Emirates Airlines Pet Policy | Rules, Fees & Ultimate Guide

Emirates Airlines Pet Policy continues to be one of the most globally recognized and professionally structured pet travel regulations in the airline industry. As one of the world’s leading premium airlines, Emirates ensures a high level of comfort, compliance, veterinary safety, and smooth international pet movement for passengers traveling with animals. Pet travel is allowed on Emirates – however not inside passenger cabin like selected airlines – pets are transported in temperature-controlled aircraft cargo holds under advanced safety management. If travelers have more complex guidance requirements or need booking assistance, they can also connect with live support experts at +1-877-593-4887 anytime for direct help.

Quick Overview: Emirates Airlines Pet Policy

• Pet Travel Options: Emirates Airlines allows pets to travel as checked baggage or cargo, depending on their size, weight, and destination. Only service dogs are permitted in the cabin on specific routes.
• Checked Pets: Cats and dogs up to 32 kg (pet + crate) can travel in the aircraft hold in an IATA-approved, ventilated crate.
• Cargo (SkyCargo): Pets over 32 kg or large crates must be shipped through Emirates SkyCargo, which provides temperature-controlled care and supervision.
• Health & Vaccinations: All pets must be microchipped, rabies-vaccinated, and have a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Some destinations require an import permit.
• Breed Restrictions: Short-nosed breeds (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats) face limits or cargo-only travel for safety reasons.
• Age Requirement: Pets must be at least 4 months old.
• Fees: Emirates pet travel fees typically range between $500–$800, depending on size, route, and service type (baggage or cargo).
• Advance Booking: Pet travel must be requested at least 7–10 days before departure to allow documentation and approval.
• Temperature & Care: Emirates maintains pet hold temperatures between 20°C–25°C and provides hydration and supervision during transit via SkyCargo.
• Cabin Policy: Regular pets are not allowed in the cabin. Only certified service dogs are permitted and must remain harnessed throughout the journey.
• Carrier Guidelines: The container must be IATA-approved, well-ventilated, and large enough for the pet to stand, turn, and lie comfortably.
• Checked Baggage (Small Pets): Pets weighing up to 118 kg (including crate) can travel as checked baggage. The crate must meet IATA safety standards.
• Advance Booking: Request pet travel at least 7 days before departure by contacting Emirates Agent 24×7 helpline +1-877-593-4887.

Pro Tip: Check your pet’s breed eligibility, paperwork, and weight limits before booking. For quick assistance with documents, fees, or reservations, call Emirates Agent pet travel experts (+1-877-593-4887) — they’ll help you secure safe and stress-free pet travel with Emirates.

Understanding the Emirates Airline Pet Travel Policy

The Emirates Airline Pet Travel Policy covers key requirements for pet health, safety, species eligibility, and destination compliance. It follows IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR), ensuring pets are transported under globally approved welfare and handling standards throughout their journey.

The three travel modes:

• In-Cabin: Service dogs only, with pre-approval.
• Checked Baggage (Hold): Allowed for smaller pets under size/weight limits.
• SkyCargo: Mandatory for larger pets, long-haul routes, or animals requiring special handling.

Your choice depends on:

• Pet’s size and breed
• Route duration
• Destination import/export laws
• Crate dimensions

If your crate or animal exceeds the hold limits, Emirates will automatically reroute the travel via SkyCargo. This ensures the animal remains safe in a climate-controlled, supervised environment.

Does Emirates Airlines Allow Pets?

Yes. Emirates Airlines allows pets to travel, but with specific conditions. Pets are not permitted in the passenger cabin on Emirates flights (except service dogs). Instead, they travel as checked baggage or cargo, depending on their size, breed, and destination regulations.

Emirates prioritizes animal welfare, offering a climate-controlled environment and specialized care through Emirates SkyCargo, which operates one of the world’s largest pet transport facilities in Dubai. If your pet is too large for the cabin or your route restricts in-cabin pets, Emirates ensures seamless handling via SkyCargo. For detailed assistance, you can reach +1-877-593-4887.

Emirates Airlines Pet In Cabin Policy

The Emirates Airlines Pet In Cabin Policy is one of the most restrictive among global carriers. Ordinary cats, dogs, or birds cannot travel inside the passenger cabin.

