Avianca Pet Policy 2025: Current Rules for Flying with Dogs and Cats

Traveling with pets can be overwhelming—especially when each airline has different rules, fees, and documentation standards. The Avianca Pet Policy is designed to help passengers transport their pets safely, whether in the cabin, checked as baggage, or shipped through cargo. This comprehensive guide answers every question travelers usually ask, offers a quick overview for fast scanning, includes fees, carrier rules, documentation requirements, domestic/international regulations, and a comparison table for clarity. For immediate assistance with reservations, updates, or confirmations, passengers often reach out to the official service line +1 (866) 558-3017.

Quick Overview 

Pets may travel in-cabin, as checked baggage, or via cargo depending on size, weight, and breed.

• Must have valid health documents, microchip (when required), and appropriate carrier.

  
  
  
  

• Emotional support animals are no longer considered service animals (industry-wide rule).

  
  
  
  

• Only trained service animals travel free of charge.

  
  
  
  

• Advance booking is necessary; you can call +1 (866) 558-3017 for availability.

  
  
  
  

• Different fees apply on domestic and international flights.

  
  
  
  

For real-time guidance, customers often rely on +1 (866) 558-3017 to clarify booking rules and availability.

Complete Avianca Pet Travel Guidelines (2025)

Avianca's pet policy allows small dogs and cats in the cabin, provided they are at least four months old, weigh no more than 10 kg (22 lbs) including the carrier, and fit inside a soft-sided carrier that measures no larger than 22 x 14 x 10 inches (56 x 36 x 25 cm).+1 (866) 558-3017 Pets must be booked at least 48 hours in advance, and you must have all required health and vaccination documents.

For booking assistance or urgent changes, the customer support line +1 (866) 558-3017 is frequently used by travelers.

1. Pets Traveling In Cabin (Onboard Rules)

Pets Traveling in the Cabin

Age & Weight Rules:To fly in the cabin, your pet must be at least 4 months old, and the total weight of the pet plus its carrier cannot exceed 10 kg (22 lbs).

Carrier Guidelines:The carrier must be soft-sided, leak-proof, and well-ventilated. It should not exceed 22 x 14 x 10 inches (56 x 36 x 25 cm). +1 (866) 558-3017 Your pet is required to stay inside the carrier for the entire duration of the flight.

Number of Pets:Each traveler is allowed to bring only one pet in the cabin.

Reservation Requirement:You must request this service at least 48 hours before your flight.

Documentation:A vaccination record and a recent health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian must be presented at check-in.

Airport Check-in Time:Arrive at least 2 hours before departure to allow enough time for processing your pet’s travel paperwork.

Pets Traveling in the Cargo Hold

Weight Rules:Pets that weigh more than 10 kg (22 lbs) can be transported in the checked cargo hold, with a maximum combined weight of 70 kg (154 lbs) +1 (866) 558-3017 including their crate.

Booking & Required Papers:This service must also be booked 48 hours in advance. You’ll need to provide all required documents, including a valid health certificate.

Additional Notes:Certain destinations have specific restrictions. For example, travel to the United States may require extra paperwork, such as rabies testing or serology reports. Always check the entry rules for your final destination.

Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals

Service Dogs:Avianca permits service dogs on board regardless of their size, as long as the dog can be placed without blocking emergency exits. In some cases, the dog may need to be transported in the hold, or you may purchase an extra seat to accommodate it.

Emotional Support Animals:Passengers traveling with an emotional support dog must provide supporting documentation that is no older than one year.

General Requirement:Reservations for service animals and emotional support animals must be made at least 48 hours before the flight, and all necessary documents must be presented.

2. Checked Baggage (Larger Pets)

When pets exceed cabin limits but still meet size and safety requirements, they may travel as checked baggage on select flights.

Rules

• Only dogs and cats permitted.

  
  
  
  

• Temperature and route restrictions apply.

  
  
  
  

• Secure kennel required.

  
  
  
  

• Pet owners must check in early.

  
  
  
  

Questions about seasonal restrictions are often clarified by calling +1 (866) 558-3017.

3. Cargo Transport (Avianca Pet Cargo)

For breeds, sizes, or routes not eligible for cabin or checked baggage, pets may travel via cargo—commonly referenced as Avianca Pet Transportation when passengers search for freight options.

Cargo Requirements

• IATA-compliant kennel required.

  
  
  
  

• Health certificate mandatory.

  
  
  
  

• Booking typically needs to be done several days in advance.

  
  
  
  

• Special handling available for sensitive breeds.

  
  
  
  

If unsure whether your pet qualifies, the line +1 (866) 558-3017 is commonly used for verification.

4. Service Animals & Support Animals

Airlines follow global aviation standards:

Service Animals

• Fully trained service dogs may travel at no cost.

  
  
  
  

• Documentation may be requested for verification.

  
  
  
  

• Limited to one or two animals per passenger.

  
  
  
  

Emotional Support Animals

ESAs are no longer recognized as service animals. They must follow standard pet rules.

