13 Airlines That Allow Flying With a Cat In-Cabin [2022 Prices & Policies]
Flying with cats in-cabin isn’t uncommon nowadays as many airlines now allow cats to travel in-cabin with their owners.
So, if you’re planning on relocating, or are going on holiday, you don’t need to leave your furry friend behind! Additionally, you don’t need to worry about your cat flying in the hold of the plane all alone.
The following airlines allow flying with cats in-cabin:
- Alaska Air
- Air Canada
- American Airlines
- Delta
- JetBlue
- Southwest
- United Airlines
- Air France
- Air Europa
- Vueling
- Aegean Airlines
- TUI
- Lufthansa
Different airlines have different prices* and policies, which we will list for you in this article.
* Please note many airlines have additional carry-on pet charges that you must pay upon check-in at the airport.
Alaska Air
- Maximum weight: 9kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)
- Maximum carrier size: 43 x 28 x 24 cm (soft) / 43 x 28 x 19 cm (hard)
- Cost: 100 USD each way
- International: Yes
- A customer may travel with a maximum of 2 cat carriers in the main cabin, only when the adjacent seat is purchased by the same customer.
- Up to 2 cats may travel in the same carrier, provided no body parts protrude from the carrier and the animals are not in distress.
Visit Alaska Air’s website for more information.
Air Canada
- Maximum weight:9kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)
- Maximum carrier size: 27 x 40 x 55 cm (soft-sided crate) & 23 x 40 x 55 cm (hard-sided crate)
- Cost: 50 USD within Canada & USA and 100 USD international
- International allowed: Yes
- Your cat in its carrier will count as one standard item toward your carry-on baggage allowance.
- Only one cat or small dog per passenger.
- Your cat must remain under your seat at all times.
- Your cat cannot travel with you if you:
-
- Are an unaccompanied minor
- Are seated in an exit or bulkhead row
- Require use of a medical device that will be stowed under the seat
- Are travelling in Premium Economy
American Airlines
- Maximum weight: 9 kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)
- Maximum carrier size: depends on flight
- Cost: 125 USD each way
- International: Yes, but no in-cabin pets on transatlantic flights or flights longer than 12 hours
- Due to the lack of under-seat storage space, carry-on pets are not permitted in First or Business on certain planes (check link below).
For more info on additional restrictions, visit AA’s website.
Delta
- Maximum weight: No limit, but pet must fit comfortably in carrier under seat
- Maximum carrier size: depends on flight (check the under-seat dimensions on your aircraft here).
- Cost: 125 USD within North America and 200 USD international
- International: Yes
- The kennel must fit under the seat directly in front of you.
- The kennel must be leak-proof and ventilated on at least two sides.
- Your cat must remain inside the kennel while in a Delta boarding area, a Delta airport lounge and while onboard the aircraft.
For more info on additional restrictions, visit Delta’s website.
JetBlue
- Maximum weight: 9 kg / 20 pounds (including carrier)
- Maximum carrier size: 43 x 31 x 21 cm
- Cost: 100 USD each way
- International: Yes
- Your cat must remain inside its closed/zipped up carrier at at all times.
- Your cat must remain underneath the seat in front of you during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
- Only one cat is allowed per customer, with a few exceptions.
For more info, head to JetBlue’s website.
Southwest
- Maximum weight: No limit, but must fit comfortably in carrier under seat
- Maximum carrier size:43 x 34 x 21 cm
- Cost: 95 USD each way
- International: No (with the exception of trained assistance and emotional support animals, though no animals allowed to/from Jamaica)
- Customers will be permitted to travel with no more than one (1) pet carrier per person. Each pet carrier can have no more than two (2) of the same species of small cats or dogs per pet carrier.
- The cat carrier will count either as the Customer’s carryon bag or personal item.
- Cats must be secured in the pet carrier at all times.
