Middle East
Flying with a dog on Etihad Airways EY
Middle East
Flying with a dog on Etihad Airways
Fair
Here is the Etihad Airways 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.
Etihad Airways dog policy at a glance
In the cabin
Up to 8 kg
In the hold
Available
Etihad Airways pet carrier size: dog carriers that fit
We checked every carrier in our comparison against the limits of Etihad Airways, size by size. Shown are the ones that fit by their dimensions, most mentioned first. At the gate, Etihad Airways decides.
In the cabin
1 carrier fits by its dimensions
In the hold
Etihad Airways states no fixed size for this, so we can't check carriers against it.
Breed rules
Restrictions| Breed group | Cabin with you | Hold on your flight |
|---|---|---|
| Snub-nosed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Strong breeds | Not allowed | Not allowed |
– not listed
Snub-nosed
- Cabin, with you
- Not listed
- Hold, on your flight
- Not listed
Strong breeds
- Cabin, with you
- Not allowed
- Hold, on your flight
- Not allowed
Dangerous breeds are banned, including Pit Bulls (Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully), Mastiffs (Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, any Mastiff or hybrid), Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Presa Canario, Boxer, and any mixed breeds or hybrids of these.
Assistance dogs
AllowedOne trained service dog travels free in the cabin, or two on flights from the U.S. Certification from ADI or IGDF is required except on direct U.S. flights. Emotional support dogs and service dogs in training are not accepted, and service dogs are barred on certain routes.
Summary
Small dogs up to 8 kg including carrier are allowed in the cabin on Etihad-operated flights to and from Abu Dhabi. Etihad Airways itself only carries pets in the cabin, but larger dogs can be shipped as air cargo through Etihad Cargo's LiveAnimals service. The cabin fee is USD 399 per flight in Economy, or an extra seat plus USD 399 in Business. Several dangerous breeds are banned, including Pit Bull types, Mastiffs, Rottweilers, Dobermans and Boxers, and pets are not permitted on a number of specific routes.
Maximum 40 x 40 x 22 cm to fit under the seat, or 50 x 43 x 50 cm if an extra seat is purchased. Carrier must be escape and leak-proof, lined with absorbent material, and ventilated on at least three sides. One pet per person in the cabin; a second pet requires a separate booking form and must be from the same household.
Cats and dogs are only accepted in the cabin; no hold or cargo transport for pets is offered.
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.
- Larger 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 Etihad Airways before booking.
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Flying with a dog on Etihad Airways: FAQ
What is the Etihad Airways pet policy for dogs? ▾
Etihad Airways allows small dogs up to 8 kg in the cabin. Some breeds are restricted, and the Dog-Friendly Score is 72/100. Checked against the official policy in October 2026.
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Etihad Airways? ▾
Yes. Etihad Airways allows small dogs up to 8 kg (including the carrier) in the cabin, as long as the carrier fits under the seat in front of you.
Can my dog travel in cargo on Etihad Airways? ▾
Yes. Etihad Airways 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 Etihad Airways? ▾
On Etihad Airways, the in-cabin fee is $399 (per flight); the airline states: USD 399 per flight (Economy); extra seat + USD 399 in Business. Fees change, so confirm the exact amount when you book.
Are there breed restrictions on Etihad Airways? ▾
Yes. Etihad Airways restricts certain breeds: Dangerous breeds are banned, including Pit Bulls (Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully), Mastiffs (Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, any Mastiff or hybrid), Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Presa Canario, Boxer, and any mixed breeds or hybrids of these. Check the breed rules for your dog before booking.
Does Etihad Airways accept assistance dogs? ▾
Yes. Trained assistance dogs are accepted in the cabin, usually free of charge, with the required documentation. Contact Etihad Airways in advance.