Pets on board
Find out everything you need to know about traveling with your pet, whether in the aircraft cabin or the hold.
Dogs or cats that have an additional fee to be transported in the cabin and must meet the following requirements:
<ul>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Weight:</b> Maximum weight of 10 kg including the container.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Container:</b> Must travel in a flexible container of no more than 55x35x25 cm (length, width and height).</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Quantity:</b> You may travel with a maximum of one (1) pet in the cabin, which must be transported exclusively in flexible containers (carriers) that can be stored under the seat in front of you on the plane.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Booking:</b> This service can be booked more than 48 hours before departure through our Contact Center, travel agencies, sales points and airports. Transport of your pet is subject to availability.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Age:</b> Pets (dogs or cats) older than 4 months, except on domestic flights in Colombia, where we accept animals older than 2 months with a vaccination schedule appropriate for their age.</li>
</ul>
Dogs or cats that have an additional fee to be transported in the hold.
<ul>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Weight:</b> Maximum weight of 70 kg including the container.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Container:</b> Must travel in a rigid container that allows free movement, made of rigid materials such as fiberglass, metal or plastic, and must be provided by you.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Quantity:</b> If you travel with more than one pet, each one must travel in its own container.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Booking:</b> This service can be booked more than 48 hours before departure through our Contact Center, travel agencies, sales points and airports. Transport of your pet is subject to availability.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Age:</b> Pets (dogs or cats) older than 4 months, except on domestic flights in Colombia, where we accept animals older than 2 months with a vaccination schedule appropriate for their age.</li>
</ul>
These are dogs that accompany their owner due to an emotional condition.
<ul>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Weight:</b> If it weighs up to 10 kg (including the container), it may travel in the cabin. If it weighs up to 70 kg (including the container), it must travel in the hold.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Container:</b> For the cabin, a flexible container is required (55x35x25 cm). For the hold, a rigid container.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Quantity:</b> You may travel with a maximum of one (1) emotional support dog.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Booking:</b> This service can be booked more than 48 hours before departure through our Contact Center, travel agencies, sales points and airports. Transport of your pet is subject to availability.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Age:</b> Pets (dogs or cats) older than 4 months, except on domestic flights in Colombia, where we accept animals older than 2 months with a vaccination schedule appropriate for their age.</li>
</ul>
These are dogs trained and certified by specialized centers.
<ul>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Weight:</b> Service dogs are accepted regardless of weight or size, as long as they can be accommodated without obstructing evacuation in the cabin.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Container:</b> No container is required for transport in the cabin.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Quantity:</b> Up to two (2) service dogs per passenger may travel.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Documents:</b> Check all the <a href="https://ayuda.avianca.com/hc/en-us/articles/13091555715739" target="_blank" style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem) !important;">documentation</a> required to travel with your pet.</li>
</ul>
<h2 style=" font-size: clamp(1.25rem, 0.71vw + 1.1071rem, 1.75rem) !important;"> Ready to travel with your pet? </h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">Your pet or emotional support dog <strong>will not be able to fly with you in the cabin</strong> if you are traveling in <strong>Business Class</strong> on our B787 aircraft.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">Transporting live animals to the Galapagos Islands is not permitted.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">Due to Animal Reception Centre restrictions, this service is not available for flights to the United Kingdom.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">This service is not available for flights to/from Aruba and Curação. The only exception is for permanent moves to the island of Curação with the relevant authorization from the relevant authority.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">The service does not apply to bookings with affiliated airlines or airlines with codeshare agreements.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">The pet transport service applies for TACA International, Avianca Costa Rica, Avianca Peru, Avianca and Avianca Ecuador S.A.</li>
</ul>
FAQ'S
Yes, you can travel with your pet as long as you meet the transport requirements. Please note that we transport three categories of companion animals:
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<ul>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Pet:</b> we accept dogs and cats older than 4 months.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Emotional support dogs:</b> you must present a medical certificate issued by a mental health professional confirming your condition to travel with your animal.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Service dogs:</b> trained to work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability. These have been trained at specialized and certified centers.</li>
</ul>
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Check the conditions according to your pet's characteristics. If you are traveling with an emotional support dog or a service dog, you must meet additional requirements. Please note that we only transport dogs, cats and roosters, and you must request this service at least 48 hours before your flight's departure.
