The Emirates Airlines pet policy 2023 includes options for flying with dogs or cats in the hold as checked baggage or cargo. However, only falcons can travel in the Emirates passenger cabin. For pets flying in the hold, a puppy or kitten must be at least 4 months old. Your cat or dog must be able to move around within their travel carrier, and they have to fly with an adult passenger. The cost of flying your pet with Emirates varies depending on destination, and whether your cat or dog will travel in the hold as checked baggage or cargo. From 1 March 2021, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are no longer accepted by Emirates, but you can travel with a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) on flights to and from the USA. Check out Emirates pet travel reviews to hear about other pet travellers’ experiences. Remember to leave an Emirates Airlines pet travel review if your cat or dog flies in the cabin or hold! Read on for details of the full Emirates Airlines pet travel policy for 2023.
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Table of contents
| Dogs & Cats in the Cabin of the Plane | ❌ |
| Dogs & Cats flying as Checked In Baggage | ✅ |
| Pets flying in Cargo Hold | ✅ |
| Assistance Dogs in Cabin | ✅ |
| Psychiatric Service Dogs in Cabin | ✅ |
| Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) in Cabin | ❌ |
Does Emirates allow dogs and cats in the cabin?
The Emirates pet policy for 2023, does NOT allow cats and dogs to fly in the cabin. However, on flights operating between Dubai and some regions of Pakistan, falcons are accepted in the Emirates passenger cabin. But, no cats and dogs unfortunately!
Dogs and Cats in the Hold as Checked Baggage
Emirates Airlines transports the following species in the hold as checked baggage:
- cats
- dogs
- falcons
- pet birds
For the safety of your pet, and their handlers, the travel crate must meet the requirements of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Also, if your pet kennel has wheels, make sure that the wheels can be dismantled or locked before travel so that the kennel is not able to roll around in the hold.
Be aware that if the total dimensions (length + width + height) of your pet’s travel crate exceed 300cm (118”), your cat or dog will have to fly with Emirates SkyCargo instead.
Emirates SkyCargo will not transport greyhounds used for racing or other commercial activities. Only greyhounds that are domesticated and transported as pets, including those which have been rescued, will be permitted to fly in the hold with Emirates
Cost of flying a pet in the hold with Emirates
A personal quote can be obtained directly from Emirates. You should contact Emirates at least one week before your scheduled flight.
Flying Pets as Cargo with Emirates
If the total dimensions (length + width + height) of your pet’s travel crate exceed 300cm (118”), your cat or dog will have to fly with Emirates SkyCargo. Established in 1985, Emirates SkyCargo is the freight branch of the team. For pets travelling with SkyCargo, the Emirates Pets service will be used.
Emirates Pets ensures a service specifically designed to provide your cat or dog with the highest levels of care and attention, whenever and wherever they fly.
For those who want a few additional touches, Emirates Pet Plus service can assist with the pick-up of your pet within the city of origin, and drop off your pet at their final destination.
Non-permitted dog breeds
Snub-nosed breeds of cats and dogs aren’t allowed to fly in the hold with Emirates, either as checked baggage or cargo.
in addition, the following dog breeds classified as dangerous aren’t permitted on flights to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, they can fly with Emirates SkyCargo as long as they’re allowed by both origin and destination authorities with the correct permits available, if applicable. Due to the strength of these dogs, Emirates SkyCargo insists on upgraded and reinforced containers.
- Mastiff Dogs (Fila Braziliano / Brazilian Mastiff, Dogo Argentino / Argentinian Mastiff, any Mastiff or hybrid)
- Tosa (Japanese Tosa or hybrid)
- Rottweiler breeds or hybrid
- Doberman Pinschers
- Canario Preso
- Karabash (aka Kangal)
- Caucasian Ovcharka
- Any mixed breed of the breeds of dog mentioned above, or hybrids
Assistance Dogs, Emotional Support Animals & Psychiatric Service Dogs Emirates Policy
You can travel with your Assistance or Service Dog free of charge with Emirates and it’s recommended that you make the request during booking and no less than 48 hours before your departure.
If you fly with an assistance or service dog with Emirates, the following conditions apply:
- They must comply with all sanitary/hygiene requirements in the departure, arrival and connection countries.
- They must be identifiable by a dog tag or harness. You must be able to provide proof (along with credible verbal proof) of the dog’s certification and its use.
- They may travel with a muzzle.
- They must remain leashed at all times.
- They can’t obstruct the aisles inside the aircraft.
- They must be well-behaved in all circumstances.
- You will be offered a seat with the most space possible, but your dog may not occupy a seat and is forbidden from occupying the space near the emergency exits.
As of 1 March 2021, Emirates no longer accepts Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) for travel. Only registered and professionally trained Assistance & Service Dogs are accepted to travel in the cabin free of charge. Note that Emirates classes trained Psychiatric Service Dogs as Assistance or Service Dogs, not Emotional Support Animals, therefore they can travel under the above Assistance Dog Policy on flights to and from the USA only.
To travel with a PSD, you must complete the USDOT Application Form, attesting to the dog’s training and behaviour, and send it to Emirates Airlines prior to travel.
Your dog will only be allowed in the cabin after a visual verification at the airport. Throughout your trip, please keep a copy of this application form and all documents requested (your medical document signed by a mental health professional, your dog’s passport, etc.) with you.
Always ensure you have adequate protection for your pet against vector borne diseases in a foreign country, and remember to leave an Emirates pet travel review if you fly your cat or dog in the cabin or hold!
