Flying with a pet within Brazil is common, but it takes more planning than traveling without one. Each airline sets its own rules for weight, carrier size, and paperwork, so the first step is always to confirm those rules before booking your flight.
In general, small pets can travel in the cabin, inside a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, while larger animals usually travel in the aircraft's hold, in a pressurized, climate-controlled compartment. Which option is available depends on the combined weight of the animal and the carrier, so it's worth weighing everything before deciding.
Where your pet travels
Cabin or hold: what determines it
Each airline sets a weight limit — combining the animal and the carrier — for accepting pets in the cabin. Below that limit, your pet can usually travel with you in the cabin. Above it, your pet travels in the hold, in a compartment reserved for animals, separate from regular cargo. It's worth confirming directly with your chosen airline what the current weight limit is and how many pets are accepted per flight, since spots are usually limited and need to be booked in advance.
Equipment
The carrier has to meet specific size requirements
Airlines require the carrier to be rigid or semi-rigid, ventilated, with a waterproof bottom and enough room for the animal to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The maximum accepted dimensions vary by airline and aircraft type, so it's best to confirm the exact measurements before buying the carrier, rather than finding out about a problem on the day of the flight.
Before you travel
Documentation you'll usually need
For domestic flights, airlines commonly ask for a veterinary health certificate issued close to the travel date, confirming that the animal is fit to fly and up to date on vaccines. How long that certificate stays valid varies by airline and, in some cases, by the origin and destination states — so it's worth seeing a vet with some lead time instead of leaving this step for the last minute.
Planning
Pet fee and booking a spot
Each airline sets its own fee for transporting animals, charged separately from the ticket price, and the amount can change depending on whether the pet travels in the cabin or the hold. Since the number of pets accepted per flight is usually limited, many airlines ask you to book the spot in advance, directly through customer service — it's not always something you can sort out at check-in.
In practice
5 steps before boarding with your pet
- 01
Confirm weight, size limits, and the fee with the airline
Do this before booking your flight, since each airline has its own rules and pet spots are usually limited per flight.
- 02
Take your pet to the vet ahead of time
The health certificate needs to be issued within the validity window accepted by the airline — confirm that window ahead of time.
- 03
Get your pet used to the carrier before the trip
Leaving the carrier out at home in the days beforehand reduces the animal's stress on flight day.
- 04
Avoid feeding your pet right before boarding
A light meal a few hours earlier helps prevent motion sickness during the flight.
- 05
Arrive at the airport with extra time to spare
Check-in with a pet usually involves extra document and carrier checks, so it's worth allowing more time than usual.
Heads up
3 common mistakes first-time pet travelers make
- —
Booking the flight before confirming the pet's spot
Since the number of pets per flight is limited, it's safer to confirm availability before finalizing your ticket purchase.
- —
Leaving the vet certificate for the last minute
Tight validity windows can catch pet owners off guard if the vet visit is left until the day before the trip.
- —
Using a carrier outside the accepted size limits
This can lead to boarding being denied right at the airport — it's worth carefully measuring the carrier before travel day.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can my pet travel with me in the airplane cabin?
Yes, as long as the combined weight of the animal and the carrier is within the limit set by your chosen airline. Above that limit, transport is usually done in the hold, in a compartment reserved for animals.
What documents are required to travel with a pet on a domestic flight?
You'll typically need a veterinary health certificate issued close to the travel date, confirming that the animal is fit to fly. The validity period and other requirements vary by airline and route, so it's worth confirming in advance.
Is there a fee for bringing a pet on the plane?
Yes, each airline charges its own fee for transporting animals, separate from the ticket price, which can vary depending on whether the pet travels in the cabin or the hold.
Do I need to book my pet's spot in advance?
It's recommended. Since the number of animals accepted per flight is usually limited, booking in advance avoids the surprise of arriving at the airport and finding out there's no more room on that flight.
Is any pet carrier accepted on the plane?
No. Airlines require rigid or semi-rigid carriers that are ventilated, have a waterproof bottom, and give the animal room to move, within specific maximum dimensions. It's worth confirming those dimensions before buying the carrier.
Who wrote this
Who wrote this
Denise Tonin
Writes practical guides for people flying with pets, kids, or groups around Brazil.
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