🔄 Updated : June 30, 2026

On Emirates (United Arab Emirates), dogs are not allowed in the cabin (except service dogs): they travel in the cargo hold, in an approved crate. Here are the conditions, weight rules and the steps to prepare your companion’s flight.

In the cabin: no

Emirates does not allow dogs in the cabin (except service dogs). No exceptions for pet dogs, whatever their size.

In the cargo hold

Since the cabin is off-limits, your dog travels in the pressurized, temperature-controlled hold, in an IATA-compliant crate.

Airline conditions: Accompanied checked baggage only on journeys under 17 hours; flights into Dubai are cargo only; pricing is quoted individually.

Brachycephalic breeds

Like most airlines, Emirates restricts flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, etc.), which are generally banned from the hold because of the respiratory risk. If your dog is brachycephalic, favor cabin travel when an airline’s weight limit allows it, and confirm the rule before booking.

⚠️ Heat: seasonal embargoes may apply during periods of high temperatures. Check the dates of your trip. Our advice: heatstroke in dogs.

How to book

Pet spots on board are limited: book as early as possible.

  1. Buy your ticket, then contact Emirates to add your dog to the booking.
  2. Prepare the health documents (microchip, rabies vaccination, pet passport or health certificate, sometimes a rabies titer test) — see our guide to international travel with a dog.
  3. Choose the right container: an approved soft carrier (cabin) or an IATA crate (hold). Size it with our IATA dog crate calculator.

🧰 Our tools to plan your trip

Dog flight checker Can my dog fly? 62 airlines compared, by departure airport, destination and your dog's weight. Open the checker → IATA crate calculator IATA crate calculator The airline-approved crate size for your dog, using the official IATA formula. Calculate the size → Entry requirements by country Entry requirements checker Country-by-country entry rules: paperwork, vaccines, lead times and official sources. Check the rules →

Compare with other airlines

Rules for dogs vary widely from one airline to another. To find the best option for your route and your dog’s weight, use our “Can my dog fly?” comparison tool and check the comparison of 62 airline pet policies. To prepare for the flight itself, also read our advice on dog travel anxiety.

➡️ Next step : your journey

  1. Check the health requirements
  2. Choose an IATA-compliant travel crate
  3. Prepare your dog for the stress of flying
  4. Compare all 62 airlines

🌍 Where can you fly with Emirates? Our entry-requirement guides for its destinations: United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Germany, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Emirates?
No, only service dogs are allowed in the cabin.
Does Emirates transport dogs in the cargo hold?
Yes, in an IATA-compliant crate — except brachycephalic breeds in most cases.

Sources

Emirates — pet travel, accessed June 2026. Conditions and fees change regularly — confirm with Emirates before booking.