Fly with your pets on Emirates

Pet policy Emirates

Emirates only accepts falcons, cats, dogs (certain breed restrictions apply) and pet birds (certain restrictions apply) to travel as checked baggage in the hold,  provided the total journey time (including any transit time) is less than 17 hours. Due to high heat and humidity in the UAE, no birds (except some falcons) can be accepted for transit via Dubai as checked baggage or cargo between 1st May and 30th September. The minimum connecting time for animals transiting Dubai and carried as baggage may be no more than six hours; if the minimum connecting time is more than six hours animals will be accepted for transportation as cargo only.

There are no restrictions on the number of pets you can carry on Emirates flights. However, please be aware that some countries do impose restrictions on the number of pets that can be carried into or out of the country. For example, the import of animals into India is restricted to two pets per customer. A maximum of two adult animals of comparable size weighing up to 14kgs each may be shipped in the same container, providing they are used to cohabitation. Animals weighing over 14kgs each must travel in separate containers.

Service dogs

In accordance with United Arab Emirates Federal Government regulations, all animals must enter the UAE as manifested cargo. An exception is made for guide dogs for the blind (seeing-eye dogs), which may travel free of charge in the aircraft cabin on direct Emirates flights from European Union member states or to or from the US and Canada.

Emirates requires at least 48 hours advance notice that a passenger with a disability intends to travel with a guide dog in the cabin so that arrangements can be made to receive the animal in the passenger terminal at Dubai Airport.

A guide dog may be seated with the passenger in the aircraft cabin if the animal can be accommodated without obstructing the main cabin aisle or emergency exit row. Due to safety regulations, passengers traveling with guide dogs won’t be allocated exit-row seats. All other service dogs will be subject to the usual cargo rates. The passenger must provide credible evidence that the animal is a service dog and is in possession of the requisite health and other entry/exit permits required for the animal to travel into the UAE/USA or Canada.

Health, breed and age restrictions

Emirates will not accept dog & cats less than 4 months of age and Emirates will not accept certain breeds of dogs and cats, including snub nosed, as these animals, variably, are susceptible to increased risk of heat stroke (when exposed to stress or temperatures above 21C), breathing difficulties or increased travel stress.

Emirates has identified the following such breeds:

DOGS   CATS
American Staffordshire Terrier Bull Terrier Burmese
American Pit Bull Terrier Chinese Pug Exotic
Boston Terrier Chow Chow Hymalayan
Boxer Dutch Pug (Mopshond, Muops Hund, Carlino) Persian
Brussels Griffin (Petite Brabancon) (English) Bulldog  
Bull Mastiff    

Charges

For all routes, the charge for the animal(s) and container will depend on the weight and size of the animal plus cage combined. These charges will apply in all cases, even when no other checked baggage is being carried.

ANIMAL – CAGE PRICE
When the animal and cage combined do not eceed 23kg and 59 inches / 150 cm 500 USD
When the animal and cage combined weigh between 24 – 32 kg and dimensions between 59 inches / 150 cm and 118 inches / 300 cm 650 USD
When the animal and cage combined weigh over 32kg and dimensions between 59 inches / 150 cm and 118 inches / 300 cm 800 USD
When the cage dimensions exceed dimensions 118 inches / 300 cm Cargo

More information

For more information, you can have a look on the website of Emirates.