Traveling with Your Dog with Etihad Airways: A Quick Guide

Thinking of traveling with your dog with Etihad Airways? No worries, we’ve got the scoop on everything you need to know, whether you’ve got a service animal, a cool falcon, or a cute cat or dog tagging along.

Essential Pre-Flight Checklist

Let’s make sure you’re all set before the big day. Here’s a simple checklist:

Check Pet Rules: Know the rules for pets in the countries you’re going to and from.
Get Paperwork Ready: Collect all the necessary papers, vet checkups, and treatments for your pet.
Get Etihad’s Okay: Make sure Etihad Airways gives the green light for your pet to travel.
Book in Advance: Fill out a booking form at least a week before your flight.
Talk to Your Vet: Ask your vet about any meds your pet might need for the journey.
Pet’s Comfort: Get your pet used to their travel bag or crate.
Pack Essentials: Bring a leash, harness or collar, and some dry pet food in your bag. Wet food might be okay, but check the local rules.
Bring Original Docs: Have all the original documents for your pet to show the airport vet at your destination.

Booking Your dog’s Flight with Etihad Airways

Booking a spot for your dog with Etihad airways is easy.

Book Early: Submit a booking form at least a week ahead.
Email Docs: Send all the needed documents at least 72 hours before your flight.
Heading to Abu Dhabi: If your journey includes Abu Dhabi, get a release permit for your pet and a UAE Health Certificate.
UAE Health Certificate: Make sure it’s signed and stamped by a government health official in your country within five days before your flight.

Etihad Airways Flight Costs

Traveling with your cat or dog in Economy is $1,500 or 215,000 Etihad Guest Miles each way. If you’re connecting flights, the same price applies.

If you want an extra seat in Economy, you’ll pay for the extra seat plus $1,500 each way. For Business or First class, you’ll need to buy an extra seat for your pet, and it’ll cost you the seat price plus $1,500 each way.

Pet Travel Rules Onboard

Economy Class: Keep your pet in their carrier under your seat or on an extra seat at all times.
Business or First Class: Your pet must stay in their carrier on an extra seat, not under yours.
Carrier Size: Carriers must be 40 x 40 x 22cm (L x W x H) to fit under your seat or 50 x 43 x 50cm (L x W x H) for an extra seat.
Age and Weight Limits: Pets must be at least 16 weeks old and weigh no more than 8kg, including the carrier.
Book Separate Legs: If your pet is only going one way on an extra seat for a round trip, make two separate bookings.
Age and Seating Rules: You must be 18 or older and can’t sit in an exit row.

Your travel checklist

Before you travel with your cat or dog, make sure:

You’ve checked all entry and exit regulations for the countries you’re flying to and from.
You have all the official documents, vet examinations and treatments for your pet to travel.
Approval to travel has been received from Etihad Airways.
You’ve submitted a booking form at least seven days in advance.
You’ve asked your vet about any medication your pet may need for the journey.
Your pet is familiar with their travel bag or kennel.
You have a lead and a suitable harness or collar available.
You have dry pet food in a sealed container in your cabin baggage. Wet food may be permitted, subject to local regulations.
You bring all original documents for your pet for verification by an airport vet at your destination

International Flights with Dogs

For destinations outside Abu Dhabi, check with the local authorities of the country you are traveling to. Other pets should travel as cargo with Etihad Cargo.

Remember, if you are traveling with your dog with Etihad Airways and if you ever have questions or need assistance, their team at [email protected] is just an email away.

Etihad Airways is here to ensure your travel tales are not just memorable but also pet-friendly. Safe travels, and may your journey be filled with moments of joy and companionship with your beloved furry friends!

Find more information here

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