Emirates has some pet travel rules that catch people off guard. The biggest one is this: regular pet dogs and cats are not allowed in the cabin on Emirates. Falcons are the main exception, along with certain guide or psychiatric support dogs on eligible routes.
That does not mean Emirates is not an option for pet travel. It just means you need to know early whether your pet can travel as checked baggage or must move as cargo through Emirates SkyCargo.
Usually, no.
Emirates says pets are not permitted in the cabin, with the exception of falcons between Dubai and certain destinations in Pakistan, plus certain guide dogs or psychiatric support dogs on qualifying routes.
If you are traveling with a service dog, Emirates has route specific rules and requires advance notice. Emirates says to let them know at least 48 hours before the flight for service dog bookings.
For everyone else, the practical choice is usually checked baggage or cargo.
Emirates allows falcons, cats, dogs, and pet birds to travel as checked baggage in the hold on certain routes, but not on every itinerary.
Emirates says:
If the route does not meet those conditions, or the destination requires manifest cargo, your pet will need to travel through Emirates SkyCargo instead.
Before booking, make sure your pet has an airline compliant travel crate. Emirates says if the total dimensions of the pet carrier exceed 300 cm, or 118 inches, the pet must travel as cargo.
Emirates currently lists these checked-baggage charges for animals and their crate combined:
| Weight (pet + crate) | Crate dimensions | Published charge |
| Up to 23 kg | Up to 150 cm / 59 in | USD 500 |
| 24 to 32 kg | 150 to 300 cm / 59 to 118 in | USD 650 |
| Over 32 kg | 150 to 300 cm / 59 to 118 in | USD 800 |
| Any weight | Over 300 cm / 118 in | Cargo required |
These charges can change, so it is smart to confirm them again when you book.
On Emirates, pets often need to move as cargo in situations like these:
When that happens, the shipment moves under Emirates SkyCargo rather than under your passenger baggage booking.
Emirates SkyCargo handles pets traveling as manifest cargo. Emirates says you should contact the local SkyCargo office or cargo agent and allow at least four business days for processing. Emirates also says they need at least one week’s notice before departure to make sure the right documents are in place for pet travel.
SkyCargo highlights dedicated pet handling in Dubai, compliance with IATA Live Animals Regulations, and professional transit care.
This is one of those airlines where the route matters just as much as the pet.
Start planning your pet’s move with PetRelocation