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Please note:
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To ensure the safety and well-being of animals, check the routes with restrictions for transporting pets in the hold.
You can request it through our service channels:
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<ul>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Pet:</b> we accept dogs and cats older than 4 months.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Emotional support dogs:</b> you must present a medical certificate issued by a mental health professional confirming your condition to travel with your animal.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Service dogs:</b> trained to work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability. These have been trained at specialized and certified centers.</li>
</ul>
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On avianca.com, you can only request the service dog service; if you include it, please note that it can only travel in the cabin.
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Please note:
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<ul>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">If you are traveling with your dog to the United States, check the <a href="https://ayuda.avianca.com/hc/en-us/articles/27669310488219" target="_blank" style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem) !important;">new documentation</a> required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">In addition to the <a href="https://ayuda.avianca.com/hc/en-us/articles/13091555715739" target="_blank" style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem) !important;">documents</a> required to travel with your pet, you must present the pet transport form for the hold and cabin. <a href="https://publish-p176854-e1910391.adobeaemcloud.com/content/dam/avianca/03-PDF_y_Documentos/07-Mascotas/Formulario%20para%20transporte%20de%20mascotas.pdf" target="_blank" style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem) !important;">Download it</a> and present it printed at the airport or request it from our service agents at the counter.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">If you have a flight with <a href="https://ayuda.avianca.com/hc/en-us/articles/13092162266395" target="_blank" style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem) !important;">partner airlines</a>, <a href="https://ayuda.avianca.com/hc/en-us/articles/13091702854427" target="_blank" style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem) !important;">codeshare</a> or connecting flights, the pet transport service may not be available on other airlines.</li>
</ul>
Pay attention to the container (carrier) specifications depending on whether your pet travels in the cabin or in the hold.
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Cabin containers:
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<ul>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">It must be a <b>flexible container</b> that can be stored <b>under the seat in front of you</b>.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">Its dimensions must be length 55 cm (22") + width 35 cm (14") + height 25 cm (10") and your pet must not exceed 20 cm in height.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">It must allow your dog to stand comfortably, with enough space to turn around and move naturally, without touching the ceiling or walls throughout the flight.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">It must have enough space for your pet to settle naturally and have openings that allow ventilation.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">It must have a waste collection system for waste produced during transport.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">Your pet may not leave the container at any time.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">You may feed your pet, as long as it remains inside the container.</li>
</ul>
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Hold containers:
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<ul>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">It must be a rigid container made of materials such as fiberglass, metal or plastic and <b>provided by you</b>.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">Its dimensions may vary depending on the size of your animal.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">Your animal must be able to move comfortably.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">It must be clean and leakproof.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Water and food containers must be empty, separate and fixed inside the container</b>, and accessible from the outside to hydrate the animal in case of emergency or flight delays.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>The exterior and interior must not have parts that could harm your animal</b>, other people or damage airport infrastructure.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Ventilation openings must be small</b>. If they are not, cover them with a mesh screen.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>The door can be sliding or hinged and must have locking latches</b>. The material can be plastic, wood or metal.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>If the container has wheels, lock them</b>. The doors must have security locks that allow opening without the need for special tools.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">If your animal's breed is American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, De Presa Canario, Dobermann, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastim Napolitano, Pitbull Terrier, Rottweiler or Tosa Japonês, it <b>may travel in a metal-walled container</b>, with non-toxic materials that allow feeding and hydration. If traveling in a plastic container, your dog must wear a <b>basket muzzle</b>.</li>
</ul>
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Pleas note:
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<ul>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">We do not transport animals in damaged containers (rusted screens, broken hinges, or non-functioning locks).</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">If your dog is large or aggressive, it must travel in a wooden or metal container with 2 locks on each side of the door and openings that allow for ventilation.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">Containers made entirely of welded mesh or wire mesh are not permitted.</li>
