the Avianca pet fee? (Cabin & hold price tables)

Avianca pet fees vary by route and whether you prepay or pay at the airport. Cabin fees for U.S. flights start at $160 (prepaid), while hold fees start at $210. Fees rise during peak season, and airport payment always costs more than prepaying.

Avianca pet fee – Cabin

Avianca pet fee – Hold (checked baggage)

How much does it cost to fly a 50 lb dog on Avianca?

A 50 lb (23 kg) dog exceeds Avianca’s 22 lb cabin limit, so it must travel in the hold as checked baggage. The fee depends on your route expect from USD 210 (prepaid) on U.S. flights, USD 215 to Europe, or about COP 220,000 within Colombia. Prepaying online is always cheaper than paying at the airport.

Cost breakdown example: Flying a 50 lb dog from Miami to Bogotá prepaid would cost from USD 210, plus the cost of an IATA-compliant rigid crate and a veterinary health certificate. Budget extra for the U.S. CDC documentation if returning to the States.

What documents do you need to travel with a pet on Avianca?

Every pet flying Avianca needs a copy of its vaccination card, a veterinary health inspection certificate (with the vet’s professional registration number), and a completed, printed Pet Transport Form. International routes require additional country-specific documents, and U.S.-bound dogs must meet CDC rules.

General Avianca pet documents:

• Vaccination card (copy)
• Health inspection certificate from a licensed veterinarian
• Pet Transport in Hold and Cabin Form (download, print, present at check-in)

Country-specific requirements:

What are the new CDC requirements for flying a dog to the United States?

Since August 1, 2024, all dogs entering the United States must be at least 6 months old, have an ISO-compatible microchip, and have a CDC Dog Import Form submitted online 2–10 days before arrival. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries face stricter rules, including a rabies serology test or quarantine.

Standard CDC requirements for all dogs:

• At least 6 months old
• ISO-compatible microchip
• CDC Dog Import Form completed online 2–10 days before arrival

Additional rules for high-risk rabies countries (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, El Salvador, and others):

• Rabies vaccination certificate and microchip form completed 30+ days before travel and endorsed by a government vet
• Valid rabies serology test (or a 28-day quarantine booking at a CDC-registered facility)
• Entry only through Los Angeles, Miami, New York, or Washington, which have CDC port health stations

Traveler insight: Reviewers note that if your dog has a U.S.-issued rabies certificate, it may enter through any authorized port so where the vaccine was administered can change your entire itinerary.

What are Avianca’s service dog requirements?

Avianca accepts up to two service dogs per passenger at no charge, with no carrier required, as long as the dog fits at your feet without blocking the aisle or emergency exits. Service dogs are accepted regardless of weight or size and must be trained by a certified organization.

To be accepted as a service dog at check-in, you must provide one of the following:

• A harness or visible harness markings
• An ID card, tag, or credential identifying the dog as a service dog
• A verbal statement that you use the dog due to a disability (and the dog behaves accordingly)

For flights involving the United States, you must submit the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form and the Service Animal Relief Attestation Form, dated after your reservation. In Colombia, service dogs must be trained by organizations affiliated with the Colombian Association of Zootherapy or certified by the ICA (Decree 1079 of 2015).

Does Avianca charge for emotional support animals?

Avianca treats emotional support dogs much like regular pets, which means they are subject to the standard pet fee unlike service dogs, which fly free. Emotional support dogs must travel in a flexible carrier in the cabin (up to 10 kg) or a rigid carrier in the hold (up to 70 kg), with only one allowed per passenger.

To fly with an emotional support dog, you need a letter no older than one year from a licensed mental health professional or treating physician, on letterhead, certifying your condition and the need for the dog. Note this documentation requirement does not apply to flights to and from the United States, where ESAs are treated as regular pets under DOT rules.

How do you prove you need an emotional support dog?

To fly an emotional support dog on Avianca, present a signed letter from a licensed mental health professional or your treating physician, dated within the past year, on official letterhead. The letter must confirm you have a recognized emotional, psychiatric, or mental disability and that the dog is necessary during your flight.

The professional’s license details date, type, and place of issue must be included. Without valid documentation, the dog will be treated and charged as a standard pet.

What pets and breeds are not allowed on Avianca?

Avianca only transports dogs, cats, and roosters (roosters on Colombian domestic flights only). Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dog and cat breeds are banned from the hold due to breathing risks, and live animals are prohibited to the Galapagos Islands and the United Kingdom.

Snub-nosed breeds banned from the hold include:

• Dogs: Pug, Boxer, English Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Pekingese, Shar Pei, Dogue de Bordeaux, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Brussels Griffon
• Cats: Persian, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan

Snub-nosed breeds may still travel in the cabin if they meet the weight limit and a signed Pet Transport Form is completed at the airport. Aggressive or ill animals may be denied boarding.

What are the temperature restrictions for pets in the hold?

