Yes, you may travel with your service dog as long as you comply with the applicable documentation and regulations. Please let us know that you will be traveling with a service dog in the cabin when purchasing your ticket on avianca.com, or after your purchase through Manage your booking. You may also contact our Contact Center at least 48 hours prior to your flight departure.
In Colombia, the recognition of service animals is regulated under Decree 1079 of 2015. According to this regulation, a dog may only be recognized as a service animal if it has been trained by organizations that are affiliated with or accredited by the Colombian Association of Zootherapy, or by entities certified by the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA). This ensures that the service animal meets the required training and certification standards to assist a person with a disability in public and private settings.
- For tickets purchased on or after July 31, 2026, you may travel with one service dog, guide dog, or rescue dog, unless the laws of the origin or destination country allow exceptions.
- We do not impose breed restrictions on service dogs. However, some countries may establish entry requirements or restrictions. It is the passenger’s responsibility to comply with the regulations of the competent authorities at the destination.
- We accept service dogs regardless of size, provided they can be safely accommodated in the cabin without obstructing aisles, emergency exits, or aircraft evacuation procedures.
If it is determined that, for safety reasons, your service dog cannot travel in the designated cabin space, you may choose one of the following options:
- Your dog may travel in the cargo hold at no additional cost.
- You may purchase an additional seat so your dog has more floor space. The seat may not be occupied by the dog during any phase of the flight.
- We will make every effort to relocate you to another seat within the same cabin class where your dog can be safely accommodated.
If none of these options are feasible, we may rebook you on another flight.
Review the required documentation. We recommend completing the form and submitting the required documents up to 48 hours before your flight departure so they can be reviewed prior to travel.
- Please present yourself at the airport counter to verify all required documentation. For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure time. For domestic flights, please arrive at least 2 hours in advance.
- If you are traveling to the United States and already have your boarding pass, you may proceed directly to the boarding gate with the required documentation.
- Remember to bring all required travel documents, as they may be requested at the airport, including the form for transporting pets in the hold and cabin. If you don’t have it, you can get it from our service agents at the airport counter.
- The airport animal health authorities and avianca reserve the right to refuse to admit or transport the pet if the pet doesn't meet the safety and regulatory requirements for a flight.
- The service dog must behave appropriately in public. For example:
- Remain on your feet.
- Do not run freely around the airport.
- Do not bark or growl repeatedly at other people at the airport.
- Do not attempt to bite other people.
- Do not jump over people.
- The dog must not do its physiological needs at the airport.
- If your dog exhibits potentially aggressive behavior, you must carry a muzzle and use it when necessary. Our crew may require its use if behavior is identified that could pose a risk to other passengers, crew members, or the operation.
- If your service dog displays inappropriate behavior, boarding may be denied. Whenever possible, we may transport the dog in the cargo hold, subject to availability.
- You must place the dog at your feet or on your legs during the flight (as long as the dog does not exceed the size of a small child in a position to fly on your legs).
- For safety reasons, your service dog may not occupy a seat during any phase of the flight.
- The service dog must behave appropriately in public. For example:
- Remain on your feet.
- Do not run freely around the aircraft.
- Do not bark or growl repeatedly at others onboard.
- Do not attempt to bite other people.
- Do not jump over people.
- The dog must not do its physiological needs onboard.
- If your dog exhibits potentially aggressive behavior, you must carry a muzzle and use it when necessary. Our crew may require its use if behavior is identified that could pose a risk to other passengers, crew members, or the operation.