In-Cabin Pet Travel FAQs — UK to UAE on Etihad

Can any pet travel in the cabin?

Not quite. It comes down to Etihad's own in-cabin pet policy, which covers species, breed, weight (pet plus carrier) and age. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like French Bulldogs and Persian cats are commonly restricted or refused for health reasons. We'll check your specific pet against Etihad's current rules before you commit to anything.

How far in advance do we need to start?

As soon as you have a rough travel date, ideally. Health certificates, vet checks and permit applications all have their own timings, and some can only happen within a set window before you fly. Starting early gives us room to fix anything that comes up — starting late limits our options.

What paperwork will my pet actually need?

Typically a pet passport or health certificate, up-to-date vaccination records, and the MOCCAE import permit, though the exact list depends on whether you're flying to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. We'll give you a specific checklist for your situation rather than a generic one.

Will my pet need to go into quarantine?

Pets travelling from the UK with the correct documentation generally avoid mandatory quarantine, but this depends on meeting every requirement exactly. This is exactly the kind of thing we check for you before you fly, not after.

What if my pet is refused boarding?

It happens, and it's usually down to a missing document or a carrier that doesn't quite meet spec — both avoidable. Our job is to catch these issues well before you're at the airport, which is the main reason to use a service like ours rather than piecing it together yourself.

Can I bring more than one pet?

Often yes, though Etihad limits the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight, so it's worth telling us early if you're travelling with more than one. We'll factor that into your timeline and flight planning.

How much does this cost?

Our packages start at £149 for paperwork guidance only, up to £849+ for a fully managed door-to-door service. Airline and permit fees are separate and vary by route. See our Packages & Pricing page for the full breakdown.

Do you handle the return trip too?

Yes. Moving to the UAE and moving back have different requirements, so if you already know you'll be returning, let us know and we can plan both legs properly from the start.