United Airlines
- Maximum weight: No limit, but must fit comfortably in carrier under seat
- Maximum carrier size:46 x 28 x 28 cm (soft-sided) / 44 x 30 x 19 cm (hard-sided)
- Cost: 125 USD (+ 125 USD service charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours outside the U.S)
- International: depends on flight (contact the United customer-contact center for info on specific flights)
- Pets are not permitted on flights to, from or through Australia, Hawaii or Micronesia.
- Pets are not permitted to travel with unaccompanied minors.
- Customers can purchase an additional ticket for their trip in order to carry on an additional pet.
Visit United’s website for more info.
Air France
- Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17 pounds (including carrier)
- Maximum carrier size: 46 x 28 x 24 cm
- Cost: 40 EUR domestic and 30-125 EUR international
- International: Yes, but note that this airline does not accept pets in the business cabin on intercontinental flights.
- Under no circumstances may your animal leave its travel bag during the flight.
- Only 1 animal is permitted per container.
- Each passenger may travel with only 1 animal.
Air Europa
- Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17.6 pounds (including carrier)
- Maximum carrier size:55 x 35 x 25 cm
- Cost: 55 USD within Europe and 165 USD long-haul
- International: Yes
- Prices subjects to possible surcharges for taxes in certain countries.
- You must arrive at the airport early enough to complete the necessary paperwork.
Visit Air Europa’s website for more information.
Vueling
- Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17.6 pounds (including carrier)
- Maximum carrier size:45 x 39 x 21 cm (soft-sided crates only)
- Cost: 40 EUR domestic and 50 EUR international
- International: Yes
- You must store the pet carrier with your pet inside on the floor, between your legs or under the seat in front.
- You must not take your pet out of the pet carrier until you have disembarked.
Visit Vueling’s website for more information.
Aegean Airlines
- Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17.6 pounds (including carrier)
- Maximum carrier size:55 x 40 x 23 cm
- Cost: 20-30 EUR domestic and 50-60 EUR international (prices differ depending on time of year)
- International: Yes
- In case you are travelling with an infant, you are not allowed to travel with a pet in cabin as well.
- Each passenger is allowed to travel with only one (1) pet in cabin, carried within a special box/container
Visit Aegean’s website for more information.
- Maximum weight: 6kg / 13.2 pounds (excluding carrier)
- Maximum carrier size:55 x 40 x 20 cm (soft-sided crates only)
- Cost: 47.60 EUR domestic and 40 EUR international
- International: Yes
- Your cat’s head must not protrude from the transport container and the animal must not leave the container during the flight.
- All cats must be fitted with a microchip and have the blue EU animal passport, confirming an up-to-date vaccination against rabies.
Visit TUI’s website for more information.
Lufthansa
- Maximum weight: 8 kg / 17.6 pounds (including carrier)
- Maximum carrier size:55 x 40 x 23 cm
- Cost: 50 EUR domestic, 60 international within Europe and 80-110 international outside Europe
- International: Yes
- Each passenger is allowed to take a maximum of two animals with them.
- You must complete this form before boarding your flight.
Visit Lufthansa’s website for more information.
Travel Tips for Taking Cats In-Cabin
1. Train your cat to stay calm.
Your cat will need to stay calm on the flight otherwise they risk being sent into the cargo area of the plane. Being obedient to orders is a requirement when taking emotional support animals on international flights.
2. Exhaust your cat before the flight.
Try to exhaust your cat a little by increasing the level of activity before your trip. A sleepy animal will be less prone to getting stressed out on the flight, and will likely be better behaved on the flight.
3. Limit access to food and water before the flight.
Limit your cat’s access to food. Therefore, it’ll be less likely that they will need to defecate or urinate on the flight.
Additionally, some animals may experience motion sickness if they eat just before a flight. If you are flying in the morning, then feed them the night before.
Air Canada suggest feeding your cat four to six hours prior to departure, as a full stomach may cause discomfort during travel.
