Etihad Airways Pet TravelEY
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Policy last updated: April 25, 2026
In-Cabin Travel
AllowedFee of USD 399 is a promotional price valid for new bookings made between 00:01 GST 13 April 2026 and 23:59 GST 31 May 2026, for travel within the same window, on permitted routes. Standard pricing not stated separately. Weight limit of 8kg includes the carrier. In Business class, passenger must purchase an extra seat plus pay USD 399; carrier max dimensions in that case are 50x43x50cm. One pet per passenger; two pets allowed if travelling with another guest, provided pets are from the same household and know each other (separate booking form required for each pet). Passenger must be at least 18 years old. Cannot sit in exit row or bulkhead seat. Must check in 3 hours before departure. Carrier must be ventilated on at least three sides, escape- and leak-proof, and lined with absorbent material. Pregnant pets are not accepted. Sedation of animals is not recommended. Pets are only permitted on Etihad-operated flights. Booking form must be submitted at least 7 days before the flight; documents emailed at least 72 hours before. Prohibited routes for pets (cats and dogs): Australia (Melbourne, Sydney), China (Shanghai), Hong Kong, India (Ahmedabad, Kozhikode, Jaipur, Thiruvananthapuram), Indonesia (Bali), Maldives (Male), South Africa (Johannesburg), Taiwan (Taipei), Thailand (Krabi), United Kingdom (London, Manchester), USA, Vietnam (Hanoi).
Cargo / Hold
Not allowedNo cargo/checked baggage option for cats or dogs is mentioned on the pet policy page. Pets (cats and dogs) are only accepted in-cabin on Etihad-operated flights.
Service Animals
AllowedMust call at least 48 hours before the flight. One trained service dog allowed in cabin; two on flights from the U.S. Psychiatric support dogs only permitted on direct flights from the U.S. Service dogs not permitted on flights from China. Additional restrictions apply for service dogs from countries with a high risk of rabies. Dogs trained for emotional support, comfort, companionship, or service dogs in training are not permitted as trained service dogs. Service dogs must be harnessed or leashed at all times and sit with the passenger. Free of charge in cabin and as checked baggage (in addition to baggage allowance). Prohibited routes for service dogs: Australia (Sydney), China (Beijing, Shanghai), India (Ahmedabad, Kozhikode, Jaipur, Thiruvananthapuram), Indonesia (Bali), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur — only trained service dogs below 8kg permitted), Maldives (Male), South Africa (Johannesburg), Taiwan (Taipei), Thailand (Krabi), Vietnam (Hanoi). Service dogs from high rabies-risk countries vaccinated outside the U.S. will not be allowed to travel to the U.S.
Species Rules
In cases where a guest with a trained service dog and a guest with a pet request to travel in the same cabin on the same flight, the trained service dog takes priority regardless of time of reservation. If a guest with an allergy and a guest with a pet are on the same flight, the first reservation is confirmed. Pets must be from the same household if two pets travel together with two passengers.
Breed Restrictions
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Bully
- Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero)
- Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino)
- Any Mastiff or Hybrid
- Japanese Tosa or hybrid
- Tosa
- Rottweiler
- Doberman Pinscher
- Canario Presa
- Boxer
- Any mixed breed of the above or their hybrid
Documentation Required
- Completed pet booking form (submitted at least 7 days before flight)
- Required documents emailed to pets@etihad.ae at least 72 hours before flight
- UAE Health Certificate (if flying to Abu Dhabi) — signed and stamped by a government-accredited health official within 5 days before the flight; local government health certificate accepted from select countries
- Release permit for pet (if flying to Abu Dhabi)
- What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
- Small cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin on Etihad-operated flights to and from Abu Dhabi, subject to route restrictions. Falcons and trained service dogs are also permitted under separate policies.
- What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?
- Pets must weigh up to 8kg including their carrier.
- What are the carrier size requirements for in-cabin pet travel?
- Maximum carrier size is 40 x 40 x 22cm (L x W x H) to fit under the seat. If you have purchased an extra seat (Business class), the maximum size is 50 x 43 x 50cm. The carrier must be ventilated on at least three sides, be escape- and leak-proof, and lined with absorbent material, and be large enough for your pet to stand, sit erect, turn around, and lie down naturally.
- What are the fees for traveling with a pet?
- The promotional fee is USD 399 per flight for Economy. In Business, passengers must pay for an extra seat plus USD 399. This promotional pricing is valid for new bookings made between 00:01 GST 13 April 2026 and 23:59 GST 31 May 2026, for travel within the same window. Trained service dogs travel free of charge.
- Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?
- One pet per passenger. If travelling with another guest, two pets are allowed provided they are from the same household and known to each other. A separate booking form is required for each pet.
- Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
- Yes. The following dog breeds are not permitted: Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero), Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino), any Mastiff or hybrid, Japanese Tosa or hybrid, Tosa, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Canario Presa, Boxer, and any mixed breed of the above or their hybrid.
- What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
- A completed pet booking form must be submitted at least 7 days before your flight, and all required documents must be emailed to pets@etihad.ae at least 72 hours before your flight. If flying to Abu Dhabi, you must present a UAE Health Certificate signed and stamped by a government-accredited health official within 5 days before your flight (or a local government health certificate if departing from a select list of countries), and apply for a release permit for your pet.
- How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
- Submit a booking form (available on the Etihad website) at least seven days before your flight, then email all required documents to pets@etihad.ae at least 72 hours before your flight. If flying in Business, call Etihad first to check pet-friendly seat availability. You can pay the pet fee using Etihad Guest Miles by calling the Contact Centre.
- Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
- Yes. If flying to Abu Dhabi, you must present a UAE Health Certificate and apply for a release permit. Various routes are restricted for pet travel due to government or operational restrictions, including flights to/from the USA, UK, Australia, and several other countries. Etihad is not responsible if destination authorities refuse entry to your pet.
- What is the airline's policy on sedating pets during travel?
- Sedation of animals is not recommended, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary supervision. Commonly used tranquilizers lower blood pressure, which also occurs at high altitude.
- Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
- Yes. You can email pets@etihad.ae for document submission, or call Etihad Airways directly. The pet fee can also be paid with Etihad Guest Miles by calling the Contact Centre.
Source: Official pet policy page ↗