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Emirates Pet TravelEK

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FAQ about Emirates pet policy

Policy last updated: April 20, 2026

Accepted pets:🐱 Cat🐶 Dog

In-Cabin Travel

Not allowed

Cats and dogs are NOT permitted in the cabin. Only guide dogs (seeing-eye dogs) for the visually impaired and, on specific routes, falcons are allowed in the cabin. All other pets must travel as checked baggage or cargo.

Cargo / Hold

Allowed
As checked baggage Yes
As freight Yes
Max weight32 kg
Temperature embargoDue to high heat and humidity in the UAE, no birds (except some falcons) can be accepted for transit via Dubai as checked baggage or cargo between May 1 and September 30. No specific temperature embargo stated for cats and dogs, but Emirates will not transport animals if conditions are unsafe.

For itineraries starting in Dubai traveling to countries that allow animals as excess baggage: cats and dogs can be transported as checked baggage in the hold if total journey time (including ~1hr check-in and ~1hr delivery at destination) is less than 17 hours. For all itineraries ending in Dubai, animals must be transported as cargo. If cage dimensions exceed 118 inches (300 cm), must be transported as manifested cargo. Charges: USD 500 (animal+cage ≤23kg/150cm), USD 650 (24–32kg/150–300cm), USD 800 (>32kg/150–300cm). A maximum of two adult animals of comparable size weighing up to 14 kg each may travel in the same container if used to cohabitation; animals over 14 kg each must travel in separate containers. Animals transiting through Dubai must be transported as cargo if connection time exceeds 6 hours. Live animals must be transported as cargo if total journey time exceeds 17 hours. Pregnant animals beyond 1/3 of gestation period not accepted; animals that have given birth within 48 hours not accepted. A 24-hour emergency contact number and optimum temperature must be shown on the travel container. Emirates is not responsible for transporting pets on itineraries that include other airlines. All animals listed under CITES must be transported as cargo. Further restrictions including import bans apply to certain species of cats and dogs.

Service Animals

Allowed
🐾Accepted species🐶 Dog
Must fit at passenger feet Yes
Advance notice required Yes
Documentation requiredProof of vaccination, microchipping, pet passport (veterinary health documents)Import permits (according to country regulations)Proof that the dog has been trained to perform specific tasks and behave in a public settingFor psychiatric support dogs: signed statement no older than one year from a licensed mental health professional stating the name of disability, need for psychiatric support dog, and license informationFor travel to/from USA: US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form; US DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (for flights over 8 hours); CDC Dog Import FormFor travel to Dubai: veterinary health certificate from country of origin, rabies titer test (RNAT), vaccination book/treatment documents, import permit from MOCCAE, inspection/releasing fee receipts — submitted at least 4 working days before departure

Only dogs are considered service animals. Guide dogs (seeing-eye dogs) and psychiatric support dogs (PSA dogs) can travel in the cabin on certain routes (to/from USA and Canada; between Australia and New Zealand; between EU countries and USA; between EU countries and Dubai; from other countries to Dubai is cargo only). Service animals other than seeing-eye or psychiatric support dogs travel as checked baggage in cargo hold. Emotional support and therapy animals are not considered service animals and travel as normal pets. Service dog must be over 4 months old to travel in the cabin. Dog must remain harnessed/leashed at all times in airport and on board. Must not occupy a seat and must fit at handler's feet; if too large, passenger may purchase an additional seat. If service dog does not behave appropriately, may be transferred to cargo hold at additional cost. When transported as checked baggage, flight connection time must not exceed 6 hours. Advance notice required at least 48 hours before flight. Travel to Dubai: booking only confirmed after MOCCAE validates documents.

🐱🐶

Species Rules

Service animals exempt Yes

Animals are not permitted in the cabin of Emirates flights, with the exception of falcons between Dubai and certain destinations in Pakistan, and Guide Dogs for the visually impaired. Cats and dogs may travel as checked baggage in the hold on itineraries starting in Dubai to countries that allow animals as excess baggage, provided total journey time is under 17 hours.

Documentation Required

  • Valid import permit issued by the destination country
  • Valid health certificate including applicable vaccination records
  • A 24-hour emergency contact number and optimum temperature requirement must be shown on the animal's travel container
What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
Animals are generally not permitted in the cabin of Emirates flights. Exceptions are falcons traveling between Dubai and certain destinations in Pakistan, and guide dogs (seeing-eye dogs) for the visually impaired and psychiatric support dogs on eligible routes. All other cats and dogs must travel as checked baggage in the hold or as cargo.
Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?
Yes. For itineraries starting in Dubai traveling to countries that allow animals as excess baggage, cats, dogs, and pet birds can be transported as checked baggage in the hold provided total journey time is less than 17 hours and all conditions are met. For all itineraries ending in Dubai, animals must travel as manifested cargo. Animals require a valid import permit from the destination country and a valid health certificate including vaccination records. A 24-hour emergency contact and optimum temperature must be displayed on the container.
What are the fees for traveling with a pet?
Charges depend on the combined weight and size of the animal and its cage: USD 500 / CAD 700 when combined weight does not exceed 23 kg (50 lb) and dimensions do not exceed 59 inches (150 cm); USD 650 / CAD 900 when combined weight is 24–32 kg (53–71 lb) with dimensions between 59–118 inches (150–300 cm); USD 800 / CAD 1,150 when combined weight exceeds 32 kg (71 lb) with dimensions between 59–118 inches (150–300 cm). When cage dimensions exceed 118 inches (300 cm), the animal must be transported as manifested cargo. These charges apply even when no other checked baggage is being carried.
Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?
There are no restrictions on the number of pets per passenger on Emirates flights. However, some countries impose restrictions — for example, India restricts import to two pets per customer. A maximum of two adult animals of comparable size weighing up to 14 kg each may be shipped in the same container if used to cohabitation; animals over 14 kg each must travel in separate containers.
Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
Further restrictions, including import bans, apply to certain species of cats and dogs. All animals listed under CITES must be transported as cargo. Please contact your local Emirates office for more information on restricted species.
What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
All animals must have a valid import permit issued by the destination country and a valid health certificate including applicable vaccination records. A 24-hour emergency contact number and optimum temperature requirement must always be shown on the animal's travel container. Additional country-specific documentation may apply.
How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
Please book and pay for the transportation of animals as checked baggage before your departure date. Contact your local Emirates office for bookings and further information. Emirates is not responsible for transporting pets on itineraries that include other airlines.
Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
Yes. Requirements vary by destination. All animals need a valid import permit and health certificate. Travel to Portugal requires an entry pre-approval and an arrival notification form submitted no later than 48 hours before arrival. Travel to Pakistan requires completion of a specific form before arrival. Travel to Dubai requires animals to be transported as cargo. Some countries restrict the number of pets that can be imported. Check all destination country requirements before traveling.
Are there temperature-related restrictions for pets traveling in the cargo hold?
Due to high heat and humidity in the UAE, no birds (except certain falcons) can be accepted for transit via Dubai as checked baggage or cargo between May 1 and September 30. Optimum temperature requirements must always be shown on the animal's travel container.
Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
For more information on shipping animals as cargo, contact Emirates SkyCargo or your local cargo agent. For general pet travel inquiries, contact your local Emirates office.

Source: Official pet policy page ↗