AIRLINE PET RULES · EK

Emirates pet policy

What Emirates's own pet pages say, read 26 Sep 2026. Confirm in writing with Emirates when you book, and check your route's entry rules too — the airline's rules are separate from them.

  • CabinNO
    Not allowed
  • HoldYES
    Limits not stated
  • CargoYES
    Through Emirates's cargo
Cabin
  • Not allowed in the cabin — No pets in the cabin (exceptions: falcons between Dubai and some Pakistan destinations; guide dogs)Emirates · checked 26 Sep 2026
Hold
  • Allowed as checked baggage (hold): cat, dog, container up to 300 linear cm — Checked baggage is described for itineraries that START in Dubai, to countries that accept animals as excess baggage; Total journey time under 17 hours (incl. about 1 h check-in and 1 h to delivery), otherwise cargo; Connection in Dubai over 6 hours → cargo; Carrier over 300 cm (length + width + height) → cargo; Two adult animals of comparable size up to 14 kg each may share a container; No limit on the number of pets per passengerEmirates · checked 26 Sep 2026
Cargo
  • Emirates SkyCargo ("Emirates Pets"); mandatory for itineraries ending in Dubai, journeys over 17 hours, Dubai connections over 6 hours, CITES species and countries that do not accept animals as baggageEmirates · checked 26 Sep 2026
Routes
  • Hold: cargo only (to DXB): Itineraries ending in Dubai: cargo onlyEmirates · checked 26 Sep 2026
  • Hold: conditions (from KWI): From Kuwait: acceptance at Terminal 4; kennel at most 90 cm wide and 120 cm highEmirates · checked 26 Sep 2026
Snub-nosed breeds
  • Cargo: Listed snub-nosed breeds and their crosses are not carried by SkyCargo, except under specific conditions in the winter season (November to April) — accepted only Nov – AprEmirates SkyCargo · checked 26 Sep 2026
  • Cargo: One-off: ban lifted 1 Nov 2025 – 1 Apr 2026 (multi-sector on A380/A350, single-sector on B777). Expired. — accepted only 01 Nov 2025 – 01 Apr 2026Emirates SkyCargo · checked 25 Sep 2026
Breed rules
  • Cargo: Breeds banned from import into the UAE: not carried into the UAE; elsewhere accepted if origin and destination allow, in upgraded reinforced containersEmirates SkyCargo · checked 26 Sep 2026
  • Cargo: No greyhounds used for racing or other commercial activities (pet and rescued greyhounds are carried)Emirates SkyCargo · checked 26 Sep 2026
  • Hold / cargo: Further restrictions and import bans apply to certain species of cats and dogs — ask the local Emirates officeEmirates · checked 26 Sep 2026
Minimum age
  • Hold: 4 months — Pets four months and olderEmirates · checked 26 Sep 2026
  • Cargo: 15 weeks (dog, cat) — 27 weeks may apply from a 'High Risk' countryEmirates SkyCargo · checked 26 Sep 2026
Fees
  • Hold: USD 500 / CAD 700 per segment — Animal and cage together up to 23 kg (50 lb) and 150 cm (59 in) — Charged even when no other checked baggage is carriedEmirates · checked 26 Sep 2026
  • Hold: USD 650 / CAD 900 per segment — 24–32 kg (53–71 lb), 150–300 cm (59–118 in)Emirates · checked 26 Sep 2026
  • Hold: USD 800 / CAD 1150 per segment — Over 32 kg (71 lb), 150–300 cm (59–118 in)Emirates · checked 26 Sep 2026
Also
  • Not accepted: pregnant beyond one third of gestation, or given birth within 48 hoursEmirates · checked 26 Sep 2026
  • 24-hour emergency contact number and optimum temperature must be shown on the containerEmirates · checked 26 Sep 2026
  • Emirates does not handle pets on itineraries that include other airlinesEmirates · checked 26 Sep 2026

Before you book

  1. 01Hold: at least 1 weeks ahead — Send the pet travel form at least one week before departure; book and pay before the departure dateEmirates · checked 26 Sep 2026
  2. 02Hold / cargo: A valid import permit from the destination and a valid health certificate are requiredEmirates · checked 26 Sep 2026