Emirates Pet Travel Policy (2026 Guide)
Emirates operates one of the most advanced live animal logistics hubs in the world via Emirates SkyCargo. Except for service dogs for the visually impaired and falcons between specific Middle Eastern destinations, all companion dogs and cats must travel as cargo.
Can I fly with a pet on Emirates? No companion pets are permitted in the passenger cabin on Emirates (only certified service animals are accepted). All companion dogs and cats must travel as manifest cargo via Emirates SkyCargo (Pets Care Desk).
Carrier Sizing & Dimension Mandates
Rigid plastic or fiberglass with metal bolts and nuts
Wooden crates and plastic side-latches are strictly rejected. The crate must feature 4-sided ventilation, attachable two-compartment food/water dishes accessible from the exterior, and allow the pet to stand fully upright with at least 5 to 7 cm (2–3 in) of ear clearance.
Emirates Boarding & Flight Regulations
- ✓No pets allowed in passenger cabin on any commercial route, regardless of size or weight.
- ✓Animals transiting Dubai (DXB) during summer months are subject to strict aircraft connection thresholds to prevent tarmac heat stress.
- ✓Importing dogs into the UAE requires a formal import permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and an official RNATT rabies titer test.
- ✓Certain breeds (Pitbulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers) are classified as dangerous and banned from entry into the UAE.
Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) & Restricted Breeds
Due to elevated risks of respiratory failure, heatstroke, and anatomical airway obstruction during flight changes in cabin pressure, airlines maintain strict breed restrictions:
Step-by-Step Booking Checklist for Emirates
Contact Emirates SkyCargo local station at least 6–8 weeks before scheduled departure.
Submit veterinary passport, FAVN rabies serological titer report, and health certificates to Emirates SkyCargo for pre-clearance.
Obtain MOCCAE import permit if Dubai is your final destination.
Purchase an IATA CR-1 container with metal ventilation grilles and secure drinking bowls.
Deliver pet to Emirates SkyCargo facility 4 to 6 hours prior to scheduled flight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emirates
Can small dogs fly in cabin on Emirates?
No. Emirates does not permit companion dogs or cats in the passenger cabin under any circumstances, even if they are small puppies or kittens.
Is it safe for pets to transit Dubai on Emirates during summer?
Emirates enforces strict heat protocols. Pets are transferred between aircraft and the climate-controlled SkyCentral animal facility in dedicated refrigerated vans to avoid ground heat.
How much does Emirates charge to fly a dog?
Cargo pricing is calculated based on crate dimensional weight and flight distance. Rates typically start at $500 to $1,800+ USD plus handling and customs clearance fees.
Airport Layover Station
Emirates SkyCentral Animal Facility at Dubai World Central (DWC) and DXB: Features temperature-regulated kennels, veterinary staff, exercise runs, and chilled ground transport.
Check IATA Crate Sizing
Airlines inspect crates at check-in with strict mathematical formulas (Snout-to-tail length + half leg height).
Launch Free Compliance Check→Upload Pet Documents
Upload vaccination records, microchip paperwork, or rabies titer certificates to check if they fulfill destination country laws before paying airline cargo deposits.
Instant OCR Document Scan↓