10 kg (dog + carrier, cabin) / 70 kg (hold)
Airline dog policy
Avianca
Avianca is Colombia's flag carrier and one of the oldest airlines in the world, operating an extensive network across Latin America, North America, and Europe. The airline is notably affordable for pet travel, with domestic Colombian cabin fees starting as low as $16 — among the cheapest in the industry. Avianca accepts dogs, cats, and even roosters on select routes, with cabin, hold, and cargo options available. The airline's Bogotá hub (BOG) provides connections throughout the Americas.
Book early and confirm aircraft acceptance.
Under-seat dimensions can vary by aircraft.
Fees can change by region and currency.
Booking tip
Avianca requires reservations at least 48 hours before departure. During high season months (January, July, November, December), pet fees may increase by up to $20. The airline limits cabin pets to 6 per flight, including service and emotional support animals. For domestic Colombian flights, pets as young as 2 months are accepted with appropriate vaccination records. International travel requires a minimum age of 4 months due to rabies vaccination waiting periods.
Why it can work
Avianca's pricing structure is exceptionally competitive — domestic Colombian flights allow free pet transport as checked baggage, and cabin fees on regional routes start very low. The airline accepts emotional support dogs (with documentation), which many carriers no longer do. Avianca also loans pet carriers for hold transport at Colombian airports, saving owners from purchasing IATA-compliant crates. The 10 kg cabin weight limit is slightly more generous than many European carriers.
Restrictions
Brachycephalic breeds are completely banned from hold transport. No pet transport to the UK due to Animal Reception Centre restrictions. Pets banned on flights to Aruba, Curaçao, and the Galápagos Islands. During winter months (late December to March), hold transport is suspended on routes to/from cold-weather US and Canadian cities including Boston, Chicago, New York, Washington DC, Toronto, and Montreal. Transoceanic routes do not accept cabin pets.
Dog-owner notes
Avianca requires a printed Pet Transport Form signed at the airport — ask ground staff if you do not have one. For dogs entering the US, new CDC regulations apply. Avianca's main hub is Bogotá El Dorado (BOG), with additional operations in San Salvador, Lima, and several Colombian cities. Contact Centre: +1 866 919 0081 (US) or check avianca.com for local numbers.
Final check before paying
Confirm the exact aircraft, route, dog breed, carrier size, temperature rules and destination import law directly with the airline. A country can allow dogs while a specific airline or aircraft refuses them.