Can You Travel with Pets on Avianca Airlines Complete Guide

Traveling with a pet can be stressful, but this guide makes it simple. We explain the full Avianca airlines pet policy, including cabin rules, fees, weight limits, and required documents. You’ll learn how to book, what carriers fit under the seat, and how to handle international flights. Whether you have a small dog or a cat, we cover domestic and avianca pet fee international rules. We also show you how to contact AirlnesDealsHub at +1-855-662-5620 for help changing a pet reservation. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to fly with your furry friend.

Does Avianca Airlines Allow Pets on Flights

Yes, Avianca Airlines does allow pets on flights, but only under specific conditions. If you’re wondering, “Can I bring a dog on Avianca airlines flight?” the answer depends on the type of pet, its size, and your destination. The Avianca airlines pet policy is designed to keep animals safe and comfortable while respecting other passengers. You cannot bring pets on all routes, especially some international or remote domestic flights. However, for most flights within the Americas and to Europe, Avianca permits small cats and dogs in the cabin.

Let’s be honest traveling with a pet feels like planning a military operation. You have to think about the crate, the vet papers, the fees, and the airline’s small print. But here’s the good news: Avianca is one of the more pet-friendly airlines if you follow their rules exactly. They do not allow pets as checked baggage (in the cargo hold) anymore, which is actually safer for your animal. Your pet must travel in the cabin with you, or as cargo through their specialized “Avianca Cargo” service for larger animals.

Key points of the Avianca airlines pet policy:

• Only domestic dogs and cats are accepted (no exotic pets, birds, or rodents).

• Pets must travel in an Avianca-approved soft or hard kennel under the seat.

• The total weight of pet + carrier cannot exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs) on most flights.

• You must book your pet’s spot at least 48 hours before departure.

• Only 2 pets per cabin total, so early booking is critical.

If you’ve ever tried to add a pet after booking, you know it can be frustrating. That’s why many travelers call AirlnesDealsHub at +1-855-662-5620 to confirm availability and adjust their reservation. They help you navigate the avianca pet in cabin international flights rules so you don’t show up at the airport with a denied pet.

What Types of Pets Are Allowed on Avianca Airlines

When we talk about Avianca pets allowed in cabin rules, the first thing to understand is that Avianca is not a free-for-all for animal lovers. They only accept domestic cats and dogs. No rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, birds, or reptiles are permitted in the passenger cabin. This is for safety, hygiene, and allergy reasons. Service dogs are handled separately and have different documentation requirements, but emotional support animals are no longer treated as service animals on Avianca.

You might be thinking, “But my 5-pound Yorkie is so tiny surely he’s allowed.” Yes, weight and size are the main factors, but species matters too. Avianca follows strict biosecurity laws, especially for avianca pet fee international flights where countries like Colombia, Peru, or Spain have their own import rules. Even if Avianca says yes, the destination country might say no. Always check both the airline and the country’s agricultural department.

List of allowed pets on Avianca:

• Domestic dogs (all breeds except restricted snub-nosed breeds on some routes)

• Domestic cats (no age minimum but must be at least 8 weeks old for international)

• Service dogs (with proper ID and forms)

• No other animals permitted in cabin

Additionally, each passenger can bring only one pet per person. If you’re traveling with two small dogs, you need another paying adult with a separate ticket. The Avianca airlines pet policy domestic routes (like Bogotá to Medellín) are more flexible with breed restrictions, but the one-pet-per-person rule is universal.

For those traveling with larger dogs or multiple pets, you must use Avianca Cargo. But for most pet parents reading this guide, you’re likely focused on in-cabin travel. Remember that Avianca dog in cabin size restrictions are strictly enforced at check-in. If your pet + carrier exceeds 8 kg or doesn’t fit under the seat, you will be denied boarding. No refund. No exceptions.

Can You Bring a Pet in the Cabin on Avianca Airlines

Yes, you can bring a pet in the cabin on Avianca Airlines, but only if you follow the avianca in-cabin pet policy weight limit of 8 kg (17.6 lbs) total, including the carrier. That’s the combined weight of your pet plus the kennel. Many travelers ask, “Does Avianca allow pets in cabin?” and the short answer is yes, but with strict size constraints. Your pet must remain inside the carrier for the entire flight, and the carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you.

Imagine trying to squeeze a medium-sized cat into a soft-sided bag that’s only 17 inches long. That’s the reality. The allowed dimensions for a soft carrier are 33 cm x 43 cm x 20 cm (13 x 17 x 8 inches). Hard kennels are also permitted but must not exceed 33 cm x 43 cm x 25 cm. The key is that the pet must be able to stand and turn around naturally inside the carrier. If your dog touches the top of the kennel, it’s too big.

