Bringing Your Beloved Pet to Dubai? Here's How to Do It Right
April 21, 2025
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Thinking about moving to Dubai with your furry best friend? Welcome! Bringing pets into the UAE involves following specific rules set by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) 
[7]
[15]
[27]. Honestly, planning is key because these regulations are strict and designed to protect animal health within the country [27]. Getting it right means a smooth journey for your cat or dog 
[8][15]. This guide walks you through the essential steps for importing your pet in 2025, based on the official MOCCAE guidelines, covering everything from permits to arrival procedures 
[1]
[4]
[10]
[20]. Let's get your companion ready for their Dubai adventure!
Are You Eligible? Key Rules & Restrictions
First things first, can you bring your pet? Generally, individuals can import a maximum of two pets – either two cats, two dogs, or one of each – per year [1]
[2][4][10][15]
[18]
[24]
[28]. There's a potential exception if you're a resident whose pet is returning to the UAE, but the two-pet limit usually applies [24]. Before anything else, your pet must have a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784 or 11785) implanted before their rabies vaccination [1][2][4]
[6][8]
[9][10]
[11]
[14][15][18]
[19][20]
[23][24][28]. This chip number is vital for all paperwork [1][2]
[3]
[5][10][15][18][24][28]. Age matters too; pets need to be at least 12 weeks old for their first rabies shot [2][3]. The minimum import age depends on where they're coming from: 12 weeks for low-risk rabies countries, and 15 weeks for high-risk ones to allow for testing [2][3][6][18][24]. Crucially, the UAE bans certain dog breeds considered dangerous, including Pit Bulls, various Mastiff types (like Argentinian, Brazilian, Tosa, Cane Corso), Rottweilers, Dobermans, and others, plus any crosses of these breeds [4][5][6][9][14][15][18][19][24]. Always check the latest official MOCCAE list before making plans [14]. Also, be aware that even if importable, some breeds like Huskies or Bulldogs might face housing or registration rules specifically within Dubai 
[17].
Health Preparations: Vaccinations & Tests
Getting your pet's health sorted is a major part of the process [10][14][20]. Vaccinations are non-negotiable and must be up-to-date when your pet arrives in the UAE [23]. For both dogs and cats, a valid rabies vaccination is mandatory [1][2][3][4][5][8][11][17][18][19][23][24][27][28]. The first rabies shot can't be given before 12 weeks of age, and you need to wait at least 21 days after a primary shot (or an expired booster) before travel [1][2][3][4][5][11]
[16][17][18][23][28]. Dogs also need core vaccines against Distemper (CDV), Parvovirus (CPV), Hepatitis (ICH), Leptospirosis, and Parainfluenza [2][3][4][8][17][18][19][23][24][27]. Cats require protection against Panleukopenia (FPV), Rhinotracheitis (FVR), and Calicivirus (FCV) [2][4][8][17][18][19][23][24][27]. It’s wise to get these core shots done at least 21 days before the flight too [17][23]. Now, about the Rabies Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) – this blood test is required if your pet is coming from a country the UAE considers high-risk for rabies, like the USA or Canada currently [1][2][3][4][16][17][23][24][28]. Pets from designated low-risk countries don't need it, but check the MOCCAE list as it can change [5][16][17][28]. The blood sample for the RNATT must be taken at least 21 days after the rabies vaccination, sent to an approved lab, and show a result of 0.5 IU/ml or higher [1][2][3][16][17][23][28]. The good news? A passing test is valid for 12 months if the rabies vaccine stays current [2][17]. Finally, your pet needs internal (deworming) and external (flea/tick) parasite treatments within 14 days before travel, and this must be recorded [2][3][11][17][23].
Getting Your Paperwork in Order
Paperwork might seem daunting, but it's essential. You absolutely must get an Import Permit from MOCCAE before your pet travels; you'll need it for customs and booking the flight [1][2][4][5][7][8][10][11]
[12][19][20]
[21][23]
[25]
[26][27][28]. You apply online via the MOCCAE website or their e-services portal, submitting documents like vaccination records and paying fees [1][3][7][8][10][11][12][15][21][26]. This permit is typically valid for 30 days, so your pet has to arrive before it expires [1][2][4][5][8][9][10][11][15][19][20][21][23][24][26][28]. While the application processing itself is quick (often just one day), remember getting the prerequisites like vaccines takes time [26]. Next up is the Official Health Certificate. This isn't just any vet note; it must be issued by the government veterinary authority in your exporting country (like USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK, or CFIA in Canada) [1][2][3][5][7][8][10][11][12][17][19][20][28]. It confirms your pet's health, microchip number, and recent parasite treatments, based on an examination done shortly before export (usually within 5-10 days) [2][5][8][15][17][19][20][23][28]. This certificate also has limited validity, often around 10 days [2][19]. Lastly, you need the pet's vaccination record or pet passport, showing the microchip number, pet details, and full vaccination history with dates, batch numbers, and expiry dates [1][2][3][4][5][10][11][15][20][28].
Understanding the Costs
Let's talk money. Importing your pet involves several fees, so budgeting is important. You'll have MOCCAE fees to cover. The Import Permit fee seems to range between AED 200 and AED 500 per pet, based on various sources [5][8][9][10][20][26]. Then, upon arrival, there's an Inspection and Release fee, which could be around AED 250-500 per cat and AED 500-1000 per dog, though figures vary slightly [5][8][10]
[13][20]
[22]. These MOCCAE fees are usually paid online during the application process [3][5][21]. Beyond these official charges, remember to factor in other potential costs. Think vet visits for exams, vaccinations, the RNATT test (if needed), airline cargo fees (which can be significant), potential customs clearance agent fees, ground handling fees at the airport, and maybe fees for a pet relocation agent if you use one [7][10][13][22][23]. These costs can really add up and vary widely depending on your specific situation, airline, and origin country [13][22].
The Journey: Cargo Travel & Arrival in Dubai
Here’s a crucial point: pets must travel to the UAE as manifested cargo [2][6][10][17][19][25][28]. This means they cannot fly in the cabin with you or as excess baggage. You'll need to book their spot through the airline's cargo division and ensure their travel crate meets IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) standards for safety and comfort [5][10][19][28]. Make sure the crate is the right size and properly prepared. Your pet can arrive at major international airports like Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), or Sharjah (SHJ) [18][25]. Once landed, the arrival procedure kicks in at the airport's cargo facility. A MOCCAE veterinary official will conduct an inspection [5][8][21][22]. They will scan your pet's microchip to confirm identity, meticulously review all the original documents you brought (import permit, health certificate, vaccination records, RNATT result if required), and perform a visual check to ensure your pet appears healthy [2][5][8][21][28]. If everything checks out – documents are correct, the pet is healthy, microchip matches – they'll issue a release permit, usually electronically, clearing your pet for entry into the UAE [8][21].
Quarantine: Usually Avoidable, But Know the Rules
Worried about quarantine? Here’s the good news: the UAE generally does not require mandatory quarantine for cats and dogs if – and this is a big if – you've followed all the MOCCAE import rules perfectly [1][6][9][17]. Meticulous preparation is your ticket to avoiding it [9]. However, quarantine can happen if there are issues upon arrival [1][17]. This could be triggered by missing, incorrect, or expired documents (like the import permit or health certificate), problems with vaccinations or the RNATT (if it was needed), or if your pet shows signs of illness during the inspection [1][5][17]. If non-compliance occurs, authorities might place your pet in quarantine, potentially require tests, or even send them back to the origin country – all at your expense [1][17]. In very rare, serious cases, euthanasia could be considered [1][17]. Fines for non-compliance are also possible [5]. There are a couple of special cases. If you're a UAE resident whose pet is returning, they might skip the RNATT if their UAE rabies vaccination is still valid, though other documents are still needed [1]. Also, pets just transiting through the UAE have specific rules depending on whether it's by air/sea or overland [1].
Final Checklist & Official Resources
Okay, deep breath! Let's quickly recap the absolute must-dos: Microchip first, then valid vaccinations (including rabies + 21-day wait), the RNATT blood test if coming from a high-risk country (after the rabies shot), apply for the MOCCAE Import Permit online, get the official government Health Certificate close to departure, book travel as manifested cargo, and have all original documents ready for inspection upon arrival [1][2][3][4][5][7][8][10][11][16][17][19][20][23][28]. Crucially, regulations can change, especially things like country risk lists or banned breeds [14][16][28]. Always, always verify the most current requirements directly with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) well before you travel. Check their official website for the latest updates and application portal.
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