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Emirates Pet Policy (2026): Cabin, Hold & Fees

No. Emirates does not allow pets in the cabin. Pets can fly in the hold as checked baggage or as cargo, depending on the route. Trips ending in Dubai are cargo only.

Last verified against Emirates's official pages

How to add your dog to a booking

  1. Checked baggage: make sure your destination accepts animals as excess baggage and the total trip is under 17 hours, then book and pay for your pet as checked baggage before your departure date.
  2. Trips ending in Dubai: arrange cargo through Emirates SkyCargo or your local cargo agent.

Source: What are the rules and charges for traveling with animals?

Fees for pets in the hold

$500

Checked baggage, pet and cage up to 23 kg (50 lb) and 150 cm (59 in)

In the hold, by total weight of pet and kennel

$650

Checked baggage, 24 to 32 kg, 150 to 300 cm

In the hold, by total weight of pet and kennel

$800

Checked baggage, over 32 kg, 150 to 300 cm

In the hold, by total weight of pet and kennel

  • These are checked-baggage fees. Pets can't fly in the cabin, so there's no cabin pet fee.
  • The charge applies even if you have no other checked bags.
  • Cages over 300 cm (118 in) must go as cargo.

Source: What are the rules and charges for traveling with animals?

Carrier size and weight

Emirates doesn't allow pets in the cabin, so there are no cabin carrier rules. See the cargo section for pets in the hold.

    Source: What are the rules and charges for traveling with animals?

    Routes, breeds and other restrictions

    Where pets can't fly

    Emirates says:

    • Trips ending in Dubai: cargo only (no pets as checked baggage)

    Breeds

    Emirates doesn't mention short-nosed breeds.

    Also good to know

    • Portugal: pets arriving from non-EU countries need an entry pre-approval, with the arrival notification submitted at least 48 hours before arrival.
    • Pakistan: animals need an extra form before arrival, besides import and veterinary paperwork.
    • From Kuwait (KWI): pets are accepted at Terminal 4, and kennels can't exceed 90 cm wide and 120 cm high.
    • Every animal needs a valid import permit from the destination country and a valid health certificate, including vaccination records.
    • Emirates doesn't accept animals more than a third of the way through pregnancy, or that gave birth in the 48 hours before travel.

    Source: What are the rules and charges for traveling with animals?

    Cargo and checked pets

    Emirates carries pets in the cargo hold through checked baggage (from Dubai) or Emirates SkyCargo. Emirates says pets can go as checked baggage on trips that start in Dubai and go to countries that allow animals as excess baggage, if the total journey time is under 17 hours (it counts about 1 hour for check-in and 1 hour for delivery at arrival). Journeys over 17 hours must go as cargo. Trips ending in Dubai, connections in Dubai over 6 hours, and cages over 300 cm must go as cargo (Emirates SkyCargo or a cargo agent). Up to two adult animals of similar size, up to 14 kg each, can share a container if they live together.

    Source: What are the rules and charges for traveling with animals?

    Service dogs and emotional support animals

    Emirates has separate rules for service animals, and we haven't verified them yet. Check Emirates's service animal page before you fly.

      Source: What are the rules and charges for traveling with animals?

      Other details

      • Guide dogs for the visually impaired can fly in the cabin.
      • Falcons can fly in the cabin between Dubai and some destinations in Pakistan.

      Before you fly

      Emirates can change its pet policy at any time. We last checked these official pages on September 27, 2026. Confirm the rules with Emirates before you book and again before you travel.

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