For clarification on service-animal paperwork, travelers frequently call +1 (866) 558-3017.

5. Documentation Requirements

Depending on destination:

Required Docs May Include:

• Health certificate issued within the time allowed by the destination country.

  
  
  
  

• Vaccination proof (rabies often required).

  
  
  
  

• Microchip documents for EU and many countries.

  
  
  
  

• Import/export permits.

  
  
  
  

For difficult country-specific requirements, passengers use +1 (866) 558-3017 for step-by-step help.

6. Carrier Requirements

Carriers must:

• Be leak-proof and well-ventilated.

  
  
  
  

• Allow the pet to stand and turn comfortably.

  
  
  
  

• Be soft-sided for cabin or rigid for cargo/checked baggage.

  
  
  
  

Travelers sometimes reference these rules informally as “Avianca Pet Carrier Requirements” when searching online.

7. Domestic & International Guidelines

Domestic flights follow simpler rules, while international flights may require additional documents and quarantines. In online queries, this is often called Avianca Colombia Pet Policy, Avianca Peru Pet Policy, or similar country-specific searches.

For route-specific needs, the helpline +1 (866) 558-3017 is widely used.

8. Avianca Pet Fees (Typical Range)

While fees vary:

Service Type	Estimated Fee Range
Cabin Pet	$80–$125
Checked Baggage	$100–$200
Cargo Shipment	$200+ depending on weight/route
International (average)	Higher depending on destination

Passengers sometimes search for terms like Avianca Pet Fee International or Avianca Pet Policy Fees when researching these costs.

For real-time fee confirmation, travelers often call +1 (866) 558-3017.

Comparison Table: Cabin vs Checked vs Cargo

Feature	Cabin	Checked	Cargo
Allowed Pets	Small dogs/cats	Medium pets	All eligible species
Weight Limit	Low	Moderate	High
Under-Seat Fit	Yes	No	No
Health Certificates	Usually required	Required	Required
Cost	Lowest	Medium	Highest
Route Eligibility	Most	Limited	Widest

Top 10 FAQs About Avianca Pet Travel

1. Does Avianca Airlines accept pets?

Avianca Airlines requires that your pet be accompanied by a certificate of good health, and that your pet is transported in an approved pet carrier or cargo crate. Your veterinarian will be certifying that your pet is healthy enough to travel and is free of diseases communicable to humans

2. Does Avianca allow emotional support of animals?

You may fly with only one (1) emotional support dog, which must comply with all required documentation. Present the printed form for transporting pets in the hold and cabin. If you do not have it, ask for it to our service agents at the airport counter.

3.What size dog can I bring on a plane?

A dog can fly in the cabin if it is small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier that slides completely under the seat in front of you, which generally means dogs weighing up to about 20 pounds, though some airlines allow up to 40 pounds. The dog must remain in its carrier for the entire flight. Larger dogs must fly as cargo, which involves different rules, fees, and restrictions. .

4.Does Avianca Airlines accept pets?

Avianca Airlines requires that your pet be accompanied by a certificate of good health, and that your pet is transported in an approved pet carrier or cargo crate. Your veterinarian will be certifying that your pet is healthy enough to travel and is free of diseases communicable to humans

5. Does your pet count as a carry-on?

Yes, a pet in a carrier typically counts as either your carry-on bag or your personal item, depending on the airline. You cannot typically bring a standard carry-on bag and a pet carrier, but most airlines allow one carry-on bag or a personal item in addition to the pet carrier. It is crucial to check the specific policy of the airline you are flying with

6. What's the most pet friendly airline?

Based on factors like flexibility, fees, and pet types allowed, Alaska Airlines is often cited as the best airline for pets, particularly for in-cabin travel. However, other airlines like Delta and Frontier are also popular choices for their pet-friendly policies, with options for both cabin and checked baggage

7. Does Avianca allow emotional support of animals?

You may fly with only one (1) emotional support dog, which must comply with all required documentation. Present the printed form for transporting pets in the hold and cabin. If you do not have it, ask for it to our service agents at the airport counter

8. What is the pet cargo policy in Avianca?

22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm) +1 (866) 558-3017 — length, width, and height — and your pet must remain inside the container during the flight at all times. The transportation of your pet is subject to availability of space. Book this service at least 48 hours before your flight departure through our Contact center or at the airport.

9. Does Avianca allow service animals?

Yes, you can do so by completing the necessary documentation and regulations. Let us know you are traveling with your service dog in the hold when you book your ticket on avianca.com or after the purchase in the Manage your booking option

10. Where can I get live assistance?

You may contact support at +1 (866) 558-3017.

Conclusion

Traveling with your pet is easier when you understand the rules before booking. Whether flying in-cabin, as checked baggage, or through cargo services, Avianca provides structured options to ensure safe travel for your pet. The Avianca Pet Policy covers documentation, carrier requirements, fees, and service-animal accommodations so pet owners can make informed decisions. When navigating route-specific rules, international documents, or last-minute changes, the readily available helpline +1 (866) 558-3017 offers clear guidance so travelers can finalize bookings confidently.