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What Is Emirates Airline's Pet Policy? (Complete 2025 Guide)

What Is Emirates Airline’s Pet Policy? (Complete 2025 Guide)

Carrying pets may seem to be a challenging process, particularly when travelling by air. Being a luxurious company with its devotion to comfort of the passenger, Emirates Airlines also has its treatment towards pets. This detailed guide will examine the Emirates Airlines pet policy in 2025, and you will have all the information necessary to make your experience a hassle-free trip together with your pet.

We will go through all the requirements such as the kind of pets that can be kept and the type of crates that are to be used, the vaccination requirements and cost etc. so that you can easily go through the process. You are taking a short journey or a long trip, you can have a lot of fun with your pet, whether you are covering a short distance or a long one, it is better to know these rules to make your pet have fun as much as you do. And now it is time to explore all the things you have to know about travelling with Emirates, and your pet!

What Pets Are Allowed on Emirates Flights?

The emirates airline pet policy has stringent rules concerning pets in order to operate safely and in accordance to the international rules. In most occasions, pets such as dogs and cats are not allowed in the cabin except under special circumstances. The permitted pets are falcon on certain routes and trained service dogs.â??

Allowed Pets Overview

Most Emirates flights accept falcons, dogs, cats, and pet birds (as either checked baggage or cargo) and are only restricted to fewer than 17 hours. Visually impaired passengers get an exception and are carried in the cabin at no additional cost should they bring guide dogs or service dogs accompanied by 48 hours of prior notice and demonstration of special training. Other pets are not flown in-cabin; routes terminating in Dubai require cargo.â??

Key Restrictions

As per emirates flight pet policy, breed restrictions are imposed on brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs, and warm-blooded animals are restricted on the grounds of odors or danger, e.g. skunks, reptiles or insects, unless in case of qualified agencies. The minimum age of dogs and cats is 4 months and routes are banned in some countries such as the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Australia, Hong Kong and UAE to some pets. There are also more curbs on puppies, sheep, goats and pigs depending on size or number or even worse, prohibition.

In Cabin: Does Emirates Allow Pets in the Cabin?

Emirates Airlines limits pet travel in cabins because of safety and comfort of passengers during its flights. Under certain restricted circumstances, only certain animals are suitable to cabin travel.

Cabin Pet Eligibility

As per pet policy emirates airlines, guide dogs and service dogs accompanying visually impaired passengers can only board the cabin without payment as long as they are fully trained. These dogs should be informed early enough (at least 48 hours prior) and evidence of training and health certification must be done. The cabin is not allowed to host any other pets such as small dogs or cats in any of the Emirates flights.â??

Service Dog Requirements

The assistance animals should be equipped with harnesses or vests which they wear, they must always be kept under the control of their owners and should fit in the footwell of the seat without interference on the aisles or on the neighboring seats. They are not allowed to take a seat in a paid position and have to act in a proper manner during the ride. The status of emotional support animals is no longer applicable after the changes in policy in 2021.â??

Key Limitations

In-cabin boarding cannot be done on flights to or from Dubai, the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Australia, Hong Kong, or UAE destinations, where cargo transport is obligatory. Other pets are only transported as checked baggage or cargo that has a size restriction (max 32kg crated) and cannot be transported over a duration of 17 hours.â??

Checked Baggage: Can Pets Travel as Checked Luggage?

Emirates Airlines recognises some pets to be transported as baggage, and this is a viable alternative to the owners of the pets. This service is offered on most flights that are below 17 hours on route and destination basis.â??

Eligibility for Checked Baggage

As per emirates airlines pet policy international, dogs, cats, and pet birds may be carried in as checked baggage on flights of less than 17 hours provided they meet weight requirements (up to 32kg including crate) and fit in approved IATA-compliant containers. On some routes that are handled specially, falcons are eligible. Pets should be over 4 months of age, healthy and have a health certificate within 10 days of travelling as well as import specific details such as rabies shots depending on the destination.â??

Booking and Process

Prior reservation should be done, at least 48-72 hours in advance through Emirates cargo services via pet desks and space is not guaranteed. Pets are checked at the airport cargo facility (not regular baggage counters), and fees are charged depending on weight and route; usually 200-700 USD one-way. Two well-known pets with a weight of less than 32kg can share the same crate provided they are compatible.â??

Key Restrictions

Animals are not allowed to travel to Dubai as check luggage, but as cargo there. Dogs with snub noses cannot be kept during hot weather and those whose layovers take more than 3 hours might undergo SkyCargo.

Air Cargo: How Does Emirates SkyCargo Transport Pets?

The Emirates SkyCargo provides a safe and comfortable transportation of pets by utilizing its dedicated air cargo services to transport pets to their destinations by providing climate-controlled cargo decks that control the air temperature and fresh airflow. Pets will also have the advantage of being handled by experts in every aspect such as priority loading and unloading to feel less anxious, and transfers in custom vehicles. In Dubai, there are special layover centers that offer 24-hour services such as food, water, physical activities, and veterinarian inspection of 6 hours-plus layovers.

Key Features of Emirates Pet Transport

  • Secure Environments: Pets are transported in pressurized, air-conditioned holds with on-site facilities that include cleaning, feeding, and medical care.
  • Kind Procedures: The last to board the animals and the first to get out of the plane reduce their time in transit and stress and are assisted by well-trained staff in accordance with international standards.
  • Customised Service: The Emirates Pets service deals with airport to airport services and Emirates Pets Plus deals with convenience deliveries of door to door, by its own partners.
  • Strict Regulations: All operations are in line with the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) and local regulations of importation/exportation, which include proper booking, documentation as well as handover.

