Emirates
Pet travel policy for Emirates (EK) — based at Dubai (DXB), United Arab Emirates.
Policy summary
Emirates does not allow pets in the cabin on any commercial flight; the only animals permitted in the passenger cabin are falcons (under specific approved conditions) and registered guide or service dogs accompanying passengers with disabilities. All other dogs, cats, and household pets must travel as manifested cargo through Emirates SkyCargo or as checked baggage on the same flight as the owner subject to weight and route limits. Emirates SkyCargo handles the booking through its dedicated Animal Hotel at Dubai International Airport, which provides climate-controlled holding, exercise areas, and on-call veterinary care. The United Arab Emirates ministry of climate change and environment requires inbound pets to have an import permit obtained at least 48 hours before arrival, an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccine administered at least 21 days before travel, and a serological rabies-titer test for animals coming from non-rabies-free countries. Snub-nosed breeds are restricted from cargo during summer temperature embargoes, and several large dog breeds (Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa, Dogo Argentino) are banned outright by UAE law.
Quick reference
| Cabin pets | No (service dogs only) |
|---|---|
| Cargo / checked program | Yes — IATA-rated kennel via dedicated cargo division |
| Cabin fee (one-way) | See airline website |
| Carrier max dimensions | IATA Live Animals Regulations kennel in |
| Weight limit | cargo only |
| Breed restrictions | No pets in cabin except guide dogs; UAE quarantine for inbound. |
| Reservations | +971 600 555 555 |
| Hub airport | Dubai (DXB) |
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
How to book a pet on Emirates
Almost every airline requires you to add a pet to your reservation by phone — there is no online self-service for in-cabin or cargo pets at the major carriers, because the airline must confirm there is space on the specific aircraft type and route. Call +971 600 555 555 within 24 hours of buying your ticket and ask the agent to add the pet to your booking. You will be quoted the fee at the time of booking and pay it at airport check-in. Bring printed proof of vaccinations and a recent veterinary health certificate, especially for international itineraries.
At the airport, plan to arrive 90 minutes before a domestic departure or three hours before an international departure. The airline gate agent will inspect your carrier, attach an in-cabin pet tag, and confirm that your pet meets the under-seat dimension and weight limits. If your animal is travelling in cargo, you will drop them off at the carrier's dedicated cargo-acceptance facility (separate from the passenger terminal) at least four hours before departure for kennel inspection and loading.