When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Does Copa Airlines allow pets on your specific route? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on Copa Airlines? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for Copa Airlines? All your answers related to Copa Airlines pet policy are answered below.
Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.
Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines
- In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat. - Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
- Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.
Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes (Certain Flights)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? No
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes
Where is Copa Airlines based?
Copa Airlines [IATA:CM] is based out of Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. Most layovers within Copa Airlines’s network will occur in this airport.
What countries does Copa Airlines fly to?
Copa Airlines offers service to pets to the following countries: Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United states, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Copa Airlines Pet Policy – In Cabin
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in Copa Airlines’s pet policy to fly in the cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required to address a physical or medical disability. All passengers flying with a pet in the cabin must be at least 11 years of age.
Pets allowed flown by Copa Airlines in the cabin
Small dogs and cats can be flown in the cabin. Pets must be clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly. Pets are not flown in Business Class unless they are trained service dogs. Rabbits are not permitted.
Reservations
Reservations for your pet should be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance of departure either:
- at the time of your booking or
- through Copa Airline’s Sales Office or
- by contacting Copa Airline’s Call Center or
Pets that arrive at the airport without a reservation will fly subject to availability in the cabin. Only three pets are permitted to fly in the cabin on each flight.
Age/Weight requirements
Your pet must be at least 16 weeks of age to fly. The weight of your pet including its carrier cannot exceed 20 lbs. (10 kg).
Pet carrier requirements
Your pet’s carrier must:
- Have adequate ventilation on at least 3 sides (domestic US) or 4 sides (international)
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
- Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
- Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
- Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)
- Have a structure that can withstand handling without collapsing.
Only soft-sided, airline-compliant carriers are permitted. Maximum carrier dimensions are 18″L x 11″m W x 11″H (45.7 x 28 x 28 cm). One pet per passenger is permitted. Exit row or bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when flying with a pet. Pets must remain in carriers for the duration of the flight.
Related: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant
Forms required
A current health certificate and proof of valid rabies vaccination is required for all pets flying in the cabin with Copa Airlines. Additionally, a Terms and Conditions form must be completed.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which the pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities, depending upon the route on which the pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Route restrictions
No pets are permitted on flights to or from Armenia, Colombia on Saturday or Sunday. No pets are permitted on flights to Aruba originating from Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Asia, South or Central America countries. Pets not accepted when flying on itineraries involving an airline other than Copa Airlines.
*Regulations for dogs flying to the United States have changed. Find new regulations to import a dog to the United States here.
Check in
Related: How to clear airport security with a pet
Pet fee
- Domestic Flights: $25 USD | $29-33 CAD
- International Flights $125 USD | 147-166 CAD
Service dog pet policy
All service dogs may fly in the main cabin or Business Class on all routes at no charge. They must be trained by a person or organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability.
Service dogs must be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the space provided at their passenger’s feet without intruding on cabin operations or other passengers. If there is not space available, passengers may purchase an additional seat for this purpose.
Emotional support dog pet policy
Emotional support dogs must be a minimum of six months of age and a maximum of 20 lbs. (10 kg). If they are larger than this weight, passengers can purchase an additional seat. ESAs are only permitted to or from Colombia and Mexico.
They are not permitted to fly in Business Class and must always remain with their handler.
Both service and emotional support dogs must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.
If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation forms must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. All required documentation required for the destination country must be provided at check in.
All service and emotional support dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally.
Copa Airlines Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
Pets flown by Copa Airlines as checked baggage
Copa Airlines does not fly any live animal as checked baggage.
Copa Airlines Pet Policy – Air Cargo
All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight. The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. Unlike checked baggage, pets are generally checked in and claimed at the airline’s cargo facility. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal. Many airlines require that an agent books the transport. If you need a licensed agent to arrange your pet’s transport or other assistance, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.
Pets flown by Copa Airlines as air cargo
Dogs and cats are flown as air cargo on Copa Airlines on Monday through Thursday only.
Reservations
Reservations must be made with Copa Pets Department. The following information must be available at the time of reservation: species, breed, age, departure date, destination, weight of pet and kennel dimensions.
Age requirements
Pets must be a minimum age of 2 months and a maximum age of 11 years to fly as air cargo. Any pets older than 11 years will require a release of liability between the owner and the airline.
Pet crate requirements
All crates must be in compliance with the International Air Transportation Association. For further requirements, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
Route or aircraft restrictions
No pets are permitted on flights to or from Armenia, Colombia on Saturday or Sunday. No pets are permitted on flights to Aruba originating from Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Asia, South or Central America countries.
Pets not accepted when flying on itineraries involving an airline other than Copa Airlines. Any layovers at PTY must be a minimum of 45 minutes.
*Regulations for dogs flying to the United States have changed. Find new regulations to import a dog to the United States here.
Forms Required
A current health certificate and proof of valid rabies vaccination is required for all pets flying in the cabin with Copa Airlines. Additionally, a Terms and Conditions form must be completed.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which the pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities, depending upon the route on which the pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Your pet will be checked in at the Copa Airlines cargo facility which is located on airport grounds; however, with few exceptions, not at the airport terminal.
Pet fee
The cost to fly your pet as air cargo will depend on your pet’s weight, carrier size and route.
Copa Airlines Pet Crate Requirements
All pet crates must conform to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood.
The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The floor must be waterproof. The crate must not have wheels attached when checking your pet. Metal hardware should be used to fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together. Copa Airlines requires either metal or plastic threaded nuts and bolts to secure both halves of the crate.
All crates must be labeled with LIVE ANIMAL stickers and a Shipping Declaration that includes feeding and watering instructions.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?
All pets should be acclimated to their crates prior to travel. This may take weeks or even months to accomplish; however, it is the best thing you can do for pet before flying.
Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier
Temperature Restrictions – Air Cargo
When temperatures rise above or drop under certain levels, commercial airlines will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold. These restrictions are implemented for the safety of your pet. It is important to note that the risk from high or low temperatures is not when your pet is airborne. The risks come during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac and taxiing to the take-off runway.
Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, however, no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).
Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets.
Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions.
Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold
Breeds Banned by Copa Airlines
The following breeds or their mixes will not be permitted to fly Copa Cargo: Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Argentine Dogo, Brazilian Fila, Cane Corso, English Bulldog, Canary Catch Dog, Canary, Cane Corso, Durch Bulldog, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pekingese, Tosa and any other dogs that display aggressive behavior.
These breeds require that they travel in crates larger than normally required and not in high temperatures or transport to Brazil: Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Brussels Griffon, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin, Japanese Pug, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Mastiff, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel and Yorkshire Terrier.
If you are traveling with one of these breeds, be sure and tell the agent when you call to make your pet’s reservations. Your pet’s crate must have ventilation on all four sides.
Private Jet Charter
Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.
Other Information
Sedated pets will not be accepted. Pets who are ill or recovering from birth or surgery will not be accepted.
Copa Airlines publishes a checklist to assist the pet owner that their pet is in compliance with their regulations. The information published here is a guideline for Copa Airlines pet policy. For more airline pet policies, click the banner below.
Further Reading
How to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold
Tips for airline pet travel
Requirements for a pet transiting a country by air
When do you need a pet transporter?
Routing your pet’s flight
Flying with a snub-nosed breed
More information on airline pet travel
Have a comment or question about flying with Copa Airlines? Post it below and we will respond. You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, X (Twitter), Facebook, or Email or follow our activities on Instagram and TikTok.
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to deny your pet boarding privileges at the time of check in. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Copa Airlines pet policy.
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