Middle East
Flying with a dog on Emirates EK
Middle East
Flying with a dog on Emirates
Limited
Here is the Emirates pet policy for dogs, checked against the airline's own pages in October 2026. Below: what applies in the cabin and in the hold, the breed rules for your dog, and what to sort out before you fly.
Emirates dog policy at a glance
In the cabin
Not allowed
Dogs can't fly in the cabin on Emirates.
In the hold
Available
Emirates pet carrier size: dog carriers that fit
We checked every carrier in our comparison against the limits of Emirates, size by size. Shown are the ones that fit by their dimensions, most mentioned first. At the gate, Emirates decides.
Breed rules
Restrictions| Breed group | Hold on your flight | Cargo booked separately |
|---|---|---|
| Snub-nosed | Conditional | Conditional |
| Strong breeds | Conditional | Conditional |
Snub-nosed
- Hold, on your flight
- Conditional
- Cargo, booked separately
- Conditional
Strong breeds
- Hold, on your flight
- Conditional
- Cargo, booked separately
- Conditional
Snub-nosed breeds (e.g. Boxer, all Bulldogs, Pug, Shih Tzu, Pit Bull Terrier) are not carried by Emirates SkyCargo except under specific conditions from November to April. Fighting breeds such as American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Cane Corso and Dogo Argentino cannot be imported into the UAE and need reinforced containers on other routes.
Assistance dogs
AllowedGuide dogs and psychiatric support dogs over 4 months old fly free in the cabin on certain routes; other service dogs travel free as checked baggage in the hold. Notify Emirates at least 48 hours before the flight; trips to Dubai need documents validated by MOCCAE at least four working days ahead.
Summary
Dogs cannot travel in the cabin on Emirates and fly in the hold instead. On itineraries starting in Dubai, dogs can go as checked baggage if the total journey is under 17 hours and the destination allows it, priced at USD 500 to 800 by combined weight and size. All other trips, including every trip ending in Dubai, require Emirates SkyCargo. Snub-nosed breeds are only carried under specific conditions from November to April, and SkyCargo requires dogs to be at least 15 weeks old.
Pets travel as checked baggage in the hold on itineraries starting in Dubai (if total journey time is under 17 hours and the destination allows it), otherwise as manifested cargo via Emirates SkyCargo; all itineraries ending in Dubai must go as cargo. Charges depend on combined animal and cage weight and size: USD 500/CAD 700 up to 23 kg and 150 cm, USD 650/CAD 900 for 24-32 kg and 150-300 cm, USD 800/CAD 1,150 over 32 kg and 150-300 cm; cages over 300 cm must go as manifested cargo. From Kuwait (KWI) kennel dimensions must not exceed 90 cm width and 120 cm height.
Before you fly
- Check which vaccinations and health documents your route requires, and keep them with you.
- Reserve your dog's spot early, as places per flight are limited.
- Check the entry rules of your destination country.
- Get your dog used to the carrier or kennel well before the trip.
- Dogs travel in the climate-controlled hold, so book that early too.
Always double-check
Airline pet policies change often and vary by route, aircraft and season. Confirm the current rules directly with Emirates before booking.
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Flying with a dog on Emirates: FAQ
What is the Emirates pet policy for dogs? ▾
Emirates carries dogs in the hold, but not in the cabin. Some breeds are restricted, and the Dog-Friendly Score is 32/100. Checked against the official policy in October 2026.
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Emirates? ▾
No. Emirates does not allow dogs in the cabin, but dogs can travel in the hold as cargo.
Can my dog travel in cargo on Emirates? ▾
Yes. Emirates transports dogs in the temperature-controlled hold. Advance booking and an IATA-compliant travel crate are usually required.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on Emirates? ▾
On Emirates, the hold fee is $500–800 (varies by weight and size); the airline states: USD 500-800 as checked baggage (from Dubai); SkyCargo rates on request. Fees change, so confirm the exact amount when you book.
Are there breed restrictions on Emirates? ▾
Yes. Emirates restricts certain breeds: Snub-nosed breeds (e.g. Boxer, all Bulldogs, Pug, Shih Tzu, Pit Bull Terrier) are not carried by Emirates SkyCargo except under specific conditions from November to April. Fighting breeds such as American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Cane Corso and Dogo Argentino cannot be imported into the UAE and need reinforced containers on other routes. Check the breed rules for your dog before booking.
Does Emirates accept assistance dogs? ▾
Yes. Trained assistance dogs are accepted in the cabin, usually free of charge, with the required documentation. Contact Emirates in advance.