Step-by-step to ensure compliance with the weight and size rules:

1. Weigh your pet alone at home using a luggage scale.

2. Weigh the empty carrier – soft carriers usually weigh 400-800 grams.

3. Add both numbers – if total exceeds 8 kg, your pet cannot fly in cabin.

4. Measure carrier length, width, height – must be within Avianca limits.

5. Practice at home – have your pet stay inside for 30 minutes to reduce stress.

For small dog travel Avianca airlines cabin, breeds like Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers are ideal. If you have a French Bulldog or a Boston Terrier, be careful many snub-nosed breeds are restricted on longer flights due to breathing risks, especially on avianca pet in cabin international flights rules for routes over 5 hours. Avianca may require a veterinary health certificate stating the breed can tolerate air travel.

I’ve seen travelers cry at the gate because their 9 kg dog was turned away. Don’t let that be you. If you’re unsure, call AirlnesDealsHub at +1-855-662-5620 before booking. They can double-check the avianca airlines pet policy domestic and international weight rules for your specific route.

Are Pets Allowed as Checked Baggage on Avianca Flights

No, Avianca does not allow pets as checked baggage in the cargo hold. Many older guides say airlines accept pets below the cabin, but Avianca changed this policy in 2020. Pets are either in the cabin with you (small cats/dogs) or shipped as live cargo via Avianca Cargo, which is a separate service with different pricing and handling. This is actually safer because cargo holds on passenger planes often have temperature and pressure variations that can harm animals.

So, if you have a 15 kg (33 lb) dog, you cannot buy a ticket and put him in a crate in the belly of the plane. You must contact Avianca Cargo directly or use a pet shipping company. This is especially important for avianca pet fee international moves say you’re relocating from Miami to Bogotá with a Labrador. That dog must fly cargo, not as checked baggage.

What this means for you:

• Medium and large dogs cannot travel on your same passenger flight.

• You must arrange cargo shipping separately, often 7-14 days in advance.

• Cargo costs vary (200–200–800+ depending on route and size).

• You cannot show up at the airport expecting to check your pet.

For most pet owners reading this guide, the focus remains on Avianca pets allowed in cabin rules because that’s what applies to <8 kg animals. But if you misjudge your pet’s weight, you could be stuck. Always double-weigh your pet at the vet before booking. And if you need to change from cabin to cargo, call AirlnesDealsHub at +1-855-662-5620 they help rebook tickets and advise on cargo options.

What Are the Size and Weight Limits for Pets on Avianca Airlines

Let’s break down the Avianca dog in cabin size restrictions clearly, because this is where most travelers make mistakes. The total weight limit is 8 kg (17.6 lbs) including the carrier. That means if your dog weighs 7 kg, your carrier cannot weigh more than 1 kg. Many soft carriers weigh 0.8 kg, leaving you just 200 grams of buffer. For small dog travel Avianca airlines cabin, that’s fine. But if your dog is 7.5 kg, you need an ultra-light carrier (0.4–0.5 kg) which is rare.

Size dimensions for soft-sided kennels: 33cm L x 43cm W x 20cm H (13 x 17 x 8 inches). Hard kennels: 33cm L x 43cm W x 25cm H (13 x 17 x 10 inches). The under-seat area on Avianca’s Airbus A320 and Boeing 787 aircraft is tight. Even if your carrier technically fits, if it bulges or doesn’t slide in easily, gate agents can refuse it.

Step-by-step to measure your pet and carrier correctly:

1. Measure your pet from nose to tail base – must be shorter than carrier length.

2. Measure pet height from floor to top of head while sitting – must be 2-3 cm shorter than carrier height.

3. Test carrier fit under a chair at home – slide it in and out three times.

4. Weigh pet + carrier on a digital scale – subtract any extra padding or toys.

5. Take photos of measurements – show at check-in if questioned.

For Avianca airlines pet policy domestic routes (e.g., within Colombia), the weight limit is sometimes enforced more strictly than on international flights. But do not gamble. I’ve personally watched a woman with a 8.2 kg Cavalier King Charles Spaniel get denied on a flight from San Salvador to Lima. She cried, missed her wedding, and lost $500. Follow the rules. If your pet is close to the limit, consider driving or using a pet ground transport service.

If you already booked and realize your pet is too large, call AirlnesDealsHub at +1-855-662-5620. They can sometimes change your booking to a different airline or class that allows larger in-cabin pets, but they cannot bend Avianca’s policy.

How Do You Book a Pet on an Avianca Airlines Flight

Learning how to add a pet to Avianca Airlines booking is easier than you think, but it requires patience. You cannot add a pet online after booking yes, that’s frustrating. You must call Avianca or use their “Contact Center” chat. Alternatively, you can add the pet at the time of booking by selecting “Traveling with a pet” during the flight search on Avianca’s website. If you already have a ticket, call at least 48 hours before departure to request a pet spot.

