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 LATAM allow pets on your specific route? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on LATAM? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for LATAM? All your answers related to LATAM 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? Yes
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes
Where is LATAM based?
LATAM [IATA:LA] is based out of Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Chile. They also have subsidiaries in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru.
What countries does LATAM fly to?
LATAM offers service to pets to the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay.
LATAM Pet Policy – In Cabin
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in LATAM’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. Pets must be accompanied by adults over the age of 12.
Pets allowed flown by LATAM in the cabin
Small dogs and cats can fly with LATAM in the cabin with an adult passenger. Pets must be clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly.
Reservations
Reservations for your pet must be made through LATAM’s Contact Center. Pet owners should make reservations for their pet as soon as possible after making their reservation, but at least 4 hours prior to departure.
Age requirements
The minimum age for pets flying with LATAM in the cabin is 8 weeks and at least 5 days weaned. Note that minimum age requirements may be affected by destination country requirements. For example, the minimum age to import a dog to the United States is 6 months of age and 7 months of age when importing to the European Union or United Kingdom from Central and South America countries.
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)
Maximum measurements for soft-sided pet carriers are 15.7″L x 11″W x 9.8″H (40 x 28 x 25 cm). The maximum measurement for hard-sided carriers is 14.2″L x 13″W x 9.5″H (36 x 33 x 19 cm). The door of hard-sided carriers must have a secure lock and not allow any part of your pet to protrude from the carrier.
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
For flights within Colombia, a vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is required. For flights within Brazil, a health certificate from a veterinarian within 10 days is required. For all other destinations, the pet import requirements will preside. Regulations for dogs flying to the United States have changed. Find new regulations to import a dog to the United States here.
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 your 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 your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Route restrictions
In-cabin service for pets is not available on flights to or from the Galápagos Islands, Aruba, Australia, England, Mount Pleasant, New Zealand and South Africa. Pets are not allowed in Premium Business Class on any LATAM aircraft. In-cabin service is only permitted in Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
Your pet’s itinerary must not involve any interlining with other airlines or code sharing partners.
Pet travel is temporarily suspended between the United States and Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia due to new CDC restrictions for importing a dog to the United States.
Check in
Owners flying with a dog or cat should arrive at the airport with their pet in the carrier and check-in with an LATAM ticket agent at least 3 hours prior to departure time for all domestic flights within Brazil and 4 hours prior to departure for international flights.
Related: How to clear airport security with a pet
Pet fee
The cost to fly a dog or cat on LATAM is as follows:
- Within Brazil – BR $ 200
- Within Chile (except Easter Island) – CLP 50.000
- Within Colombia – COP 60.000
- Within Ecuador – USD 45
- Within Peru – USD 45
Regionals**
- USD 200 – Long Haul flights*** – USD 250
** Regional flights: Flights between countries in South America, between South America and Central America/Cancun.The following routes are also included: Punta Cana – Miami and Santiago and Easter Islands.
***Long-haul flights: Flights between South American and Europe – North America.
Refunds may be granted depending on the type of ticket purchased and whether the cancellation was done prior to departure.
Service/Emotional support dog pet policy
All service dogs may fly in the cabin 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. Notice must be provided to the airline at least 48 hours prior to departure.
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. They will not be seated in exit rows. They 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.
LATAM will transport emotional support dogs with a medical certificate issued with one year of the flight on the letterhead of your psychiatrist, psychologist or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (United States). Notice must be given a minimum of 48 hours in advance. Your dog should travel with a muzzle and will be required when flying LATAM Airlines Chile. Emotional support dogs must be mannerly and not show any aggression to other passengers or flight crew.
All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally.
LATAM Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
If the size of your pet is too large to fit in an airline-compliant pet carrier, it will be transported as checked baggage on LATAM if it is flying with an adult passenger over the age of 12. This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin.
Live animals are checked in by reservation employees and are checked in at the airport terminal. The airline will move your pet between aircraft in their fleet during layovers if the layover is not over about 3 hours in length.
Pets flown by LATAM as checked baggage
Cats and dogs can fly with LATAM as checked baggage. Pets must be clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly.,
Reservations
Reservations for your pet must be made through LATAM’s Contact Center. Pet owners should make reservations for their pet as soon as possible after making their reservation, but at least 4 hours prior to departure.
Age/Weight requirements
The minimum age for pets flying with LATAM as checked baggage is 16 weeks and at least 5 days weaned. Note that minimum age requirements may be affected by destination country requirements. For example, the minimum age to import a dog to the United States is 6 months of age and 7 months of age when importing to the European Union or United Kingdom from Central and South America countries.
Maximum weight to fly a pet as checked baggage on LATAM is 99 lbs. (45 kg). On flights to, from or via Europe, Argentina or Venezuela, the maximum weight is 70.5 lbs. (32 kg).
