Planning a trip and wondering what happens to your pet? If you live in the UAE, flying with a dog or cat is absolutely doable with the Dubai pet travel guide. However, the rules vary widely depending on which airline you choose, your pet’s size, and where you’re headed. Only one UAE airline (Etihad) lets cats and dogs sit with you in the cabin. The rest require cargo. Pricing ranges from USD 399 for Etihad’s current cabin promo to USD 5,000+ for long-haul cargo shipments. And the paperwork? Budget at least a few months to get it sorted.
This Dubai pet travel guide covers every UAE airline’s pet policy as of April 2026, what it actually costs, the MOCCAE import/export process, and the practical stuff that most guides skip.
Can You Fly with a Pet in the Cabin from Dubai?
Yes, but only on Etihad Airways. Etihad is the only airline in the UAE that allows cats and dogs to travel in the passenger cabin. Your pet needs to weigh under 8 kg, including the carrier, and the service is available on Etihad-operated flights to and from Abu Dhabi.
Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia do not allow cats or dogs in the cabin. Emirates makes exceptions for certified assistance dogs on selected routes and falcons on certain Dubai-Pakistan flights. Flydubai may allow falcons with special prior approval. Air Arabia accepts only falcons.
So, if keeping your pet beside you during the flight is non-negotiable, Etihad is your only UAE-based option.
What Is Etihad’s Pet Policy in 2026?
We’re making pet travel more accessible with a new promotional offer for our Pets Onboard service.
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) April 16, 2026
As the UAE’s only airline allowing pets in the cabin, we’re committed to comfort, safety and peace of mind for every traveller. More info: https://t.co/nRwEgPleqR#Etihad… pic.twitter.com/H1vblWZknQ
Etihad offers the most pet-friendly service among UAE carriers. Here’s how it works as of April 2026:
Small cats and dogs, at least 16 weeks old, weighing no more than 8 kg, including the carrier, can fly in the cabin. In Economy, the carrier sits under the seat in front of you (max dimensions: 40 x 40 x 22 cm). You can also buy an adjacent seat for a larger carrier (max: 50 x 43 x 50 cm). In Business or First Class, purchasing an adjacent seat is mandatory.
Current Eithad pet Policy pricing
Etihad is running a promotional rate of USD 399 per flight segment for bookings and travel between April 13 and May 31, 2026. Outside this promotional window, the standard fee is USD 1,500 per segment. Each leg of a connecting journey counts as a separate segment, so a two-leg trip at the standard rate would cost USD 3,000.
How to book a flight with your Pet in Etihad?
Submit the Etihad pet request form online at least 7 days before your flight. Email all required documents to pets@etihad.ae at least 72 hours before departure. Wait for Etihad’s confirmation and payment link. You cannot add a pet through the regular ticket booking system.
Route restrictions
Not all routes accept cabin pets. Government restrictions apply to certain destinations, so always verify with Etihad before you book. Flights must be Etihad-operated (codeshare flights on partner airlines don’t qualify).
What to pack?
Dry pet food in a sealed container, a lead and harness, all original vaccination and health documents, and a familiar blanket or toy to keep your pet calm during the flight.
Does Emirates Allow Pets on Flights?
Emirates does not allow pets in the passenger cabin. The only cabin exceptions are certified assistance dogs on qualifying routes and falcons on specific Dubai-Pakistan services.
All other pets, whether a 3 kg cat or a 30 kg Labrador, must travel either in the aircraft hold (as checked baggage) or via Emirates SkyCargo (as manifest cargo).
Checked baggage (hold travel)
Available on flights departing Dubai, where the destination country permits it. The total journey time, including any transit, must be under 17 hours. The pet carrier’s total dimensions must be under 300 cm. The hold is pressurised, temperature-controlled, and ventilated.
