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Avianca Pet TravelAV

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FAQ about Avianca pet policy

Policy last updated: April 25, 2026

Accepted pets:🐱 Cat🐶 Dog
Min age: 16 weeks

In-Cabin Travel

Allowed
🐾Accepted pets🐱 Cat🐶 Dog
Max weight (pet + carrier)10 kg
Carrier max dimensions56 × 36 × 25 cm
Max pets per passenger1

Pet must travel in a flexible container (kennel) measuring 56 × 36 × 25 cm (length × width × height) and fly under the seat in front of the passenger. The container must allow the pet to stand comfortably, turn around, and move naturally without touching the ceiling or walls. Emotional support dogs weighing more than 10 kg are carried in the hold at no additional charge. Transportation is subject to availability. Pets that are aggressive or may bother other passengers or crew will not be allowed in the cabin. Minimum age is 4 months (2 months for domestic Colombia flights with appropriate vaccination schedule).

Cargo / Hold

Allowed
As checked baggage Yes
Temperature embargoFrom December 26, 2026 to March 31, 2027, pets cannot travel in the hold on flights to/from Dallas, Boston, Chicago, Houston, New York, Washington D.C., Toronto, and Montreal due to low temperatures.

Cargo hold transport is not available on numerous specific routes and flight numbers depending on the day of the week (see route restriction table). Pet transport in the hold is also not available on Avianca flights operated by Clic, as those aircraft do not have ventilated cargo holds. Aggressive pets not permitted in cabin may be transported in the hold with extra fees. Service dogs can fly in the hold without additional charge if they cannot be accommodated in the cabin.

Service Animals

Allowed
🐾Accepted species🐶 Dog
Must fit at passenger feet Yes
Advance notice required Yes
Documentation requiredCompleted and printed pet transport formFor US flights: U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form (dated after flight reservation)For US flights: U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (dated after flight reservation)Harness or visible harness markings, ID card/tag, credential, or verbal statement identifying dog as a service dogIn Colombia: certification from organizations accredited by the Colombian Association of Zootherapy or ICAFor emotional support dogs (non-US flights): letter no older than 1 year from mental health professional or treating physician on letterhead certifying disability and need

Passengers may travel with up to 2 service, guide, or rescue dogs. Must notify Avianca when purchasing ticket on avianca.com, via Manage your booking, or through Contact Center at least 48 hours before departure. Dog must be placed at passenger's feet or on legs during flight (if dog does not exceed size of a small child). No breed restrictions for service dogs, but individual country regulations may restrict entry. If the dog cannot be accommodated in the cabin, it may fly in the hold without additional charge, or passenger may purchase an additional seat for extra floor space. Search and rescue dogs (K, B and R) must fly with bib, microchip, certificate, dog collar, and double leash. Emotional support dogs traveling to/from the United States must also meet CDC requirements. Cats are not accepted as emotional support animals.

🐱🐶

Species Rules

Service animals exempt Yes

Cats are not accepted as emotional support animals. Service and guide dogs have separate rules from regular pets.

Documentation Required

  • Copy of pet's vaccination card
  • Certificate of health inspection issued by a veterinarian (including professional registration number; validity varies by country)
  • Completed and printed pet transport form (hold and cabin)
What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
Cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin. Cats are not accepted as emotional support animals. Service and guide dogs have their own specific requirements.
What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?
The pet plus its carrier must not exceed 10 kg (22 lb) for cabin travel. Emotional support dogs weighing more than 10 kg are carried in the hold at no additional charge.
What are the carrier size requirements for in-cabin pet travel?
The carrier (flexible kennel) must measure no more than 56 × 36 × 25 cm (length × width × height). It must allow the pet to stand comfortably, turn around, and move naturally without touching the ceiling or walls.
Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?
Yes, pets can travel in the cargo hold, subject to availability, safety conditions, and compliance with requirements. However, cargo hold transport is not available on several specific routes and flight numbers (depending on day of week), and is not available on Avianca flights operated by Clic due to lack of ventilated cargo holds.
Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?
Passengers may travel with 1 pet in the cabin (or 1 emotional support dog). For service/guide/rescue dogs, passengers may travel with up to 2.
Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
Avianca has no breed restrictions for service dogs. Breed restrictions for regular pets in cabin or cargo are not specified, but individual country regulations may restrict certain breeds.
What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
Required documents include: a copy of the pet's vaccination card, a certificate of health inspection issued by a veterinarian (with professional registration number, validity varies by country), and the completed and printed pet transport form. Additional documentation is required depending on origin/destination. For flights to Colombia, an original health certificate valid for no more than 10 calendar days is required. For flights from Spain, an Export Certificate from the Kingdom of Spain is required. For flights to Spain, a pet passport and microchip or tattoo are required, plus praziquantel treatment at least 48 hours before the flight. For dogs flying to the US, CDC documentation is required.
How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
You can add a pet when purchasing your ticket on avianca.com or after your purchase through Manage your booking. For emotional support dogs, you must contact the Contact Center at least 48 hours before departure. For service dogs, you may also notify Avianca through the Contact Center at least 48 hours prior to departure.
Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
Yes. Requirements vary by destination. For flights to Colombia, an original health certificate valid up to 10 calendar days is required. Pets from the US must have a USDA-APHIS stamped certificate. Pets from Spain need an Export Certificate. For flights to Spain, pets need a passport, microchip or tattoo, and praziquantel treatment at least 48 hours before the flight. For dogs traveling to the US, CDC requirements apply as of August 1, 2024, including microchip, health certificate verified via CDC dog importation form (completed 2–10 days before arrival), and additional requirements for dogs from high-risk rabies countries.
Are there temperature-related restrictions for pets traveling in the cargo hold?
Yes. From December 26, 2026 to March 31, 2027, pets cannot travel in the hold on flights to and from Dallas, Boston, Chicago, Houston, New York, Washington D.C., Toronto, and Montreal due to low seasonal temperatures.
Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
Yes, you can contact Avianca's Contact Center for pet travel inquiries. Emotional support dog reservations and service dog notifications must be made through the Contact Center at least 48 hours before departure.

Source: Official pet policy page ↗