Question 1

What does Dubai Pet Relocation actually do?

Accepted Answer

Dubai Pet Relocation is a pet relocation coordination service. We help you understand the requirements for your route, check your documents, connect you with vetted veterinary and transport partners, and coordinate the entire process on WhatsApp. We do not physically transport pets ourselves — we are the coordination layer that makes sure nothing is missed.

Question 2

Do I need a pet relocation company?

Accepted Answer

Not always. If you are experienced with international pet travel, have time to research MOCCAE requirements, and are confident managing vet appointments, crate purchases, and airline cargo bookings, you may be able to do it yourself. However, most pet owners find that the risk of a missed document, incorrect timeline, or unexpected airline restriction is worth the cost of professional guidance.

Question 3

Is Dubai Pet Relocation a carrier or airline?

Accepted Answer

No. Dubai Pet Relocation is a coordination service. We work with vetted airlines, veterinarians, and transport partners to handle the physical relocation. We are the layer that connects you to the right specialists and ensures the timeline and paperwork are correct.

Question 4

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We are based in Dubai and primarily help with relocations to and from the UAE. However, we have coordinated relocations from over 50 countries to Dubai and from Dubai to Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. If your route is unusual, just ask — we will tell you honestly if we can help.

Question 5

Does my pet have to go into quarantine in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

No. If all documentation is complete and correct — MOCCAE import permit, ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate — pets do not require mandatory quarantine in Dubai. This is one of the UAE's main advantages. Incomplete documentation, however, can lead to your pet being refused entry, confiscated, or re-exported at your expense, which is why we triple-check every document before travel.

Question 6

How many pets can I bring into the UAE per year?

Accepted Answer

MOCCAE limits imports to a maximum of two pets per person per year. Each pet needs its own separate import permit, so two pets means two permits. If you are relocating a larger household of animals, message us and we will explain the options for spreading imports across eligible household members.

Question 7

Do you handle pets other than dogs and cats?

Accepted Answer

Our guidance is focused on dogs and cats, which are the most common pets relocated to and from Dubai. The MOCCAE import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate framework is built around these two species. If you have a different animal, message us on WhatsApp and we will tell you honestly whether we can help.

Question 8

What is the step-by-step process to import a pet to Dubai?

Accepted Answer

The process runs in order: confirm your breed is allowed and whether your country is high-risk for rabies, implant an ISO microchip, give the rabies vaccination (pet must be at least 12 weeks old and vaccinated at least 21 days before travel), give core vaccines, complete the rabies titer test if you are from a high-risk country, apply for the MOCCAE import permit, book a manifest cargo flight, complete antiparasitic treatment within 14 days of arrival, obtain the health certificate within 10 days of travel, and register with Dubai Municipality within 30 days of arrival.

Question 9

Which countries are low-risk versus high-risk for rabies?

Accepted Answer

Low-risk countries — which do not need a rabies titer test — include the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Singapore. High-risk countries that require a titer test and a 90-day wait include most of Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Asia such as India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. The list is maintained by MOCCAE and can change, so always verify your country's current status before skipping the titer test.

Question 10

How old does my pet have to be to enter the UAE?

Accepted Answer

The minimum import age is 12 weeks from low-risk countries and 15 weeks from high-risk countries. Your pet must also be at least 12 weeks old at the time of its rabies vaccination, and that vaccine must be at least 21 days old at the time of travel. Younger animals cannot meet the rabies timeline, so the age minimum follows naturally from the vaccination rules.

Question 11

My pet was vaccinated before being microchipped — is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is a common and costly mistake. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. If your pet was vaccinated before being microchipped, MOCCAE treats the vaccination as invalid for UAE entry. You will need to re-vaccinate after microchipping and wait another 21 days before travel. We check the order of these records early so the problem surfaces while there is still time to fix it.

Question 12

I am moving from Bahrain or Qatar — do I still need a titer test?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pets coming from Bahrain and Qatar must have a rabies titer test even though those countries are otherwise classified as low-risk. This is a specific exception that is frequently missed and causes delays. If you are relocating from either country, plan for the titer test and its 90-day waiting period from the date of the blood draw.

