Here's what nobody tells you about Etihad: they'll take your dog in the cabin, and for a flat-faced little tank like my Mochi, that word 'cabin' is everything. No cargo hold, no sweating at the gate. Etihad accepts dogs in the cabin, full stop. If your travel plans include a snub-nosed sidekick, this is the airline detail that changes the whole trip.
Etihad Airways'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 Etihad Airways handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedAs the only airline in the UAE to welcome small dogs and cats on board, we make it easier for families to fly together with their pets. verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✓ NoWhen it comes to snub-nosed breeds (like French Bulldogs or Pugs) they are allowed in the cabin if they fit the 8 kg limit, but Etihad is very careful with them in cargo because of heat and breathing issues. 8. verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds list brachycephalic Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets. Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions. verified 2026-07-20 One-way fee 72 AED …cancellations Ticket issued/reissued from 13 Nov 2025 Type Time to departure Comfort Deluxe Change Less than 72 hours X X More than 72 hours AED 200 Free Can verified 2026-07-25 Minimum age 16 weeks …call us before you book to check if any pet-friendly seats are available Eligibility Pets must be at least 16 weeks old and weigh up to 8kg, including their carrier Pets are permitted in their ca verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking notice 48 hours …Free (part of your allowance) USD 500 per cage How to book Complete a booking form and call us at least 48 hours before your flight Additional restrictions apply to service dogs travelling from countries with a high… verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking required ✓ YesSimply submit your booking form and required travel documents at least seven days before your flight. verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per passenger 1 You are permitted to carry one pet on board. verified 2026-07-14 Banned destinations ✗ YesRoute restrictions : Cats and dogs can only travel with you on Etihad flights to and from Abu Dhabi, and even there some destinations are excluded. verified 2026-07-14 Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary supervision, is not recommended. verified 2026-07-14 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets cannot be accepted for travel. verified 2026-07-14 Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesIn rare occurrences, we may need to re-book your flight. Sedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary supervision, is not recommended verified 2026-07-14 Carrier size 40 × 40 × 22 cm Cabin weight limit : Max 8 kg (pet + carrier) Carrier size in Economy (in-cabin): max 40 × 40 × 22 cm (L × W × H). verified 2026-07-14 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg ns : ✅ In cabin : Yes – small cats and dogs only, up to 8 kg including carrier, on Etihad-operated flights to verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Cabin weight limit : Max 8 kg (pet + carrier) Carrier size in Economy (in-cabin): max 40 × 40 × 22 cm (L × W × H). verified 2026-07-14 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedpet in hold”: Etihad doesn’t offer a classic “pet as checked baggage” option like many European airlines – you either verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesBanned Breeds Pit Bulls Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed of dog American Pit Bull Terrier breed of dog American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog American Bully Mastiff Dogs Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero)… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list brachycephalic Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets. Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Minimum age 16 weeks …call us before you book to check if any pet-friendly seats are available Eligibility Pets must be at least 16 weeks old and weigh up to 8kg, including their carrier Pets are permitted in their ca verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking notice 72 hours …Cats and dogs Falcons Trained service dogs How to book Seven days before your flight: Submit a booking form 72 hours before your flight: Email all required documents If you’re flying to Abu Dhabi, apply for a release… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesOur policies for travelling with pets, falcons and trained service dogs Cats and dogs Falcons Trained service dogs How to book Seven days before your flight: Submit a booking form 72 hours before your flight: Email all… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary supervision, is not recommended verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets cannot be accepted for travel verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesIn rare occurrences, we may need to re-book your flight. Sedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary supervision, is not recommended verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg Cabin weight limit : Max 8 kg (pet + carrier) Carrier size in Economy (in-cabin): max 40 × 40 × 22 cm (L × W × H) verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier y; (c) you ensure that the animal is properly crated with necessary supplies of food and water (or carried in a container complying with any applicable legal requirements) for carriage in the cargo hold of the aircraft;… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedthe cabin if they meet the 8 kg limit, and larger pets can travel in cargo on approved routes. How much does Etihad charge f verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✓ NoWhen it comes to snub-nosed breeds (like French Bulldogs or Pugs) they are allowed in the cabin if they fit the 8 kg limit, but Etihad is very careful with them in cargo because of heat and breathing issues. 8. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list French Bulldog Pug When it comes to snub-nosed breeds (like French Bulldogs or Pugs) they are allowed in the cabin if they fit the 8 kg limit, but Etihad is very careful with them in cargo because of heat and breathing issues. 8. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Minimum age 16 weeks …call us before you book to check if any pet-friendly seats are available Eligibility Pets must be at least 16 weeks old and weigh up to 8kg, including their carrier Pets are permitted in their carrier in Economy and… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours …Free (part of your allowance) USD 500 per cage How to book Complete a booking form and call us at least 48 hours before your flight Additional restrictions apply to service dogs travelling from countries with a high… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesTo take advantage of this offer, simply submit your booking form at least seven days before your trip and send the documents to pets@etihad verified 2026-07-08 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary supervision, is not recommended verified 2026-07-28 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets cannot be accepted for travel verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesIn rare occurrences, we may need to re-book your flight. Sedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary supervision, is not recommended verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Carrier size 22 cm Cabin weight limit : Max 8 kg (pet + carrier) Carrier size in Economy (in-cabin): max 40 × 40 × 22 cm (L × W × H) Summary › Pet in cabin › Pet in hold/cargo › How to book a pet flight › Required documents ›… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg Cabin weight limit : Max 8 kg (pet + carrier) Carrier size in Economy (in-cabin): max 40 × 40 × 22 cm (L × W × H). verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Cabin weight limit : Max 8 kg (pet + carrier) Carrier size in Economy (in-cabin): max 40 × 40 × 22 cm (L × W × H) Summary › Pet in cabin › Pet in hold/cargo › How to book a pet flight › Required documents ›… verified 2026-07-15 Health & documents Downloadable forms 📄 Pet in cabin booking form Airline-owned PDF auto-paired by pair_airline_pdfs_to_downloadable_forms — classified as pet_in_cabin_booking from URL keywords. verified 2026-06-14 Health certificate required ✓ YesPassengers will need a UAE Health Certificate and a release certificate issued by the Animal Wealth and Development Department for flights terminating in Abu Dhabi verified 2026-07-20 Microchip · Required ✓ YesThe basic documents you’ll need are the same as with most international flights: a working microchip a valid rabies vaccination an EU Pet Passport or a health certificate , depending on where you’re flying from an… verified 2026-07-14 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Approved laboratory required ✓ Yesization according to manufacturer’s instructions provided that the animal’s age should be at least 16 weeks of age Feline Panleukopenia Feline Rhinotracheitis Feline Calicivirus Rabies Titer Test (specific for import… verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesThe basic documents you’ll need are the same as with most international flights: a working microchip a valid rabies vaccination an EU Pet Passport or a health certificate , depending on where you’re flying from an… verified 2026-07-14 Microchip required · Microchip required ✓ YesThe basic documents you’ll need are the same as with most international flights: a working microchip a valid rabies vaccination an EU Pet Passport or a health certificate , depending on where you’re flying from an… verified 2026-06-19 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesThe basic documents you’ll need are the same as with most international flights: a working microchip a valid rabies vaccination an EU Pet Passport or a health certificate , depending on where you’re flying from an… verified 2026-07-14 Rabies vaccination · Booster required ✓ Yesestrictions apply to service dogs travelling from countries with a high risk of rabies Ensure you have all the required health and vaccination certificates for your dog Eligibility You can travel with one trained… verified 2026-06-04 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 16 weeks ). If you buy an extra seat for your pet, carrier can be up to 50 × 43 × 50 cm. Minimum age : pets must be at least 16 weeks old; the human travelling with them must be 18+. verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate required · Health certificate required ✓ YesThe basic documents you’ll need are the same as with most international flights: a working microchip a valid rabies vaccination an EU Pet Passport or a health certificate , depending on where you’re flying from an… verified 2026-06-19 Rabies vaccination required · Rabies vaccination required ✓ YesThe basic documents you’ll need are the same as with most international flights: a working microchip a valid rabies vaccination an EU Pet Passport or a health certificate , depending on where you’re flying from an… verified 2026-06-19 Other rules Minimum age 16 weeks up to 50 × 43 × 50 cm. Minimum age : pets must be at least 16 weeks old; the human travelling with them must be 18+. verified 2026-07-14 Pet passport required ✓ YesThe basic documents you’ll need are the same as with most international flights: a working microchip a valid rabies vaccination an EU Pet Passport or a health certificate , depending on where you’re flying from an… verified 2026-06-19 Dangerous breeds banned ✗ YesThese dogs are not accepted in the cabin or in cargo: Pit Bull–type breeds (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier), Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro. verified 2026-07-14 Restricted breeds list American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Mastiff, Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Bull Terrier Banned Breeds Pit Bulls Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed of dog American Pit Bull