4. Get your cat used to it’s travel carrier.
You want to ensure that the journey is as stress-free as possible for your cat.
If you are using a carrier, let your cat get used to it, so that they feel a little at home in there. Lure your cat into their carrier with plenty of treats, and let him/her play and sleep in there as much as possible.
In addition, pop some of their favourite toys in their travel home, for extra comfort.
5. Familiarise yourself with the airport that you are departing from and arriving to.
Most airports will have a dedicated area for pets and service animals to rest. It is actually a legal requirement that all U.S. airports have pet-relief areas available for working animals and pets to rest. Take some photos of the airport maps, so you don’t have to wander around on the day trying to find a resting place.
6. Try to leash train your cat.
Although it isn’t usual for cats to wear harnesses and walk on a leash, in order to fly with cats in cabin they may need to be harnessed and leashed. It’s important to take time to leash train your cat before your flight, to minimise stress.
Most of the time your cat will be required to remain in their carrier, at the airport and on the plane. However, when passing through security and customs you may need to take your cat out of the carrier.
Additionally, most airports have pet relief areas for cats and dogs to stretch their legs and go to the toilet.
Spend some time getting your cat used to walking on a lead at home. We recommend simply letting your cat wear a harness around the house for a while, before getting them to walk on a lead. That way they can get used to the feeling of wearing a harness.
Documents required to Fly with Cats In-Cabin
The documents required to fly with a cat in cabin will vary depending on which airline you are flying with, and where you are flying from and to. Generally you will require the following:
- Microchip certificate
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Animal health certificate
- Additional vaccination certificates
- Rabies titer test results
- Parasite treatment certificate
This is just a guide on what is required, please check the requirements for your specific airline and destination country.
a) Microchip.
Your cat can get microchipped at your local vet or a charity, such as RSPCA.
Not only is it a requirement when traveling with cat, it is in your best interest. If your cat was to go missing whilst abroad, then you are far more likely to be reunited.
Get your cat microchipped BEFORE getting his/her rabies vaccinations. They will not be valid if microchipped after.
b) Rabies vaccinations.
If you want your take cats on flights, it is likely that he/she requires a valid rabies vaccination. Particularly if you are taking your cat on an international flight as this is a requirement for entering most countries.
Most countries require cats to have their rabies vaccination between 30 days and 12 months prior to importing.
You can get your pet’s rabies vaccination at your local vet, alternatively some charities offer this service for free or for a discounted price.
c) Animal health certificate.
Most airlines will require an official animal health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian in order to export and import dogs.
In most cases, your health certificate will also need to be endorsed by the country’s authority responsible for the import and export of animals. For example, if you are traveling from the US, you will need your documents endorsed by the USDA. If you are traveling from Canada, you will need to have your documents endorsed by CFIA.
They are normally valid for 10 days.
d) Additional vaccinations.
Depending on where you are flying to, your cat may also require additional vaccinations or treatments.
e) Rabies titer test.
Some countries require pets to have a rabies titer test before entering. This is usually the case when you are traveling from a country that is considered high risk for rabies.
If your cat requires a titer test the process is as follows:
- Your pet will have a blood sample taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination.
- Your vet will then send the blood sample to an approved blood testing laboratory.
- Your pet’s blood test results must show a rabies antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
- You must wait 3 months from the date the blood sample was taken before you travel.
- The vet will give you a copy of the test results.
f) Parasite treatment.
To enter some countries, cats are required to be treated against internal and/or external parasites before entering. This includes treatment for fleas, ticks, nematodes and cestodes.
Conclusion
Flying with your cat in the cabin is possible when flying with the airlines listed above.
Please note that airlines usually have different rules for different aircrafts, routes and destination countries. Additionally, most airlines have a restriction on the number of pets they allow per aircraft, so make sure you check availability before booking.
Always double check individual airline policies before booking as these can change.