Question 13

What happens at the cargo terminal when my pet arrives in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Your pet arrives at the DXB or DWC cargo terminal. You or your agent present the MOCCAE import permit, original health certificate, vaccination records, microchip certificate, titer test result if applicable, antiparasitic treatment record, and the owner's passport and UAE visa. If all documents are correct, customs clearance typically takes two to four hours and your pet does not enter quarantine. With our PawPartner and PawVIP tiers we handle the cargo terminal so you do not have to.

Question 14

Do I need to register my pet after it arrives in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You must register your pet with Dubai Municipality within 30 days of arrival, using the Aleef app or the Dubai Smart Services portal. You will need your Emirates ID, the pet's microchip number, current vaccination records, a pet photo, and your residence address (Makani number). The fee is around AED 10, annual renewal is required, and a physical municipality ID tag must be worn on the collar at all times.

Question 15

Do I need a permit to take my pet out of Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you are relocating from Dubai to another country, you need a MOCCAE export permit. The process is similar to the import permit: you apply online and submit a passport copy, pet photo, UAE vaccination records, and microchip certificate. The fee is AED 200 per pet and processing takes two to five business days. Some destination countries also require a health certificate endorsed by a UAE government vet.

Question 16

How much does a MOCCAE export permit cost?

Accepted Answer

The MOCCAE export permit costs AED 200 per pet, the same as the import permit, and processing takes two to five business days. The bigger variable is usually the destination country's own import rules — some require additional government-vet endorsements or specific health certificates — so the total cost of an export depends heavily on where your pet is heading.

Question 17

Can you help me relocate my pet from Dubai back to my home country?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate exports from Dubai as well as imports. We handle the MOCCAE export permit, work with your destination country's specific import requirements, arrange any government-vet endorsement, and book the manifest cargo flight. Popular return routes such as Dubai to the UK and Dubai to the USA have their own detailed guides.

Question 18

Does my destination country have its own import rules I need to meet?

Accepted Answer

Almost always, yes. Every country sets its own entry requirements, and they can differ significantly from the UAE's. Some require their own titer tests, parasite treatments, or quarantine on arrival. The MOCCAE export permit only covers leaving the UAE — meeting the destination's rules is a separate piece of the puzzle. We map both sides before you book any travel.

Question 19

What documents do I need to import a pet to Dubai?

Accepted Answer

The standard requirements are: a valid MOCCAE import permit, an ISO-compliant microchip (15 digits, ISO 11784/11785), a valid rabies vaccination certificate, core vaccination records (DHPPIL for dogs, FVRCP for cats), an international health certificate from the origin country within 10 days of travel, an antiparasitic treatment record, and — for high-risk countries — a rabies titer test (RNATT). You also need a copy of the owner's passport and UAE visa.

Question 20

How do I get a MOCCAE import permit?

Accepted Answer

MOCCAE import permits are applied for online through the UAE government portal or the MOCCAE mobile app. You need your pet's microchip number, vaccination details, a recent pet photo, and your passport and UAE residency or visa. The import permit costs AED 200 per pet and is valid for 90 days from issuance, with a release fee on arrival of AED 500 per dog or AED 250 per cat. Processing usually takes three to seven business days. We guide you through the application or handle it on your behalf depending on your service tier.

Question 21

What is a rabies titer test (FAVN/RNATT) and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A rabies titer test measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet's blood to prove the vaccine worked. It is required for pets coming from high-risk rabies countries. The blood sample must be drawn at least 21 days after the rabies vaccination, sent to a WOAH/ISO 17025 accredited lab, and must return a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. There is then a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date of the blood draw before travel — so the minimum timeline from high-risk countries is roughly four months.

Question 22

What if my titer test result comes back below 0.5 IU/ml?

Accepted Answer

If the result is below 0.5 IU/ml, your pet is not eligible to travel under UAE rules. You will need to re-vaccinate with an inactivated rabies vaccine, wait 21 days, draw blood again, and then wait another 90 days from the new blood draw before travel. That adds a minimum of four-plus months. To avoid this, make sure the first vaccine is an inactivated (killed) vaccine, wait the full 21 days before the blood draw, and use a reputable vet for the sample.

Question 23

Can my pet travel with an expired rabies vaccine?

