Ethiopian Airlines Pet TravelET
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Policy last updated: April 25, 2026
In-Cabin Travel
AllowedMaximum weight including container is 8 kg. Number of pets per compartment varies by aircraft type and class: Wide Body — 2 in C9 (Business), 4 in Economy; Narrow Body — 1 in C9, 2 in Economy. International cabin fee: 120 EUR / 110 GBP / 150 USD per direction (one way). Domestic cabin fee: 100 USD per direction. Fees are effective for sales and travel from 20 June 2025 until further notice. Pets accepted in cabin on all Ethiopian Q-400 aircraft. Advance arrangements required. PET/AVIH fee applies regardless of free baggage allowance.
Cargo / Hold
AllowedPets with cage weighing more than 8 kg up to 32 kg: 370 USD per direction (international). Pets with cage weighing more than 32 kg up to 45 kg: 500 USD per direction (international). Domestic hold: more than 8 kg up to 32 kg — 500% of the excess baggage rate. Pets (including cage) exceeding 45 kg must be transported as cargo per cargo procedures. For codeshare flights, the operating carrier's rules apply.
Service Animals
AllowedSeeing-eye dogs (for visually impaired) and hearing-ear dogs (for hearing-impaired) travel free in the cabin when harnessed and muzzled, subject to local/government restrictions. Emotional support or psychiatric service animals are only accepted with valid documentation from a licensed mental health professional.
Species Rules
Only cats and dogs are accepted. Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds of both cats and dogs are not accepted. Emotional support or psychiatric service animals require valid documentation from a licensed mental health professional (no older than one year).
Breed Restrictions
- Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog breeds — not accepted
- Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) cat breeds — not accepted
Documentation Required
- Pet type and container size must be specified at reservation
- Owner accepts all risks of injury, sickness, or death
- Owner is responsible for meeting all legal entry/transit requirements of destination country
- Check destination country pet acceptance rules with nearest Ethiopian Airlines office or travel agent
- What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
- Ethiopian Airlines accepts only cats and dogs in the cabin. Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds of cats and dogs are not accepted due to increased breathing risks.
- What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?
- The pet and its container combined must not exceed 8 kg to travel in the cabin.
- What are the carrier size requirements for in-cabin pet travel?
- The container must not exceed 55 x 40 x 20 cm. If the container is larger or the total weight (pet + cage) exceeds 8 kg, the pet must be transported in the hold.
- Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?
- Yes. Pets in containers accompanied by passengers or shipped as cargo may be carried in the baggage compartment. If the cage is larger than allowed for cabin travel or the total weight is more than 8 kg and up to 45 kg, the pet travels in the hold. Pets (including cage) weighing more than 45 kg must be transported as cargo per cargo procedures. Advance arrangements are required.
- What are the fees for traveling with a pet?
- International routes (effective 20 June 2025): Cabin (up to 8 kg including cage) — 120 EUR / 110 GBP / 150 USD per direction. Hold (more than 8 kg up to 32 kg including cage) — 370 USD per direction. Hold (more than 32 kg up to 45 kg including cage) — 500 USD per direction. Domestic routes: Cabin (up to 8 kg including cage) — 100 USD per direction. Domestic hold (more than 8 kg up to 32 kg) — 500% of the excess baggage rate. Pets over 45 kg must travel as cargo. The PET/AVIH fee applies regardless of free baggage allowance.
- Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?
- The number of pets allowed per compartment varies by aircraft type and class. Wide Body aircraft: 2 pets in C9 (Business) class, 4 pets in Economy class. Narrow Body aircraft: 1 pet in C9 class, 2 pets in Economy class.
- Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
- Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog and cat breeds are not accepted for transport due to increased breathing risks caused by stress and temperature changes.
- What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
- You must specify the type of pet and size of the container when making a reservation. Pet acceptance rules vary by country, so you should check with your nearest Ethiopian Airlines office or travel agent. The pet owner is responsible for meeting all legal requirements of the destination or transit country.
- How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
- You must make advance arrangements for all pet transport. You must specify the type of pet and the size of the container when making a reservation. Contact the Ethiopian Airlines Contact Centre for assistance.
- Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
- Pet acceptance rules vary by country. Passengers must check with their nearest Ethiopian Airlines office or travel agent. As of 1 August 2024, the U.S. CDC has new entry requirements for live dogs. For Norway, official import rules apply. For interline connections, the policy of the other carrier must also be checked.
- What is the airline's policy on sedating pets during travel?
- No information provided on this topic.
- Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
- Passengers can contact the Ethiopian Airlines Contact Centre or their nearest Ethiopian Airlines office or travel agent for pet travel inquiries.
Source: Official pet policy page ↗