Pet travel through Dubai keeps growing—and Emirates SkyCargo's dedicated Emirates Pets service is the clearest reason why. With purpose-built facilities, round-the-clock specialist teams, and a structured booking process, the airline has turned Dubai International Airport into one of the world's most capable hubs for flying with animals.
What Is Emirates Pets?
Emirates SkyCargo introduced Emirates Pets as a standalone service for transporting animals with clearly defined procedures. It covers both airport-to-airport transport and door-to-door options, depending on the route and destination requirements.
Bookings are handled through SkyCargo rather than standard passenger channels, keeping the entire process within a framework that complies with international transport regulations. Trained teams manage documentation, coordination, and every stage of the journey from check-in to arrival.
Dedicated Facilities at Dubai International Airport
Dubai plays a central role in how Emirates handles pet travel. Emirates SkyCargo operates a dedicated pet lounge at Dubai International Airport that runs around the clock, staffed by animal care specialists who provide feeding, exercise, cleaning, and monitoring during transit.
Pets are transported between the lounge and aircraft in specially designed, temperature-controlled vehicles. Animals are boarded last and unloaded first—a detail that reduces stress and exposure. The setup follows international standards, including IATA's Live Animal Regulations (LAR).
Pet Travel Demand Keeps Growing
The numbers tell the story. Emirates SkyCargo transported more than 14,600 pets in 2025—an average of 40 animals every day—across top routes including London, Melbourne, Glasgow, Cape Town, Paris, Mumbai, and Toronto.
This volume reflects how routinely pets are now included in international relocation and travel plans. Each case is handled based on the animal type, route, and destination requirements, from small domestic cats to larger dogs.
The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) has recognised Emirates SkyCargo as the preferred carrier for animal transport in four of its six global regions.
What Pet Owners Need to Know Before Flying
For owners planning pet relocation through Dubai, the process is more straightforward with a dedicated service in place. Bookings, documentation, and coordination all go through one channel.
Most pets travel as cargo via SkyCargo rather than as passenger baggage, depending on the route and destination rules. This ensures proper handling and full compliance with each country's import regulations.
Key requirements for pets flying through Dubai generally include:
- An ISO-standard microchip - A health certificate from a licensed veterinarian - A rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel) - A UAE import permit if the destination is Dubai
Planning ahead is essential—Emirates SkyCargo recommends allowing at least four business days to process a pet booking.
Why Dubai Keeps Coming Up for Pet Travel
Dubai's geographic position as a global transit hub, combined with Emirates SkyCargo's investment in specialist infrastructure, makes it a natural fit for international pet transport. The airline's 24/7 pet lounge, IATA-compliant procedures, and dedicated booking team remove much of the complexity that has historically made flying with animals stressful.
For anyone preparing to move or travel internationally with a pet, Emirates Pets offers a clear, organised path—with support at every stage of the journey.
