In-Cabin
Max weight (pet + carrier): 17 lbs
Max carrier dimensions: 45 × 35 × 20 cm
In-cabin fee: Contact airline
Cargo
Etihad Cargo accepts live animals on select routes. Small pets (≤8 kg combined) may travel in-cabin on Etihad-operated flights to/from Abu Dhabi (AUH). Cargo pricing on request — contact Etihad Cargo. Summer heat embargo enforced May–October.
Route Restrictions
Limited in-cabin service for very small pets on routes to/from Abu Dhabi (AUH). Cargo available on the broader Etihad network. UAE import requires approval from UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
Breed Restrictions
- All brachycephalic breeds — embargoed May–October for cargo; very limited in-cabin exceptions
- Pit Bull type breeds and other dangerous breeds not accepted
- Dogs generally not permitted into UAE as pets under Islamic import restrictions — confirm UAE import eligibility
Summer Embargo
Cargo embargoed: May, June, July, August, September, October
Paws en route Notes
Etihad's in-cabin service is extremely limited — primarily useful for small cats on Abu Dhabi-originating flights. The 6-month summer cargo embargo makes Etihad impractical for May–October moves. UAE pet import documentation is complex and time-consuming.
Done-for-You Service
Etihad Airways's breed rules can disqualify your pet at the gate.
Our IPATA-certified team checks your exact breed against Etihad Airways's current restrictions, confirms cargo route eligibility, and handles the booking so nothing falls through.
Get a Etihad Airways relocation quoteIn-Cabin Carriers
Etihad Airways Approved In-Cabin Pet Carriers
To fly in-cabin with Etihad Airways, your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and not exceed 45 × 35 × 20 cm. We stock carriers sized to fit — send us a note and we'll pair you with the right one.
Recommended: Low-Profile Carrier
Airline Approved Soft-Sided Low-Profile Carrier
Sized for Etihad Airways's 20 cm height limit — fits flush under the seat without compression.
- Leak-proof bottom
- Ventilation on 3+ sides
- Soft-sided to compress under seat
Cargo Kennels
Etihad Airways Approved Cargo Crates & Travel Kennels
For pets traveling in the hold, Etihad Airways enforces strict IATA CR-82 regulations. Wire crates and soft-sided bags are prohibited in the cargo hold. We source and size IATA-compliant kennels for your pet — send us a note to get started.
Recommended: IATA-Compliant Hard Kennel
IATA CR-82 Hard-Sided Travel Kennel
- Rigid plastic or fiberglass construction
- Metal nuts and bolts (no plastic snap clips)
- Single-piece, spring-loaded metal door
- Sized for pet to stand, turn, and lie down naturally
Book with this airline?
We verify Etihad Airways's policy before every booking.
Policies change. We call the airline, confirm your breed is cleared, and lock in the pet booking — not just the human seat.
Plan your flightCommon Questions
Etihad Airways pet travel — frequently asked
Does Etihad Airways allow pets in the cabin?
Yes, Etihad Airways allows small pets in-cabin on select routes. The combined pet and carrier weight must not exceed 17 lbs. Always confirm eligibility on your specific route when booking.
Are there breed restrictions on Etihad Airways?
Yes, Etihad Airways restricts certain breeds including All brachycephalic breeds — embargoed May–October for cargo; very limited in-cabin exceptions and Pit Bull type breeds and other dangerous breeds not accepted, among others. Brachycephalic (flat-nosed) dogs and cats are most commonly affected. Contact our team for a breed-specific eligibility check before booking.
Does Etihad Airways have a summer cargo embargo for pets?
Yes, Etihad Airways suspends live animal cargo during May, June, July, August, September, October. Plan travel in shoulder seasons or contact our team to arrange alternative routing.
