Copa Airlines: Pet Policy

What methods of transport does Copa Airlines provide for my pet?

  • Travel in the passenger cabin.
  • Checked as baggage in pressurized and temperature controlled area of your aircraft.

Does my pet qualify for travel as in the passenger cabin?

  • Kennels accepted on board the passenger cabin as carry on luggage must easily fit underneath a seat. Required dimensions: 13 x 17 x 10 in (width x length x height)
  • Only one kennel per checked passenger is allowed.
  • Pet must be odorless, show no sings of aggressive behavior, and should not need constant assistance during the entire flight.
  • Passengers may feed their pet as long as pet remains contained in kennel.
  • Kennel must be clean, ventilated, waterproof, and must prevent any pet's body-part from sticking out.
  • Kennel must be placed underneath the seat in front of pet's owner, and pet must remain inside kennel during the entire flight.
  • Seats in the bulkhead row, those in front of a wall partition, or those in the emergency row, will not be assigned to passengers traveling with pets.
  • The maximum number of pet kennels allowed in the same flight is restricted to one kennel in business class and two kennels in the main cabin. On airplanes without a business class, a passenger may take three cages.
  • Oxygen will not be administered to pets neither for first aids reasons nor for emergency situations.

Does my pet qualify for travel as checked baggage?

  • Pets younger than 8 weeks will not be accepted for transportation without their mother in the same kennel.
  • Unaccompanied Minors will not be allowed to travel with pets.
  • Passengers are required to show a veterinarian health certificate of the pet, as well as documents necessary for entering destination country.
  • Passengers must travel in the same flight as the pet, which must be contained in a kennel; and is responsible for handling its pet in and out of kennel.
  • Only one pet per kennel will be allowed, with the exception of birds, in which case we will allow up to 2 birds per kennel. Also, two puppies or kittens between 8 weeks and 6 months weighing no more than 20 lbs each can share a kennel.
  • Oxygen will not be administered to pets neither for first aids reasons nor for emergency situations.

What are the fees associated with pet transport?

For each kennel in the main cabin, a US $75 fee will be charged. Pets traveling as checked baggage that weigh between 11-32 kg(24-70 lbs) will be charged US $125. Pets traveling as checked baggage that weigh between 33-45 kg (71-99 lbs) will be charged US $200.

What are the kennel requirements?

Kennels for pets traveling as checked baggage or aboard the passengers cabin as carry on luggage must be in accordance with the following parameters:

  • Must be built out of wood, metal, or plastic.
  • Pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lay down in a natural position inside the kennel.
  • Must be sufficiently resistant as to prevent pet from escaping during handling and transportation.
  • Doors must have a lock system that allows opening them without using any kind of specialized tool.
  • Must have slots that allow air to circulate freely.
  • Must have a storing system for waste that pet may produce during flight. Shredded paper or a special tray placed on kennel's floor is suggested.

What health documentation is required?

It is the passenger's responsibility to be aware of all regulations. To obtain the regulations of the countries you plan to enter or transit, please contact its embassies, consulates, or Administration of Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine. You should also inform your travel agent or the local Copa Airlines ticket office.

Are there any other restrictions?

Copa Airlines can refuse to transport an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports.



Please contact Copa Airlines directly for information about traveling with a service animal.