Only the following exceptions apply:

• Certified Service Dogs – Accompany passengers with disabilities or medical conditions.
• Falcons – On select Middle Eastern routes, where cultural tradition allows trained falcons to travel in cabin.

All other pets must travel in the hold or via cargo. Even service dogs must comply with local regulations, vaccination records, and Emirates approval forms.

Emirates Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Here’s the practical core of the Emirates Airlines Pet Travel Policy you’ll use when booking:

• Age: Pets are typically required to be at least 16 weeks (4 months) old at time of travel.
• Advance Notice: Notify the airline and request space well in advance—especially if booking cargo. Slots are limited and approvals can take time.
• Crate Standards: Use an IATA-compliant kennel with rigid sides, secure door, adequate ventilation, and enough interior space for the pet to stand, turn, and lie down.
• Dimension Thresholds: If your crate exceeds specified combined dimensions (length + width + height), cargo is usually mandatory.
• Route & Weather: Not all routes or seasons allow hold animals. Heat/cold restrictions and very long flights can push pets to cargo.

Always confirm the latest operational rules for your exact origin, transfer points, and destination. When in doubt, a quick call to +1-877-593-4887 can save you hours.

Emirates Airline Pet Policy: Fees, Weight & Breed Restrictions

Understanding costs and breed rules prevents last-minute surprises.

Typical Emirates pet travel costs:

Note: Fees vary by route and season. Confirm with Emirates directly (+1-877-593-4887).

Restricted Breeds

Emirates limits travel for brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds due to breathing risks:

Dogs: Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus
Cats: Persians, Himalayans, British Shorthairs

Owners of these breeds are usually required to use SkyCargo rather than the passenger hold.

Emirates Airlines Pet Policy International

When traveling internationally, compliance expands beyond airline rules to country import/export regulations. Each destination (e.g., UAE, EU, USA, Japan) enforces its own veterinary and document standards.

International requirements:

• Microchip: ISO-compliant for all international entries.
• Rabies Vaccination: Must be current and verified by a licensed vet.
• Health Certificate: Issued within 10 days of travel.
• Import Permit: Often required for the UAE, UK, Australia, and Japan.
• Quarantine (if applicable): Some destinations enforce mandatory isolation.

Tip: If you’re entering Dubai, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) oversees animal import approval. File documentation early to avoid airport delays. For assistance verifying country-specific requirements, call +1-877-593-4887.

Emirates Airlines Pet Policy for Cats and Dogs in Cabin 2025

Under the Emirates Airlines Pet Policy, cats and dogs are not allowed in the cabin, except for certified service dogs on approved routes. However, both can travel safely as checked baggage (up to 32 kg) or through Emirates SkyCargo for larger pets. Emirates’ trained animal handlers maintain temperature-controlled environments, monitored feeding, and strict welfare standards throughout the journey.

Cats in Cabin

Emirates does not allow cats inside the passenger cabin, but they can fly in the hold or via SkyCargo. Before travel, ensure your cat is:

• Microchipped and fully vaccinated (including rabies).
• Carrying a valid health certificate issued within 10 days of departure.
• Cleared with an import permit for the destination country.

Dogs in Cabin

Dogs are among the most commonly transported pets under the Emirates Airlines Pet Policy. They may travel as checked baggage (≤ 32 kg) or SkyCargo (> 32 kg) depending on size. Requirements include:

• Minimum age of 4 months.
• IATA-approved crate with secure door and ventilation.
• Up-to-date vaccination and health certificates.
• Breed restrictions: Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Tosas, and some short-nosed breeds may face limits or be refused transport.

Tip: Always confirm your pet’s eligibility and documentation with Emirates or contact Emirates Agent 24×7 helpline (+1-877-593-4887) for expert assistance before booking.

Emirates Airlines Pet Policy Dogs Cabin Cargo

Dogs under normal circumstances must travel as cargo or checked hold pets. Only trained service dogs are cabin-eligible.