Pet crate requirements
The linear size (L+W+H) of your pet’s crate must not exceed 118″ (300 cm), with a height not exceeding 45″ (115 cm). One pet is permitted per crate and 2 crates is permitted per passenger.
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
Route or aircraft restrictions
In-cabin service for pets is not available on flights to or from the Galápagos Islands, Aruba, Australia, England, Mount Pleasant, New Zealand and South Africa. Your pet’s itinerary must not involve any interlining with other airlines or code sharing partners.
Forms Required
For flights within Colombia, a vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is required. For flights within Brazil, a health certificate from a veterinarian within 10 days is required. For all other destinations, the pet import requirements will preside. Regulations for dogs flying to the United States have changed. Find new regulations to import a dog to the United States here.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
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 your 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 your pet is traveling.
Check in
Owners flying with a dog or cat should arrive at the airport with their pet in the carrier and check-in with an LATAM ticket agent at least 3 hours prior to departure time for all domestic flights within Brazil and 4 hours prior to departure for international flights. Pets should not be sedated as it may interfere with their breathing.
Pet fee
Flights within Colombia
- Weight of pet and carrier: 0-23 kg -COP 170.000
- Weight of pet and carrier: 24-32 kg – COP 200.000
- Weight of pet and carrier: 33-45 kg -COP 250.000
Flights within Ecuador
- Weight of pet and carrier: 0-23 kg – USD 50
- Weight of pet and carrier: 24-32 kg – USD 65
- Weight of pet and carrier: 33-45 kg – USD 80
Flights within Peru
- Weight of pet and carrier: 0-23 kg – USD 60
- Weight of pet and carrier: 24-32 kg – USD 80
- Weight of pet and carrier: 33-45 kg – USD 100
Regionals**
- Weight of pet and carrier: 0-23 kg – USD 125
- Weight of pet and carrier: 24-32 kg – USD 200
- Weight of pet and carrier: 33-45 kg – USD 275
Long Haul flights***
- Weight of pet and carrier: 0-23 kg – USD 150
** Regional flights: Flights between countries in South America, between South America and Central America/Cancun.The following routes are also included: Punta Cana – Miami and Santiago and Easter Islands.
***Long-haul flights: Flights between South American and Europe and North America.
Search dogs traveling for humanitarian reasons are exempt from fees.
LATAM 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, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.
Pets flown by LATAM as air cargo
Cats, dogs, equine, fish and other animals are accepted to fly as air cargo on LATAM.
Reservations
Bookings should be made at LATAM Cargo Offices by licensed agents.
Pet crate requirements
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
Forms Required
A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs and cats) and all forms required for your destination country. For those pets protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), those permits must also be available.
The agent 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 your 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 your 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 LATAM cargo facility which is located on airport grounds; however, with few exceptions, not at the airport terminal.
Pet fee
The cost to fly a pet as air cargo on LATAM will depend on the linear size of the crate (L+W+H) as well as the weight of your pet and the route.
LATAM 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 and weld metal mesh.
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. LATAM requires either metal or plastic threaded nuts and bolts to secure both halves of the crate. No clips are permitted. Doors must not be plastic but metal mesh. There should be no openings on the top of the crate.
The crate must not have wheels. No toys, blankets, chews or clothing must be put in the crate, although absorbent material or a pet pad is required.
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 your pet before flying.
Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier
Temperature Restrictions – Checked Baggage and 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 LATAM
Snub-nosed animals will need to fly in crates one size larger than normally required. Their heads must be at least 6″ from the top of the crate. They will only be accepted on domestic flights within Brazil. The following breeds are affected:
DOGS: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bull Mastiff, Bulldog (all breeds), American Bully, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, Griffon Bruxellois, Lhasa Apso, English Mastiff, Italian Mastiff (Cane Corso), Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Pitbull (all breeds), Presa Canario (Dogo Canario), Pug or Pug (all breeds), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Japanese Spaniel (Chin), Tibetan Spaniel, Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy), American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff), English Toy Spaniel (Amstaff), American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff).
CATS: American Burmese, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair, and Persian (all types).
The following dog breeds have been classified as dangerous by LATAM may not fly as checked baggage, although they may fly as air cargo:
American Akita, Akita Inu (Japanese), Boxer, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, American Bulldog, American Bully, Doberman, Dogo Argentino, Dogo de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Italian Mastiff (Cane Corso), Neapolitan Mastiff, Anatolian Shepherd (Karabash), Pitbull (all breeds), Presa Canario (Dogo Canario), Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy), American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff), Tosa Inu (Japanese), Tosa Inu (Japanese).
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
The information published here is a guideline for LATAM pet policy. For more pet friendly 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 transporting a pet with LATAM? Post it below and we will respond. You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, Forum, 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 LATAM pet policy.
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