Emirates checked baggage pricing:
- Pet + crate under 23 kg, crate dimensions under 150 cm: approximately USD 500
- Pet + crate between 24 and 32 kg, crate 150 to 300 cm: approximately USD 650
- Pet + crate over 32 kg, crate 150 to 300 cm: approximately USD 800
Emirates SkyCargo
Required for all pets arriving in Dubai, pets on journeys exceeding 17 hours, those transiting Dubai for more than 6 hours, or animals and crates weighing more than 32 kg and measuring more than 300 cm. SkyCargo is a separate shipment with its own airway bill. Expect to pay between USD 1,500 and USD 5,000 depending on route, animal size, and logistics. Contact SkyCargo or a freight agent at least 4 business days before departure.
Breed restrictions
Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Boxers, and Persian cats are subject to seasonal restrictions and may require a “Fit to Fly” certificate. Emirates may suspend animal transport during the months of extreme heat.
Booking: Submit the Emirates pet travel form at least 1 week before departure, including your pet’s age, breed, and weight. There’s no option to add a pet during online ticket booking.
What is flydubai’s Pet Policy?
flydubai does not allow pets in the cabin or as checked baggage. All animals must travel as manifest cargo through flydubai Cargo.
Contact cargo@flydubai.com to arrange transport and complete the required Pet Transportation Form. Arrive at the airport at least four hours before departure. Pets under 6 months need pre-approval from the Special Handling Desk.
Snub-nosed breeds are banned outright on flydubai. The restricted list includes Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, Lhasa Apsos, and Persian, Himalayan, Burmese, and other cat breeds, among others. flydubai does accept seeing-eye dogs in the cabin for visually impaired passengers, free of charge, with 72 hours’ notice and supporting documentation.
Does Air Arabia Transport Cats and Dogs?
No. Air Arabia does not transport cats, dogs, or any other pets, except falcons. There is no cabin, checked baggage, or cargo option for standard pets. Falcons are accepted in the cabin with a booking made at least 48 hours in advance. They’re charged at three times the standard excess baggage rate. More than one falcon per handler requires purchasing an additional seat, with a maximum of two falcons per extra seat.
If you’re flying Air Arabia and need your pet to travel, you’ll have to book a separate cargo shipment on another airline.
Which International Airlines Accept Pets from Dubai?
If UAE carriers don’t meet your needs, several international airlines operating from DXB offer more flexible pet policies:
- Turkish Airlines allows cats, dogs, and small birds in the cabin (up to 8 kg including carrier) on most routes. This is a popular option for Dubai residents connecting through Istanbul to Europe and beyond.
- Qatar Airways transports pets as checked baggage and cargo on most routes. Cabin travel is limited to service dogs on select flights. Fees range from around AED 370 to AED 1,100+, depending on route and size.
- Lufthansa accepts cabin pets up to 8 kg on flights connecting through Frankfurt. Their Frankfurt Animal Lounge is one of the best layover facilities for travelling pets anywhere in the world.
- KLM allows cabin pets up to 8 kg on flights through Amsterdam.
- Oman Air carries pets as checked baggage or cargo with fees between USD 113 and USD 750, depending on kennel size and route.
Each airline has different route restrictions, weight limits, and booking procedures. Always confirm directly before purchasing your ticket.
What Documents Do You Need to Fly with a Pet from the UAE?
The exact requirements depend on your destination, but as a baseline, you’ll need:
- An ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before any vaccinations
- A valid rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel (after microchipping, not before)
- Core vaccinations: for dogs, Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, and Leptospirosis. For cats, FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
- A veterinary health certificate issued within 5 to 10 days of travel by a licensed vet
- If exporting from the UAE, a MOCCAE veterinary health certificate obtained before departure
For reimporting into the UAE, you’ll also need an MOCCAE import permit (applied for through the MOCCAE online portal, valid for 90 days).
Destination countries often add their own layers. The UK requires a pet to enter under specific “Balai Directive” rules. Australia requires a lengthy import process with quarantine. The US has USDA endorsement requirements. Research your destination’s rules early.
How Do UAE Pet Import Rules Work (MOCCAE)?
