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Pet Policy 2026

Etihad Airways Pet Policy (2026)
Fees, Cabin Rules & Restrictions

Everything you need to know about flying with your pet on Etihad Airways. Updated for 2026 with the latest fees, weight limits, and booking tips.

Quick Answer: Etihad Airways Pet Policy

  • Etihad Airways allows small pets in the cabin for $1500 (Promotional fare of $399 available for booking and travel until May 31, 2026) one-way.
  • Maximum pet weight for cabin travel is 18 lbs including carrier.
  • Cargo pet transport is available starting at Not specified. Contact Etihad Cargo for a quote..
  • Approved carrier dimensions: Under seat: 16 x 16 x 9 inches (40 x 40 x 22 cm). Adjacent seat: 20 x 17 x 20 inches (50 x 43 x 50 cm). maximum.
  • Best for: Luxury travel with small pets

For full details, see the sections below or visit the complete airline comparison guide.

Quick Summary

Pets in Cabin
Yes
Max Weight
18 lbs
Cabin Fee (One-Way)
$1500 (Promotional fare of $399 available for booking and travel until May 31, 2026)
Cargo Option
Yes
Cargo Fee
Not specified. Contact Etihad Cargo for a quote.
Best For
Luxury travel with small pets

Cabin Pet Policy

  • Etihad Airways allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on their flights.
  • To be eligible, pets must be at least 16 weeks old and, including their carrier, weigh no more than 8kg (18 lbs).
  • All pets must remain in their carrier for the duration of the flight.
  • The carrier can be placed under the seat in front of the passenger or on an adjacent seat purchased for the pet.
  • Passengers traveling with a pet must be at least 18 years old and cannot be seated in an exit row or bulkhead seat.
  • Bookings for pet travel must be made at least seven days in advance by submitting a booking form.
  • All required documentation must be emailed at least 72 hours before the flight.
  • For flights to Abu Dhabi, a release permit and a UAE Health Certificate are required.
Carrier Size
Under seat: 16 x 16 x 9 inches (40 x 40 x 22 cm). Adjacent seat: 20 x 17 x 20 inches (50 x 43 x 50 cm).

Checked Baggage Policy

Etihad Airways does not transport pets as checked baggage. All pets that do not qualify for in-cabin travel must be transported as cargo through Etihad Cargo.

Cargo Policy

  • Etihad Cargo provides transportation for larger pets or those not eligible for in-cabin travel.
  • The airline has recently extended the maximum transportation time for pets from 17 to 24 hours, allowing for longer journeys.
  • They also have a seasonal policy for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds, permitting their transport between November 1st and March 1st to ensure safer travel conditions.
  • All snub-nosed breeds require additional checks and approval from Etihad Cargo's Live Animals experts.
Cargo Fee
Not specified. Contact Etihad Cargo for a quote.

Fee Summary

TypeFeeAvailable
In-Cabin$1500 (Promotional fare of $399 available for booking and travel until May 31, 2026)Yes
CargoNot specified. Contact Etihad Cargo for a quote.Yes

Restrictions & Requirements

Breed Restrictions

Etihad Airways does not permit the following dog breeds on their flights: Pit Bulls (including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully), Mastiffs (including Brazilian Mastiff, Argentinian Mastiff, and any other Mastiff or hybrid), Japanese Tosa (or hybrid), Rottweilers (or hybrid), Doberman Pinschers, Canario Presa, and Boxers. Any mixed breed of the above is also not permitted.

Temperature Restrictions

Etihad Cargo has a seasonal policy for the transport of brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds, allowing them to travel only between November 1st and March 1st. This is to avoid the respiratory issues these breeds are prone to in warmer temperatures.

International Rules

  • For flights to Abu Dhabi, passengers must apply for a release permit for their pet and obtain a UAE Health Certificate.
  • Alternatively, a local government health certificate from specific countries may be accepted.
  • The health certificate must be signed and stamped by a government-accredited health official in the country of departure within five days of the flight.

Important Notes

If a passenger with a trained service dog and a passenger with a pet are in the same cabin, the trained service dog will be given priority, regardless of when the booking was made. For pets in Business Class, an extra seat must be purchased for the carrier.

Pro Tips for Etihad Airways

1

Book your pet's travel at least seven days in advance to ensure all arrangements can be made.

2

If you are flying in Business Class, call the airline before booking to confirm the availability of pet-friendly seats.

3

If you are traveling with a snub-nosed breed, plan your travel between November 1st and March 1st for their safety and comfort.

Compare with Similar Airlines

How does Etihad Airways stack up? Here's a quick look at 3 comparable airlines:

Compare Other Airlines

See how Etihad Airways compares to other airlines for pet travel.

AirlineIn CabinFeeCargo
Etihad Airways (current)Yes$1500 (Promotional fare of $399 available for booking and travel until May 31, 2026)Yes
EmiratesNoN/AYes
Qatar AirwaysLimitedN/AYes
American AirlinesYes$150Yes
Delta Air LinesYes$150Limited
United AirlinesYes$150Limited
Southwest AirlinesYes$125No

Etihad Airways Pet Policy FAQ

Common questions about traveling with pets on Etihad Airways.

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