Planning to fly with your pet on Emirates? Understanding the Emirates pet policy before you book can save you from last-minute surprises at the airport. Emirates Airlines allows pets on selected flights, but the rules around fees, carrier requirements, and documentation are strict and preparation well in advance is essential for both domestic and international travelers.
Emirates Airlines Pet Policy: Quick Overview
Emirates generally accepts pets as checked baggage (hold luggage) on eligible flights. Pets are not permitted in the passenger cabin with one notable exception: falcons are allowed in the cabin on select routes between Dubai and certain destinations in Pakistan.
Pet carriage is a chargeable service and is not included in your standard checked baggage allowance, regardless of your fare class or how many bags you have already paid for. You must contact Emirates in advance to arrange pet travel and walk-up requests at the airport are not accepted.
Key rule: Emirates recommends submitting all completed pet travel forms at least 7 days before your travel date. For complex cases involving multiple countries or special documentation, plan even further ahead.
Does Emirates Allow Pets in the Cabin?
Generally, Emirates does not allow pets in the cabin as carry-on or cabin baggage. The only exception to the emirates pet in cabin policy applies to falcons, which are permitted in the cabin on specific routes between Dubai (DXB) and select destinations in Pakistan. All other pets including cats, dogs, and birds must travel in the hold as checked baggage.
If you are travelling from or to a destination that allows cabin pets on other airlines, note that Emirates’ own policy applies when you are on an Emirates-operated flight. Always verify the rules specific to your operating carrier.
Pets as Checked Baggage on Emirates Airlines
Under the Emirates airlines pet policy, pets travel in the aircraft’s pressurized and temperature-controlled hold, the same area used for checked luggage. This environment is designed to keep animals safe and comfortable throughout the flight.
Pet carriage is counted separately from your standard baggage allowance. Even if you travel with zero checked bags, you will still be charged the applicable pet fee.
Pets Accepted by Emirates
- Dogs (domestic/pet breeds)
- Cats
- Falcons (cabin permitted on select Pakistan routes only)
- Household birds (on eligible routes to confirm with Emirates)
Pets and Animals Not Accepted
- Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog breeds e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Boxers, Pekingese
- Brachycephalic cat breeds e.g., Persian, Himalayan, Scottish Fold, Exotic Shorthair
- Reptiles, rodents, and ferrets
- Animals intended for resale or commercial purposes
- Animals that are pregnant, sick, injured, or under medication that causes sedation
- Very young animals (kittens under 16 weeks, puppies under 15 weeks)
- Dangerous or exotic wild animals
Note: Brachycephalic breeds are not accepted because their short nasal passages make them extremely vulnerable to respiratory distress in stressful travel conditions. Emirates enforces this restriction strictly for animal welfare reasons.
Emirates Pet Fees 2025-2026
The pet policy Emirates airlines uses for fee calculation is based on the combined weight and linear dimensions (length + width + height) of the animal and its carrier together. All fees listed below are per journey (one way) and quoted in USD.
| Combined Weight (Animal + Carrier) | Linear Dimensions (L+W+H) | Fee (One Way) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 23 kg (50 lbs) | Within 150 cm (59 in) | $500 |
| 24–32 kg (53–70 lbs) | 150–300 cm (59–118 in) | $650 |
| Over 32 kg (70 lbs) | 150–300 cm (59–118 in) | $800 |
| Any weight | Over 300 cm (118 in) | Not accepted as hold luggage, cargo only |
Important: If the combined dimensions of the carrier and animal exceed 300 cm / 118 inches, Emirates will not accept the pet as checked baggage. In this case, you must arrange transportation through Emirates SkyCargo as a separate cargo shipment.
Baggage fees vary by route and booking method. The fees listed are approximate and may change. Use the airline’s official baggage calculator or contact Emirates directly for exact pricing on your specific route.
Pet Carrier Requirements and Guidelines
Emirates does not publish specific brand or model requirements for pet carriers. However, the carrier must meet the following conditions to be accepted as hold baggage under the emirates airways pet policy.
Size Requirement
- The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of the carrier must not exceed 300 cm (118 inches)
- Combined weight of the carrier and animal must not exceed 32 kg (70 lbs) for hold carriage (above this is still accepted with higher fee up to the 300 cm limit)
Carrier Comfort and Safety Standards
- Space: The carrier must be large enough for your pet to stand naturally, turn around comfortably, and lie down in a natural position
- Ventilation: At least three sides of the carrier must have ventilation openings to allow adequate airflow
- Water and food access: The carrier must have food and water containers that can be accessed and refilled from outside without opening the carrier door
- Floor material: The carrier floor must be lined with absorbent, leak-proof material such as a puppy pad or waterproof mat
- Security: The carrier must have a reliable, tamper-proof locking mechanism to prevent the animal from escaping
- Structural integrity: The carrier must be solid and rigid, soft-sided bags are generally not suitable for hold travel
- No protrusions: There should be no sharp edges, wheels that can snag, or attachments that could get caught during loading
Pre-Travel Carrier Training Tip
It is strongly advisable to introduce your pet to the carrier weeks before the flight. Let them eat, sleep, and spend time inside it so they associate it with safety and comfort. A stressed animal in an unfamiliar carrier can become distressed during long flights, gradual acclimatization makes a significant difference.
Documentation and Booking Requirements
Travelling with a pet on Emirates requires paperwork and the process can be complex depending on your origin and destination countries. Start gathering documents as early as possible; some requirements (like microchipping confirmation or import permits) can take weeks to complete.
