Emirates Pet Transport: No Cabin Pets, Cargo Options, and Dubai Connections

Emirates is one of the world’s busiest airlines for long-haul routes, but it has one of the strictest pet policies among major carriers: no pets in the cabin, on any route, without exception.

If you need to fly your pet on an Emirates route, the only option is Emirates SkyCargo.

Emirates SkyCargo: How It Works

Emirates SkyCargo operates through dedicated facilities at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The process:

1. Booking: Through Emirates SkyCargo directly or via an IPATA-registered agent. Cannot be booked through the passenger booking system.
2. Documentation: All destination country import documentation must be provided at the time of booking.
3. Drop-off: Pets are delivered to the Emirates SkyCargo facility, not the passenger terminal.
4. Dubai connection: Many Emirates routes connect through Dubai. Pets in transit through Dubai are held in climate-controlled facilities at DXB’s dedicated animal lounge.

Dubai Transit: What to Know

Dubai’s Animal Care Centre at DXB can hold pets in transit for up to 48 hours. The facility is climate-controlled with experienced staff. However:

• UAE import permits are required for stays over 4 hours, even for transit. This is a significant administrative step if you are connecting through Dubai - verify the current UAE transit requirements before booking.
• Summer temperatures in Dubai (June-September) are extreme. DXB is fully air-conditioned, but ground crew handling between aircraft and terminals are working in heat. Emirates imposes summer embargoes on certain breeds during extreme heat.

Breed Restrictions

Emirates SkyCargo restricts or prohibits:

• All brachycephalic dog and cat breeds (year-round or seasonal depending on route)
• Some dangerous dog breeds per UAE regulations (Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and others are banned from import into the UAE)

If your destination is the UAE itself, check both Emirates cargo restrictions and UAE import regulations for restricted breeds.

Cost

Emirates SkyCargo pricing is based on actual or volumetric weight. Long-haul routes (e.g. UK to Australia via Dubai) for a large dog can cost £1,200-2,500+ for the cargo segment alone. Get a formal quote from Emirates SkyCargo or your agent.

Sources: Emirates SkyCargo published policies, UAE MOCCAE import requirements. Data current as of {TODAY}.