Booking Emirates Airlines Pet Travel

There are some unique rules for booking pet travel with Emirates Airlines. For example, while regular domesticated cats and dogs aren’t permitted in the cabin, falcons can travel in-cabin between specific locations.

We created a simplified guide below to help navigate these unique rules and booking processes. Read on to learn more about how to book your falcon (or other pet) with Emirates Airlines.

Accompanied Pets

Pets Traveling In-Cabin

1. Can your pet travel in-cabin with Emirates? Only if your pet is a falcon flying between Dubai and some locations in Pakistan or if your pet is a trained guide dog for the blind. Traveling with a different type of pet? Skip to step 3.
2. 2. If you own a guide dog, please read these instructions on how to book your dog’s flight. To book your falcon in-cabin, please contact your local Emirates office before traveling.

Remember that even though your dog will be traveling with you in the cabin, you’ll still need to follow the pet import requirements for your destination country.

Pets Traveling as Excess Baggage

3. Dogs, cats, falcons, and pet birds can travel as checked baggage in cargo, an addition to your ticket. There are no limits to the number of pets allowed on your Emirates flight as checked baggage. However, it’s important to be aware of any import rules restricting travel to unaccompanied cargo only or limiting the number of pets allowed to enter before booking your pet as checked baggage with Emirates.

• The crate’s dimensions cannot exceed 118in or 300cm for excess baggage travel with pets.
• Lastly, if your flight is longer than 17 hours, your pet must travel as unaccompanied cargo for safety.
• If you have multiple pets who cannot travel together, a flight longer than 17 hours, a pet other than a cat, dog, or bird, or if you’re pet will be traveling to a country that does not allow excess baggage travel for pet imports, go to step 5.

Baby G moved to Dubai on Emirates Airline.

4. Before booking your pet as excess baggage, you must find an IATA-approved travel crate for your pet to travel in. We have tips on finding the right travel kennel on this page of our website.

• Contact your local Emirates office when you’re ready to book your pet as excess baggage. The pricing for pets traveling as excess baggage are:

Remember that even though your pet will travel with you as checked baggage, you’ll still need to follow the pet import requirements for your destination country.

Unaccompanied Pets or Pets Traveling as Cargo

• All pets traveling as cargo with Emirates fly under Emirates SkyCargo. Traveling pets are offered the highest standard of care with SkyCargo through their special facilities (in Dubai) and dedicated staff members. SkyCargo’s processes and facilities were developed to make traveling pets feel safe and comfortable while providing their owners a stress-free experience.
• 5. As with accompanied travel, your pet will need an approved travel crate to fly independently. If you’re having trouble finding one alone, Emirates has kennels available for purchase in Dubai and other locations. Check inventory before bringing your pet in for check-in to ensure the right-sized travel kennel is available for your pet.
• To book your pet with Emirates SkyCargo, you need to contact your local office and ensure your pet will meet the necessary import rules for your destination. Please allow at least 4 business days for Emirates SkyCargo to process your request.

Health and Vaccination Requirements:

• Emirates Airlines requires all pets to have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. The certificate must state that the pet is fit to fly, free from infectious diseases, and has been vaccinated according to the destination country's requirements. Some countries may require additional vaccinations or quarantine periods upon arrival, so it's important to research and comply with these regulations.

Restrictions on Breeds:

• Certain countries, such as the United Kingdom, have breed-specific legislation that prohibits the import of certain dog breeds, including American Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, and Dogo Argentino. Before booking your pet's travel with Emirates Airlines, make sure to check the destination country's import regulations and restrictions on pet breeds.

Pet Travel Insurance:

• Consider purchasing pet travel insurance when booking your pet's travel with Emirates Airlines. This insurance can cover unexpected veterinary expenses during the flight, such as illness or injury. The cost of the insurance will depend on the pet's age, breed, and destination, so it's important to contact the airline for more information.

Temperature Restrictions:

• Emirates Airlines may restrict pet travel during extreme weather conditions to ensure the safety and well-being of the pets. It's important to check the airline's policies and contact the local Emirates office for any weather-related travel restrictions. Additionally, it's important to provide proper ventilation and climate control for your pet's travel crate, and to avoid booking flights during extreme weather conditions.

Having trouble booking your pet with Emirates SkyCargo? Contact us to help manage the booking details and more for your upcoming pet travels.