Terrier breed of dog American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dog American Bully Mastiff Dogs Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero)… verified 2026-07-14 Breed restrictions apply ✗ YesThese dogs are not accepted in the cabin or in cargo: Pit Bull–type breeds (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier), Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro. verified 2026-07-14 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets cannot be accepted for travel. verified 2026-07-14 Assistance animals accepted ✓ YesIn all such cases, EY's liability will be limited to the refund value of the unused portion of the passenger's ticket, as provided in rule 90 (refunds). (D) Additional items allowed for nonambulatory and other disabled… verified 2026-07-15 Service & assistance animals Esa note does not recognize Emotional Support Dogs Reply Susan May 5, 2025 Angelique – Etihad does not recognize Emotional Support Dogs, only trained Service Dogs. verified 2026-07-20 Fee waived ✓ YesPricing Flying with a service dog Cost On board Free Checked in Free (in addition to your baggage allowance) verified 2026-07-14 Recognized ✗ NoService dogs are not permitted on flights from China Trained service dogs will not be accepted in the cabin if they display any form of disruptive behaviour Dogs trained for emotional support, comfort or companionship,… verified 2026-07-14 Cabin allowed ✓ YesYou can travel with one trained service dog on board, or two on flights from the U.S. verified 2026-07-14 Esa recognized ✗ NoDogs trained for emotional support, comfort or companionship, or service dogs in training are not permitted on board as a trained service dog verified 2026-07-14 Forms required ✓ YesNotice must be provided to the airline at least 48 hours prior to departure via a Trained Service Dog on Board Booking Form Notice must be provided to the airline at least 48 hours prior to departure via a Trained… verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per passenger 1 You can travel with one trained service dog on board, or two on flights from the U.S. verified 2026-07-14 Breed restrictions all breeds Trained service dogs of all breeds and sizes are also allowed if they have an official certification from ADI (Assistance Dog International) or IGDF (International Guide Dog Federation) verified 2026-07-14 Advance notice hours 48 hours Notice must be provided to the airline at least 48 hours prior to departure via a Trained Service Dog on Board Booking Form verified 2026-07-20 Documentation required ✓ Yesghts from China Trained service dogs will not be accepted in the cabin if they display any form of disruptive behaviour Dogs trained for emotional support, comfort or companionship, or service dogs in training are not… verified 2026-07-14 Recognized organizations ADI (Assistance Dog International) or IGDF (International Guide Dog Federation) Trained service dogs of all breeds and sizes are also allowed if they have an official certification from ADI (Assistance Dog International) or IGDF (International Guide Dog Federation). verified 2026-07-14 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedAs the only airline in the UAE to welcome small dogs and cats on board, we make it easier for families to fly together with their pets. verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✓ NoWhen it comes to snub-nosed breeds (like French Bulldogs or Pugs) they are allowed in the cabin if they fit the 8 kg limit, but Etihad is very careful with them in cargo because of heat and breathing issues. 8. verified 2026-07-14 Snub-nosed breeds list brachycephalic Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets. Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions. verified 2026-07-20 Minimum age 16 weeks …call us before you book to check if any pet-friendly seats are available Eligibility Pets must be at least 16 weeks old and weigh up to 8kg, including their carrier Pets are permitted in their ca verified 2026-07-14 Advance booking notice 72 hours …: Submit the pet booking form at least 7 days before your flight and email all documents no later than 72 hours before departure Main transit hub : Abu Dh verified 2026-07-01 Advance booking required ✓ YesSimply submit your booking form and required travel documents at least seven days before your flight. verified 2026-07-14 Max pets per passenger 1 You are permitted to carry one pet on board. verified 2026-07-14 Booking method counter …and Manchester) or the United States. Check in Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier three hours prior to departure. verified 2026-07-20 Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary supervision, is not recommended verified 2026-07-14 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets cannot be accepted for travel. verified 2026-07-14 Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesIn rare occurrences, we may need to re-book your flight. Sedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary supervision, is not recommended verified 2026-07-14 Carrier size 40 × 40 × 22 cm Maximum size: 40 x 40 x 22cm (L x W x H) to fit under your seat verified 2026-07-14 Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg ns : ✅ In cabin : Yes – small cats and dogs only, up to 8 kg including carrier, on Etihad-operated flights to verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Maximum size: 40 x 40 x 22cm (L x W x H) to fit under your seat verified 2026-07-14 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedpet in hold”: Etihad doesn’t offer a classic “pet as checked baggage” option like many European airlines – you either verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesRelated: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list brachycephalic Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets. Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Minimum age 16 weeks …call us before you book to check if any pet-friendly seats are available Eligibility Pets must be at least 16 weeks old and weigh up to 8kg, including their carrier Pets are permitted in their ca verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Advance booking notice 30 hours …Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon From $26 to $75 per 5kg Save on extra baggage when you book up to 30 hours before your flight. chat with us. verified 2026-07-13 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesOur policies for travelling with pets, falcons and trained service dogs Cats and dogs Falcons Trained service dogs How to book Seven days before your flight: Submit a booking form 72 hours before your flight: Email all… verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary supervision, is not recommended verified 2026-07-28 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets cannot be accepted for travel verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesIn rare occurrences, we may need to re-book your flight. Sedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary supervision, is not recommended verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 8 kg Cabin weight limit : Max 8 kg (pet + carrier) Carrier size in Economy (in-cabin): max 40 × 40 × 22 cm (L × W × H) verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier y; (c) you ensure that the animal is properly crated with necessary supplies of food and water (or carried in a container complying with any applicable legal requirements) for carriage in the cargo hold of the aircraft;… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedthe cabin if they meet the 8 kg limit, and larger pets can travel in cargo on approved routes. How much does Etihad charge f verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✓ NoWhen it comes to snub-nosed breeds (like French Bulldogs or Pugs) they are allowed in the cabin if they fit the 8 kg limit, but Etihad is very careful with them in cargo because of heat and breathing issues. 8. verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list brachycephalic Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets. Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Minimum age 16 weeks …call us before you book to check if any pet-friendly seats are available Eligibility Pets must be at least 16 weeks old and weigh up to 8kg, including their carrier Pets are permitted in their carrier in Economy and… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking notice 72 hours …Cats and dogs Falcons Trained service dogs How to book Seven days before your flight: Submit a booking form 72 hours before your flight: Email all required documents If you’re flying to Abu Dhabi, apply for a release… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesTo take advantage of this offer, simply submit your booking form at least seven days before your trip and send the documents to pets@etihad verified 2026-07-08 Cargo: Heat embargo 1°C signed government-accredited health official, certify that the animal described above conforms to the following conditions: 1.The exporting country has no record of Rabies disease for at least two years pr verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary supervision, is not recommended verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets cannot be accepted for travel verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Sedation needs vet approval ✓ YesIn rare occurrences, we may need to re-book your flight. Sedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary supervision, is not recommended verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Carrier size 22 cm Cabin weight limit : Max 8 kg (pet + carrier) Carrier size in Economy (in-cabin): max 40 × 40 × 22 cm (L × W × H) Summary › Pet in cabin › Pet in hold/cargo › How to book a pet flight › Required documents ›… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Cabin weight limit : Max 8 kg (pet + carrier) Carrier size in Economy (in-cabin): max 40 × 40 × 22 cm (L × W × H) Summary › Pet in cabin › Pet in hold/cargo › How to book a pet flight › Required documents ›… verified 2026-07-15 Health & documents Downloadable forms 📄 Pet in cabin booking form Airline-owned PDF auto-paired by pair_airline_pdfs_to_downloadable_forms — classified as pet_in_cabin_booking from URL keywords. verified 2026-06-14 Health certificate required ✓ Yesnd dogs Falcons Trained service dogs How to book Seven days before your flight: Submit a booking form 72 hours before your flight: Email all required documents If you’re flying to Abu Dhabi, apply for a release permit… verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate · Validity days 3 days Certificate valid for 3 days only (lady must travel within this period). verified 2026-07-15 Other rules Minimum age 16 weeks up to 50 × 43 × 50 cm. Minimum age : pets must be at least 16 weeks old; the human travelling with them must be 18+. verified 2026-07-14 Cabin travel with a dog on Etihad requires booking at least 48 hours before departure. Add the pet to the reservation no later than 48 hours ahead. Do not wait for the airport counter. Confirm the cabin slot inside that 48-hour window. Call and secure written confirmation before the deadline closes. Miss the 48-hour mark and the cabin space cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently asked
How many pets can I bring on Etihad Airways? Etihad Airways allows 1 in the cabin, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier. How far in advance must I book my pet on Etihad Airways? Add your pet to the booking at least 48 hours before departure — do it when you book the ticket, not at the airport. 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.
So that's Etihad, cabin-accepted and worth the paperwork. Every route has its own quirks, though, and the fine print shifts by country, connection, and season. Don't guess your way through it like I once did at a customs window. Build a personalized plan for your exact trip with Pawgo's plan-builder, and let it sort the microchip, the timing, and the details so your dog just judges the queue length, not you.
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.
