Avianca Pet Policy 2026: Cabin Rules & Requirements

The Avianca pet policy offers a structured approach for travelers wishing to bring their dogs, cats, or even small ornamental birds on a journey across the Americas and Europe. Unlike some more restrictive carriers, Avianca maintains a dual-service model, allowing smaller pets to stay with you in the cabin while providing a climate-controlled hold for larger animals up to 70 kg (154 lbs). You’ll have to master the rules – and play the game – in this modern aviation world. These rules cover a minimum age of your pet (usually at least four months old) and exact carrier dimensions to ensure that every companion is stowed safely beneath the seat or in the belly of the aircraft. Reserve early as each flight only has so many spaces, and nursing your pet into the airline’s daily logistics is your best guarantee of an uncomplicated trip.

Does Avianca Allow Pets?

Avianca Airlines allows pets to travel alongside their owners, providing flexible options for both cabin and hold transport. As of April 2, small dogs and cats can join you in the passenger cabin if their combined weight with a flexible carrier does not exceed 10 kg (22 lbs). For larger animals, Avianca offers a climate-controlled hold service for pets weighing up to 70 kg (154 lbs), though specific aircraft like the Airbus A320 may have lower individual weight caps. Because space is strictly limited and seasonal weather restrictions often pause transport to colder northern hubs, you must secure your pet’s spot at least 48 hours before departure to ensure a smooth 2026 journey.

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What are the Avianca Pet Carrier Requirements?

Pet carrier requirements with Avianca Airlines are seriously enforced so safety is guaranteed with their huge flight network. For travel in the cabin, your pet must be in a flexible soft-sided container that does not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 10 in). The flexibility is a must, your pet’s carrier must be able to compress to fit all the way under the seat in front of you. For hold travel, the crate must be rigid made of fiberglass, metal, or plastic and large enough for your pet to stand and turn naturally without touching the top.

Crate Specifications:

Cabin Size Limit: Soft-sided carriers must stay within 55 x 35 x 25 cm to fit under 2026 seating.
Hold Construction: Checked crates must be rigid and bolt-secured with a waterproof floor and no wheels attached.
Ventilation Standard: Carriers require airflow on at least three sides for domestic and four sides for international 2026 routes.
Pet Movement: Your pet must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside the 2026-approved container.

What is the Avianca Cabin Pet Weight Limit?

The Avianca cabin pet weight limit serves as a vital benchmark for ensuring a seamless boarding experience across their international network. As of April 2, your pet whether a small dog or a cat is permitted to stay with you in the passenger cabin only if the combined weight of the animal and its carrier does not exceed 10 kg (22 lbs). This limit is strictly monitored at the check-in counter, as it reflects the weight-bearing capacity of the specialized, flexible carriers required to fit under the modern seating of their Airbus and Boeing fleets. Because this 10 kg threshold must include the travel bag, opting for a lightweight, soft-sided container is the most practical strategy to maximize your pet’s comfort while adhering to 2026 safety protocols. For more details or booking help, you can call 1-855-510-4351 to confirm your pet’s eligibility before travel.

What are the Avianca Pet Age Requirements?

Avianca Airlines pet age requirements are strictly managed to protect the health of your companion during the rigors of flight. Your dog or cat has to be a minimum of 4 months (16 weeks) of age for most international routes, US and Europe, to have completed their primary rabies vaccination cycle. However, if you will be flying a 2026 domestic route in Colombia the minimum is 2 months (8 weeks) if the animal is following a local vet-approved vaccination schedule

Age Requirements:

International Minimum: Pets must be at least 4 months of age for 2026 flights to ensure proper vaccination immunity.
Colombia Domestic Rule: Puppies and kittens can fly at 2 months old with a completed local vaccine record.
U.S. Entry Limit: All dogs entering the United States in 2026 must be at least 6 months of age.
Litter Exception: Up to three animals from the same 2026 litter may share a single carrier if under 6 months.

What is Avianca Pet Fees?

