Copa Airlines Pet Policy Guide for Cabin and International Travel

If you're a pet owner planning to fly with Copa Airlines, you're in the right place. Traveling with your furry companion can be exciting but also a bit stressful, especially when it comes to airline rules. The Copa pet policy allows small dogs and cats to travel with you in the cabin on many flights, but there are specific guidelines to follow for everyone's safety.

Did you know that only up to three pets are allowed in the main cabin per flight? This helps keep things comfortable for all passengers. With more people flying with pets, Copa also ensures strict health and documentation standards.

The Basics of Copa Pet Policy

Let’s start with the basics. The Copa pet policy focuses on small pets like dogs and cats for in-cabin travel. Other animals, such as rabbits, are not allowed due to health and safety concerns for both passengers and pets. Only one pet per passenger is permitted, and children under 11 or unaccompanied minors cannot bring pets. If you’re flying to or from Armenia (AXM) in Colombia, Fort Lauderdale (FLL), or Tampa (TPA), pet travel is limited to Monday through Friday because quarantine offices in these cities do not operate on weekends.

Pets must be harmless, odor-free, and able to stay secured in their carrier for the entire flight. They shouldn’t require any special care during the journey. Also, if your trip includes connections with other airlines, your pet might not be allowed on those segments, so it’s important to check ahead.

Copa Airlines Pet in Cabin Policy

If you want your pet to fly with you in the cabin, the Copa Airlines pet in cabin policy is clear but strict. Here’s what you need to know:

Which pets qualify:

• Only small dogs and cats are allowed.

• The combined weight of your pet and its carrier cannot exceed 10 kg (about 20 lbs).

Carrier requirements:

• Must be soft-sided, sturdy, and well-ventilated.

• Secure latches are required.

• Maximum dimensions: 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, 11 inches high (45.7 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm).

• There should be enough room for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.

• Only one animal per carrier, and no parts of the pet can stick out or protrude from the carrier.

During the flight:

• The carrier must stay on the floor in front of your seat.

• Placing the carrier on the seat or in the aisle is not allowed.

• Front row, bulkhead, and emergency exit seats are off-limits for pets.

• Oxygen masks are not available for pets in case of emergencies.

Other rules:

• Passengers with pets cannot sit in Business Class.

• If traveling with a service or emotional support dog, you cannot bring an additional pet in the cabin; that pet would need to go via cargo.

The pet and its carrier will replace your carry-on baggage allowance (though a small personal item may still be permitted depending on your fare).

If this sounds like the perfect setup for your trip, consider booking your flights through Flightsquest and let us handle all the details for a smooth journey.

Reservations and Fees for Pet Travel

If you plan to fly with your pet, make sure to reserve their spot in advance. Ideally, do this when you buy your ticket, but at the very least, 48 hours before departure. Contact Copa Airlines’ sales offices or call center to confirm availability, as there is a three pet limit per flight.

Pet travel fees depend on your route:

• Domestic flights: Around 25 USD plus taxes (approximately 29 to 33 CAD plus taxes).

• International or connecting flights: Around 125 USD plus taxes (147 to 166 CAD plus taxes).

These fees are one-way, non-refundable, and cannot be transferred. Booking early ensures your pet has a confirmed spot and helps avoid last minute stress.

Review rules and limits under the Copa Airlines baggage policy before traveling.

Documentation Needed for Copa Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Having the proper paperwork is essential to avoid delays when traveling with your pet. You will need:

• Proof of up-to-date vaccinations.

• A health certificate showing your pet is fit to fly.

• A completed terms and conditions form for pet transportation at the airport.

• All entry, exit, and transit documents are required by the countries you’ll visit.

For Example, In the United States:

• Pets need a health certificate confirming they have no communicable diseases.

• A rabies vaccination certificate issued at least 30 days before arrival.

• Puppies under four months are not allowed.

• From August 2024, dogs from high-risk rabies countries must follow extra rules, such as microchips and specific forms for US or foreign-vaccinated pets.

Proper documentation ensures a smooth and stress-free journey for you and your pet.

Complete your journey smoothly by following Copa Airlines check in options online or at the airport.

Copa Airlines Pet Policy International: Country-Specific Rules

The Copa Airlines pet policy international requirements vary depending on your destination, so it’s important to check ahead before traveling. Here’s a quick guide by country:

• Aruba: No dogs or cats from Central or South America, including Mexico and Cuba.

