Pet Travel Policy at Etihad Airways

When traveling with your pet, it is important to be aware of the airline’s pet travel policy. Etihad Airways is the second flag carrier airline of the United Arab Emirates and they have a few requirements when it comes to traveling with your pet. You must submit a booking form at least seven days in advance and email all required supporting documents no later than 72 hours before your flight. If you’re flying to Abu Dhabi, you must also complete a UAE Health Certificate.

Etihad Airways is headquartered In Abu Dhabi and they commenced services in 2003. Now, they fly more than 1,000 weekly flights to 120 destinations for both passengers and cargo.

Before you fly with your pet, there are a few things you need to take care of. First,

you need to get a health certificate for your pet from a government-accredited health official in your country of departure, within five days of your flight. If Abu Dhabi is your final destination, you will also need to apply for a release permit for your pet. Remember to bring all original documents for your pet to the airport for verification – otherwise, your pet won’t be allowed on the flight. For more information on our rules for pets, please visit our website.

For all other destinations, please check with the relevant country authorities to see if your pet can be exported or imported into the cabin.

All other pets must be transported as manifested cargo with Etihad Cargo.

Your ticket must be issued on Etihad ticket stock (i.e. ticket number starts with 607). If you are traveling in the Economy, your pet will sit in their carrier under your seat, or you can purchase an adjacent seat for them to sit in their carrier next to you. The pet travel bag or kennel must not exceed the following dimensions to fit under your seat or 50 x 43 x 50cm (L x W x H) if you have purchased an adjacent seat:
L – 40 x 40 x 22cm
W – 40cm
H – 22cm

If you are traveling in Business or First, you can purchase an adjacent seat for your pet to sit in their carrier next to you. The pet travel bag or kennel in this case must not exceed the following
dimensions:
L- 50cm
W – 43cm
H- 50cm
Your cat or dog must be at least 16 weeks old and weigh no more than 8kg including their carrier. Unfortunately, pets will not be accepted on flights operated by our partner airlines. Finally, you must be at least 18 years old to travel with a pet.

There are a few requirements you’ll need to meet if you’re planning on traveling with your pet in a bag or crate.

First, the dimensions of the bag or crate cannot exceed 40x40x22cm (LxWxH) if it will be stored under your seat in Economy class, or 50x43x50cm (LxWxH) if you have purchased an adjacent
seat in Economy, Business, or First class. Additionally, the combined weight of the pet, travel bag and kennel must not exceed 8kg. Finally, your pet will need to stay in the travel bag or kennel for the entire flight and be able to comfortably sit, stand, turn around, and lie down. The bag or crate must also be ventilated on at least three sides. When it comes to traveling with your pet, you’re going to want to make sure that their travel bag or kennel is escape-proof and leakproof. The floor of their travel quarters should also be lined with an absorbent material in case of any accidents.

How much does it cost?

Prices for bringing your cat or dog along on your journey in Economy class run at $200 or 29,000 Etihad Guest Miles each way. If you have a layover as part of your trip, the combined price will apply. And, if you would rather your furry friend has its own seat instead of sitting in your lap, our normal fares apply–just be sure to book that seat in advance! For customers traveling in Business or First class, an extra seat must be purchased ahead of time for your pet.

Before you travel with an animal in the cabin, please make sure to:

-Check all entry and exit regulations for the countries you are flying to and from with your animal.

-Make sure that all applicable veterinary examinations or treatments have been completed prior to travel.

-Ask your vet about any medication that may need to be administered to your pet during the journey in order to make sure they are comfortable.

-Gather all of the official documents required for your pet to travel ahead of time.

-Familiarize your pet with the travel bag or kennel so they are comfortable and relaxed during the journey.

-Having a lead and a properly fitting harness or collar is a good start when traveling with your pet. Include some dry food in your cabin baggage, enough for the flight, in a sealed container. Putting a blanket, an old item of your clothing, or your pet’s favorite toy in the travel bag or kennel with them might help to keep them calm during the flight.

There are certain restrictions in place for traveling with pets on the following routes:

Flying To or From:

India (Ahmedabad and Trivandrum)
Maldives
South Africa
The U.K. (London)
Flying To:
Australia
China
The U.K. (Manchester)
The U.S.A.