Emirates Pet Policy for Dogs
What dog owners need to know about Emirates fees, kennel limits, cargo rules, and how to arrange pet travel before departure.
Emirates Pet Policy Overview
Emirates generally does not allow pet dogs in the passenger cabin. Dogs usually travel as checked baggage in the hold on eligible itineraries or as manifested cargo, depending on route, journey time, size, and local import rules.
Emirates says dogs may travel as checked baggage in the hold only on eligible itineraries, typically when the trip starts in Dubai and the destination country permits animals as excess baggage. Pets are not allowed in the cabin on standard flights, except special cases such as certain service dogs on regulated routes and falcons on limited routes. Emirates advises completing all permits, tests, and vaccinations before final arrangements are made.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on Emirates
Confirm whether your route is eligible. Emirates does not offer a standard in-cabin pet dog option, so most dogs travel in the hold as checked baggage on eligible itineraries or as manifested cargo. If your trip starts outside Dubai, includes another airline, has a long connection, or your destination requires cargo handling, your dog may need to travel through cargo instead.
Check your dog’s age and travel readiness. Emirates requires animals to be at least four months old. Make sure your dog has the destination’s required vaccinations, health paperwork, microchip records, permits, and any import approvals.
Measure the kennel carefully. Add the kennel’s length, width, and height. If the total exceeds 300 cm (118 inches), Emirates says your dog must travel as manifested cargo rather than as checked baggage in the hold.
Contact Emirates at least one week before departure. Use the Emirates pet travel form, live chat, or phone support to request transport. Emirates states it needs at least one week’s notice to review documents and make arrangements.
Ask Emirates to confirm the transport method and price. Charges depend on the combined weight of the dog and kennel, plus kennel size. The airline publishes three checked-baggage price bands, and larger kennels over 300 cm total dimensions must move under cargo rules.
Book and pay before travel. Emirates advises customers to book and pay for animal transportation before the departure date.
Reconfirm timing rules. If the total journey time is more than 17 hours, or if a Dubai connection is more than 6 hours, Emirates says live animals accepted as baggage must instead travel as cargo.
Arrive early on departure day. Bring original documents, allow extra time for check-in, and follow kennel labeling and feeding instructions from Emirates or the cargo handler.
For service dogs, verify route-specific rules separately. Emirates publishes separate accessibility guidance for trained service dogs, including some cabin acceptance on certain routes to or from the U.S. and Canada.
Emirates vs Other Airlines
| Feature | Emirates | Qatar Airways | Turkish Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | No standard pet dog in-cabin option | No standard pet dog in-cabin option | Varies by route; PETC fee calculator applies |
| Cargo Fee | USD 500 / 650 / 800 by weight-size band; over 300 cm as cargo | Checked-baggage rates: USD 200-450 depending on route and size; over 75 kg or 300 cm as cargo | AVIH fee varies by route; calculator applies |
| Weight Limit | Pricing bands at up to 23 kg, 24-32 kg, and over 32 kg combined | Up to 75 kg including container as checked baggage | In-cabin up to 8 kg including carrier; hold total up to 50 kg including carrier |
| Carrier Size | Over 300 cm total dimensions must travel as cargo | Up to 300 cm total dimensions as checked baggage | In-cabin carrier up to 23 x 30 x 40 cm; hold cage up to 75 x 75 x 125 cm |
| Breeds Restricted | Certain species/breeds restricted; CITES animals as cargo | Snub-nosed and listed breeds have restrictions | Listed restricted dog breeds and mixes not accepted |
| Booking Method | Contact Emirates and submit pet form at least 1 week before departure | Submit online request/contact airline at least 48 hours before departure | Reserve via website or mobile app; fee calculator available |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog fly in the cabin on Emirates?
Usually no. Emirates does not offer a standard in-cabin pet dog option. Pet dogs generally travel in the hold as checked baggage on eligible itineraries or as manifested cargo. Separate rules may apply for trained service dogs on certain regulated routes.
How much does Emirates charge to fly a dog?
Emirates publishes checked-baggage style pet charges based on the combined weight and size of the dog and kennel: USD 500 when the total does not exceed 23 kg and 150 cm; USD 650 for 24-32 kg and 150-300 cm; and USD 800 for over 32 kg and up to 300 cm. Larger kennels must travel as cargo.
What is the kennel size limit on Emirates?
If the total kennel dimensions exceed 300 cm (118 inches), Emirates says the animal must be transported as manifested cargo rather than as checked baggage in the hold.
How far in advance should I book my dog on Emirates?
Emirates says to contact the airline and submit the pet travel form at least one week before departure so documents and arrangements can be reviewed in time.
Are there age requirements for dogs on Emirates?
Yes. Emirates states that animals can only travel if they are older than four months.
When does Emirates require cargo instead of checked baggage?
Cargo is required when the kennel exceeds 300 cm total dimensions, when the total journey time is more than 17 hours for animals otherwise accepted as baggage, when a Dubai connection exceeds 6 hours, or when route or destination rules require manifested cargo.
Does Emirates restrict certain dog breeds?
Yes. Emirates notes that further restrictions, including import bans, apply to certain species and breeds of dogs and cats. It also says CITES-listed animals must be transported as cargo. You should confirm your dog’s eligibility with Emirates before booking.