Cargo Advantages:

• Temperature-controlled area monitored by Emirates staff
• Special handling through Emirates SkyCargo Animal Care Facility in Dubai
• Short ground time: loaded last, offloaded first
• Priority customs clearance for animals

When flying internationally (for example, USA → UAE or Japan → Europe), SkyCargo is often mandatory for pets over 32 kg combined weight.

Special Pet Travel Conditions and Restrictions on Emirates

Beyond breed and weight rules, several special conditions apply:

• Extreme Weather: Emirates suspends hold pet travel during temperature extremes.
• Multi-Stop Itineraries: Long transits (> 17 hours) require SkyCargo booking.
• Prohibited Animals: Snakes, rodents, ferrets, and exotic species not allowed in passenger aircraft.
• Pregnant or Nursing Pets: Restricted after a certain gestation period.
• Seasonal embargoes: Some destinations may impose temporary restrictions in peak summer/winter months.

Always verify route-specific updates before ticketing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Pet Travel on Emirates

Follow this easy process for a stress-free experience:

• Contact Emirates early (call +1-877-593-4887) with your pet’s details or Visit Emirate Airlines Website.
• Determine mode: Cabin (service dog), hold, or cargo.
• Submit documents: Health certificate, vaccination record, import permits.
• Reserve pet space: Pay applicable handling or cargo fees.
• Purchase IATA-approved crate: Ensure comfort and correct sizing.
• Schedule vet appointment: Obtain “fit to fly” clearance 5–10 days before departure.
• Label crate: Name, phone number, flight info, “LIVE ANIMAL” sticker.
• Arrive early: Minimum 3 hours before departure for hold pets; earlier for cargo.
• Check on arrival: Retrieve your pet from baggage claim or cargo facility after customs clearance.

Health & Safety Requirements Under Emirates Airlines Pet Policy

Animal welfare is central to Emirates operations. The airline follows IATA and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines.

Health & Safety Checklist:

• Vet health certificate issued within 10 days.
• Proof of rabies vaccination.
• No sedation unless prescribed.
• Crate ventilation on at least 3 sides.
• Clearly visible feeding and water instructions.
• Pet ID tag and emergency contact details.

Emirates’ dedicated animal-handling teams oversee loading, environmental control, and monitoring throughout the flight.

Documents Required for Emirates Airlines Pet Policy

Before departure, ensure you carry all required paperwork:

• Veterinary Health Certificate (signed & dated)
• Rabies Vaccination Record
• Microchip Certificate (ISO standard)
• Country-specific Import Permit
• Owner ID copy
• Emirates Pet Travel Form
• Service Dog Documentation (if applicable)

Keep two copies of each document — one in your hand baggage, one attached securely to the crate.

Preparing Your Pet for Emirates Airlines Travel

Preparation helps your pet adapt comfortably.

Week-by-week prep:

2–3 weeks prior:

• Crate-train daily.
• Begin adjusting feeding schedule to flight timing.

1 week prior:

• Confirm booking with Emirates.
• Schedule final vet checkup.

1 day before:

• Add absorbent bedding and freeze a small water bowl.
• Attach paperwork and labels.

Travel day:

• Exercise your pet early.
• Provide a light meal 4 hours before check-in.
• Keep calm — pets sense owner stress.

Travel Day and Post-Flight Pet Handling with Emirates

On departure:
Arrive early, check documents, and escort your pet to the designated counter. Emirates’ trained staff will inspect the crate and handle loading.

During flight:
Animals travel in a climate-controlled hold monitored for pressure and temperature.

On arrival:
Pick up your pet at the cargo or special baggage area. Proceed through customs or veterinary inspection if applicable. Allow your pet to rest, hydrate, and gradually adjust to the new environment.

Conclusion

Flying with your beloved animal on Emirates in 2025 is possible with proper planning, compliance, and patience. The Emirates Airlines Pet Policy prioritizes animal comfort and safety across every stage — from documentation to crate inspection and transport.

If you’re moving abroad, relocating, or simply exploring new horizons with your pet, start early: check health rules, book the right crate, gather all documents, and stay in touch with Emirates for live updates. For smooth approvals, always contact the Emirates Pet Travel Desk at +1-877-593-4887 well before your journey. With thoughtful preparation, both you and your companion can enjoy a safe, calm, and comfortable flight — the Emirates way.