</ul>
If you need to travel to the United States with your dog, you must meet certain requirements established by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Below you will find important information; however, we recommend consulting the official websites of these entities to avoid any issues when traveling with your dog.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that as of August 1, 2024, all passengers entering the United States accompanied by their dog must meet certain requirements. These requirements are in addition to those already established for dogs traveling as emotional support or service animals. The requirements are:
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<ul>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">Be at least six months of age.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">Have a microchip compatible with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">Dog health certificate, which must be verified through the CDC <a href="https://survey.1cdp.cdc.gov/?form=556bcb90-1bca-4b01-8094-ad22a7169c32" target="_blank" style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem) !important;">dog import form</a>. This form must be completed online, 2 to 10 days before the arrival date.</li>
</ul>
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Check the additional documentation, which varies according to the canine rabies risk level of the country where the dog was in the six months prior to entering the United States (including transit countries), or where the rabies vaccine was administered.
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Additional requirements if you are traveling from a country classified as high risk for canine rabies
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The CDC has established additional requirements for dogs coming from high-risk canine rabies countries (Colombia, El Salvador, Peru, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Guatemala, Ecuador, among others), or that have been in any of these countries in the last 6 months and have not been vaccinated in the United States. In these cases, the following documents must be presented:
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<ul>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Rabies vaccine and microchip certificate.</b> This form must be completed by a veterinarian and endorsed by an official government veterinarian of the country of origin, no more than <b>30 days before the trip</b>.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;"><b>Valid rabies serology titer.</b> If you do not have one, a 28-day quarantine reservation must be presented at one of the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/approved-care-facilities.html" target="_blank" style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem) !important;">animal care facilities</a> registered by the CDC. To avoid this quarantine period, it is recommended to carry out the rabies serological test, provided by a CDC-approved laboratory. For cases in Colombia, El Salvador, Peru and Ecuador, which do not have an approved laboratory, it is possible to go to a veterinary center for sample collection and international shipping to one of the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/approved-labs.html" target="_blank" style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem) !important;">authorized laboratories.</a></li>
</ul>
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Please note: if you are traveling from a country classified as high risk for canine rabies, even if you have only transited through any of the destinations we operate, you may only enter the United States through Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Washington, cities that have a CDC-authorized port health station. If your itinerary includes another destination in the United States that does not have a port health station, the dog's entry will not be permitted.
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If your dog has a rabies vaccination certificate issued in the United States, it may enter through any authorized port of entry, as long as the entry point matches the one indicated on the CDC Dog Import Form. Learn more on the official page.
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Please note if you are traveling with service dogs:
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In addition to meeting the above requirements, you must present at the airport check-in counters or boarding gates the following forms with dates after your flight booking, as applicable: U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form and United States Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Form as acceptance requirements.
Yes, you can carry them in cremation urns as carry-on baggage or inside your personal item in the aircraft cabin, subject to the following conditions:
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General recommendations:
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<ul>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">You must carry the document certifying the cremation of the remains.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">The cremated remains of your pet must be in your custody.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">The remains must be transported in funeral urns with a sturdy exterior, which can be made of cardboard, plastic or wood.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">The outer packaging of the urn must be discreet.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">It must be possible to verify the contents of the urn through X-ray and ensure there are no hazardous substances or elements inside.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">If during the inspection by control authorities the transport is denied, the airline will not be responsible for any damage that occurs.</li>
<li style="font-size: clamp(0.875rem, 0.36vw + 0.765rem, 1rem); line-height: 1.5;">The transport of uncremated animal remains is not authorized.</li>
</ul>
