Animals are not permitted in the cabin of Emirates flights, with the exception of falcons between Dubai and certain destinations in Pakistan, and Guide Dogs for the Blind – please see our information on passengers with special needs.
All other animals must be transported according to regulations specific to your route:
For all routes, the charge for the animal(s) and container will depend on the weight and size of the animal plus cage combined. These charges will apply in all cases, even when no other checked baggage is being carried.
Please take note of the following weight and size restrictions for animals travelling as checked baggage:
If your itinerary includes flights operated by other airlines, different baggage rules may apply for these flights – learn more.
There are no restrictions on the number of pets you can carry on Emirates flights. However, please be aware that some countries do impose restrictions on the number of pets that can be carried into or out of the country. For example, the import of animals into India is restricted to two pets per customer. We advise you check your destination’s rules before travelling.
A maximum of two adult animals of comparable size weighing up to 14kgs each may be shipped in the same container, providing they are used to cohabitation. Animals weighing over 14kgs each must travel in separate containers.
Additional information for transporting animals with Emirates
Please book and pay for the transportation of animals as checked baggage before your departure date.
There are some restrictions as to which animals can be transported with Emirates. All animals listed under CITES, including pets, must be transported as cargo. Further restrictions, including import bans, apply to certain species of cats and dogs – please contact your local Emirates office for more information on restricted species.
Animals, which can be accepted as baggage as per the rules above, but with a total journey time exceeding 17 hours must also be carried as cargo. Due to high heat and humidity in the UAE, no birds (except some falcons) can be accepted for transit via Dubai as checked baggage or cargo between 1st May and 30th September.
The minimum connecting time for animals transiting Dubai and carried as baggage may be no more than six hours; if the minimum connecting time is more than six hours animals will be accepted for transportation as cargo only.
All animals accepted for transportation with Emirates must have a valid Import permit issued by the destination country and a valid health certificate (including any applicable vaccination records).
Certain countries, however, restrict importation of animals as baggage. Please contact your local Emirates office for more information.
For animals travelling with Emirates a 24-hour emergency contact number and the optimum temperature requirement must always be shown on the animal’s travel container.
Emirates will not accept a pregnant animal for transportation if it is beyond one third (1/3) of its normal gestation period or has given birth within 48 hours of travel.