Standard Documents Required
- Health certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, confirming the pet is healthy and fit to fly
- Vaccination records: Up-to-date vaccination history, especially rabies vaccination (required for most international destinations)
- Microchip documentation: Many countries require pets to be microchipped (ISO standard 15-digit chip) before entry
- Import/export permit: Required by the destination country, you must apply through that country’s agriculture or animal import authority
- Completed Emirates pet carriage form: Emirates’ own form must be submitted at least 7 days before your departure date
Country-Specific Requirements
- UAE (Dubai): Pets entering the UAE require a valid health certificate, up-to-date rabies vaccination, microchip, and approval from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
- UK: The UK has strict pet import rules, pets require a GB/EU pet passport or a third-country official veterinary certificate, tapeworm treatment (dogs), and advance notification
- India: Governed by DGCA guidelines; import permits from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) are mandatory
- US: The CDC and USDA APHIS regulate pet imports; rabies vaccination requirements vary by country of origin
- Canada: CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) requires valid vaccination records and a health certificate
How to Book Pet Travel on Emirates
- Contact Emirates customer service or your local Emirates office to confirm pet acceptance on your specific route and flight
- Complete and submit the Emirates Special Handling Request form
- Gather all required veterinary and government documentation for your destination
- Submit completed forms to Emirates at least 7 days before travel
- Arrive at the airport early with check-in with a pet requires additional processing time
You cannot book pet travel online through the Emirates website. All arrangements must be made directly with Emirates’ customer service team by phone or in person at an Emirates ticketing office.
Emotional Support Animals (ESA) and Service Animals
Unlike some other airlines particularly US carriers Emirates does not provide in-cabin accommodation for Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). ESAs are not recognized as a special category under Emirates policy and are treated the same as regular pets. They must travel in the hold as checked baggage in an approved carrier.
Trained service animals and guide dogs for passengers with visual impairments or disabilities may be handled differently on a case-by-case basis, but Emirates does not routinely permit service animals in the cabin on most routes. Contact Emirates’ Special Assistance team well in advance to discuss your specific situation and available options.
Code-Share and Interline Flights
If your itinerary includes a code-share or interline flight operated by another airline, Emirates’ pet policy applies only to the Emirates-operated segments. The other airline’s own pet policy governs their segments and these policies can differ significantly in terms of fees, carrier requirements, and accepted animal types.
Always contact every operating carrier on your itinerary to confirm pet acceptance and requirements for each leg. Do not assume that Emirates approval covers connecting flights operated by partner airlines.
Tips for Flying with Pets on Emirates
- Book early: Emirates limits the number of pets per flight. Spots fill up, especially on popular routes during peak travel seasons
- Visit the vet before booking: Confirm your pet is healthy enough to fly and is not a restricted brachycephalic breed
- Check destination rules independently: Research your destination country’s import rules yourself quarantine requirements in some countries (like Australia and New Zealand) can mean months of isolation
- Label the carrier clearly: Attach your name, contact number, destination address, and a photo of your pet to the carrier
- Do not sedate your pet: Sedation is strongly discouraged and in some cases prohibited, sedated animals have reduced ability to maintain balance and regulate breathing at altitude
- Freeze the water dish: A frozen water container thaws slowly and prevents spills during loading, it provides hydration during the flight without making a mess
- Avoid feeding 4-6 hours before the flight: A light stomach reduces the risk of nausea and motion sickness during the journey
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry my dog in the cabin on Emirates Airlines?
No. Emirates does not allow dogs or any other pets in the passenger cabin. The only exception to Emirates’ in-cabin pet rule is for falcons, which are permitted in the cabin on select routes between Dubai (DXB) and certain destinations in Pakistan. All other pets must travel as checked baggage in the aircraft hold.
How much does Emirates charge to transport a pet?
Emirates pet fees range from $500 to $800 per one-way journey, depending on the combined weight and dimensions of the animal and its carrier. Pets weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs) with dimensions within 150 cm (59 in) are charged $500. Heavier or larger combinations are charged $650 or $800. Carriers exceeding 300 cm must use Emirates SkyCargo instead.
How far in advance do I need to book pet travel on Emirates?
Emirates requires you to submit all completed pet carriage forms at least 7 days before your departure date. For routes involving complex documentation such as international import permits or multi-country itineraries you should start the process several weeks in advance. You cannot arrange pet travel online; contact Emirates customer service directly.
Does Emirates accept brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds?
No. Emirates does not accept brachycephalic dog or cat breeds due to the serious respiratory risks associated with air travel for these animals. This includes breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Persian cats, and Scottish Folds. If you own one of these breeds, contact Emirates to discuss alternative options or consider ground transport or a specialist pet relocation service.
Are Emotional Support Animals allowed in the cabin on Emirates?
No. Emirates does not recognize Emotional Support Animals as a separate category. ESAs are treated as regular pets and must travel in the hold as checked baggage in an approved carrier. If you need a service animal for a disability, contact Emirates’ Special Assistance team well in advance to discuss your specific requirements.
What happens if the pet carrier is too large for checked baggage?
If the combined linear dimensions of your pet’s carrier exceed 300 cm (118 inches) , Emirates will not accept the animal as checked baggage. In this case, you must arrange transportation through Emirates SkyCargo, which operates as a separate cargo service with its own booking process, fees, and requirements.
The information in this article is based on data available at the time of publishing. Emirates Airlines reserves the right to change its policies at any time without notice. For the most current and accurate information, please visit the official Emirates Airlines website or contact their customer service team directly.
Pet policies vary by route, destination country, and flight. Always verify requirements with Emirates and the relevant government authorities for your specific origin and destination before making travel arrangements.