All pets entering the UAE must arrive as manifest cargo. They cannot be carried as cabin baggage or checked luggage, regardless of which airline you’re flying.
Here’s what MOCCAE requires for importing a cat or dog in 2026:
- Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 compliant, implanted before any vaccinations are given. The chip number must match across all documents.
- Rabies vaccination: Administered after microchipping, at least 21 days before travel. The pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of the first rabies dose.
- Core vaccinations: Dogs need Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, and Leptospirosis. Cats need to be vaccinated for Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. All must be current and given at least 21 days before travel.
- Anti-parasitic treatment: Required within 14 days before arrival.
- Rabies Serum Neutralisation Test (RSNT): Required for pets arriving from high-risk countries. The test must show antibody levels of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Not required for pets from low-risk (Annex 1) countries like the UK, Australia, and Japan.
- Import permit: Applied for via the MOCCAE portal, valid for 90 days. Costs around AED 200 to 500.
- Health certificate: An official veterinary health certificate from the country of departure, issued within 5 to 10 days of travel, endorsed by the competent authority.
- Limits: Maximum two pets per person per year for personal imports (up to five through licensed agents).
Banned breeds
Pit Bulls (Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire, American Bully), multiple Mastiff breeds (Brazilian, Argentinian, Tibetan, Neapolitan, French, Cane Corso, Boerboel, Bullmastiff), Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Bully Kuttas, and wolf hybrids. Service animals may be exempt.
How Much Does It Cost to Fly with a Pet from Dubai?
Here’s a realistic breakdown of pet travel costs from the UAE in 2026:
Cabin travel (Etihad only):
- Current promo: USD 399 per segment (until May 31, 2026)
- Standard rate: USD 1,500 per segment
Checked baggage (Emirates hold):
- USD 500 to USD 800 per flight, based on weight and crate size
Cargo (Emirates SkyCargo, flydubai Cargo, Etihad Cargo):
- USD 1,500 to USD 5,000+ depending on route, animal size, and logistics
Full door-to-door pet relocation through an agency:
- AED 8,000 to AED 25,000, typically covering permits, IATA crate, vet checks, cargo booking, airport handling, and customs clearance at both ends
Other costs to factor in:
- MOCCAE import permit: AED 200 to 500
- IATA-approved crate: AED 300 to 1,500 (varies by pet size)
- Vet health certificate and vaccinations: varies by clinic
- RSNT blood test (if required): AED 500 to 1,000
When Is the Best Time to Fly with a Pet from Dubai?
As per our Dubai pet travel guide, October through April is the best time. That’s the safest window for pet air travel from the UAE.
Most airlines restrict or fully suspend cargo and hold pet transport between June and September. The issue isn’t the aircraft hold itself (those are temperature-controlled) but the time spent on the tarmac during loading and unloading. Ground temperatures in Dubai regularly exceed 45°C in summer, posing a real health risk to animals, especially brachycephalic breeds with compromised breathing.
If you must travel with a pet during summer, cabin travel on Etihad is your safest option since your pet stays in the climate-controlled cabin with you the entire time. But even then, confirm with the airline that no tarmac transfer is involved.
FAQs
Only on Etihad Airways. Small dogs under 8 kg (including carrier) can travel in the cabin on Etihad-operated flights to and from Abu Dhabi. Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia do not allow dogs in the cabin.
Etihad is running a promotional rate of USD 399 per flight segment until May 31, 2026. The standard rate outside this promo period is USD 1,500 per segment.
No. Emirates only permits certified assistance dogs and falcons (on specific routes) in the cabin. All other pets travel in the hold as checked baggage or as manifest cargo with Emirates SkyCargo.
No. flydubai only allows seeing-eye dogs in the cabin. All other pets must travel as cargo through flydubai Cargo.
Yes. Pit Bulls, multiple Mastiff breeds, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Bully Kuttas, and wolf hybrids are banned. Service animals may be exempt.
Images: Canva
Also Read: Dubai Air Taxi Station: World’s First eVTOL Vertiport Is Now Ready Near DXB
