A Comprehensive Guide to Shipping Your Pet with Avianca Cargo
If you need to travel internationally but cannot bring your furry companion in the cabin with you, Avianca Cargo can help transport your pet safely. As someone who has shipped dogs on cargo flights before, I want to share everything I’ve learned to help you feel at ease. In this guide, I’ll answer all the essential questions about Avianca’s pet shipping process.
What pets can fly in the cargo hold?
Avianca Cargo accepts most common pets like dogs and cats for transport. They must be at least 8 weeks old. Other small animals in cages or aquariums are also permitted, such as birds, hamsters or reptiles. However, livestock or exotic pets require additional documents. Farm animals or dangerous animals cannot be shipped as cargo.
How do I prepare my pet for travel?
Proper preparation is key to avoiding stress. From my experience, I recommend taking these steps:
- Visit your vet 4-6 weeks before your trip for a health certificate and any required vaccines.
- Train your pet to feel comfortable in a carrier by giving them treats and praise when inside.
- Consider anti-anxiety medication from your vet if your pet tends to get anxious.
- Do not feed your pet within a few hours of check-in but do provide water until then.
What paperwork is required?
Avianca requires a veterinary certificate no more than 10 days prior to travel. It must certify your pet as healthy, list their microchip or tattoo ID, and detail vaccinations. You’ll also need an import license if traveling between countries. Check requirements for your specific destination well ahead of time. Trust me, not having the proper docs can ruin your whole trip!
How do I purchase a pet ticket?
You can book your pet’s ticket through Avianca’s website or by contacting a Cargo Sales office. Make your reservation as early as possible since space is limited. There are a few important things the agent will need to know:
- Your pet’s size, weight, breed
- Travel dates and routing
- Whether you need any special crating or equipment like a temperature-controlled container
Be prepared to pay the ticket fare plus any charges levied by your departing/arriving airports. Pets are not allowed to travel as excess baggage so they’ll need their own ticket. Don’t forget to ask about insurance too in case of delays!
What types of carriers can I use?
Your pet must travel in an IATA-compliant travel crate that is properly labeled and able to withstand baggage handling. Soft-sided carriers are not authorized. Kennels should provide adequate ventilation but be completely enclosed with no gaps. Make sure any latches, hinges or fasteners are secure. You can bring your own crate or purchase one through Avianca Cargo.
Remember to squeeze test the crate before your pet goes inside to ensure it is escape-proof. I once showed up to the airport with a dodgy crate – let’s just say it got kinda rowdy getting Fido back in! No one wants that kind of stress.
How can I reduce stress on my pet?
Going through an airport is not the most reassuring thing for pets. Here are some strategies I’ve found help keep them calm:
- Include toys, treats or scent items in the crate for comfort.
- Talk to your pet in a soothing voice right before and during transport.
- Seal the crate with padding or blankets lined with your own worn clothing.
- Ask your vet about calming supplements or pheromone diffusers.
Stress can cause health issues so it’s worth putting in a little extra effort for your furry friend’s sake. Just be sure nothing is loose inside the crate that could injure them.
What is the check-in process?
When checking your pet in at the airport, arrive early as the process could take up to 2 hours. Present all required documents, your pet’s travel crate and vaccination records for inspection. Staff may ask you to sign liability waivers. Then they will attach identification tags securely to the carrier.
Now the hard part – saying goodbye! I still remember my little Remi crying as they wheeled her away. Reassure your pet with praise and hugs, but a clean break is best. Then just relax – your precious cargo will be waiting for you at your destination airport!
What should I expect upon arrival?
At your departure and arrival locations, pets are transported separately from checked baggage on climate-controlled vehicles. Avianca works to expedite their delivery upon landing. You’ll need to pick them up from the cargo terminal, often located apart from the main passenger terminals. Present your photo ID and air waybill to claim your pet.
Give them time and patience to adjust after the long flight. Offer water first before food if they seem stressed. And don’t forget to hug that sweet furball – the reunion makes it all worthwhile!
What if something goes wrong?
No flight is guaranteed, but Avianca has a good track record with pets. Should delays or problems arise, their trained staff will notify you and care for your pet. Things may get kinda dicey, like if bad weather causes a divert – but rest assured animal welfare is the top priority.
Review your travel insurance coverage as well. Pet shipping cargo is treated legally as baggage, so mainstream policies may not cover every scenario. But hopefully with care and prep, your four-legged friend’s journey will be a smooth one!
I hope this guide answers all your questions and puts your mind at ease about transporting pets with Avianca Cargo. From my own experiences, proper planning is key to giving your furry family member a stress-free flight. Let me know if any other questions come up – happy travels to you and your pet!
Pet Transportation Requirements with Avianca Cargo
| Pet Type | Container/Crate Requirements | Health Certificate Needed? | Max Weight Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog or Cat | Hard-sided crate or container – must be properly ventilated and escape-proof. | Yes – must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. | 150lbs. |
| Birds | Secured and ventilated container – must be labeled as ‘Live Animals’. | Yes – must state birds are healthy and vaccinated. | Varies by species. |
| Reptiles | Leak/ Escape-proof container. | Yes – with statement of health. | Varies by species. |
| Rodents | Sturdy container labeled ‘Live Animals’ – separate from other pets. | Yes. | Varies by species – usually under 6lbs. |
| Ferrets | Secure crate or container – labeled ‘Live Animals’. | Yes. | 10lbs. |
FAQ
- Can I bring my pet on an Avianca Cargo flight?
While Avianca does not allow live animals in the passenger cabin, they do permit most pets to be transported in the cargo hold. However, certain restricted dog breeds are not accepted. - What paperwork is required to ship a pet on Avianca?
You will need a health certificate from a vet, stating the pet has received all required vaccinations. A travel kennel or carrier is also essential. Additional permits may be needed depending on the destination country. Basically, be prepared with all the proper documentation to avoid problems down the line. - How much does it cost to fly a pet cargo?
Pricing varies depending on the size and weight of your furry friend. Generally, expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $1000 each way. At the same time, be aware that additional surcharges may apply on certain routes. The bottom line is pet transportation isn’t cheap, but many say it’s worth it to keep Fido by your side on vacay. - What size kennel do I need?
The kennel should be big enough for your pooch to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably. Nevertheless, it also needs to meet the dimensions specified by Avianca, usually no larger than 62 inches in length plus width plus height altogether. Consult the airline directly for their exact sizing policies to stay clear of issues. - Are there any restricted dog breeds?
Sadly, certain dog breeds get a bad rap due to public perception rather than behavior. Avianca does exclude Fighting and Bulldog type dogs for cargo. Maybe this isn’t fair to the pups, but airlines need to consider safety first Based on federal regulations and public opinion, Pit Bulls and similar breeds are a no-go usually. It’s wise to verify ahead of time just to be sure. - How will my pet be cared for during the flight?
Animal experts say pet relocation can be stressful. Thankfully, Avianca trains staff to provide TLC and monitor temps. Pets will stay in temperature controlled holds and get regular checks. Still, long flights aren’t ideal. As one vet put it, “it’s better than driving, but not as good as not traveling.” If possible, consider driving or see if a friend can petsit to minimize stress. - What if my pet gets lost or injured?
While airline mishaps are rare, things can happen occasionally no matter how careful they try to be. Avianca is responsible for medical expenses and will even reimburse a fair price for an unrecovered pet. Their extensive tracing procedures involve scanning tags and coordinating across airports. Hopefully all goes well, but It’s comforting to know there’s a backup plan of sorts.