Guide to Travel with a Pet to Colombia: Travel with a Dog or Cat
It is relatively easy to travel with a pet to Colombia. You can travel to Colombia with a dog, cat or other household pet with only a few requirements.
Colombia does not require an import permit for personal pets from any country. And there is no pet microchip required for Colombia.
Several Medellin Readers asked about travel with a pet to Colombia. So, we we now have an up-to-date guide.
Also, be careful, as many websites in English I found on the Internet have inaccurate, incomplete or out-of-date information about travel with a pet to Colombia.
Travel with a pet to Colombia
What Documents are Needed to Travel with a Pet to Colombia
Within 10 days of travel, an accredited veterinarian from the country of origin must complete a veterinary health certificate for your pet. If you are traveling from the U.S. or Canada, the veterinary health certificate must also be endorsed by the USDA in the U.S. or CFIA in Canada.
In the U.S, this veterinary health certificate is the APHIS Form 7001. And Canada has a trilingual Animal Health Certificate in English, French and Spanish that should be used.
In the U.S., the USDA has APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Offices in all the states where you can get health certificates and rabies certificates endorsed. Note that this endorsement should be from the state you a traveling from to Colombia.
You send your veterinary health certificate and rabies certificate that are endorsed by the USDA and returned to you within 48 hours. Keep in mind the 10-day limit. So, you don’t have much time to send this and get it back. So, use express mail. Canada’s CFIA works similarly and endorses and returns health certificates within 48 hours.
In addition, your pet must be vaccinated and you need a vaccination certificate with a record of vaccinations.
To enter Colombia with a pet, your cat or dog must be vaccinated for rabies more than 30 days before travel to Colombia and before the vaccination expires. Also, Colombia does honor the 3-year vaccine.
Dogs reportedly must also be vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Parvovirus. And cats must be vaccinated against Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Feline Panleukopenia. And if entering Colombia from countries other than Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, your pet should also be vaccinated against Parainfluenza and Coronavirus (note this is Canine Coronavirus, not the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic impacting humans).
Avianca 767-200 at El Dorado Bogotá Airport, photo by Carlos Colina
Check with the Airline to Travel with a Pet
Airlines only allow a specific number of pets on each flight and the spots fill up. So, call and make a reservation for your pet. And most airlines require at least a 24-hour notice of a pet traveling with you. Also, it isn’t free to travel with a pet. In addition, don’t forget pet calming aids.
Pets can travel in the airplane cabin or air cargo, depending on the size. Large dogs can be more complicated to travel with, as not all airlines will take large dogs. So, make sure to check with the airline about their pet regulations.
Check with the airline about their pet regulations – like pet carrier size and weight restrictions
Pet Rules of International Airlines that Fly Non-Stop to Medellín
The following are the pet rules of several airlines with international non-stop flights to Medellín in Colombia:
- American Airlines – permits pet carries in the cabin of up to 19″L x 13″W x 9″H and a maximum weight of 20 pounds including the pet and carrier. American Airlines also does transportation of pets as checked baggage depending the the aircraft (checked pets can’t travel on Airbus A321, A321S, A321H, A320 and A319). In addition, American Airlines supports checked pets of up to 100 pounds including the pet container. See American Airlines website for more information about travel with a pet.
- Avianca – permits pets of up to 18 pounds (8 kilograms) in the cabin with a charge of $125 from the U.S. and Canada. In addition, Avianca permits pets weighing up to 44 pounds (20 kilograms) in the hold for flights of less than four hours with a charge of $150 from the U.S. or Canada. See Avianca’s website for more information about travel with a pet.
- Copa Airlines – permits pet carries in the cabin of up to 11″W x 18″D x 11H” and a maximum weight of 20 pounds including the pet and carrier. Copa does not transport pets as checked baggage. See Copa’s website for more information about travel with a pet.
