Emirates keeps the cabin closed to dogs, so from the very first search you already know the shape of this trip: your companion travels below, in the hold. That single fact changes how you pack, how you book, how you breathe. Tafoukt and I have learned to plan around it rather than against it. We took our time, and so should you.
Emirates's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Emirates handles your pet NO_PETS_CONFIRMED: cabin=no, hold=no, cargo=yes. Pets only via Emirates SkyCargo (cargo); no cabin acceptance on passenger flights. Brachycephalic breeds explicitly banned in cargo, with limited winter-season exception (Nov-Apr). Restricted dog breeds (full list): Affenpincher, American Cocker Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all types), Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, apple-headed Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Lowchen, Neapolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Pekingese, Pit Bull Terrier, Presa Canario, Pug (all types), Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel. Restricted cat breeds: British Longhair, British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Exotic Fold (Foldex), Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold, Selkirk Rex. Min age 15 weeks (27 weeks from high-risk rabies countries). Min connection time 6 hours.
Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✗ Not accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✗ Not acceptedPets are not permitted in the cabin on Emirates aircraft, except for falcons, which are allowed between Dubai and certain destinations in Pakistan. verified 2026-07-20 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedFor itineraries starting in Dubai and traveling to countries that allow animals to enter as excess baggage, falcons, cats, dogs, and pet birds can be transported as checked baggage in the hold, provided the total… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesBrachycephalic (snub-nosed) dog breeds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers, may have seasonal or travel restrictions and require a “Fit to Fly” certificate. Pregnant animals beyond 1/3 of gestation or within 48 hours of… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list French Bulldog Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Bullmastiff Brussels Griffon Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff Dogs Emirates classifies the following breeds as snub-nosed: DOGS: American Cocker Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all types), Bullmastiff, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua (Apple… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours Pet Reservations Pets must be booked in advance, typically at least 48 hours before the flight. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesPets must be booked in advance, typically at least 48 hours before the flight. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedation is not recommended. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Max journey hours 17 hours falcons, cats, dogs, and pet birds can be transported as checked baggage in the hold, provided the total journey time (including any transit time) is less than 17 hours and all appropriate conditions are met. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant animals beyond 1/3 of gestation or within 48 hours of giving birth cannot travel. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 32 kg …exceed 23kg and 59 inches(150 cm) USD 500 / CAD 700 When the animal and cage combined weight between 24 and 32kg and dimensions between 59 inches(150cm) and 118 inches(300cm) USD 650 / CAD 900 verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, live-animal label, a carrier For pets traveling as checked baggage, carriers must be secure, ventilated, and meet international safety standards. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedCan my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesThe following snub-nosed cat and dog breeds, as well as any of their crosses, are not permitted for carriage on Emirates SkyCargo verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list French Bulldog Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Bullmastiff Brussels Griffon Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff Mixes will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the local SkyCargo office. Dogs Emirates classifies the following breeds as snub-nosed: DOGS: American Cocker Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: One-way fee 800 USD …cage combined weigh over 32kg (71lb) with dimensions between 59 inches (150cm) and 118 inches (300cm) USD 800/CAD 1,150 When the cage dimensions exceed 118 inches (300cm) to be transported as manifested cargo When… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Minimum age 15 weeks Acceptance of dogs and cats is governed by the following restrictions: • The minimum age of any dog or cat is 15 weeks • This may be increased to 27 weeks if from a ‘High Risk’ country Please contact… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking notice 72 hours Reservations Bookings must be made at least 72 hours prior to departure. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesVeterinary health certificate from the country of origin Rabies titer test (RNAT) Vaccination book/treatment documents of the animal Import permit from MOCCAE (Opens page in the same tab) Inspection/releasing fees… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoInformation Emirates will not accept a pregnant pet for transportation if it is beyond one‑third of its normal gestation period; no animal will be accepted that has given birth within 48 hours of travel. Sedation is not… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Season restrictions No birds via Dubai May 1 – Sept 30 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 May 1 and September 30. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Advance notice hours 72 hours Bookings must be made at least 72 hours prior to departure. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Cites species required ✓ YesAll animals listed under CITES, including pets, must be transported as cargo. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ Noorted as manifested cargo When traveling into Dubai Cargo If the total journey time exceeds 17 hours Cargo When destined for a country that DOES NOT allow live animal as check-in baggage Cargo Please note that rates and… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, live-animal label, a carrier Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling as checked baggage, carriers must be secure, ventilated, and meet international safety standards. verified 2026-07-20 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesEmirates requires the following (as a minimum): • Dedicated form for acceptance and authorisation • Medical and/or veterinary health certificates • Fit to fly statements • Micro chip verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 10 days Your cat will need a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. verified 2026-07-20 Microchip · Required ✓ YesForms Required Pet Passport or EU Health Certificate with rabies certificates and microchip number for European Union destinations. verified 2026-07-20 Import permit · Issuing authority the destination country and 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). verified 2026-07-15 Country specific · Pakistan form required ✓ YesTravel to Pakistan If you’re traveling to Pakistan with animals, birds, products of animal origin (meat, dairy and other products), veterinary biologics and vaccines, you must complete this form (Opens an external… verified 2026-07-15 Country specific · Portugal arrival form required ✓ YesAll pets (non-commercial) arriving from non-European Union countries to Portugal, either directly or in transit, must have an entry pre-approval. verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesAll 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). verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 15 weeks Acceptance of dogs and cats is governed by the following restrictions: • The minimum age of any dog or cat is 15 weeks • This may be increased to 27 weeks if from a ‘High Risk’ country Please contac KEY FEATURES •… verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate valid within days · Health certificate valid within days 10 days Your cat will need a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Minimum age 15 weeks The minimum age of any dog or cat is 15 weeks verified 2026-07-20 Restricted breeds list Dogo Argentino, Mastiff • Staffordshire Bull Terrier • American Pit Bull Terrier • American Staffordshire Terrier • American Bully • Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero) • Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino) • Tibetan Mastiff • Neapolitan… verified 2026-07-20 Breed restrictions apply ✗ YesDue to the strength of these dogs we will insist on upgraded and reinforced containers. • Staffordshire Bull Terrier • American Pit Bull Terrier • American Staffordshire Terrier • American Bully • Brazilian Mastiff… verified 2026-07-20 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoEmirates will not accept a pregnant pet for transportation if it is beyond one‑third of its normal gestation period; no animal will be accepted that has given birth within 48 hours of travel. verified 2026-07-20 Assistance animals accepted ✓ YesFind the contact details of your nearest Emirates office and get in touch with us. Find out more Travel health FAQs Frequently asked questions How do I make arrangements for accessible travel or special requests? Please… verified 2026-07-25 Service & assistance animals Fee waived ✓ YesService dog pet policy All service dogs may fly at no charge in the cabin on certain flights verified 2026-07-20 Recognized ✓ YesIf you’re looking to travel with a service dog, you’ll find information on our special assistance and wellness page . We need at least one week’s notice before your scheduled departure to make sure we have all the right… verified 2026-07-14 Cabin allowed ✓ Yesstatus Travel information Health Dubai International Baggage information Delayed or damaged baggage Visa and passport information UAE visas Cabin features Inflight entertainment Dining Our fleet The Emirates Experience… verified 2026-07-15 Advance notice hours 48 hours You must contact your nearest Emirates Contact Centre at least 48 hours before travel as these devices can only be used on approved seat locations and in certain cab… verified 2026-06-29 Recognized organizations They must be trained by a person or organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability. They must be trained by a person or organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability. verified 2026-07-20 In the cabin ✗ Not accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✗ Not acceptedPets are not permitted in the cabin on Emirates aircraft, except for falcons, which are allowed between Dubai and certain destinations in Pakistan. verified 2026-07-20 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedFor itineraries starting in Dubai and traveling to countries that allow animals to enter as excess baggage, falcons, cats, dogs, and pet birds can be transported as checked baggage in the hold, provided the total… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking notice 72 hours Reservations Bookings must be made at least 72 hours prior to departure. