Pets

Conditions for accepting pets as baggage

Copa Airlines permits the transport of pets as checked or carry-on baggage (see restrictions below). Dogs, cats and rabbits are considered pets/domestic animals. Animals that do not meet these criteria cannot be accepted as checked or carry-on baggage.

In response to the Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) epidemic, customs authorities in some countries have established strict rules governing the admission of animals.. Therefore, we have ceased to allow the transport of birds and will not accept them either as checked or as carry-on baggage until further notice.

General terms and conditions:

Pets accepted as baggage are subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

  • All pets transported as checked baggage (in cargo hold) or carry-on baggage (in the main cabin) will be charged a fee, based on excess baggage rates
  • Animals that are less than 8 weeks old will not be accepted for transport
  • Minors traveling alone are not authorized to travel with pets
  • Passengers should present a health certificate for the pet, issued by a qualified authority, as well as all the necessary documents for the pet's entry to the next destination
  • Passengers must travel on the same flight as the pet and use a cage appropriate for its transport. Passengers are responsible for enclosing the pet in the cage, as well as removing it
  • Only one animal is allowed per container; with the exception of birds, which can travel 2 per cage
  • In case of emergency, oxygen will not be administered to pets
Containers or cages:

The containers or cages in which pets travel as checked or carry-on baggage must meet the following requirements:

 

  • They must be made of wood, metal or plastic
  • They must be big enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around or lie down in a natural manner
  • They must be durable enough to prevent the animal from escaping during handling and transporting
  • The doors must have security latches that allow for the door to be opened without the use of special tools
  • They must have openings that allow for ventilation
  • They must have a system for collecting animal waste produced during the flight. The use of shredded paper or a tray placed on the floor of the cage is recommended
Pets inside the passenger cabin (as carry-on baggage):
  • Containers that are transported inside the passenger cabin as carry-on baggage must fit easily under the seat in front of the passenger and should not exceed the following dimensions:

    Width

    Length

    Height
    14 inches

    22 inches

    		 9 inches


  • Only one animal is allowed per container
  • The animals should not be offensive or smell, should be well secured in their container and should not require attention during the flight
  • The passenger may feed his/her pet, but only if it remains inside its container
  • The container should be clean, well-ventilated, leak-proof and should not allow any part of the animal to escape or stick out
  • The pet should remain inside of the container during all phases of the flight, and the container should be located below the seat
  • The seats in the first row, those in front of a bulkhead or those in an emergency exit row, cannot be assigned to passengers traveling with pets
  • The total number of containers or cages permitted inside the passenger cabin is limited to 3 per flight:

    Business Class

    Main Cabin
    1 Cage or container

    2 cages or containers


  • The cost is US$75 per cage or container
  • Oxygen will not be administered to pets if needed for first aid or in emergency situations