For some passengers, it can be difficult to travel with pets, particularly when they have to comply with the airline’s rules and restrictions. To relax in such circumstances, Etihad Airways has given a pet policy. The Etihad Airways pet policy 2026 offers precise instructions to help them make sure their furry friends travel in comfort and safety. Larger pets can be shipped as cargo, but cats and dogs are permitted in the cabins as long as they do not exceed weight and carriage restrictions. Further, to meet international requirements, the right paperwork is required, including health and immunization certifications. Moreover, Etihad Airways fosters a pet-friendly atmosphere with reservations made in advance and guidelines followed. This can allow passengers to travel with cherished animals while feeling secure and at ease.
Rules of the Etihad Airways Pet Travel Policy
The Etihad Airways pet travel policy guarantees that dogs and cats travel in safety and comfort. Whether they are in cargo or in-flight, necessitating prior booking, legitimate medical records, and adherence to global animal care guidelines are important.
- Visitors can send their pets’ reservation form and any necessary paperwork to pets@etihad.ae at least seven days before the journey.
- At the airport, they will need to show the original paperwork.
- All aircraft operated by Etihad Airways are allowed to have falcons on board.
- When the flight is seven days away, a flier should send in a reservation form.
- Further, when the flight is 72 hours away, he/she should send all necessary paperwork by email.
- Apply for the pet’s release permit and fill out a UAE Health Certificate if traveling to Abu Dhabi by air.
- According to the Etihad Airways pet policy 2026, before making a reservation, give this airline a call to see if there is any pet-friendly seat available in case flying in Business Class.
Eligibility
- Pets must weigh no more than 8 kg, including the carrier, and be at least 16 weeks old.
- Moreover, pets are allowed on both economy and business flights.
- Traveling with a pet requires fliers to be at least eighteen years old.
- They are not permitted to sit in bulkhead or escape rows.
What is the Etihad Airways Pet Policy for Cargo?
Under its unique Etihad Cargo – Live Animals Program, Etihad Airways permits dogs that are larger and heavier than the in-cabin restrictions to fly securely as cargo. According to the International IATA Live Animals Regulations, this facility guarantees that pets are transported in temperature-controlled and pressurized holds. For the same, as per the Etihad Airways pet policy cargo, customers are required to present the necessary health and immunization certifications, and an authorized travel crate. Due to limited space and approval, reservations must be made well in advance.
Further, this airline places a high priority on animal welfare, and its trained employees keep an eye on dogs during the trip. This can provide a dependable and safe option for bigger dogs, cats, and other animals that are allowed.
Etihad Airways always advises consulting a veterinarian prior to pet transportation. Owing to the Etihad Airways pet policy cargo, fliers can get in touch with the German Veterinary Clinic, American Veterinary Center, or British Veterinary Center in Abu Dhabi.
| Veterinary Center | Contact Information |
| German Veterinary Center | Khalifa City APO Box 34867Abu Dhabi, UAETelephone Number: +971-(2)-556-2024Fax Number: +971-(2)-556-2036Email ID: info@germanvet.ae |
| British Veterinary Center | Khaleej Al Arabi &Khalifa City A BranchAbu Dhabi, UAEPhone Number: +971-(2)-665-0085Fax Number: +971-(2)-665-5118Email address: info@britvet.ae |
| British Veterinary Center | Khaleej Al Arabi &Khalifa City A BranchAbu Dhabi, UAEContact Number: +971-(2)-665-0085Fax Number: +971-(2)-665-5118Email ID: info@britvet.ae |
Understanding the Etihad Airways Pet Policy for Carriers
The use of IATA-approved, roomy, and ventilated crates that ensure pets’ safety, comfort, and stress-free travel throughout the trip is required by the pet policy of Etihad Airways for carriers.
- The maximum dimensions for the pet carriers are 40* 40* 22 cm (L x W x H).
- It must fit beneath the seat.
- In case passengers bought extra seats, the carrier can measure 50* 43* 50 cm.
- The pet carrier must have three or more sides for ventilation and be large enough for the pet to lie down and move around.
- It needs to be leak-proof, escape-proof, and lined with absorbent material.
Fees for Pet Travel on Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has a fee for pet travel. Based on the Etihad Airways pets policy, it must be paid in advance and varies according to the route, pet size, and cabin or cargo option.
Fees for Cats and Dogs
| Cabin | Cost | Etihad Guest Miles |
| Business | Extra seat + USD 1500 | – |
| Economy | USD 1500 | 215000 |
Penalties for Service Dogs
| Traveling with a Service Dog | Cost |
| Checked in | Free (in addition to the baggage allowance) |
| On board | Free |
Fees for Falcons
| Pet | Checked Luggage | Cabin Bag |
| Traveling with Falcons | USD 500 per cage | Free (part of the allowance) |
Country Restrictions for Etihad Airways Pet Travel
By adhering to the Etihad Airways pet policy 2026, tourists are not permitted to travel with their assistance dogs, falcons, or pets on the following routes due to operational or governmental restrictions:
Falcons
| Location | Flight Restrictions for Pet |
| USA | Flights from/to the USA |
| Taiwan, China | Flight to or from Taipei |
| Hong Kong, China | Flights to or from Hong Kong |
| Cambodia | Flights to or from Phnom Penh |
Pets
| Destination | Restricted Flights for Pets |
| USA | Flights to the USA |
| Taiwan, China | Flights to Taipei |
| United Kingdom | Flights to London and Manchester |
| Maldives | Flights from or to Male |
| South Africa | Flights to or from Johannesburg |
| Indonesia | Flights to or from Bali |
| India | Flights to or from Ahmedabad, Kozhikode, Jaipur, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram |
| Hong Kong, China | Flights to Hong Kong |
| China | Flights to Shanghai |
| Australia | Flights to Melbourne Flights to or from Sydney |
Service Dogs
| Location | Flight Restrictions for Pets |
| South Africa | Flights to or from Johannesburg |
| India | Flights from or to Thiruvananthapuram, Ahmedabad, Kozhikode, Kochi, and Jaipur |
| Australia | Flights to Sydney |
| Taiwan, China | Flights to Taipei |
| Malaysia | Flights to or from Kuala Lumpur (Only trained assistance dogs weighing less than 8 kilograms are allowed.) |
| Maldives | Flights from or to Male |
| China | Flights from or to Beijing and Shanghai |
| Indonesia | Flights to or from Bali |
Dangerous or Restricted Animal/Pet Breeds on Etihad Airways
In compliance with the Etihad Airways pet travel policy, dogs that pose a risk, like the ones below, are not allowed on Etihad Airways planes.
Breeds Prohibited
- Bull Pits
- Dogs of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed
- Dogs of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed
- Dogs of the American Staffordshire Terrier breed
- The American Bully
Dog Mastiffs
- Fila Brasiliero, or Brazilian Mastiff
- Mastiff from Argentina (Dogo Argentino)
- Any hybrid or mastiff
- Japanese Tosa or hybrid
Tosa
- Japanese Tosa or hybrid
- Breeds of Rottweilers or hybrids
- Doberman Pinschers
- Presa Canario
- The BoxerAny hybrid or mixed breed of dog from the aforementioned breeds
What is the Etihad Airways Pet Policy for Service Dogs?
As long as they comply with the necessary paperwork and behavior standards, trained assistance dogs are permitted to travel in the cabin free of charge under the pet policy of Etihad Airways.
- Guests should fill out reservation forms and give Etihad Airways a call at least 48 hours before their flights.
- Service dogs traveling from nations with a high risk of rabies are subject to additional restrictions.
- Make sure the dog has all the necessary health and immunization records.
Eligibility
- On flights from the United States, travelers can bring one or two trained support dogs.
- Only direct flights from the United States are allowed to bring psychiatric support dogs.
- Owing to the Etihad Airways pet travel policy, it is not allowed to bring service dogs on flights from China.
- If a trained service dog exhibits any disruptive behavior, then it will not be allowed in the cabin.
- Service dogs in training or canines trained for comfort, companionship, or emotional support are not allowed on board as trained service dogs.
Requirements for Service Animals on Board
- Assistance Dogs must always be leashed or harnessed and sit with passengers.
- Always carry the assistance dog license (not including on U.S. flights).
Traveling by Air to and from the U.S.
- A U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form must also be filled out if fliers are traveling to or from the United States, and the U.S. DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form.
- In accordance with the pet policy of Etihad Airways, they must fill out a CDC Dog Import Form before they can travel to the United States.
- As the state and port of entry, choose “International – any preclearance airport.”
- The United States will not permit service dogs from nations with a high rabies risk to enter the country.
- For additional information, one can visit CDC.gov.
What is the Etihad Airways Pets Policy for Falcons?
Under certain rules and carrier requirements, falcons are allowed to fly in the cabin on a few itineraries under the Etihad Airways pet policy 2026.
Qualifications
- Falcons are allowed on all flights operated by Etihad Airways.
- When in Economy Class, two falcons are allowed for every extra seat, or one falcon per person
- Further, when in Business Class, three falcons are permitted for each extra seat or two falcons per person
- When in First Class, each person can carry two falcons.
- Make sure the falcon is traveling with the appropriate licenses and paperwork.
Documents Needed for Etihad Airways Pet Travel
By following the Etihad Airways pet policy 2026, to ensure compliance with international rules, Etihad Airways requires certain documents for pet travel, such as import/export permits, health and vaccination certificates, and airline booking forms.
| Documents | Explanation |
| Certificate of Health and Fitness to Travel | Usually, it needs to be given only before departure. Some people need it five or ten days prior to the journey. |
| Booking Form for Live Animals on Board | Submission must be made at least seven days before the journey, according to Etihad. |
| UAE Health Certification | As per the Etihad Airways pets policy, a UAE-specific health certificate, occasionally granted or endorsed by a government-accredited veterinary authority, may be required if passengers are traveling to Abu Dhabi (or via the UAE). |
| Permits for Import and Export | Certain nations demand an export permit from the place of origin or an import permit in order to allow pets. |
| Certificate of Vaccination | A significant amount of time must have passed before administering the rabies vaccine. |
| Test for Rabies Titer | A blood test demonstrating an adequate amount of rabies antibody may be necessary for “high rabies risk” nations. |
Travel Checklist for Carrying Pets on Etihad Airways Flights
Based on the Etihad Airways pets policy, prior to taking the dog or cat on the trip, passengers should make sure the following:
- Fliers have reviewed all of the entry and departure requirements for the nations they are traveling to and from.
- For the pet to travel, they have all the required paperwork, veterinary, and treatments.
- Etihad Airways has granted permission to travel.
- Visitors must fill out reservation forms at least 7 days beforehand.
- They have questioned the veterinarian about any prescription drugs their pets could require for the trip.
- According to the Etihad Airways pet policy 2026, the pet knows where their kennel or travel bag is.
- Visitors should have an appropriate collar or harness on hand.
- The airline luggage contains dry pet food in a sealed container.
- Depending on local laws, wet food can be allowed.
How to Book Pet Travel on Etihad Airways?
Guests should fill out the Live Animals on Board Booking Form, get the necessary medical and immunization records ready, and email it at least seven days prior to departure to make pet travel reservations on Etihad Airways. Further, they must pay the necessary payments and wait for approval. Lastly, owing to the Etihad Airways pet travel policy, for a seamless journey, the guests should make sure to check in at the airport early and with the original paperwork.
Concerns Regarding Pets Resolved via Etihad Airways Social Media
Etihad Airways uses social media to respond to pet-related issues, offering passengers prompt support, policy explanations, and advice for easy as well as stress-free pet travel.
| Social Media Platform | Link |
| https://www.linkedin.com/company/etihadairways | |
| https://www.facebook.com/etihad | |
| https://www.instagram.com/etihad/ | |
| https://x.com/etihad |
Some Useful Links Related to Etihad Airways
In Consolidation,
Whether traveling in the cabin or as cargo, the Etihad Airways pet policy 2026 guarantees that cats and dogs are safe, comfortable, and subject to regulations. Pet owners can rest easy knowing that their furry friends are treated with the utmost safety and welfare standards during the trip by adhering to the required documentation, reservations, and health criteria.
FAQs on Etihad Airways Pet Policy 2026
Yes, small cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin on Etihad-operated flights to and from Abu Dhabi. Pets must remain in their carrier under your seat or on an adjacent seat depending on your class of travel.
The combined weight of your pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17 lbs). Carrier dimensions must be 40 x 40 x cm to fit under the seat, or 50 x 43 x 50 cm if you’ve purchased an adjacent seat.
Pets must be at least 16 weeks old to travel in the cabin.
Only cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin. Other animals, including Etihad Airways emotional support animals and service dogs in training, must travel as cargo. Falcons are allowed on board with special arrangements.
You must submit a booking form at least 7 days before your flight and email all required documents no later than 7 hours before departure to pets@etihad.ae.
You’ll need a UAE Health Certificate (for flights to Abu Dhabi), signed and stamped by a government-accredited vet within 5 days of travel. A release permit is also required for pets entering Abu Dhabi.
No, pets are only allowed on Etihad-operated flights. Your ticket number must start with 607 to qualify.
Yes, trained service dogs are permitted. However, psychiatric support dogs are only allowed on direct flights from the U.S., and service dogs are not accepted from China.
In Economy, it costs USD 1,500 or 15,000 Etihad Guest Miles per flight. In Business, you must purchase an extra seat plus pay the same fee.
No, passengers traveling with pets cannot sit in exit rows or bulkhead seats. You must be at least 18 years old to travel with a pet.