As the cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline, Emirates SkyCargo continues to keep families connected by moving pets safely and comfortably across the globe. Behind every journey – and every wagging tail – is a carefully managed operation designed to deliver the highest standards of care for animal travellers, both in the air and on the ground.

 

During 2025, Emirates SkyCargo transported more than 14,600 cats, dogs and other domestic pets, averaging around 40 animals every day. Pets travelled across the airline’s extensive global network, with London, Melbourne, Glasgow, Cape Town, Paris, Mumbai, Toronto and Dubai among the most frequent destinations. More than 1,000 animals undertook ultra-long-haul relocation flights from the UK to Australia or New Zealand, while others made even longer journeys, relocating from Canada’s winter conditions to Australia.

 

Central to this operation is Emirates SkyCargo’s bespoke pet solution, fully compliant with IATA’s Live Animal Regulations (LAR). Designed to reduce stress for animals and reassurance for their owners, the service combines safety, comfort and reliability with Emirates’ signature approach to hospitality. All animals departing, arriving or transiting through Dubai are cared for at a dedicated Pet Lounge, featuring a calm environment, 24/7 animal care specialists, and facilities for feeding, exercise and cleaning. Purpose-built vehicles transport pets between lounge and aircraft, ensuring they are loaded last and unloaded first, while all aircraft, facilities and ground vehicles remain temperature-controlled year-round.

 

The airline’s approach has also earned industry recognition. Emirates SkyCargo was recently named airline of choice for animal transportation by the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), securing top rankings in four of six regions. A key IPATA member since 2015, the airline has been recognised by the association in every year it has participated.

Dennis Lister, Senior Vice President of Product and Innovation at Emirates SkyCargo, said the solution reflects a deep understanding of both animal and customer needs. With specialist teams and dedicated infrastructure across its global network, the airline aims to provide consistent standards and peace of mind for travellers and their human companions, while continuing to invest in its animal transport capabilities.

 

Beyond household pets, Emirates SkyCargo also operates specialised solutions for other animals. Its Equine product is widely regarded as world-class, offering purpose-designed stalls with adjustable roofs, controlled ventilation and onboard provisions such as hay, shavings and water. At Al Maktoum International Airport, custom facilities include 45 horse stalls and a permanent horse ramp to reduce risk during loading and unloading. In 2025 alone, more than 2,600 horses were transported, including eight Lipizzaner horses flown from Frankfurt to Dubai for the opening of the Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts School.

 

Emirates SkyCargo is also active in wildlife rescue operations. Working with animal welfare organisations, the airline transported four lion cubs from captivity to a protected sanctuary in South Africa during the year. In parallel, it continues its zero-tolerance stance against illegal wildlife trafficking and refuses the carriage of hunting trophies, even where legally permitted.

 

From domestic pets to prized horses and rescued wildlife, Emirates SkyCargo’s specialised animal transport operations underscore its commitment to care, compliance and responsibility across its global cargo network.