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.
Learn more about the requirements and recommendations for their transportation.
- 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.
- Print 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.
- If your dog has a potentially aggressive behavior, you must carry a muzzle and use it if necessary. Our crew may ask it if the dog shows this type of behavior.
- Pets that are aggressive or may bother other passengers or crew won't be allowed to fly in the cabin. You can take them in the hold of the aircraft, and you'll have to pay extra fees.
- 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 or on board the aircraft.
- Do not bark or growl repeatedly at other people at the airport or on board.
- Do not attempt to bite other people.
- Do not jump over people.
- The dog must not do its physiological needs at the airport or on board.
- If the service dog behaves inappropriately, it may be a cause for boarding denial. Subject to availability and fees, we can transport the dog in the hold.
- All the requested certificates will have to be fulfilled according to the case.
- You can travel with up to 2 services, guide or rescue dogs.
- 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).
- We have no breed restrictions for service dogs. However, the regulation of each country may restrict the entry of the dog, and it is not the responsibility of the airline for subsequent actions by the health authority.
- As long as the dog can be accommodated in a place in the cabin that doesn't obstruct evacuation, we accept service dogs regardless of size. Following options may be taken for safety if it is determined that the dog cannot go on board:
- Your service dog can fly in the hold without additional charge.
- You will be able to purchase the additional seat service. This option is only for the dog to have more space on the floor and not to fly on the seat.
- We will do our best to re-accommodate you in another seat within the same service class in which your assistance dog will be accommodated.
- Being transferred to another flight.