When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Does Etihad allow pets on your specific route? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on Etihad? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for Etihad? All your answers related to Etihad Airways pet policy are answered below.
Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.
Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines
- In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat. - Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
- Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.
Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes (Certain Flights)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? No
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes
Where is Etihad Airways based?
Etihad Airways (IATA: EY) is based out of Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. Most layovers within Etihad’s network will occur in this airport.
What countries does Etihad Airways fly to?
Etihad Airways offers service to pets to 43 countries including: Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Netherlands, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
Regulations to import a dog to the United States have changed. Find US dog import regulations here.
Etihad Airways Pet Policy – In Cabin
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in Etihad Airways’ pet policy to fly in the cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required to address a physical or medical disability.
Pets allowed flown by Etihad Airways in the cabin
Small dogs, cats and falcons on flights to or from Abu Dhabi only. Pets must be clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly.
Falcons: Passengers may fly with up to two falcons per passenger in Economy Class. The purchase of an additional seat and fee will be incurred if two falcons are flown with one passenger. Passengers are permitted to fly with two falcons in Business Class. If three falcons accompany the passenger, then an additional seat must be purchased. In First Class, two falcons can be carried per passenger. All passengers flying with falcons must contact Etihad in advance of travel.
Reservations
Passengers flying with pets must complete a booking form no sooner than 72 hours prior to departure. All required documentation must be provided at that time (proof of microchip, rabies vaccination, import permit, titer test (high-rabies countries) and health certificate).
Age requirements
Pet dogs and cats must be a minimum of 16 weeks. The maximum weight for pets flying in the cabin is 17 lbs. (8 kg).
Pet carrier requirements for dogs and cats
Your dog or cat’s carrier must:
- Have adequate ventilation on at least three sides (domestic US) or four sides (international)
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
- Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
- Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
- Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)
One carrier is permitted per passenger. Additional passengers flying with you may also bring a carrier onboard if the pets in the carriers are known to each other. A separate booking must be submitted for each pet. Additionally, if your pet is only flying one way, then you should make two separate bookings, one with and one without your pet.
The maximum measurements for carriers in Economy Class are 40 x 40 x 22 cm. Passengers may opt to place their pet’s carrier under the seat or purchase an adjacent seat for their pet’s carrier. If the former option is chosen, then carriers must not exceed the under-seat dimensions of any aircraft in your journey.
The maximum measurements for carriers in Business Class are 50 x 43 x 50 in Business Class. In Business Class, passengers with pet carriers must purchase an extra seat for their pet.
Exit row or bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when flying with a pet. Pets must remain in carriers for the duration of the flight.
Related: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant
Forms required
Passengers will need a UAE Health Certificate and a release certificate issued by the Animal Wealth and Development Department for flights terminating in Abu Dhabi. For other destinations, all required permits, licenses and documentation must be available at check in.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Route restrictions
Pets are not permitted to fly to or from India (Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram), Maldives, South Africa or Indonesia (Bali). Pets are not permitted to fly to the following countries: Australia, China (Shanghai), Qatar, UK (London and Manchester) or the United States.
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier three hours prior to departure.
Related: How to clear airport security with a pet
Pet fee
Costs to fly a dog or cat in the cabin are non-refundable unless Etihad Airways cancels the flight or disrupts the scheduling involved in your pet’s transport. The cost to fly a pet in the cabin is $1500 each direction. If an extra seat is purchased, then the cost would be for the extra seat and $1500 each direction.
One falcon will be flown in the cabin without charge in Economy Class unless an additional seat is purchased. If this is the case, then the cost will be $500 USD.
UPDATE: Etihad has lowered prices for pets flying in the cabin to $399 for reservations made prior to the end of May 2026.
Service dog pet policy
All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be trained by organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability such as an ADI or IGDF-accredited organization. For flights to or from the United States, the organization should be nationally recognized. Notice must be provided to the airline at least 48 hours prior to departure via a Trained Service Dog on Board Booking Form.
Service dogs must be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the space provided at their passenger’s feet without intruding on cabin operations or other passengers. They will not be seated in exit rows. They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.
No service dogs are permitted on flights out of China.
If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation forms must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. All required documentation required for the destination country must be provided at check in.
Emotional support or therapy animals are not considered service animals and will be accepted as normal pets.
All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally.
Etihad Airways Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
Etihad does not offer checked baggage service to any live bird or animal.
Etihad Airways Pet Policy – Air Cargo
All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight. The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. Unlike checked baggage, pets are generally checked in and claimed at Etihad’s cargo facility. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal. Many airlines require that an agent books the transport. If you need a licensed agent to arrange your pet’s transport, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.
Pets flown by Etihad Airways as air cargo
Dogs, cats, and falcons can be flown as air cargo.
Reservations
All reservations to transport pets as air cargo should be made by emailing cargocontact@etihad.ae.
Etihad Airways Pet Crate Requirements
All pet crates must conform to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood.
The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The floor must be waterproof. The crate must not have wheels attached when checking your pet. Metal hardware should be used to fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together. Etihad Airways requires either metal or plastic threaded nuts and bolts to secure both halves of the crate.
All crates must be labeled with LIVE ANIMAL stickers and a Shipping Declaration that includes feeding and watering instructions.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?
All pets should be acclimated to their crates prior to travel. This may take weeks or even months to accomplish; however it is the best thing you can do for pet before flying.
Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier
Temperature Restrictions – Air Cargo
When temperatures rise above or drop under certain levels, commercial airlines will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold. These restrictions are implemented for the safety of your pet. It is important to note that the risk from high or low temperatures is not when your pet is airborne. The risks come during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac and taxiing to the take-off runway.
Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, however, no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).
Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets.
Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions.
Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold
Breeds Banned by Etihad Airways
The following dog breeds have been classified as dangerous by Etihad Airways and are not permitted on their aircraft: Pit Bulls (American Bully, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier), Mastiff Dogs (Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero), Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino), Any Mastiff or Hybrid, Japanese Tosa or hybrid, Tosa (Japanese Tosa) or hybrid, Rottweilers breed or hybrid, Doberman Pinschers, Canario Presa and Boxe.r
Any mixed breed of above breeds of dog or their hybrid are not permitted.
Private Jet Charter
Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.
Other Information
The information published here is a guideline for Etihad Airways pet policy. For more airline pet policies, click the banner below.
Further Reading
How to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold
Tips for airline pet travel
Requirements for a pet transiting a country by air
When do you need a pet transporter?
Routing your pet’s flight
Flying with a snub-nosed breed
More information on airline pet travel
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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 at the time of check in. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Etihad Airways pet policy.
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