Meta Description: Everything you need to know about moving to Dubai with your dog or cat — from import permits and vaccinations to settling your pet into life in the UAE.
Dubai is home to a thriving expat community, and many of those expats bring their beloved pets with them. Whether you’re moving from the UK, US, Europe, or elsewhere, relocating to Dubai with a dog or cat involves a specific set of requirements — and getting them right is essential to ensure your pet arrives safely and legally.
This guide walks you through every step: from the documents you need before departure to settling your pet into their new home in the UAE.
Who Governs Pet Imports in the UAE?
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) oversees all pet imports into the UAE. According to the MOCCAE official website, each individual is permitted to import up to two pets per year (two dogs, two cats, or one of each). The import permit costs AED 200 per pet and must be obtained before your pet travels.
Step-by-Step: How to Bring Your Pet to Dubai
Step 1: Check Breed Restrictions
Certain dog breeds are banned from import into the UAE. Restricted breeds include Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, and several other large or fighting breeds. Check with MOCCAE or a pet relocation specialist for the full current list before making any travel arrangements. If your dog is a mixed breed that resembles a restricted breed, you may face difficulties at the border regardless of documented lineage.
Step 2: Microchip Your Pet
All pets entering the UAE must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip that is readable by international scanners. The microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination — if it was done after, the vaccine may not be recognised. Read our full guide on pet microchipping in Dubai for more detail on this requirement.
Step 3: Vaccinate Your Pet
Core vaccinations must be up to date and administered at least two weeks before departure for maximum effectiveness. Required vaccines include:
- Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (DHLPP) + Rabies
- Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP) + Rabies
For full vaccine schedules, read our guides to the dog vaccination schedule in the UAE and the cat vaccination schedule in the UAE.
Step 4: Parasite Treatment
Internal and external parasite treatment (deworming and flea/tick treatment) must be completed within 14 days of departure. This needs to be documented and signed off by a vet.
Step 5: Health Certificate
Your pet must travel with an official health certificate issued by a government-accredited veterinarian in the country of origin, dated within 5 days of departure. This certificate must confirm your pet is healthy, up to date on vaccinations, and free from disease. In many countries (such as the US and UK), this certificate must also be endorsed by the national veterinary authority.
Step 6: Apply for an Import Permit
Apply for the MOCCAE import permit online. The permit typically takes a couple of working days to issue and is valid for 30 days from the issue date. You must travel within this window. According to Pet Relocation, working with a professional pet relocation service can significantly reduce the stress and risk of errors in this process.
Step 7: Arrange Air Cargo Transport
This is one of the most important points: pets cannot travel in the passenger cabin or in the hold of a regular passenger flight to Dubai. Importation must be via air cargo (freight). This means your pet will travel on a separate cargo flight, not with you. Many pet owners find this the most stressful part of the process — choosing a reputable air cargo pet transport company is essential.
Step 8: Clear Customs at Dubai Airport
On arrival, your pet will be inspected by MOCCAE officials at the airport. All paperwork must be in order. Pets with incomplete documentation may be held in quarantine or returned to the country of origin — a situation you want to avoid at all costs by preparing thoroughly in advance.
Registering Your Pet in Dubai
Once your pet has arrived, you’ll need to register them with Dubai Municipality. This involves visiting a Dubai Municipality-approved veterinary clinic with your pet’s documentation. The vet will verify microchip and vaccination records and issue a Dubai Municipality registration tag. Annual renewal is required. Failure to register can result in fines.
Settling Your Pet Into Dubai Life
The move itself is stressful for pets. International travel, new smells, a new home, and a new climate can take weeks or months to fully adjust to. Here are some tips for a smoother transition:
- Set up a quiet safe space first. Before your pet explores the whole flat, give them one room with familiar bedding, toys, and water to decompress in.
- Maintain their home routine. Feed at the same times, walk at the same intervals, and keep interactions calm and consistent.
- Expect appetite changes. Stress and jet lag often cause temporary appetite loss. Offer food at regular times but don’t panic if they don’t eat much for the first day or two.
- Find a vet early. Register with a Dubai vet shortly after arrival. See our list of the best vets in Dubai to start your search.
- Introduce the outdoors gradually. Read our guide on how to introduce a new pet to your home for advice on a calm, structured settling-in approach.
Working with a Pet Relocation Specialist
Many people relocating to Dubai opt to use a professional pet relocation service. These companies handle everything from documentation and permit applications to arranging air cargo transport and customs clearance. The cost varies, but for the peace of mind — particularly for a complex international move — it’s often worth the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog to Dubai on a passenger flight?
No. Pets cannot travel in the cabin or as checked baggage on passenger flights to Dubai. They must be transported as air cargo via a separate cargo flight and cleared through MOCCAE at the airport.
How long does it take to get a pet import permit for Dubai?
Typically a few working days once all documentation is submitted. The permit is valid for 30 days, so time your application to align with your pet’s travel date.
Is there a quarantine period for pets arriving in Dubai?
If all documentation is correct and your pet meets import requirements, there is no mandatory quarantine period. Quarantine is only imposed if documentation is incomplete or the pet does not meet health requirements.
How much does it cost to bring a pet to Dubai?
Costs vary significantly depending on your country of origin, the pet relocation service you use, and the size of your pet. Budget at minimum for the AED 200 import permit fee, vet fees for health certificates and parasite treatments, and air cargo transport costs (which can range from AED 2,000 to AED 10,000+ depending on distance and pet size).
Are there breeds that cannot be brought to Dubai?
Yes. Several large and fighting breeds are prohibited from import into the UAE, including Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and American Staffordshire Terriers. Check with MOCCAE or a pet relocation specialist for the most current list of restricted breeds before making travel arrangements.
Author: Teef Team