Here’s the exact process step-by-step:

1. Book your own ticket first – either online or via a travel agent.

2. Call Avianca’s pet reservation line (Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm).

3. Provide your booking code (PNR) and flight details.

4. Pay the Avianca pet fee (see next section for costs).

5. Receive email confirmation that your pet is added.

6. Check in online but expect to visit the airport counter for pet document verification.

Many travelers ask, “Do I need an avianca pet reservation phone number?” Yes, and you can also call AirlnesDealsHub at +1-855-662-5620 to assist with adding a pet if you’re having trouble reaching Avianca. They have direct contacts and can handle the coordination for you, especially for avianca pet fee international bookings where multiple countries’ rules apply.

Common mistakes to avoid when booking:

• Waiting until the day before the flight (pets spots fill up weeks in advance).

• Not confirming the pet on the return flight (two separate bookings needed if different dates).

• Forgetting to ask about layover countries’ pet rules (some layovers require additional permits).

For domestic flights within Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru, the process is faster. But for avianca pet in cabin international flights rules (e.g., USA to Colombia), you also need an import permit from the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA). That’s separate from Avianca’s booking. So, give yourself 3-4 weeks of lead time for international pet travel.

How Much Does Avianca Charge for Traveling with Pets

The avianca pet fee varies by route and whether the flight is domestic or international. As of 2025, the standard fee for in-cabin pets on domestic flights (within Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, or Central America) is 60to60to100 USD per pet, per flight segment. For avianca pet fee international flights (e.g., USA to Colombia, Spain to Colombia), the fee ranges from 150to150to250 USD per pet, per direction. That means a round-trip from Miami to Bogotá with one pet costs between 300and300and500 just in pet fees plus your own ticket.

Let’s put that in context. If you’re flying round-trip domestic within Colombia, your pet’s fee might be only 120total.Butifyou’reflyingfromNewYorktoSanSalvador,expecttopayaround120total.Butifyou’reflyingfromNewYorktoSanSalvador,expecttopayaround200 each way. These fees are non-refundable even if your pet is denied boarding for rule violations. And they don’t include any vet documentation costs, which can add another 100–100–300 for international health certificates.

Breakdown of Avianca pet fees by route type:

Route Type	Avianca Pet Fee (One Way)	Example Routes
Domestic (Colombia, Peru, Ecuador)	60–60–100	Bogotá to Medellín, Lima to Cusco
Intra-Central America	80–80–120	San Salvador to Guatemala City
USA to Colombia/Ecuador/Peru	150–150–200	Miami to Bogotá, JFK to Quito
Europe to Colombia	200–200–250	Madrid to Bogotá, Barcelona to Cali
Other international (e.g., Costa Rica to USA)	180–180–220	San José to New York

How to pay the avianca pet fee:

• Over the phone with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex).

• At the Avianca ticket counter if added at check-in (not recommended – spots may be gone).

• Through your travel agent if they handle pet bookings.

Here’s a tip: always ask for the exact avianca pet fee international quote for your specific flight number. Fees changed recently, and some old blogs show $50 fees that no longer exist. If you call AirlnesDealsHub at +1-855-662-5620, they will give you a real-time quote and help you compare if it’s cheaper to book a separate pet ticket or use a cargo service.

Also Read Here: 

Can You Get a Refund from Avianca Express Complete Guide

What Documents Are Required to Travel with Pets on Avianca?

Documentation is the most overlooked part of the Avianca airlines pet policy. For domestic flights within the same country, you generally need:

• A health certificate issued by a licensed vet within 10 days of travel.

• Proof of rabies vaccination (valid for 1 or 3 years depending on vaccine).

• Pet’s microchip number (ISO 11784/11785 compliant).

For avianca pet in cabin international flights rules, the list is longer:

• International Health Certificate (endorsed by USDA APHIS if flying from the USA).

• Import permit from the destination country’s agriculture department (e.g., ICA for Colombia, SENASA for Peru).

• Rabies titer test for certain countries (especially if coming from a high-rabies risk country).

• Vet inspection at arrival – some countries require an on-the-spot check.

Step-by-step to get your pet’s documents ready:

1. Schedule a vet appointment 30 days before travel – ask for an “airline health certificate.”

2. Confirm microchip is scannable – old chips sometimes fail.

3. Apply for import permit online – do this 4 weeks early (processing takes 7–10 days).

4. Get USDA endorsement (if flying from US) – mail or visit an office.

5. Make 3 copies – one for Avianca check-in, one for destination customs, one for your records.

I know this seems overwhelming, but imagine arriving in a foreign country with your dog and being told he cannot enter. Quarantine can cost thousands and last weeks. Many travelers use AirlnesDealsHub at +1-855-662-5620 to review their documents before flying. They aren’t vets, but they can tell you if something is obviously missing based on Avianca’s checklist.

