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Airline pet policies / Emirates

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Emirates pet policy: cabin, hold and fees

Emirates does not take pets in the cabin, but carries them in the hold. Fees, carrier sizes, breed rules and how to book, checked against the official policy.

Checked against the official page · 15 Oct 2026
Pets in the cabinNo
Pets in the holdYes: Dog, Cat, Other bird
Hold limitWeight limit not published: confirm with the airline. cage up to 300 cm total dimensions; larger goes as cargo
Snub-nosed breeds in the holdCheck with the airline
FeesHold: USD 500 (up to 23 kg) · USD 650 (24–32 kg) · USD 800 (over 32 kg)
How to bookBook and pay before departure; give at least 1 week's notice
Minimum age4 months
Cargo and other animalsOther cases: Emirates SkyCargo.
Watch out for
  • No pets in the cabin (falcons on some Pakistan routes and guide dogs only).
  • Transit in Dubai over 6 h: cargo only. 1 May–30 Sep: no bird transit via Dubai.

Here is the Emirates pet policy in plain English, checked against the official Emirates page on 15 Oct 2026. Emirates does not take pets in the cabin, but carries them in the hold. Below, you’ll find what it means for your trip, plus a short checklist before you book.

Emirates pet policy: large dogs in front of an airplane
Photo: Jeswin Thomas / Unsplash

Emirates pet policy for the cabin

The Emirates pet policy does not allow pets in the passenger cabin. However, dogs and cats can still travel in the hold, as described below.

If you want your dog or cat next to you, you’ll need a different airline on the same route. For example, Lufthansa, KLM and Air France accept small pets in the cabin up to 8 kg with the carrier. Use our pet flight search to compare the options for your pet.

Pets in the hold and as cargo on Emirates

Bigger pets can fly in the hold on Emirates: dogs, cats and birds. The airline doesn’t publish a fixed weight limit, so confirm it before you book. Kennel rules: cage up to 300 cm total dimensions; larger goes as cargo.

Other cases: Emirates SkyCargo.

Fees and how to book a pet on Emirates

Fee: Hold: USD 500 (up to 23 kg) · USD 650 (24–32 kg) · USD 800 (over 32 kg). How to book: Book and pay before departure; give at least 1 week's notice. Minimum age: 4 months. Fees can change, so check the final amount when you book.

Before you book: Emirates pet policy checklist

  1. First, weigh your pet together with its carrier or kennel, because airlines check the total weight at the airport.
  2. Next, check the entry rules of your destination, such as microchip, rabies vaccine and health papers. Our pet travel requirements page links to the official sources.
  3. Then, book your pet at the same time as your own seat, since pet places on each flight are limited.
  4. Finally, confirm the details on the official Emirates pet policy page, because rules and fees can change.

Comparing airlines? See all 62 airline pet policies on one page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my pet in the cabin on Emirates?

No. Emirates does not accept pets in the passenger cabin, except recognised assistance dogs where its rules allow.

Can my pet fly in the hold on Emirates?

Yes: dog, cat, other bird. Confirm the weight limit with the airline.

How much does it cost to fly with a pet on Emirates?

Hold: USD 500 (up to 23 kg) · USD 650 (24–32 kg) · USD 800 (over 32 kg). Fees change often, so confirm the exact amount when you book.

This summary is a guide, not legal or veterinary advice. Airlines change their rules often: always confirm with Emirates before you book. Your destination country may have extra entry rules.