- JetBlue – permits pet carriers in the cabin of up to 17″L x 12.5″W x 8.5″H and a maximum weight of 20 pounds including the pet and carrier. Also, JetBlue charges a pet fee of $100 each way. AndJetBlue does not transport pets as checked baggage. See JetBlue’s website for more information about travel with a pet.
- Spirit – permits pets traveling in the cabin with a limit of a pet carrier of 18″ L x 14″ W x 9″ H with a maximum weight of 40 pounds (18 kilograms) for the pet carrier and pet. And Spirit permits only four pet carriers per flight and Spirit charges a pet fee of $110 each way. Also, Spirit does not transport pets as checked baggage. See Spirit’s website for more information about travel with a pet.
In addition, Bogotá has non-stop flights from the U.S. by Delta and United Airlines. Delta will transport larger pets as cargo and United Airlines also transports larger pets as cargo.
Avianca permits pets weighing up to 44 pounds (20 kilograms) in the hold for flights of less than 4 hours
Visit an ICA office at the Airport in Colombia
When you arrive in Colombia make sure to declare your pet. And upon arrival, get your luggage and proceed to the ICA office with your luggage, pet, heath certificate and vaccination record and a credit/debit card to pay the ICA fee.
All ports of entry into Colombia (airports, border entries and ports) will have an Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA) office. This is the Colombian agency that handles pet and other animal importation into Colombia and also food safety and agricultural health.
When you arrive, visit the ICA office they will be looking for two documents:
- Health certificate – issued by the official veterinary service of the country of origin within 10 days prior to arrival. The certificate should describe the animal and certify that is has been examined and is free of infectious and parasitic diseases and without the presence of fresh wounds.
- Vaccination certificate – this must include the current vaccination plan according to age and species and a list of vaccinations including product names, batch numbers and dates of vaccinations.
According to ICA’s website, these documents must be original and translated to Spanish if not in Spanish. But two expats I talked to recently said the documents didn’t need to be translated. And there is no need for an apostille.
After the document inspection, ICA will perform a physical inspection of the animal to verify the health condition of the animal.
If the documents you have are accepted and the animal passes the physical inspection, a Certificate of Inspection (CIS) will be issued and the animal will be let in.
And the cost is currently 45,813 pesos. This is for Monday to Friday between 8 am and 5 pm. Other hours have a surcharge except at the El Dorado International airport in Bogotá, which does not have a surcharge for extended hours and it operates 24 hours.
Also, you can pay this fee to ICA with a credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard only). And no cash is accepted by ICA. But you can pay in cash at several banks including Banco Agrario, Bancolombia, Banco de Occidente and Davivienda. ICA has information for paying at a bank.
Dogs and cats and other household pets that do not meet the requirements for importation must comply with a period of post-entry home quarantine in Colombia, which includes two follow-up visits by an ICA official. And the cost becomes 537,572 pesos.
In addition, you can see the complete list of requirements for importation of dogs and cats into Colombia on the ICA website here (in Spanish).
American Pit Bull Terrier is one breed not permitted, photo by Edwin Luciano
Warning: Several Dog Breeds are Not Permitted in Colombia
Several dog breeds are not permitted to be bought to Colombia. The following dog breeds are considered potentially dangerous and cannot be brought to Colombia:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Argentine Mastiff
- Brazilian Mastiff
- Bull Terrier
- Doberman
- Japanese Mastiff Tosa
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Staffordshire Terrier
- Any crosses or hybrids of the above 11
Doberman is another breed not permitted, photo by Zeno666
You can find many of these dog breeds in Colombia. But you are not permitted to bring these 11 dog breeds or crosses or hybrids into Colombia.
It is relatively easy to travel with a pet to Colombia
The Bottom Line: Travel with a Pet to Colombia – Travel with a Dog or Cat to Colombia
It is relatively easy to travel with a pet to Colombia. You only need a health certificate, rabies certificate and vaccination certificate. And the cost with ICA in Colombia when you arrive with your pet isn’t very much. It’s only 45,813 pesos ($15.85) if your documents are accepted and your pet passes a simple examination.