Pet fees in 2026 with Avianca Airlines are based on your destination and how far in advance you book, so early planning can save you money. As of April 2, the pet fee for 2026 is about $150 USD/CAD one-way for a small pet in flight cabin for most domestic and regional routes. Some international routes will be $200 USD. For larger pets traveling in the hold, 2026 prices are notably higher, often starting around $215 USD for international segments. Because Avianca offers a “prepay” discount, you can typically save between $5 and $20 by settling the fee through their online “Manage Booking” tool at least 48 hours before departure rather than paying the full “airport rate” at the check-in counter. For booking assistance or fee clarification, you can dial 1-855-510-4351 to speak with a representative about your pet travel plans.

What are the Avianca Pet Documentation Requirements?

Pet documentation requirements with Avianca Airlines are really important to help navigate the complex biosecurity regulations of travel in the 21st century. As of April 2, you must provide a valid Health Certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of your flight, alongside a current Rabies Vaccination Certificate. Because Avianca requires a specific “Pet Transport in Cabin and Hold” form to be completed and signed, arriving at the airport with these printed documents is the only way to ensure your pet is cleared for boarding without delays.

Health certificate: You’ve to bring a health certificate issued by a vet within 10 days before travel. The certificate must state that your pet is disease-free for 2026
Vaccination record: You must bring proof of your pet’s rabies vaccination, including the minimum age of 4 months for 2026 international routes
Avianca Pet Form: You must download, print, and sign the official Pet Transportation Form before arriving at the 2026 check-in counter.
Destination Permits: Specific countries, like the U.S. via the CDC, require additional 2026 import permits or specialized health stamps.

What are the Avianca Pet Travel Tips?

Avianca Airlines suggests think-ahead coordination and joint sensory prepping to help your companion animal breeze through the ultra-modern flight experience. Most important, as of April 2, is to book Fido’s spot at least 48 hours in advance, as 2026 cabin caps are strictly limited to just six animals per flight. For in-transit composure, introduce your pet to his or her flexible carrier weeks before takeoff, and don’t fill their bellies with a heavy meal within six hours of your 2026 takeoff.

Success Strategies:

Book Early: Call your 2026 service center 48 hours before departure to secure one of Avianca’s few, coveted cabin spots.
Carrier Prepping: Acquaint your animal with his or her 55 x 35 x 25cm bag by letting them sleep in it at home before the flight.
Arrive: At the airport 3 hours early for international 2026 flights: to submit manual pet docs and carrier inspections
Hydration prep: You’ll want a folding bath water bowl so your 2026 love can sip water during layovers, without making a mess of his or her air carrier.

Conclusion

To sum up, following the Avianca pet policy in 2026 is a matter of planning early, and not breaching their 2026 safety protocols. Whether you’re traveling with a small love in the cabin (under the 10 kg / 22 lbs weight limit) or arranging a long-haul flight for a larger pet in the climate-controlled hold, you’ll need to meet their 4-month age minimum and documentation requirements, reserving in advance as soon as 48 hours prior to departure and securing a ventilated, flexible carrier to travel within 2026’s entire global network.

FAQ

Q.1 Can dogs fly with you on Avianca?

Ans: Yes, Avianca permits dogs to travel in either the cabin or the hold depending on the size, age, and the necessary documentation. A reservation is required 48 hrs prior to departure.

Q.2 How many pets are allowed on Avianca in cabins?

Ans: One pet in cabins per passenger; additional pets may be permitted to fly in the hold subject to the conditions and space availability.

Q.3 What type of carrier is needed for Avianca cabin pets?

Ans: Avianca requires a soft-sided carrier small enough to fit under the seat, provide room for the pet to move around, adequate ventilation, and a stable closure throughout the flight.

Q.4 Do they have any breed restrictions?

Ans: Yes, Avianca does not allow some brachycephalic breeds and aggressive dogs for safety reasons, especially for those traveling in the hold.

Q.5 Can Avianca carry pets on international flights?

Ans: Yes, Avianca permits pets to fly internationally but passengers are responsible for ensuring that all the vaccination, veterinary health certificate, and import requirements for their destination country are met.

Q.6 What documentation do I need to fly with my pet on Avianca?

Ans: All Avianca passengers are required to provide vaccination card, veterinary health certificate, and a completed pet transport form. Additional documents may be required in compliance with the regulations of the destination country.

Q.7 Can I check in pets on Avianca?

Ans: Yes, pets who weigh up to 70 kg with their kennel are allowed to fly in the hold in rigid IATA approved containers.

Avianca Pet Policy 2026: Fees, Size Limits, Cabin Rules & Requirements