Etihad Airways Pet Policy

Etihad Pet policy is highly accommodating, enabling dogs, cats, and even falcons to accompany passengers on their flights. However, in order to bring your pet along, you must complete a booking form and fulfill certain legal requirements. 

To obtain comprehensive information about reservations, necessary paperwork, and specific regulations imposed by different countries, please refer to the detailed article below.

How does Etihad Airways facilitate traveling with pets in the cabin?

Etihad Airways permits pets to accompany passengers in the cabin. The pet carrier used must meet specific requirements, including being secure, having a waterproof bottom, and providing sufficient space for the pet to move comfortably without any restrictions.

As per Etihad Airways pet policy, passengers must meet the following requirements – 

Pet Carrier Guidelines – Passengers must meet the Etihad Airways Pet Carrier requirements – 

• Only dry pet food is allowed to be carried in the cabin baggage.
• Pet food must be stored in sealed containers to prevent odor disturbance to fellow passengers.
• Pets should have enough space in their travel bag or kennel to ensure pet mobility.
• Pet travel bags or kennels must adhere to the under seat dimensions of all aircraft 

Additional rules – The other guidelines include – 

• Pets must remain in their carrier at all times, either under your seat or on an adjacent seat.
• In Business or First Class, pets must be seated in their carrier on an adjacent seat and are not permitted under your seat.
• Passengers traveling with pets are not permitted to occupy exit row seats.

Restrictions  – As per Etihad Airways pet travel policy, certain  restrictions may apply

• Sedatives to animals are not recommended, except under veterinary supervision.
• Access to third-party lounges for animals is subject to local airline/airport regulations.
• In situations where a guest with an allergy statement and a guest with a pet request are on the same flight, priority will be given to the guest who made the initial reservation.

Route restriction – Etihad Airways pet travel service is not permitted on these routes – 

Breeds restriction – These breeds are not permitted on board aircraft operated by Etihad – 

How to book – To ensure a smooth process, it is necessary to complete a booking form at least seven days prior to your departure. Follow these steps – 

• Reach out to Etihad Airways directly through their customer service channels or visit their official website. 
• Determine the cabin class in which you wish to travel with your pet. 
• When booking your flight, inform the Etihad Airways representative or use the online booking system to indicate that you will be traveling with a pet in the cabin. 
• Provide all necessary details related to your pet. 
• Etihad Airways may require certain documentation.
• On the day of your flight, arrive at the airport well in advance to allow ample time to complete Etihad Airways check-in.  

By following these steps, you can confidently book your pet’s travel in the cabin on Etihad Airways, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free journey for both you and your beloved pet.

Pet Fee – Below is the overview of the Etihad Airways Pet Travel Fee – 

Please note – To pay for associated fees you can utilize Etihad Guest Miles.

Required Documents – It is important to email all the required documents no later than 72 hours before your scheduled departure.

• For those traveling to Abu Dhabi with pets, it is crucial to obtain a release permit for your pet and complete a UAE Health Certificate. 
• You also need a booking form. 
• For travelers coming to Abu Dhabi from the following countries, a local health certificate suffices.

These certificates must be signed and stamped by a government-accredited health official in your country of departure within five days before your flight. 

It is mandatory to present this certificate at the airport; otherwise, your pet will not be allowed to fly.

How does Etihad Airways make it possible to travel with pets as checked baggage?

As per Etihad Airways Pet Policy, the guidelines include – 

Arriving at the airport – Ensure you arrive at the Etihad Airways check-in counter 3 hours prior to departure with your pet secured in an appropriate carrier.

• Please remember to bring all necessary documents for check-in; failure to do so will result in your Etihad Airways passenger being denied boarding.
• Your pet is allowed to travel in addition to your cabin baggage allowance.
• If you have access to our lounges in Abu Dhabi, you are welcome to bring your pet along. However, please note that pet lounge access in other airports is subject to local regulations and access policies.
• To provide ample time for our crew to assist in preparing your pet for travel, we recommend boarding before other passengers.

Abu Dhabi as your final destination –  When arriving in Abu Dhabi, it is mandatory to fulfill all the necessary arrival procedures in accordance with UAE regulations. This involves certain processes and documents – 

Please note – Undergoing an inspection by a veterinary officer. The inspection desk is located at the Customs clearance area of the AUH airport.

What is Etihad Pet policy regarding traveling with service animals?

Only passengers with disabilities are allowed to travel with a trained service dog. Certains restriction apply under Etihad Airways pet policy – 

• Passengers on a direct flight to the US are only permitted to travel with a psychiatric support dog.
• Emotional support animals are not allowed on board. 
• You are permitted to travel with one trained service dog on board, except for flights originating from the US where you can bring two dogs.

Rules – Passengers must comply with the following guidelines – 

• Trained service dogs are allowed on all Etihad-operated flights or in the cargo hold, without any additional charges. This is in addition to Etihad checked baggage allowance.
• Your service dog must remain within your allocated seat space and needs to be properly leashed.

How to book –  Reach out to Etihad Airways customer service hotline or email.

Required documents – To ensure a smooth process at the airport, please ensure that you have the following permits and required documentation under Etihad Airways service animal policy –

• Live animals onboarding form
• US DOT Animal Air Transportation Form
• US DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form
• Etihad trained service dog booking form

From economy to business or first class, Etihad provides options for pets to travel comfortably in the cabin, with additional seat purchases available for larger pets. It’s important to note that adherence to guidelines under Etihad Airways pet policy, is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs