Etihad Airways Pet Policy: Cabin & Cargo Rules Details

Everyone wishes to enjoy a holiday with their furry companion. But many airlines make it very difficult to travel with one’s pet during the flight. This stops passengers from bringing along their beloved pets on the aircraft. However, Etihad Airways has flexible pet policies that differ from those of other airlines. The Etihad Airways Pet Policy provides hassle-free rules for a smooth onboarding of the companion animals. We have provided every detail related to this key guideline on this page so that you do not face any problem in the future.

Etihad Airways Pet Policy: Latest Details You Should Know

Passengers always ask: Does Etihad Airways allow pets? You can take different types of animals on this Airline. The Etihad Airways Pet Policy allows you to take pets in the flight cabin as well as the cargo hold. Travelers will have to satisfy the weight/ size limit when they take pets on the flight. You are allowed to carry your furry friends in the Economy/ Business Class. This Airline does not allow pet animals in the First Class/ The Residence (except Falcons). You can take Falcons in the First travel class. The Air Carrier does not allow certain animals on the flight.

Tours N Travel Pro Tip: You should book a business class ticket if you want to take more pets with you. It gives you an additional pet allowance. Visit www.toursntravelpro.com for expert assistance to book a suitable flight for you and your pet animals.

Which Animals are allowed by Etihad Airways on flights?

The Etihad Airways Pet Travel Rules allow some types of animals on board. You should also ensure that their behavior is normal. Check the list of allowed animals hereunder.

• Cats
• Dogs
• Falcons
• Trained Service Dogs

Eligibility Requirements for Different Pets on Etihad Airways

Travelers will need to ensure their pet complies with the required Etihad Airways Animal Transport Guidelines. You can take them with you only when they satisfy the required eligibility. We have tabulated the applicable details herein.

What are the Pet Carrier Requirements Etihad Airways in 2026?

Etihad Airways allows you to transport pets in the carrier. The Airline has set some guidelines for these pet carriers. You will have to meet the standard requirements. Check the details below.

• The pet carrier size in Economy class is 40 x 40 x 22 cm.
• The carrier should fit entirely under the seat in front of you.
• You will enjoy a higher size limit for the carriers when you purchase an extra seat. It becomes 50 x 43 x 50 cm.
• There is no under-seat space in Etihad Business Class. You will have to purchase an extra seat for a pet carrier. The carrier size limit remains the same as mentioned above.
• The pet should comfortably sit/ stand upright (in the carrier). Pets should be able to hold their head high (not pressing against the ceiling). Your furry friend should also be able to turn around/ rest.
• The pet travel bag or cage should be escape-proof (rigid door for the carrier/ secure entrance for the travel bag).
• There should be ventilation on three (or more) surfaces of the pet travel bag/ carrier.
• The pet carrier floor should have an absorbent mat.
• The pet should remain inside the carrier throughout the journey.

Can I transport pet animals in an Etihad Airways Cargo Hold?

Passengers can transport pets in the Etihad cargo hold. This Air Carrier does not allow pets as standard checked baggage (except for Falcons). You will have to use the IATA-certified LiveAnimals product for the transport. Check the key details for the Etihad Pet Cargo Policy hereunder.

• You will have to take other household pets (apart from dogs/ cats/ falcons) as cargo.
• Overweight/ Oversized animals should also be transported in the cargo hold.
• The Etihad Pet Cargo Policy changes based on the travel route.
• Travelers will have to book cargo pets separately from the passenger ticket.
• Snub-nosed breeds can only travel during the winter months (November – March).
• Passengers cannot transport some dangerous animals even as cargo.
• You can take animals as cargo on routes with a maximum transit time of 24 hours (pickup + drop-off included).
• The pet kennel must be hard-sided as well as well-ventilated. It should also be IATA-approved.
• The kennel should be comfortable. It should be large enough for the animal to stand/ turn around/ lie down naturally.

What is the process to book a pet on the Etihad Airways Flight?

Passengers can easily book pets on an Etihad flight if they know the applicable process. You will first have to book a passenger ticket (using standard methods). Travelers will then have to fill out the Live Animals on Board Booking Form. You need to then submit this form with the relevant documents to the official email ID. Passengers can also book their pets on the flight with the help of customer service. You will have to call the Airline staff to handle all the formalities on your behalf.

Tours N Travel Pro Tip: The pet booking process seems tricky if you do not regularly secure tickets yourself. Travelers should use the help of expert agents for such bookings. Visit www.toursntravelpro.com to get complete assistance for a suitable pet flight booking.

How much is the fee to bring a Pet on Etihad Airways?

Passengers will have to pay $399 per pet. This is the standard charge for the Economy class. It applies when the pet carrier fits under the flight seat. We have shared some key nuances related to the charges hereunder.

• The Etihad Airways Pet allowance fee will also include the seat cost if you purchase an extra one for them.
• You will have to pay USD 399 (along with the extra set fee) if you want to take pets in a Business Class cabin.
• There are no charges if you bring Falcon as cabin baggage.
• Travelers will have to pay $500 (per cage) if they take Falcons as checked baggage.
• Passengers can take trained dogs free of charge in the cabin as well as checked baggage.

Deadline to book Pets on the Etihad Airways Flight

The Etihad Airways Pet Policy has set a time limit to add pets. This duration varies based on the pet type. We have provided the crucial details hereunder.

• You will have to add cats/ dogs at least seven days before departure. Passengers need to submit the booking form for the same.
• Travelers will need to email their required documents as well in this case. It must be done a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure.
• You need to add Trained Service Dogs at least 48 hours before the flight. You can do so via the booking form/ customer service.
• The Airline has not set any particular time limit to add Falcons. However, you should book in advance for peace of mind.
• Flyers need to book their pet cargo at least a week ahead. It ensures you do not face any issues at the last minute.

Case Study

When a traveler struggled to navigate Etihad Airways’ strict pet policies for their cat, they contacted Tours N Travel Pro for urgent assistance. Our expert travel agents quickly assessed the aircraft restrictions, verified the 8kg weight limit, and secured the necessary cabin approvals effortlessly. We took the stress out of the paperwork, ensuring a seamless booking for both passenger and pet.

Ready to fly with your furry friend? Call Tours N Travel Pro today for hassle-free pet travel bookings!

What documents are required for pets on Etihad Airways?

Passengers will have to provide the relevant documents if they want to take their pets on an Etihad flight. These requirements may vary based on the destination. We have shared the list of documents below.

• Vaccination Records
• Health Certificate from a licensed Vet
• Microchip Certificate
• Import/ Export Permits
• A completed UAE Health Certificate (for Abu Dhabi)
• Pet Release Permit issued by the UAE authorities
• Rabies Titer Test (required if the passenger comes from a high-risk rabies country)

Tips for a Smooth Etihad Airways Flight Journey with Pets Onboard

Passengers can make their Etihad Flight journey smooth with early preparations. You should also follow the expert tips so that you do not face any hassles during the travel. Check the primary strategies herein.

• Passengers should weigh their pets to determine if they qualify for cabin/ cargo travel.
• You need to plan your budget carefully, as the pet fee can exceed USD 1500 (with an extra seat).
• Travelers should train their dog for the flight. It assists with comfortable pet movement in the crate.
• Make sure you have all the relevant paperwork (needed for the pet travel).
• Some destinations may require additional documents. Passengers should possess every type of document.
• Reach the airport early. The ideal time is three hours (at least) before departure.
• Passengers should pack a pet kit containing all essentials.
• The Airports have pet relief zones. Passengers should make sure they take advantage of such designated areas.
• You should book the pet tickets as soon as possible. It will help you find a better seat.

In the End

Etihad Airways facilitates easy travel with your pet. You can take different types of companion animals on their flight. The Etihad Airways Pet Policy allows cats/ dogs/ falcons. There is a weight limit for in-cabin pets. The maximum weight allowed is 8 kg (pet + carrier combined). The Airline also has a well-defined size limit for pet carriers. Travelers will have to pay $399 as a pet fee. You may also book a separate seat for your furry friend. Larger pets will need to be transported as cargo. Passengers should add their pet to the flight seat well in advance to avoid any last-minute mishap.

You need to contact the Tours N Travel Pro agents for further assistance on this issue. Our expert travel agents will help you with flight bookings/ changes/ cancellations/ refunds. The seasoned travel representatives are present there to help you round the clock.

Disclaimer: The Etihad Airways Pet Policy shared on this page should be used only for informational purposes. We have provided accurate as well as up-to-date content till the publication date. The Airline may change the relevant policy components over time. You need to corroborate the key details from the official sources once.