Emirates Is Now Helping Pet Owners Fly Their Animals Out of Dubai

Why This Matters Right Now

Thousands of pets have been abandoned in Dubai since the conflict began, as owners fleeing the UAE have struggled to arrange animal transport on short notice. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has described pets as potential "hidden victims" of the war, and shelters across the city are feeling the strain.

K9 Friends, a Dubai-based dog rescue charity, said it was doing everything it could to care for animals left behind. Dubai Street Kitties described the situation as overwhelming, saying every room was full and calls were still coming in. The Six Hounds animal sanctuary called itself overloaded, underfunded, and understaffed.

Against that backdrop, Emirates SkyCargo's announcement landed with real weight. The response in the comments was immediate, with pet owners asking Emirates to go further and allow small animals in the cabin. That debate aside, the cargo service is a genuine and practical option for owners who want to leave with their animals and don't know where to start.

Source: Screenshot from Emirates via X

What Emirates Pets Actually Offers

Emirates SkyCargo has established a dedicated team specifically to handle pet relocation bookings originating from the UAE. Every booking is handled individually and treated with care, and the team manages the entire process from documentation review to transit care in Dubai.

Pets travel in the temperature-controlled hold of the aircraft and are the last to be loaded and the first to be offloaded, minimizing time on the tarmac. During any layover in Dubai, a transit care team provides cleaning, feeding, watering, and any special food or medication specified at booking. A veterinary specialist is available on site around the clock.

The service follows International Air Transport Association (IATA's) Live Animal Regulations strictly, and the dedicated team reviews all required documentation including veterinary health certificates, vaccination records, cage specifications, and destination country clearances before any booking is confirmed.

How to Book

To arrange pet relocation through Emirates SkyCargo, contact the dedicated team directly:

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: +971 600 566 661

• More information: emirat.es/pets

If you are an Emirates Skywards member, you can also use the Cash and Miles option to cover up to 50% of the airfreight cost with miles, for bookings originating from the UAE.

What You Need to Have Ready

The documentation requirements are specific, so it helps to start gathering everything before you call. At minimum, Emirates requires a dedicated acceptance and authorization form, veterinary health certificates, a fit to fly statement, and microchip confirmation. Your pet's cage must meet IATA size and construction standards, and a 24-hour emergency contact number must be displayed on the travel container.

A minimum six-hour connection time in Dubai is required for any transit pet to ensure proper care is provided.

Breed Restrictions to Know

Emirates SkyCargo does not accept all pet breeds for transport. Certain snub-nosed dogs and cats are subject to seasonal restrictions and may only travel between November and April. This includes breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs of all types, Shih Tzus, Boxers, Chow Chows, Persian cats, British Shorthairs, and Scottish Folds, among others. In addition, some breeds are not permitted for import into the UAE under government regulations. We recommend reviewing the full list at emirat.es/pets before booking, particularly if you have a flat-faced breed.

Emirates also does not transport greyhounds used for racing or commercial purposes. However, greyhounds that are kept as domestic pets or have been rescued are permitted to travel.

It's worth noting that Emirates does not currently allow pets in the cabin, which is something pet owners in the comments were quick to raise. Etihad does permit small pets under 8kg in the cabin, and several other carriers offer the same. For now, Emirates' cargo service is the option on the table, and given the current circumstances in Dubai, it's one worth knowing about.

If you have a pet in the UAE and you're trying to get out, don't leave them behind. The resources are there. Start with emirat.es/pets and get in touch with the dedicated team directly.

Frequently Asked Questions: Emirates Pet Relocation Dubai

Is Emirates helping with pet relocation from Dubai?

Yes. Emirates SkyCargo has announced a dedicated team to handle all pet relocation bookings starting in the UAE. You can reach them at [email protected] or by calling +971 600 566 661.

How are pets transported on Emirates SkyCargo?

Pets travel in the temperature-controlled hold of the aircraft. They are the last to be loaded and the first to be offloaded. During any Dubai layover, an on-site care team provides feeding, cleaning, and any required medication.

Can I use Emirates Skywards miles to pay for pet relocation?

Yes. Emirates Skywards members can use the Cash and Miles option to cover up to 50% of the airfreight cost with miles. This is currently only available for outbound relocations from the UAE.

What documents do I need to fly my pet out of Dubai?

At minimum you will need a veterinary health certificate, a fit to fly statement, proof of microchipping, a completed acceptance and authorization form, and cage photos meeting IATA standards. Destination-specific requirements may apply.

Are all dog and cat breeds accepted?

No. A long list of snub-nosed breeds is restricted, including Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Persian cats, and Scottish Folds, among others. Several breeds are also banned from UAE import. Check emirat.es/pets for the full list before booking.

Can I bring my pet in the cabin on Emirates?

No. Emirates does not currently permit pets in the cabin. All animals travel via Emirates SkyCargo in the temperature-controlled hold.

What is happening to abandoned pets in Dubai?

Animal shelters across Dubai are reporting they are at full capacity following a wave of pet abandonments since the conflict began. K9 Friends, Dubai Street Kitties, and The Six Hounds sanctuary have all reported being overwhelmed. It is illegal to abandon a pet in the UAE, with fines reaching tens of thousands of pounds.