Bringing a dog or cat to live with you in the UAE is entirely doable, but it is a paperwork-first process: your pet needs a microchip, up-to-date rabies vaccination, a UAE import permit and an approved flight booking before it can travel. Start at least a month before your move, work backwards from your flight date, and confirm every rule for your country of departure, because a single missing test can mean your pet is refused boarding.
Check Eligibility Before You Book Anything
The UAE classifies departure countries by rabies risk, and the requirements differ. Pets from low-risk countries generally need vaccination records and a health certificate, while pets from higher-risk countries may also need a rabies antibody titre test with a waiting period after the blood sample. Breed rules matter too: certain large or restricted dog breeds are prohibited or need special approval, so check the current list on the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) portal before you commit to flights.
There are also limits on how many pets one person can import in a year, and pets usually must be a minimum age — commonly around 15 weeks, once vaccinations are valid. Exotic animals, birds and species covered by CITES need separate permits, so this guide focuses on domestic dogs and cats.
- Working microchip, implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination
- Rabies vaccination certificate with validity dates and batch details
- Full vaccination record for routine diseases
- Rabies titre test result, if your departure country requires one
- Veterinary health certificate issued close to travel, as specified on the permit
- UAE import permit from MOCCAE, obtained before departure
- Parasite treatment record for internal and external parasites, where required
Step by Step: From Vet Visit to Arrival
- Visit your vet to confirm the microchip scans correctly and vaccinations are in date.
- If a titre test is needed, have blood drawn at an approved laboratory and wait for the result before booking.
- Apply for the import permit through the MOCCAE e-services portal and upload clear copies of all records.
- Book your pet with the airline as manifest cargo or, if eligible, excess baggage — most pets arriving in the UAE travel as cargo.
- Buy an IATA-compliant crate large enough for your pet to stand, turn and lie down, and label it as instructed.
- Get the final health certificate signed and stamped by your vet and, where required, endorsed by your country’s authority within the validity window.
- Arrange collection or a pet relocation agent to clear your pet at the cargo terminal on arrival.
Choose flight times that avoid the worst summer heat where possible, and confirm how long your pet will be in the crate including check-in and clearance. A good relocation agent costs more but can be worth it for first-time movers, connecting flights or nervous animals.
Costs to Budget For, As a Guide
Costs vary hugely by country, pet size and whether you use an agent. As a guide, the import permit fee is typically a few hundred dirhams per pet, vet certificates and tests often run to the equivalent of AED 500 to AED 2,000 depending on your country, and airline cargo for a large dog can reach several thousand dirhams. Agent fees for door-to-door moves are typically higher again. Always check the current MOCCAE fee on the official portal and get written airline quotes, rather than relying on old forum figures.
After arrival, budget for registering and licensing your dog with Dubai Municipality where required, annual vaccinations at a local vet, and municipal tags. Keep your import papers — you will need them for vet registration and for any later travel.
Settling Your Pet in Dubai Life
Once home, give your pet a few quiet days to recover, then register with a nearby veterinary clinic and learn the local rules: dogs must be leashed in public, many beaches and parks do not allow dogs except in designated dog parks and areas, and leaving a pet in a hot car is both dangerous and an offence. Summer walks should be early morning or late evening, with attention to hot pavements.
If you live in an apartment, check your building and tenancy rules about pets before arrival, not after. Some buildings restrict size or require notice to management, and discovering that at the cargo terminal is the worst possible timing.
FAQ
Will my pet face quarantine in the UAE? Pets arriving with correct permits, valid vaccinations and a clean inspection are generally released without quarantine, but non-compliant arrivals can be held or returned.
Can my pet fly in the cabin to Dubai? Most airlines require pets arriving in the UAE to travel as manifest cargo, with limited exceptions such as falcons and service animals, so confirm with your airline.
How long is the import permit valid? Permits have a limited validity window stated on the document, so apply close enough to travel that it will not expire before your flight.
For more step-by-step help with moving and settling in, visit DXB Talk and browse our How-To guides.