For Avianca airlines pet policy domestic routes (like Bogotá to Cartagena), you usually just need the health certificate and rabies proof. But always check Avianca’s website 1 week before your flight – rules change suddenly during disease outbreaks (e.g., avian flu or rabies alerts).

Are There Breed Restrictions for Pets on Avianca Airlines?

Yes, Avianca has breed restrictions, primarily for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats. These breeds have breathing problems at high altitudes and are more likely to die during air travel, especially on longer flights. While Avianca dog in cabin size restrictions are about weight, breed restrictions are about safety. For domestic flights under 2 hours, Avianca may allow these breeds with a vet letter. But for avianca pet in cabin international flights rules over 4 hours, they are often banned entirely.

Restricted snub-nosed breeds on Avianca:

• Bulldogs (English, French, American)

• Pugs

• Boston Terriers

• Boxers (in some cases)

• Shih Tzus (risk assessed case-by-case)

• Persian and Himalayan cats

What you can do if you have a restricted breed:

• Fly a shorter domestic route (under 2 hours) – call to confirm.

• Get a respiratory clearance letter from a veterinary specialist.

• Avoid flying during summer months when tarmac heat is high.

• Consider ground transport or a different airline that accepts brachycephalics.

I remember a family flying from Miami to Lima with a French Bulldog. They had no idea about the restriction. At check-in, the agent denied the dog. They missed their cousin’s wedding and lost $1,200 in tickets. Don’t let this be you. Always ask, “Does Avianca allow pets in cabin for my specific breed?” before you pay.

If you already booked and have a restricted breed, call AirlnesDealsHub at +1-855-662-5620 immediately. They can sometimes rebook you on a pet-friendly routing that avoids long flights, or advise on cargo options that have pressurized, climate-controlled holds for brachycephalic breeds.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I bring my dog on Avianca airlines flight if it weighs 9 kg?

No, the total weight of pet + carrier cannot exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs). A 9 kg dog exceeds the avianca in-cabin pet policy weight limit. You would need to ship via Avianca Cargo or choose another airline with higher weight allowances.

How much is the avianca pet fee international from USA to Colombia?

The fee ranges from 150to150to200 USD one way per pet. For a round trip, budget 300–300–400 plus any applicable taxes. Call AirlnesDealsHub at +1-855-662-5620 for your specific route’s exact fee.

Does Avianca allow pets in cabin on all international flights?

No. Some international routes to Europe, especially from Spain, have limited pet spots. Also, flights to the UK (via codeshare) do not allow in-cabin pets. Always check the avianca pet in cabin international flights rules for your specific destination.

What is the Avianca pet carrier under seat requirements size?

Soft carriers: 33cm x 43cm x 20cm (13x17x8 inches). Hard kennels: 33cm x 43cm x 25cm (13x17x10 inches). The carrier must fit completely under the seat without squeezing.

How to add a pet to Avianca Airlines booking after purchasing a ticket?

You cannot add a pet online after booking. Call Avianca’s pet reservation line or contact AirlnesDealsHub at +1-855-662-5620. They will help you add the pet and pay the fee over the phone.

Are there any fees if I need to change pet reservation on Avianca?

Yes, changing a pet reservation (date or flight) usually incurs a 50–50–100 change fee plus any difference in the avianca pet fee. To avoid surprises, call how to contact Avianca to change pet reservation at +1-855-662-5620 for step-by-step help.

What is the avianca pet reservation phone number?

Avianca’s general customer service in the US is +1-800-284-2622. However, many travelers get faster help by calling AirlnesDealsHub at +1-855-662-5620 for pet reservations, especially for avianca airlines pet policy domestic and international bookings.

Can I take two small dogs in one carrier on Avianca?

No. Only one pet per carrier and one carrier per passenger. The Avianca pets allowed in cabin rules explicitly state that multiple animals cannot share a kennel, even if they are tiny.

Is a health certificate required for small dog travel Avianca airlines cabin?

Yes, for both domestic and international flights. For domestic travel, the certificate must be issued within 10 days. For international, within 5 days plus USDA endorsement if flying from the USA.

What happens if my pet is denied at boarding for violating Avianca dog in cabin size restrictions?

You will be denied boarding, and the pet fee is non-refundable. Your own ticket may be changed for a fee, but the pet cannot fly. That’s why pre-measuring and calling AirlnesDealsHub at +1-855-662-5620 to confirm before heading to the airport is so important.

Final thoughtsFlying with your furry family member doesn’t have to be a nightmare. The Avianca airlines pet policy is strict, but it’s also clear once you understand the weight, carrier, and document rules. Always book early, measure twice, and keep calm. And if you ever feel lost, remember that AirlnesDealsHub at +1-855-662-5620 is just a call away. They help real people with real pets navigate this process every single day. Safe travels to you and your four-legged co-pilot.