🔄 Updated : June 30, 2026

Etihad Airways (United Arab Emirates) is one of the airlines that accepts dogs both in the cabin and in the hold, under conditions. Weight limits, fees, restricted breeds and booking: here’s everything you need to know before you reserve.

In the cabin

Etihad Airways accepts a dog in the cabin if its weight, carrier included, does not exceed 8 kg (18 lb). The carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you. Expect roughly €399 to €1,500 (~$430 to $1,650).

Airline conditions: Cabin only on flights to/from Abu Dhabi; dog + carrier max 8 kg (18 lb).

In the hold: via the cargo service

Etihad Airways does not transport dogs as accompanied checked baggage: hold travel goes through the cargo/freight service, priced by quote and with dedicated logistics. Large dogs travel via Etihad Cargo, with an individual quote.

Brachycephalic breeds

Like most airlines, Etihad Airways 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 the cabin when its weight allows, 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 Etihad Airways 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 Etihad Airways? Our entry-requirement guides for its destinations: United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Germany, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Turkey.

Frequently asked questions

Does Etihad Airways accept dogs in the cabin?
Yes, up to 8 kg (18 lb) including the carrier.
How does a large dog travel on Etihad Airways?
Only via the airline’s cargo/freight service, priced by individual quote.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on Etihad Airways?
As a guideline: cabin €399 to €1,500 (~$430 to $1,650). The final fee depends on the route and is confirmed at booking.

Sources

Etihad Airways — traveling with pets, accessed June 2026. Conditions and fees change regularly — confirm with Etihad Airways before booking.