Complete Guide to Pet Airport Travel in the UAE
By Fetch Pet Taxi · Updated October 11, 2026
Whether you're relocating, traveling, or receiving a new furry family member, navigating pet travel at Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) airports requires preparation. This guide covers everything from documentation to transport logistics.
Essential Documentation
All pets traveling through UAE airports need:
- Valid pet passport or health certificate
- Up-to-date vaccination records (especially rabies)
- Microchip documentation
- Import/export permits (if applicable)
- Airline-specific forms and booking confirmations
Timing Your Airport Transport
Ask your airline or cargo agent for the check-in deadline for your specific booking; it varies by route and how your pet travels. Allow for Dubai traffic and clearance procedures. Confirm the collection time, handover location and journey quote with Fetch before booking.
Cargo vs. Cabin Travel
Cabin, checked-baggage and cargo rules differ by airline, route, animal and carrier. Do not assume a particular weight limit or that cabin travel is available. Obtain written confirmation from the airline before buying tickets or booking airport transport.
Cabin: Soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat, pet must remain in carrier throughout flight.
Cargo: IATA-approved hard-sided crate, water dish attached, absorbent bedding, no sedation.
Fetch Pet Taxi Airport Service
Our airport transfer service includes:
- Door-to-terminal transport in climate-controlled vehicles
- Assistance with crates and carriers
- Flexible timing for flight changes
- A journey quote confirmed before booking; airport drop adds AED 50 and airport pickup adds AED 100 to the applicable transport fare
- Service to both DXB and AUH airports
After Landing
Pet collection from cargo can take 2-4 hours after your flight lands. We can meet you at the cargo terminal and transport you and your pet home safely, even for late-night arrivals.
Planning airport travel with your pet? Contact Fetch Pet Taxi to confirm the route, timing, applicable charges and handover arrangements.
Before you travel
Requirements depend on the animal, airline, route and origin/destination. Confirm the permit, vaccination, microchip, carrier and check-in requirements with the UAE authority and your airline before booking transport. Confirm the precise terminal or cargo handover point and contact person; do not assume a passenger-terminal drop is appropriate for cargo travel.
Further reading
For current fares and surcharges, see our pricing page. Confirm the final quote and handover arrangements before booking.