To travel with a pet to Colombia the fee will be higher with the airlines than the fee once you arrive in Colombia. The airlines charge at least $100 to travel with a pet to Colombia. Also, larger pets will be more difficult to travel with, as not all airlines support traveling with large pets.
In addition, Medellín is a pet-friendly city. For example, most shopping malls and some restaurants permit you to bring your dog.
Note that this article will be kept up-to-date, as things like pet importation regulations and costs change in Colombia each year.
In addition, “Can I travel with my pet to Colombia?” is question asked by some expats visiting Colombia or moving to the country. So, we included this question in our list of Medellín frequently asked questions (FAQ).
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Editors note: updated on October 15, 2018 with addition pet transportation rules for American Airline and Copa Airlines to Medellín based on several readers questions about transporting larger pets from the U.S. and also pets from Panama.
Editors note: update on November 20, 2020 to clarify the vaccination for coronavirus in this article is for Canine Coronavirus, not COVID-19.
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About The Author
Jeff is the founder and editor-in-chief of Medellin Guru. He first discovered Colombia back in 2006 and has traveled to all the major cities in Colombia. Jeff is fortunate to have lived over eight years in Medellín. He has traveled to over 40 countries and hasn’t found a place he prefers living in more than Medellín.
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63 Comments
I think there is also a process to get the pet back out of Colombia. We did a local vet visit and a trip to ICA the day before departure. We were led to believe ICA paperwork needed to be done a day in advance, but that may be so if the process is backed up, you don’t miss your flight. You can do it at the downtown airport, saving a trip over the hill.
Thank you for most useful information. I would eventually be traveling between Medellin and Mexico City on Aeromexico’s direct non-stop flight. But the arrival in Medellín is around 11:30 pm. Are there ICA staff at the Medellín airport at that time ? If not, then what ?
Hi Giles, thanks. Yes, ICA staff will be at the Medellin airport at that time.
Hi – I will be landing in Medellin on a Sunday. Will there be a Iva official available on the weekend?
Perfect timing. I’m moving to Medellin at the end of September with my pets, this article is so helpful.
Great report. We are moving from Panama to Medellin in December with our two dogs that will be in Cargo on Copa. BTW we shipped them in Cargo on Copa from LA to PTY over 3 years ago and was very impressed with Copa Cargo.
Thanks for the ICA info at the airport.
Cheers!Hi John, thanks and happy that you found the article helpful. Several readers asked for up-to-date information about travel with pets to Colombia, as so much in English is out of date about Colombia on the Internet.
Hello. What exactly do you mean by CoronaVirus vaccine? I have a service dog with full vaccines and rabies shots with health certificate. Where and how do I find a coronavirus vaccine?
The article is updated to clarify this.
ANY FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE MOVING BIRDS I READ THAT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES BIRDS CANNOT GO THRU PANAMA
Hi Ed, according to this https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/pettravel-colombia, Pet birds must be accompanied by an import permit issued in advance by Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA). Upon arrival into Colombia, the birds will undergo home quarantine for at least 21 days under the supervision of a veterinarian from ICA.
THANK YOU SIR DO YOU HAVE ANY INFO ON TRAVELING THRU PANAMA WITH BIRDS
According to https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/panama.cfm, to bring your pet bird with you to Panama, you must have an import permit. This permit is issued by Panama’s National Environmental Authority (ANAM).
THANKS I JUST WANT TO CHANGE PLANES IN PANAMA DON’T EVEN WANT TO LEAVE THE INTERNATIONAL DECK IT WILL BE NICE IF WE CAN ITS A LONG STORY
I’m going to Medellin on Thursday and my dog just had all her vaccinations updated today, including rabies. Can she still travel?
