Emirates – Pet Policy
Quick Reference Table
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Hold | Cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Only service/guide dog (advance approval) | Yes (on eligible routes if under journey/time/size limits) | Yes | Brachycephalic/aggressive breeds restricted; docs required |
| Cat | No | Yes (on eligible routes) | Yes | Breed & country docs apply; via cargo to Dubai or if over limits |
| Bird | Falcons only (Dubai ⇄ Pakistan/Middle East routes) | Yes (select routes/conditions) | Yes | CITES and weather/seasonal restrictions; country bans in summer |
| Rabbit | No | No | Manifest cargo only | Check with airline/country rules |
| Reptile | No | No | Possible via cargo only | Special permits; agent required |
| Fish | No | No | As cargo only (with sealed tank/docs) | All vet/import/export docs, advance booking |
*Checked baggage: max 59in/150cm (pet+crate ≤23kg: $500 USD; 24–32kg/150–300cm: $650 USD). If >32kg/300cm or for Dubai arrivals, animal must be sent as manifest cargo. No pets may travel in cabin except service dogs or falcons on approved routes.
General Policy Overview
- PETS IN CABIN: Only service/guide dogs for the visually impaired and falcons (between Dubai and certain cities in Pakistan) are allowed in the cabin, with prior authorization. Other pets are not permitted in-cabin.
- PETS AS CHECKED BAGGAGE: Dogs, cats, birds, and falcons may be transported as checked baggage on select routes and under journey/time/weight/dimension limits (≤17hrs total trip/32kg/300cm per animal+crate); otherwise must use cargo. Destinations like Dubai: cargo only.
- PETS AS CARGO: All other pets, animals on routes/countries not accepting checked pets, or shipments exceeding baggage size/weight/time must use Emirates SkyCargo or an agent.
- BREED/SPECIES RESTRICTIONS: Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) and aggressive breeds may be banned. CITES-listed species (many birds, reptiles) must travel as cargo and require permits. Country bans and weather limits (Dubai: no birds in cargo May–Sep).
Pet-Specific Guidance
- Dogs: Only certified service/guide dogs in-cabin on most routes; all others travel as checked baggage or cargo. Many snub-nosed breeds banned; pre-approval and vet docs mandatory. Baggage fee: $500–$650 (see below).
- Cats: Not in cabin. Checked/cargo travel per rules above. Breed, country, and doc restrictions apply; always use IATA crate.
- Birds: Falcons only permitted in cabin on certain Middle East routes. All others as checked/cargo with CITES and weather/entry restrictions. No avian shipments via Dubai May–Sep.
- Rabbits/Fish/Exotics: Not permitted as checked baggage; may be possible via cargo with all permits, crate, and advance arrangement. Consult the airline directly.
- Reptile: Cargo only, specialist booking required.
Container, Weight & Size Rules
- IATA-compliant crate: rigid, leak- and escape-proof, ventilated, labeled with owner and pet info and temperature needs.
- Checked (baggage): pet+crate ≤23kg & ≤59in/150cm: USD 500; 24–32kg &/or up to 300cm: USD 650. Above: cargo only.
- Excess baggage charges always apply for any pets, regardless of standard allowance.
Required Documentation
- Vet health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
- Rabies vaccination record (and microchip where required)
- Import/export/transit and CITES permits where required
- Country- and species-specific clearances
- Advance notice to Emirates and booking confirmation
- For service/guide dogs: official ID, supporting medical/training doc, prior approval letter
Woofly Tips
- Book animal transport well in advance—cargo slots fill up quickly, and some months/airports have total bans due to weather or policy.
- Prepare crate ahead to ensure comfort and compliance; label clearly with your contact/route data.
- Check all import/export laws for every country on your itinerary, not just your destination. Many impose limits (like max 2 pets to India).
- Always confirm current country and airline rules prior to ticketing; bans and regulations change frequently.
Last updated: July 21, 2025