For pet safety, airlines restrict hold travel in extreme weather. Pets are generally not accepted as checked baggage or cargo when temperatures exceed 85°F (29.4°C) or fall below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the route. With an acclimation certificate, pets may fly below 45°F, but never below 20°F (-6.6°C).

These restrictions exist because the greatest risk to pets comes during ground holding, loading, and taxiing not while airborne. Snub-nosed breeds face stricter summer limits.

Avianca pet policy for international flights and connections

Avianca’s pet service applies to TACA International, Avianca Costa Rica, Avianca Peru, Avianca, and Avianca Ecuador. The service does not apply to bookings on codeshare or partner airlines, which is a common pain point for travelers on connecting routes.

Key international and route restrictions:

• United Kingdom: No cabin or hold pets (Animal Reception Centre rules); ship via Avianca Cargo instead.
• Galapagos Islands: No live animals permitted.
• Aruba & Curaçao: Restricted, except for permanent relocation with local authority permits.
• Connecting flights: The operating airline’s policy takes precedence. If the operating carrier changes, you may need to reclaim, recheck, and clear customs with your pet during the layover.

Traveler scenario: One reviewer flying a dog from Costa Rica to the U.S. found that many South American airlines partner with U.S. carriers for the final leg and U.S. airlines often won’t accept dogs in the hold. Always confirm every leg of your itinerary before booking.

Avianca pet cargo: phone number and price

Pets and carriers exceeding 154 lb (70 kg), unaccompanied animals, or pets bound for countries requiring cargo entry must travel through Avianca Cargo. For cargo pricing and bookings, contact Avianca at +1 866 919 0081 or email avianca@avianca.com. Cargo rates are quoted individually by a licensed agent.

Avianca Cargo does not transport endangered CITES species or small rodents such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, and squirrels.

How to book and prepare for pet travel on Avianca

Book your pet service at least 48 hours before departure through Avianca’s Contact Center, travel agencies, sales points, or airports. The service is always subject to availability, and there’s a limit of 6 pets per flight in the cabin (including service and emotional support dogs).

On travel day:

• Arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international.
• Bring all documents printed and ready.
• Label the carrier with your name, contact info, and your pet’s name.
• Acclimate your pet to its carrier well in advance for a calmer trip.

Final tips for flying with your pet on Avianca

Traveling with a pet on Avianca is very doable but success comes down to preparation. Confirm your pet meets the weight and age limits, choose the right carrier (soft for cabin, rigid for hold), and gather every document your destination requires. The biggest risks come from snub-nosed breed rules, U.S. CDC requirements, and codeshare connections where the policy may differ.

Start at least a month ahead, especially for international travel that involves rabies serology tests or microchipping. When in doubt, contact Avianca directly to confirm availability and route-specific rules before you book. A little planning now means a smoother, safer journey for you and your furry companion.

Frequently asked questions

Does Avianca allow pets in the cabin?
Yes. Dogs and cats up to 10 kg (22 lb) including the carrier can fly in the cabin, one per passenger, in a soft-sided carrier no larger than 55 × 35 × 25 cm.

How much is it to fly with a 50 lb dog on Avianca?
A 50 lb dog must travel in the hold. Fees start from USD 210 (prepaid) on U.S. routes, USD 215 to Europe, or COP 220,000 within Colombia, plus an IATA-compliant crate.

Does Avianca charge for emotional support animals?
Yes. Emotional support dogs are charged the standard pet fee. Only certified service dogs fly free of charge.

Can I take my 100-pound dog on a plane with Avianca?
Yes, if the dog plus carrier weighs under 70 kg (154 lb), it can travel in the hold provided it’s not a snub-nosed breed and the aircraft has a ventilated hold.

What are the rules for traveling with pets on Avianca?
Pets must be 4+ months old, weigh within limits, travel in an approved carrier, be booked 48+ hours ahead, and carry valid vaccination and health certificates.

What pets are not allowed on Avianca flights?
Only dogs, cats, and roosters (Colombia domestic only) are accepted. Exotic birds, rabbits, hamsters, rats, and endangered species are prohibited.

How do you prove you need an emotional support dog?
Provide a letter dated within one year from a licensed mental health professional, on letterhead, confirming your condition and the dog’s necessity. This doesn’t apply to U.S. flights.

What are Avianca’s service dog requirements?
Up to two service dogs per passenger fly free without a carrier. You must show a harness, ID card, or give a verbal statement. U.S. flights require DOT forms.

What’s the Avianca pet cargo phone number?
Call +1 866 919 0081 or email avianca@avianca.com for cargo pet pricing and bookings for pets over 154 lb.

Can a dog be left alone for 5 days?
No. Dogs should never be left alone for 5 days. For multi-day travel, arrange a pet sitter, boarding, or fly your dog with you via Avianca’s cabin, hold, or cargo options.