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesPets must be booked in advance, typically at least 48 hours before the flight. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation allowed ✓ YesAir Cargo : Unacco Pets in Checked Baggage For itineraries starting in Dubai and traveling to countries that allow animals to enter as excess baggage, falcons, cats, dogs, and pet birds can be transported as checked ba verified 2026-07-09 Hold: Max journey hours 17 hours falcons, cats, dogs, and pet birds can be transported as checked baggage in the hold, provided the total journey time (including any transit time) is less than 17 hours and all appropriate conditions are met. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✓ YesEmirates will not accept a pregnant animal for transportation if it is beyond one-third (1/3) of its normal gestation period; no animal will be accepted that has given birth within 48 hours of travel verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Carrier size 118 cm Pet crate requirements The total dimensions of your pet’s crate (length + width + height) must not exceed 118″ (300 cm) to fly as checked baggage. verified 2026-07-23 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 23 kg Maximum Weight Per Bag Up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds) each Up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds) each Up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds) each Up to 32… verified 2026-06-19 Hold: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, live-animal label, a carrier Pet crate requirements The total dimensions of your pet’s crate (length + width + height) must not exceed 118″ (300 cm) to fly as checked baggage. verified 2026-07-23 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedCan my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesThe following snub-nosed cat and dog breeds, as well as any of their crosses, are not permitted for carriage on Emirates SkyCargo verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking notice 72 hours Reservations Bookings must be made at least 72 hours prior to departure. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesPet Reservations Pets must be booked in advance, typically at least 48 hours before the flight Pet Reservations Pets must be booked in advance, typically at least 48 hours before the flight verified 2026-07-01 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoInformation Emirates will not accept a pregnant pet for transportation if it is beyond one‑third of its normal gestation period; no animal will be accepted that has given birth within 48 hours of travel. Sedation is not… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance notice hours 72 hours Bookings must be made at least 72 hours prior to departure. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✓ YesInformation Emirates will not accept a pregnant pet for transportation if it is beyond one‑third of its normal gestation period; no animal will be accepted that has given birth within 48 hours of travel verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, live-animal label, a carrier Carrier Guidelines For pets traveling as checked baggage, carriers must be secure, ventilated, and meet international safety standards. verified 2026-07-20 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesAll pets must have proof of rabies vaccination, current health certificate and all documentation and permits required by their destination country. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 10 days Your cat will need a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Validity days 10 days Your cat will need a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Minimum age 15 weeks The minimum age of any dog or cat is 15 weeks verified 2026-07-20 Emirates cargo reservations are not instant. Pets must be booked in advance, typically at least 48 hours before the flight. Contact the cargo desk two full days ahead and secure the space before purchasing the ticket. Treat 48 hours as the minimum, not the target. Booking later risks a flight with no available pet slot at departure.
Emirates SkyCargo refuses snub-nosed breeds. Listed brachycephalic dog breeds, and any of their crosses, are not permitted for carriage. Confirm the exact breed and lineage against the Emirates prohibited list before any booking. A crossbreed carrying a banned parent breed falls under the same restriction. Verify eligibility first, because a refused breed cannot fly cargo on this airline.
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to fly a pet on Emirates? On flights within Metropolitan France, Emirates charges from 1150 CAD in the cabin, one way per pet. Longer routes cost more — price your exact itinerary. What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity? If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays. What happens if I forget a document? At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
Emirates prices cargo by combined animal-and-crate size. When the animal and cage together weigh over 32kg with dimensions between 150cm and 300cm, the charge is 800 USD or 1150 CAD one way. Measure and weigh the loaded crate before booking. Larger dimensions past 300cm move into a higher bracket, so confirm the final figure with the cargo desk.
Emirates asks for patience: the hold, the 48-hour lead, the microchip, the cargo desk. None of it is hard once you see the whole picture at once. That is exactly what Pawgo's plan-builder gives you — a personalized plan for your dog, your route, your dates, with the fees and rules already sorted. Build yours, pour some mint tea, and travel the unhurried way.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