You need health and rabies certificates for your dog. Dogs and cats must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services within 10 days of travel. The rabies vaccination certificate must accompany your pet and the health certificate to Colombia.
American Airlines doesn’t appear to have any flights to Medellín that allow live-animal transport in the cargo hold. All their direct flights form the US to Medellín air on an Airbus, which they report they do not use for live-animal transport.
I’m wondering what airlines have flights between the U.S, and Medellin, which allow the transportation of dogs in the cargo holds.
The article says that Avianca permits pets weighing up to 44 pounds (20 kilograms) in the hold for flights of less than four hours with a charge of $150 from the U.S. Avianca has flights to Medellín from Miami.
Thank you. After several hours of research, and a lot of inaccurate information from the customer service reps, that appears to be the only option from the United States for dogs that can’t ride in the cabin.
How are all of these dogs so cute. I can’t even deal.
Thank you..very useful information
I always get afraid when people travel with their pets.
During Christmas, we’re travelling with our medium sized dog (20lbs) from Vancouver, Canada to Barranquilla, Colombia. To be honest, I am a bit unsure of the process of returning my pet back to Canada. Do I need to get another health certificate in Colombia to be able to get back to Canada with my pet?
I’d appreciate your response if you have any information
See this site that has Canada pet travel information – https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/canada.cfm.
Ten days ago I travelled with my 34-lbs Brittany (Spaniel) and my 46-lbs English Cocker Spaniel via Copa Airlines. They travelled in the temperature-controlled and pressurized cargo hold. I’m grateful to have my dogs with me during my 3-month stay here in Medellín. Having said that, I’m here to tell you that making these arrangements was extremely complicated, stressful and super-super expensive. I mean, crazy-expensive!…
Most of the information in this blog post fits my experience. But, in my experience, this post is most useful for those who have a pet small enough to ride in the cabin. For dogs of medium size, the only practical options between the U.S. and Medellín are Copa and, to a far lesser extent, Avianca; because Avianza doesn’t fly pets over 44 lbs. American Airlines isn’t an option–period–because of the type of aircraft they use to fly between the U.S. and Medellín. For whatever reason, American disqualifies pets from traveling as cargo on the only type of aircraft they use to serve this area.
So for dogs 44 lbs or over, Copa is the one and only option. My dogs and I flew from LAX to MDE through Panama City. Keep in mind that there are just a few points-of-origin for flying pets as cargo. I think that Copa’s options include San Francisco, Miami, Orlando and Chicago; but don’t quote me on that.
Once you arrive at MDE with your dogs, be prepared for several hours of bureaucracy. It took us about 2.5 hours to get through all of it, and we had everything perfectly in order. The delays included the fact that ICA is located off-site in a facility currently under construction. Further, DIAN needs to get involved for some reason (and charge you a minimal amount) and then there’s also the paperwork associated with the airline/shipper verifying the pickup. While complaining about the time/dis-organization involved for pick-up, we were told that it usually takes 5 hours to claim a pet. So be prepared.
Painful as it was (and I’ve not shared all the pain-points with Copa) I hope to do it again. In the future, I plan to have the pets sent ahead of me and picked up by a trusted friend and associate who is great at dealing with situations like this. Then I’ll follow immediately upon the pets safe arrival and transport to my home in Medellín. The reason for this is that Copa requires that you drop the pet off only 2.5 to 3 hours before the flight, and frankly they were extremely disorganized. Because of that, I didn’t leave the drop-off facility until about 2 hours before the flight. At LAX that is simply not enough time. Had I not been flying business class, with priority status at check-in and security, I probably would have missed the flight. Therefore, I think the most secure method is to stay behind 12 to 24 hours to make sure all goes well for my pets, then follow them in.
If I have a service dog with me. Will I also been out through the same interrogation and pain?
Source https://www.petsthattravel.com/airlines-that-allow-cats-in-cabin/
Source https://medellinguru.com/travel-with-a-pet-colombia/
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