Cabin or cargo?
Emirates carries pets as cargo through Emirates SkyCargo; cabin is limited to assistance dogs. Great Britain requires pets arriving by air to travel as cargo unless on a private charter. Australia requires manifested cargo into Melbourne. Some European and Asian carriers via a hub accept small pets in the cabin to India or the USA under their own rules.
What does Emirates SkyCargo require?
A dedicated acceptance and authorisation form, medical or veterinary health certificates, a fit-to-fly statement, a microchip, a signed customer acknowledgment form, a 24-hour emergency contact shown on the container, and a minimum connection time of 6 hours for transit pets. Minimum age 15 weeks, raised to 27 weeks for pets from countries the destination treats as high-risk.
What about summer?
Snub-nosed breeds are only considered between November and April. Other breeds fly year-round in temperature-controlled holds, loaded last and unloaded first, but individual carriers and destinations apply summer heat embargoes. Book early and confirm in writing.
Which crate?
IATA Container Requirement 1. Length equals the animal’s nose-to-tail length plus half its leg height; width twice the shoulder width; height the standing height plus bedding. Snub-nosed breeds need a 10 percent larger crate. Give the pet two weeks to get used to it.