Copa Airlines – Pet Policy
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Yes (max 4.5 kg including soft carrier; 1 pet per passenger; carrier must fit under seat) | Yes (as checked baggage or cargo; IATA-compliant hard crate required) | Pre-booking required; aggressive and brachycephalic breeds banned on some routes/times; health and vaccination certificates mandatory |
| Cat | Yes (same as dogs; soft carrier only; pre-booking required) | Yes (same as dogs; hard crate and documentation needed) | Same requirements as dogs |
| Bird | No | No (generally not accepted; check with airline for cargo options) | Special arrangements may be required |
| Reptile / Rabbit / Fish | No | No | Not accepted on passenger flights |
Important Guidelines
- Always pre-book your pet’s travel well in advance; spontaneous bookings may be denied due to limited capacity.
- Ensure pets are healthy, fully vaccinated, and have all required physical and import/export paperwork ready at check-in.
- Soft carriers must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and fit snugly under the seat in the cabin.
- Aggressive or brachycephalic breeds may be banned on certain routes or during high-temperature periods for safety reasons.
- No pets other than dogs and cats are generally accepted on Copa Airlines.
Woofly Tips
- Measure your carrier carefully to ensure it complies with airline size limits and fits under the seat to avoid last-minute refusals.
- Prepare all documentation including veterinary health certificates, vaccination proofs, and microchip details to speed processing at check-in and customs.
- Contact Copa Airlines customer service early if you plan to travel with a breed listed as restricted to confirm acceptance and any special procedures.
- Check temperature and route-specific restrictions before booking to avoid surprises, especially for brachycephalic or large breeds sent as cargo.
Last updated: July 25, 2025