This strategy renders Emirates SkyCargo one of the leading options of pet owners that are interested in a safe and humane transportation across the globe.

Emirates Pet Transport Options: Which Travel Method Is Best for Your Pet?

It is important to note that planning the trip with your pet using Emirates, it is necessary to think about the most appropriate means of transportation depending on the size of your pet and the particularities of your trip. The airline provides mainly three alternatives of pet travel: Emirates SkyCargo, which is in the aircraft holding as a baggage, and in-cabin assistance dog travel.

  • Emirates SkyCargo (Recommended for Most Pets): The service is recommended to the pets that are to travel to or out of Dubai. The Emirates SkyCargo is especially good at transporting bigger pets and those which require increased flexibility in their transportation. Their specialized services and qualified employees offered by SkyCargo means that your pet is in good hands, and the number of layovers will be reduced, and the process of transporting the pet will be much more efficient. In this process, to book your pet, you will need to do it through the Emirates Cargo separately, and allow yourself at least four business days to accomplish the task.
     
  • In the Aircraft Hold (Checked Baggage): Pets such as dogs, cats and birds may be carried on board the aircrafts as checked baggage. It is a better way when you are going to a country where pets are permitted to fly. Their comfort will be ensured by putting your pet in a pressurized and temperature-controlled compartment. It is also worth noting that pets have to conform to the IATA crate requirements to travel by it and including the weight of the pet and the weight of the crate should not exceed, otherwise they will be carried as SkyCargo.
     
  • In the Cabin (Very Limited): The in-cabin service is nearly exclusive and is also offered only to assistance dogs. It is unfortunate that emotional support animals are not subject to this policy and, instead, they have to be transported to their destinations as pets in the SkyCargo or as baggage.

It is important to find the most appropriate solution to your pet, and knowing about such ways of traveling, it is possible to make sure that your favorite pet feels free and safe during the voyage.

What Are the Requirements for Pet Travel with Emirates?

Emirates has stringent rules on travelling with pets in order to keep animal welfare and global standards.

Health and Documentation

Pets must have a health certificate issued within 10 days of departure by a licensed vet in their fit to fly, no infectious disease, and current vaccination such as rabies. Other documents are microchips, import licenses and country specific forms; research destination regulations are carried out at the beginning to prevent any delays.

Age and Crate Standards

Most choices require dogs, cats and birds to be at least 4 months old. Crates have to be IATA-compliant: they must be strong, ventilated, sealed, and the size should be such that pets can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably (max 32kg total for checked baggage).

Booking and Restrictions

Book Emirates 48-72 hours in advance through their pet travel form or SkyCargo with space restriction. Brachycephalic breeds are under scrutiny; more than 17 hours flights require cargo to have Dubai rest stops to feed and rest.

How to Book Pet Travel with Emirates (Step-by-Step Guide)

There are a number of steps that are important when booking pet travel with Emirates. Here’s a brief guide:

  • Check Eligibility & Rules Early: Check Emirates Reservations at least 7 to 10 days prior to flight. Check whether or not your pet can be carried in-cabin (uncommon with very small pets) or has to be carried as cargo/excess baggage. Make sure that your pet is more than four months.
  • Submit Your Request: Fill out the Emirates request form, which is the Emirates Pets Travel or call the professionals via helplines or social media. Enter flight details, breed of pet, weight and carrier size.
  • Get Quote & Confirm Space: This option will only require a check on availability and a quote will be provided to you based on weight and space. Accept quotation to proceed.
  • Prepare Documents & Health Checks: Gather the important documents at least 72 hours prior to travel:
    • Pet pictures (standing and in his carrier).
    • Efficient rabies immunization and microchip data.
    • Health certificate and import permits.
    • Copy of your flight booking.
       
  • Arrange IATA Crate: You ought to have a IATA-approved travel crate that is suitable to the size of your pet.
  • Finalize & Handover: Pay all fees and be handed over instructions by the Emirates station at least 72 hours prior to departure. During the travelling day, come early at the set cargo centre.

By taking these steps, you will be able to have a good time with your pet.

How Much Does It Cost to Transport Pets with Emirates?

Emirates Airlines will only permit pet transportation in the form of checked baggage or SkyCargo of larger pets in the hold, but not in the cabin except falcons on individual flights or certified service dogs.

Pet Transport Fees (USD)

The detailed overview of emirates airline pet travel cost is mentioned below for you:

Weight (Pet + Crate)

Crate Dimensions (L + W + H)

Fee (USD)

Up to 23kg (50lbs)

Up to 150cm (59in)

$500

24-32kg (53-71lbs)

150-300cm (59-118in)

$650

Over 32kg (71lbs)

150-300cm (59-118in)

$800

Any weight

Over 300cm (118in)

Cargo quote required

The bigger pets or pets that fall outside the hold requirements should go on Emirates Sky Cargo, which charges depending on destinations, weight as well as routes.

Conclusion

The process of using the pet policy of the Emirates Airline in 2025 may be daunting but it is important to understand the rules and be able to have a fulfilling experience with your animal and yourself. Since you are now aware of the type of pets that are permitted as well as the rules and the process of booking you are able to take the trip with confidence. Having the safety and comfort of your pets in mind Emirates will ensure that your pet will be taken on board and taken care of.