🔄 Updated : June 30, 2026

Avianca (Colombia) is one of the carriers that accepts dogs both in the cabin and in the hold, under certain conditions. Weight limits, fees, breed restrictions and booking: here’s everything you need to know before you reserve.

In the cabin

Avianca accepts a dog in the cabin if its weight, carrier included, does not exceed 10 kg (22 lb). The carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you. Expect around €41–202 (~$45–230) depending on the route.

Airline conditions: ≤10 kg (22 lb) with carrier.

In the hold

Above the cabin limit, your dog travels in the pressurized, heated hold in an IATA-compliant crate, with a combined dog + crate weight of up to 70 kg (154 lb). Indicative fee: €64–267 (~$75–305).

Airline conditions: ≤70 kg (154 lb); brachycephalic breeds banned from the hold.

Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds

Like most airlines, Avianca restricts flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, etc.), which are generally banned from the hold because of the respiratory risk. If your dog is brachycephalic, opt for the cabin whenever their weight allows it, and confirm the rule before booking.

⚠️ Heat: seasonal embargoes may apply during periods of high temperatures. Check the dates of your trip. Our advice: heatstroke in dogs.

How to book

Pet spots on board are limited: book as early as possible.

  1. Buy your ticket, then contact Avianca to add your dog to the reservation.
  2. Prepare the health documents (microchip ID, rabies vaccination, health certificate or pet passport, sometimes a rabies titer test) — see our guide to international travel with a dog.
  3. Choose the right container: an approved soft-sided carrier (cabin) or an IATA crate (hold). Size it with our IATA dog crate calculator.

Compare with other airlines

Pet rules vary widely from one airline to the next. To find the best option for your route and your dog’s weight, use our Can My Dog Fly? tool and browse our comparison of 62 airline pet policies. To prepare for the flight itself, also read our tips on dog travel anxiety.

🌍 Where can you fly with Avianca? Our entry-requirement guides for its destinations: Spain, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, United States, Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Does Avianca accept dogs in the cabin?
Yes, up to 10 kg (22 lb) including the carrier.
Does Avianca transport dogs in the hold?
Yes, up to 70 kg (154 lb) (dog + crate), in an IATA-compliant crate — but snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are usually excluded.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on Avianca?
As a guideline: cabin €41–202 ($45–230), hold €64–267 ($75–305). The final fee depends on your route and is confirmed at booking.

Sources

Avianca — pet transport, accessed June 2026. Conditions and fees change regularly — double-check with Avianca before booking.