Etihad Airways now allows pets to travel in the cabin as well as in cargo, but the rules are specific and the space for in-cabin pets is very small. In this guide, you’ll find all the details in one place — from size limits and prices to booking steps and tips from real travellers.
Etihad Airways pet policy – Complete guide
Even though Etihad Airways is a pet-friendly airline and lets you fly with your dog or cat, but truth be told, the options are limited. Only very small pets fit in the cabin, while larger ones must travel as cargo. Another thing is the price point, which is quite high, and not all routes accept pets.
To have all the information and how-to in one place, we have put together this complete guide on Etihad’s pet policy.
- Summary ›
- Pet in cabin ›
- Pet in hold/cargo ›
- How to book a pet flight ›
- Required documents ›
- Etihad approved bags ›
- Breed restrictions ›
- Tips ›
- Pros & Cons ›
- FAQs about Etihad pet travel ›
1. Overview of Etihad’s pet policy
- Accepted Etihad pet travel options:
- ✅ In cabin: Yes – small cats and dogs only, up to 8 kg including carrier, on Etihad-operated flights to and from Abu Dhabi (not on partner airlines).
- ✅ Cargo: Larger pets and any animals that don’t meet the cabin rules travel as manifested cargo with Etihad Cargo’s LiveAnimals product.
- ❌ Checked baggage as “pet in hold”: Etihad doesn’t offer a classic “pet as checked baggage” option like many European airlines – you either have cabin or cargo.
- Cabin weight limit: Max 8 kg (pet + carrier)
- Carrier size in Economy (in-cabin): max 40 × 40 × 22 cm (L × W × H). If you buy an extra seat for your pet, carrier can be up to 50 × 43 × 50 cm.
- Minimum age: pets must be at least 16 weeks old; the human travelling with them must be 18+.
- Main transit hub: Abu Dhabi (AUH / now Zayed International Airport)
- Booking deadline: Submit the pet booking form at least 7 days before your flight and email all documents no later than 72 hours before departure.
- Route restrictions: Cats and dogs can only travel with you on Etihad flights to and from Abu Dhabi, and even there some destinations are excluded. For pets (not service dogs), Etihad currently lists no pet travel on flights involving e.g. Australia, UK, USA, Maldives, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg and several Indian and South-East Asian routes
- Breed restrictions: Etihad completely bans a list of “dangerous” dog breeds from its aircraft – in cabin and in cargo.
- Link to the Etihad Airways website
You can check our guides for traveling with dogs and cats here
2. Etihad Airways pet in cabin
Etihad does allow small pets in the cabin but only on flights to or from Abu Dhabi.
The limit is 8 kg total including the carrier. In Economy, the bag has to slide under the seat and Etihad gives a maximum of 40 × 40 × 22 cm. If you buy the whole seat next to you, you can bring a slightly bigger carrier (up to 50 × 43 × 50 cm), but your pet still has to stay inside it for the entire flight.
Some routes don’t accept cabin pets at all — for example the UK, the USA, Australia, Hong Kong and a few others. First Class doesn’t take pets either.
The price is the part that usually surprises a lot of people as Etihad charges USD 1,500 (+- EUR 1300) one way, and that’s per flight, not per booking. If you connect through Abu Dhabi, each leg is billed separately.
In Business Class, the extra seat for your pet with carrier is mandatory, so the final cost is even higher.
3. Dogs in hold or cargo
Etihad doesn’t offer a normal “pet in hold” option. Bigger dogs and any pets that can’t fly in the cabin have to travel as cargo through Etihad Cargo’s LiveAnimals service.
What’s possible depends on the route. Some destinations accept pets without any issues, others don’t take them at all. Etihad Cargo now accepts pet routes with a total travel time of up to 24 hours (from drop-off to pick-up). And if your dog is snub-nosed breed, you can fly with them only during the cooler period from 1 November to 1 March.
Your pet’s crate must be IATA-approved, hard-sided and big enough for your dog. Prices vary by route and total weight, so you’ll get an individual quote.
If you’re using cargo, book early and check your full routing — aircraft type, weather and long layovers can affect acceptance.
🐾 — Qatar Airways pet policy here — ✈️
4. Booking process
With Etihad, you always sort out your own ticket first. Once that’s done, you can request a spot for your dog. For cabin pets, Etihad asks for the request 7 days before the flight, and they want all papers 72 hours before departure. Nothing is automatic — you have to wait for their confirmation email.
The request goes through Etihad’s online form. You fill in your dog’s weight, the carrier size and your flight details. If everything fits Etihad’s rules, they add the pet to your booking and send you the payment link for the fee.
How to book Etihad pets in cabin step by step
- Book your own flight ticket.