• Bahamas: Obtain an entry permit in advance and check with local authorities.

• Barbados: Requirements depend on rabies risk; pets need a microchip, rabies vaccination with a waiting period, parasite treatments, and an import permit.

• Brazil: Requires a zoosanitary export certificate, possibly with consular approval.

• Chile: For short trips, keep export documents; for longer trips or from abroad, get an import certificate, rabies vaccine, and parasite treatment.

• Colombia: Entry requires a recent health certificate and vaccination proof; departure needs payment proof and a recent vet certificate.

• Ecuador: Obtain an advance permit from the local agriculture agency and provide vaccination and health documents.

• St. Maarten: Submit digital copies of ID, health certificate, rabies info, and complete an online application.

• Guatemala: A stamped health certificate, vaccinations, and an export certificate are required.

• Jamaica: Only pets from certain UK areas are allowed; an import permit is needed.

• Panama: Submit a home quarantine request with supporting documents before arrival.

• Trinidad and Tobago: An Advance permit, parasite treatment, health certificate, and rabies vaccination are required.

Always double-check the Copa Airlines pet policy international requirements for your destination to ensure a smooth trip for you and your pet.

Book and manage flights easily using Copa Airlines reservations services.

Copa Airlines Service Dog Policy and Emotional Support Animals

The Copa Airlines service dog policy allows trained service dogs to travel in the cabin on all routes. They can even fly in Business Class if space permits. Service dogs must stay on the floor in front of your seat without blocking aisles. You can also purchase an extra seat for more room if needed. Emergency exit seats are not allowed for service dogs, and boarding may be denied if a dog shows poor behavior, such as barking or aggression. Larger service dogs may require purchasing an extra seat for adequate space.

For emotional support animals, the rules are more limited:

• Emotional support dogs are accepted only on routes to or from Colombia and Mexico (where recognized by local regulations).

• Only dogs are accepted as emotional support animals.

• Up to 10 kg (or larger with purchase of an extra seat to accommodate space at your feet).

• No dangerous breeds, exotic animals, or prohibited species (e.g., snakes, rodents, ferrets).

• Must remain in the Main Cabin only (not Business Class).

• Required forms must be completed and brought to the airport in two copies (e.g., DOT forms for US routes or Copa’s Service Dog/Emotional Support form for others).

Regular pets cannot be combined with service or emotional support animals in the cabin; any extras must travel via cargo.

Plan your pet-friendly trip with ease. Book your Copa Airlines flight through Flightsquest today and travel stress-free with your furry companion.

Cargo Options for Larger Pets

If your pet is too big to travel in the cabin, you can use the Copa pet policy to transport them as cargo. This is a good option for larger animals or when the cabin spots are already full. Simply contact Copa’s cargo department to get quotes, check requirements, and schedule your pet’s travel.

Plan a Stress-Free Pet Journey with Flightsquest

Flying with your pet is much easier when you understand the Copa pet policy in advance. Copa Airlines offers clear guidelines for travelers, whether you’re reviewing the Copa Airlines pet in cabin policy for small dogs and cats or planning an overseas trip under the Copa Airlines pet policy international rules. The airline’s approach to the Copa Airlines dog policy focuses on safety, comfort, and proper documentation, while the Copa Airlines service dog policy ensures trained assistance animals can travel with minimal restrictions. Overall, the Copa Airlines pet travel policy provides flexible options for in-cabin or cargo travel, helping you and your pet enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey.Ready to fly with your pet on Copa Airlines? Let Flightsquest handle the details from pet reservations to special travel requirements so that you can focus on the journey. Book your pet-friendly Copa Airlines flight with Flightsquest today and travel with confidence.

FAQs About Copa Airlines Pet Policy

Q1. How do I add a pet to my Copa flight?

If you booked your flight with Flightsquest, contact us at least 48 hours before departure to reserve a pet spot, as cabin space is limited.

Q2. Does pet in cabin count as carry-on?

Yes, the pet and its carrier replace your carry-on baggage allowance (though a small personal item may still be permitted depending on your fare).

Q3. Can my pet sit on my lap during the flight?

No, pets must remain inside their carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire flight.

Q4. What pets are allowed in the cabin on Copa Airlines?

Only small dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin, provided they meet weight, size, and carrier requirements.

Q5. Are there limits on the number of pets per flight?

Yes, only three pets are allowed in the main cabin on each Copa Airlines flight.