Etihad Airways Pet Policy
Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? Falcons only
Can my pet fly with me as air cargo? Yes
In-Cabin Pet Policy
If your dog or cat meets the requirements of Etihad Airlines' pet policy to travel in-cabin, you will need an approved airline pet carrier. The carrier must be secure, have a waterproof bottom, have room for your pet to stand up and turn around without touching the top of the carrier. The carrier ventilation on a minimum of 3 sides.m absorbent pet pads must be used.
Maximum size (L x W x H) for pets traveling in Economy: 16 x 16 x 9in (40 x 40 x 22cm). If you purchase an extra seat, the maximum size can be increased.
Pets traveling in Business or First Class must purchase an additional seat. Maximum size: 20 x 17 x 20in (50 x 43 x 50cm)
Total weight of your pet including its carrier cannot exceed 17.6 lbs (8kg).
Pets must be at least 16 weeks to fly in-cabin, in good health and be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
Cost: trips under 6 hours is $150USD. Cost over 6 hours is $250USD.
Service dogs assisting disabled passengers are accepted in the cabin at no charge. They must be harnessed and leashed. They must not encroach on other passengers or the aisle. One service animal is permitted per passenger. On flights to and from the United States, two service dogs are allowed. Forms must be filed a minimum of 72 hours prior to travel.
All pets flying in the cabin are subject to documentation requirements of their destination country.
Checked Baggage Pet Policy
Etihad Airways does not offer checked baggage service for any animals other than falcons.
Air Cargo Pet Policies
Etihad Airways may transport your pet in the cargo section of their aircraft according to its regulations. This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin. TIP: Be sure to tell the Captain of the aircraft that your pet is flying in the cargo hold so that they can be sure to keep the temperature at the proper level. Find more tips on airline pet travel in cargo.
Forms Required
Etihad Airways will require a current health certificate indicating that your pet is healthy enough for travel, is free of diseases communicable to humans and has been properly vaccinated, especially when traveling in the cargo section of the aircraft. The certificate must be completed by your veterinarian within 10 days of travel.
If you are traveling to another country, you must have the proper documents for your pet to enter that country. Most countries have their own version of a veterinary certificate that is valid only for a set amount of time. Additionally, some countries require an import permit and a rabies titer test. You can find pet import regulations for over 220 countries by clicking here.
Temperature Restrictions
When runway temperatures are above 84°F (29°C) at the origination, layover or destination airports, Etihad Airways may refuse to board your pet in the cargo hold. This restriction is for the safety of your pet.
Crate Requirements
If your pet is traveling in the cargo section, it must be in a pet crate that is IATA compliant. Learn more about IATA compliant pet crates.. You should secure your pet's crate with crate hardware as more airlines are requiring it.
Once you receive your crate, you will need to acclimate your pet to it before traveling. Our guide for preparing your pet and its crate for travel is helpful, especially for first time pet travelers. Click here to learn how to acclimate your pet to its crate.
Have a crate already? Need accessories for your crate?
Additional Information
Airline pet travel tipsTips for airline pet cargo travel
More information on airline pet travel
Banned Breeds
Etihad will not transport the following breeds or their crosses to fly in the cargo hold: Dutch Pug, Lhasa Apso, Boston Terrier, English Bulldog, Pekingese, Boxer, English Toy Spaniel, Shar-peis, Brussels Griffin, French Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Bulldog, Japanese Chin, Bull Terrier, Japanese Pug, Chow Chow, Japanese Spaniel (Japanese Chin).
The following snub-nosed breeds of cats will not be not transported: Burmese, Himalayan, Persian.
Etihad will not transport the following breeds or their crosses to fly in the cargo hold as they are classified as dangerous: Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Put Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero), Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino), Japanese Tosa, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers Canario Presa, Boxer of any kind.
Need more information?
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to deny your pet boarding privileges. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following the rules of the airline your pet is flying.
Further detail on import permits, costs, tests and procedures are available at minimal cost at PetTravelStore.com. We also stock all the equipment and accessories you will need for traveling with your pet. Same day shipping Monday through Friday until 4:00 PM EST.
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