Only dogs and cats are considered pets or domestic animals for the purposes of air transport. Dogs and cats of brachycephalic breeds will not be transported in the cargo hold, as their delicate characteristics may cause respiratory problems and pose a higher level of risk.

Pets under 4 months of age will not be accepted, as they are required to have received the rabies vaccine with sufficient anticipation.

General Conditions

Carrier / Kennel:  

• • • It must be appropriate for the size of the pet, provide ventilation on all four sides, and be leak- and escape-proof.
    • Rigid material or resistant soft-sided carriers (no metal cages with open bars).
    • It must allow safe handling by airline personnel.
    • Only one pet is allowed per container.

Documentation:  

• • • Passengers must present valid vaccination records and a veterinary health certificate for their pet, applicable to both the city of origin and the destination.
    • According to the Ministry of Health of Panama, Note No. 003-DGZ-DCZ (03/06/2014), any pet transported by air on commercial or private flights must have a rabies vaccination certificate, duly signed by a licensed veterinarian confirming that the animal has been immunized.

    🚨 IMPORTANT: This document must be presented to the health official at the airport, otherwise the pet cannot board the aircraft

 Harness, Muzzle, or Leash:

• • • ​ All pets must be equipped with their respective leash and/or muzzle, to ensure the safety of all travelers as well as the airline’s personnel.

                    Number of Pets per Passenger:

• • • Only one pet is allowed per passenger.   
    • Unaccompanied minors are not permitted to travel with pets. 

Cost of Transporting Pets in the Cargo Hold

The transportation of pets in the cargo hold is not included in the passenger's baggage allowance.

Charges will be applied based on the total weight of the animal, including the weight of the container (kennel):

Total Weight	Cost
0 - 10 kg	USD 20.00
11 - 25 kg	USD 30.00
More than 25 kg – 45 kg	USD 50.00

Exceptions:

Only Emotional Support Dogs or Service Dogs will be allowed to travel in the cabin, provided that documentation is submitted certifying their therapeutic or assistance function. 

• • Emotional Support Dog: Provides the therapeutic well-being required by the passenger, supported by certification from a qualified mental health professional.
  • Service Dog: An animal trained to assist, guide, or perform tasks for a person with a qualified disability, duly accredited.

Additional requirements for traveling with an Emotional Support Dog or Service Dog: In addition to the general documentation and health requirements previously indicated (valid vaccinations and veterinary health certificate), the following specific requirements must be met:

​ ​Emotional Support Dog:

• • • Submit a letter on official letterhead, signed and stamped by a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. This certificate must not be older than one year. 
    • The dog must travel in a container appropriate to its size, with ventilation on all four sides, absorbent and leak-proof soft sides, and must fit under the seat and remain inside the container for the entire flight.

​ ​Service Dog:

• • • The passenger must present a medical certificate on official letterhead, stating the disability, signed and stamped by a licensed specialist. This certificate must not be older than one year. 
    • The dog must wear its harness and identification confirming its function.
    • ​The authorized service dog in the cabin must be located on the floor, in front of the owner's assigned seat and not in the footwell of adjacent passengers
    • ​The dog must NOT occupy the aisles, nor close to the emergency exits, nor can it go on the seat

Conditions for pets in cabin:​

• • • Up to three (3) pets are allowed in the cabin per flight.
    • The maximum total weight allowed is 9 kg (20 lb), including the pet and its carrier.
    • The carrier must be a soft-sided “soft bag” type.
    • If the total weight exceeds the limit, the pet will be placed in a designated compartment in the aircraft cabin.
    • If the pet soils or damages the aircraft, a cleaning fee of USD $200.00 will apply.
    • Purchase of an additional seat is available for passengers whose pets require more space (subject to availability). For this option, the Basic (E) fare will apply.

General Recommendations:

• Report at least 48 hours prior to your flight that you are traveling with an Emotional Support Dog or Service Dog, through our Reservations Department ​ reservaciones@aipanama.com at (507) 316-9000 for verification of requirements.
• Complete the Live Animal Release Form   and submit it at the airport to the airline staff on the day of your flight.
• Traveling with more than one dog in the cabin per passenger is not permitted.
• The passenger is responsible for all required documents to ensure the proper exit and entry of the animal, both at the city of origin and at the destination.
• Boarding of the Emotional Support Dog or Service Dog may be denied if:

1. 1. 1. 1. If they do not present the required documents in order. 
         2. Displays inappropriate behavior such as barking, growling, or attacking other passengers; both the airport, waiting rooms and/or boarding.
         3. If he has a bad smell, is unclean or is not able to control his needs.
         4. Dogs of breeds considered dangerous or aggressive cannot travel in the passenger cabin or in the luggage hold: Doberman, Pit Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Belgian Shepherd Malinois, Anatolian Shepherd, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu. Also depending on its physical complexion, muscles, height and weight.
         5. Our airport staff and crew may require the use of a muzzle if the dog shows aggressive behavior. In such cases, the animal will not be permitted to travel in the cabin and will be transported in the aircraft’s cargo hold inside its appropriate carrier. The passenger will be responsible for any additional charges associated with this transportation.