- Make sure all flights are operated by Etihad.
- Fill out the Etihad pet request form (min. 7 days before departure).
- Send all required documents (latest 72 hours before the flight).
- Wait for Etihad’s approval and payment link.
- Bring the confirmation to the airport on the day of travel.
💡 IMPORTANT: If you fly in Business, call Etihad Airways before to make sure there’s an extra space available for your pet.
Cargo is a bit different. You either contact Etihad Cargo directly or use a pet shipper. You send them your route and crate measurements, and they give you a quote. After that they book the space for your pet, confirm the timing, and give you information about the drop off.
🐾 — Emirates pet policy guide here — ✈️
5. Required documents
Etihad does not require a special “fit-to-fly” letter for pets flying in the cabin. You only need one if your destination country asks for it — not Etihad.
The basic documents you’ll need are the same as with most international flights:
- a working microchip
- a valid rabies vaccination
- an EU Pet Passport or a health certificate, depending on where you’re flying from
- an import permit, if your destination requires one
If you’re arriving in Abu Dhabi, Etihad also asks for a UAE health certificate and a release permit for your pet.
Etihad wants all documents emailed to them at least 72 hours before departure, otherwise your pet booking won’t be approved.
🐾 — More about pet travel documents here — ✈️
6. Recommended travel gear
For Etihad cabin travel, the carrier matters the most. The size limit is tight, so choose a soft bag that fits and still gives your dog space to lie down comfortably. Go for something lightweight — the 8 kg limit counts everything together.
Etihad approved carrier in cabin for Economy (40 × 40 × 22 cm)
Even though Etihad allows pets in Economy, the carrier limit is small, so it usually works only for tiny breeds like Chihuahuas or Yorkies. And for this reason we recommend the Sherpa Genuine Deluxe carrier.
Etihad airline approved carrier for Business (50 × 43 × 50 cm)
For Business Class, the size limits are more generous, so you can take a slightly bigger dog than a Chihuahua. The Petsfit Large carrier is a good fit — it’s sturdy, well-ventilated and comfortable for small-to-medium toy breeds.
7. Etihad pets restrictions
Etihad has a short list of breeds that they don’t transport for safety reasons. These dogs are not accepted in the cabin or in cargo: Pit Bull–type breeds (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier), Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro.
When it comes to snub-nosed breeds (like French Bulldogs or Pugs) they are allowed in the cabin if they fit the 8 kg limit, but Etihad is very careful with them in cargo because of heat and breathing issues.
8. Tips from travelers
Travellers often say it’s worth calling Etihad a few days before the flight to make sure the pet booking is actually in the system. A few people arrived at check-in and the reservation wasn’t showing, so the phone call helps avoid that stress.
For longer flights, travellers who tried both cabins say Business is far more comfortable. Even small dogs can feel squeezed in Economy, while the extra seat in Business gives the carrier proper space.
And finally, people recommend carrying extra absorbent pads and a of course water — Abu Dhabi can be hot, and airport checks sometimes take longer than expected.
9. Pros & Cons of choosing Etihad Airways for pet travel
Pros:
Etihad does allow pets in the cabin, which already puts them ahead of many airlines in the region. Once your booking is confirmed, the process at the airport is usually organised, and in Business the extra seat gives your dog much more space than in Economy. Cargo handlers in Abu Dhabi also have a good reputation among travellers.
Cons:
The cabin fee is very high, and it’s charged per flight segment. The under-seat space in Economy is tiny, so only very small dogs fit. Some destinations don’t allow cabin pets at all, and cargo can get complicated with heat restrictions and paperwork. Availability is limited, so bookings need to be done well in advance.
10. FAQ about Etihad pet policy
All your questions about Etihad Airways pet policy answered:
Are pets allowed on Etihad Airways?
Yes. Etihad allows small dogs and cats in the cabin if they meet the 8 kg limit, and larger pets can travel in cargo on approved routes.
How much does Etihad charge for a pet?
The cabin fee is around USD 1,500 (≈ EUR 1,300) per flight segment. If you have a connection, each leg is charged separately.
How big can a dog be for Etihad cabin travel?
Only very small dogs fit. The limit is 8 kg including the carrier, and the under-seat space is tight.
Can brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs fly with Etihad?
They can fly in the cabin if they meet the weight and size limits. Cargo travel is restricted, especially in hot months.
Does Etihad require a fit-to-fly certificate?
Not for cabin pets. You only need it if your destination country requires one.
Do all Etihad routes accept pets?
No. Some routes — including the UK, USA, Australia and Hong Kong — don’t allow cabin pets at all.
How early do I need to book my pet with Etihad?
At least seven days before the flight, but travellers recommend doing it even sooner.