Avianca Airlines Pet Policy

IN CABIN TRAVEL: FLY WITH A SMALL DOG OR CAT
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in Avianca pet policy to travel in-cabin, you will need an approved airline pet carrier. You must notify Avianca that you are traveling with a pet. Reservations cannot be made online.

CHECKED BAGGAGE OR CARGO TRAVEL: FLY WITH A LARGER DOG OR CAT OR OTHER ANIMAL
If your pet is too large to fit under the seat, it is an animal other than a dog or cat, or if it is a very long flight, Avianca Airlines may transport your pet in the cargo section of the aircraft according to its regulations. This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin. TIP: Be sure to tell the Captain of the aircraft that your pet is flying in the cargo hold so that they can be sure to keep the temperature at the proper level.

If your pet is traveling in the cargo section, whether through the cargo department or as checked baggage, it must be in a pet crate that is IATA compliant. Learn more about IATA compliant pet crates.  We also suggest that you consider crate hardware for your pet's crate as more airlines are requiring it. Once you receive your crate, you will need to acclimate your pet to it before traveling. Our guide for preparing your dog or cat and its crate for travel is helpful, especially for first time pet travelers. Download Preparing Your Pet and Its Crate for Travel.

Breed Restrictions: Avianca will not transport the following dog breeds or their crosses: Chinese Shar Pei, Tibetan Spaniel, Boston Terrier, English Bulldog, Boxer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, Belgian Griffon, Dogue de Bordeaux, Brussels Griffon, English Toy Spaniel, Petit Brabancon, Pekingese, Japanese Chin or Pug. The following breeds of cat will not be accepted: Burmese, Persian, Himalayan, or Exotic Short Hair.

The following breeds will be transported only as air cargo: American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, De Presa Canario, Doberman, Dogo Argentino, Dogo de Bordeaux, Fila Brasilero, Mastín Napolitano, Pitbull Terrier, Rottweiler and Tosa Japones.

HEALTH CERTIFICATE
Many airlines require a health certificate indicating that the pet is healthy enough for travel, is free of diseases communicable to humans and has been properly vaccinated, especially when traveling in the cargo section of the aircraft. A Health Certificate completed by your veterinarian within 10 days of travel is required by Avianca Airlines when your pet is traveling as manifest cargo.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
If you are traveling to another country, Avianca Airlines will want to see that you have the proper documents to enter that country with your pet. Most countries have their own version of a Veterinary Certificate. In addition, some countries require an Import Permit. Find pet passport forms and instructions in the Pet Travel Store.

HOT AND COLD WEATHER RESTRICTIONS
When runway temperatures are above 84F (29C) degrees at the departure airport, Avianca Airlines may refuse to board your dog or cat as cargo or checked baggage. When the weather is very cold with a runway temperature below 45F (7C) degrees at the time of departure, Avianca Airlines may require what is called an Acclimation Certificate. Learn more about the pet travel airline temperature restrictions.

ADDITIONAL AIRLINE PET TRAVEL INFORMATION

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