Emirates Guidelines for Traveling with Pets
Emirates Airlines accommodates pet travel on many of its routes and welcomes passengers who wish to fly with their animals, provided all required travel conditions are met. Below is a detailed overview of how pets may travel with Emirates and the rules that apply.
Pets Traveling In‑Cabin
Only falcons are permitted to travel in the cabin on Emirates flights, and only on specific routes between Dubai and select destinations in Pakistan. In addition, trained guide dogs for visually impaired passengers may travel on board.
Even when your pet is allowed in the cabin, you must still comply with all import regulations of your destination country.
Pets Traveling In‑Cargo (Excess Baggage)
Dogs, cats, pet birds, and falcons may travel as checked‑in baggage in the aircraft’s cargo hold. Emirates does not impose a limit on the total number of pets per flight; however, each passenger may check in a maximum of two pets. Some countries require pets to travel only as unaccompanied cargo, so it is essential to verify destination‑specific rules.
Cargo Hold Requirements
- The crate must not exceed 118 in / 300 cm in total dimensions.
- Pets must travel as unaccompanied cargo if the flight duration exceeds 17 hours, for safety reasons.
IATA‑Approved Crate
All pets traveling as excess baggage must be transported in an IATA‑approved crate. Selecting the correct crate size is crucial to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety. Once your travel details are finalized, you may contact your local Emirates office to proceed with booking.
Excess Baggage Pricing for Pets
Ensure you meet all import requirements of your destination before traveling.
Health & Vaccination Requirements
All pets must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. The certificate must confirm that the pet is fit to fly, free from contagious diseases, and vaccinated according to the regulations of the destination country.
Some countries may require additional vaccinations, treatments, documents, or quarantine periods. Always review destination‑specific import rules before booking.
Breed‑Specific Restrictions
Certain countries enforce breed‑specific legislation that prohibits the import of particular dog breeds, such as:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
Before booking your pet’s travel, verify whether your destination imposes restrictions on specific breeds.
Purpose‑Designed Pet Facility in Dubai
Emirates operates a dedicated pet facility in Dubai for animals departing, arriving, or transiting. A minimum connection time of six hours is required to ensure proper care.
The facility provides:
- On‑site animal care specialists
- Exercise, cleaning, and feeding
- Accommodation of special dietary needs (if requested during booking)
Pets are always loaded last and offloaded first to minimize stress.
Temperature Restrictions & Precautions
To protect animal welfare, Emirates may restrict pet travel during periods of extreme heat or cold. All snub‑nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are prohibited from traveling between March 30 and November 1 each year due to increased risk of respiratory distress.
Passengers should:
- Use a well‑ventilated, climate‑appropriate IATA‑approved crate
- Avoid booking flights during extreme weather conditions
- Plan travel carefully to prevent weather‑related disruptions
