The accessibility of traveling by airplane with cats and dogs has increased due to the growing list of airlines that have developed pet friendly policies. Many of these carriers provide the option for either in-cabin pet travel or safe cargo transport; however, it is crucial that you choose the correct airline, understand the difference between cargo and in-cabin travel and follow the guidelines of an experienced pet traveler.
This article will review the top airlines from Dubai that have pet-friendly policies, compare different types of travel (in-cabin vs cargo), and provide you with useful tips to make sure your pet travels safely and without stress.
Pet-Friendly Airlines Based Out of Dubai
With Dubai being one of the world’s most prominent aviation hubs, there are many airlines available for pet travel. Each of these airlines has created pet-friendly policies for cats, dogs and even falcons. Some notable airlines for pet travel in 2025 are:
Lufthansa
Offers pet travel through in-cabin pet travel for pets under 8 kg and pets can be carried in a carrier no larger than 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Lufthansa has a very strict policy when it comes to pet travel and all pets must pass a series of health inspections before they are allowed on the aircraft. The company also operates a pet lounge in Frankfurt for passengers whose pets are required to stop over at this airport. Best for those traveling to Europe out of DXB.
Etihad Airways (Based in Abu Dhabi – a short drive from Dubai)
Will allow pets to travel in the cabin if they weigh less than 8 kg and will travel from/to the UAE. Etihad Airways is familiar with the local culture and traditions and they operate economy and business class options.
Qatar Airways
Has trained staff that will assist you and your pet in either cargo or checked baggage travel. They will allow falcons to travel in the cabin as long as they meet the proper requirements. Qatar Airways uses temperature controlled containers to hold pets that need to travel longer distances and may require more space such as larger dogs on connecting flights from Doha.
KLM and Turkish Airlines
Allow pets to travel in the cabin as long as they weigh less than 8 kg and fit into a carrier that meets their size specifications. Both KLM and Turkish Airlines will also offer cargo travel for pets that do not qualify to fly in the cabin. Both KLM and Turkish Airlines offer frequent travel options from DXB to Amsterdam and Istanbul.
Emirates
Does not allow pets to travel in the cabin except for service animals and falcons. However, Emirates excels in cargo travel with its state of the art cargo facility located at DXB. They have a veterinarian on duty 24/7 to monitor the health of each pet, and all cargo vehicles are temperature controlled. Emirates does not have a weight restriction on the number of pets that can be transported per flight.
Please note that all airlines have pet travel restrictions based on breed, and therefore, you should always check the breed restrictions prior to booking travel with any airline.
Cabin vs. Cargo: What’s Best for Your Pet?
Cabin travel allows you to keep your cat or dog (up to 8 kg with a pet carrier that fits IATA standards) next to you inside the pressurized aircraft cabin while flying from Dubai International Airport (DXB), which helps reduce stress for pets caused by separation anxiety and provides an opportunity to quickly reassure them of your presence.
To travel as carry-on, your pet carrier must be able to fit under the foot of a passenger’s seat in front of you (typically no bigger than 40 x 30 x 23 cm), and all pets must be secured in their carrier with the zip closed throughout take-off and landing. Cabin travel works well for pets that are calm and healthy enough to fly on short flights from DXB.
Pets that weigh over 8 kg require cargo or check-in options, where they will travel in one of several dedicated climate-controlled cargo areas on approved carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways.
Compared to past cargo methods (due to the use of modern transit care at DXB), traveling cargo is generally considered safe for both pets and owners; however, cargo requires more movement and exposure to ambient noise than cabin travel, which may make cargo travel unsuitable for fragile pets (such as puppies), senior pets or brachycephalic breeds.
Due to extreme temperatures in the UAE during summer months, there are seasonal restrictions on transporting pets in cargo (above 29°C) in addition to other requirements for pre-flight veterinary authorization for both cabin and cargo travel options.
Preparation Tips for a Smooth Journey
Begin preparing four to eight weeks prior to your pets’ departure date in order to meet the export requirements of the UAE, such as obtaining health certifications from MOCCAE.
Health and Documents
Have your pet microchipped, have them tested for rabies if required, obtain an export permit from your veterinarian that is dated within five to ten days before the flight, and treat for ticks or fleas as necessary based on your destination country. Avoid giving your pet sedation prior to their flight; however, you can give your pet a pheromone aid to help reduce anxiety.
Carrier Training and Acclimatization
Use a crate approved by airlines to train your pet to enter the crate on a daily basis with food inside it, and take your pet on short trips by car while it is in the crate. In addition, use absorbent pads and a familiar toy to add comfort to your pet’s new crate environment.
As one veterinarian at Modern Vet explains, “Preparation makes travel routine – gradual acclimatization to the crate through carrier training and health checks prior to travel will be able to eliminate many flight anxieties for cats and dogs departing from DXB.”
Day of Flight
Exercise your pet on the day of travel, limit your pet’s food intake 6-8 hours before flying and plan to arrive at DXB 3-4 hours prior to your scheduled flight time. Be certain to label the top of the carrier “Live Animal” and include your name, phone number and address. Prior to loading your pet into the cargo hold, confirm with the cargo handler that your pet has been loaded.
Conclusion
By selecting an airline that is pet friendly, knowing what cabin vs cargo are, and being well prepared will make traveling with pets a reasonable risk instead of a big one.
Prior to making a reservation, consult with a veterinarian who has experience in travel related health issues to determine whether your pet is fit to fly, have any necessary vaccinations completed prior to travel, gather all required documents, and develop a plan for how to acclimate your pet to its new carrier as well as its normal routine after the flight.
If you need additional help preparing your dog or cat for a flight, you may want to contact Modern Vet in Dubai to schedule a consultation with a veterinarian to assist you with each stage of the process, including before and after the flight veterinary care, and the continued health and well-being of your pet.