Accepted Answer

No. The rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of travel. It must be at least 21 days old, within 12 months of arrival, and given to a pet at least 12 weeks old, using an inactivated or recombinant vaccine rather than a live one. If the vaccine has expired, your pet needs a new vaccine and potentially a new waiting period. We check this early in the process so there are no surprises near your travel date.

Question 24

How long is the international health certificate valid?

Accepted Answer

The international health certificate is valid for 10 days from issuance to arrival, so it is one of the last documents prepared. It must be issued by a government-accredited or official veterinarian and must include the owner's details, the microchip number, vaccination records, and the dates and products used for antiparasitic treatments. Because the window is so short, timing the vet appointment correctly is critical.

Question 25

Why must the same microchip number appear on every document?

Accepted Answer

The microchip number is the thread that ties all your pet's paperwork together. Every document — microchip certificate, vaccination certificate, titer test result, health certificate, and import permit — must show the same 15-digit ISO number. A mismatch between, for example, the microchip certificate and the vaccination certificate is grounds for automatic rejection at customs. We verify the number matches across every document before submission.

Question 26

What is the most common reason a MOCCAE permit gets rejected?

Accepted Answer

The single most common rejection reason is an incorrect or low-quality pet photo. MOCCAE requires a clear, front-facing photo with a neutral background, no accessories, and good lighting. Other frequent causes are an expired rabies vaccine, an incorrectly typed microchip number, a breed-name mismatch, and incomplete vaccination records. A rejection resets the two-to-five-day processing clock, so we error-check every application before it goes in.

Question 27

Do I need a pet passport?

Accepted Answer

Pet passports are useful for EU-to-EU travel but are not accepted as a standalone document for UAE entry. For Dubai, you need the MOCCAE import permit, a health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian in the origin country, and proof of rabies vaccination. The pet passport can serve as supporting evidence but is not a substitute for the required certificates.

Question 28

How much does pet relocation to Dubai cost?

Accepted Answer

Pet relocation to Dubai typically costs between AED 8,000 and AED 25,000 depending on the origin country, pet size, and service level, with around AED 12,000 being typical. The breakdown includes government fees (roughly AED 450–700 in core MOCCAE charges), veterinary costs, cargo shipping (AED 3,000–12,000), the travel crate, and our coordination fee.

Question 29

What are the government fees for importing a pet?

Accepted Answer

The core MOCCAE government fees are the import permit at AED 200 per pet plus a release fee on arrival of AED 500 per dog or AED 250 per cat — a government total of roughly AED 700 per dog and AED 450 per cat. On top of that you typically pay Dubai customs clearance of AED 500–1,000, Dubai Municipality registration of around AED 10, and microchipping of around AED 50 if it has not already been done. These are fixed costs that every relocation company pays identically.

Question 30

Why is air cargo so expensive compared to my own flight ticket?

Accepted Answer

Pets travel as manifest cargo, not as baggage, so they ride in a climate-controlled, pressurized section of the cargo hold. The fee covers dedicated cargo space your pet's crate displaces, climate control and pressurization throughout the flight, ground handling at both airports, insurance and liability coverage for live animals, and IATA-compliant handling. Cargo is also charged by volumetric weight — a formula using the crate's length, width, and height — which is why crate size matters so much. It costs more than an economy seat because it requires specialized infrastructure, but it is the safest way for pets to fly long distances.

Question 31

How much do the veterinary steps cost?

Accepted Answer

Typical veterinary costs are: ISO microchip plus rabies vaccination AED 300–600, rabies titer test AED 500–1,200 (only for high-risk countries), core vaccinations AED 100–200, the international health certificate and endorsement AED 400–1,500 depending on country, and antiparasitic treatments AED 50–150. Altogether, veterinary costs run roughly AED 1,350–3,650 for a low-risk, fully documented pet, rising to about AED 2,850–4,650 for a high-risk pet starting from scratch.

Question 32

What are your service tiers and what do they include?

Accepted Answer

We offer three coordination tiers. PawPilot (AED 1,500–2,500) covers documentation, the MOCCAE permit application, flight booking, and basic WhatsApp support. PawPartner (AED 3,000–5,000) adds door-to-door pickup and delivery, the IATA crate, vet coordination, 24/7 WhatsApp support, and photo updates. PawVIP (AED 5,000–8,000) adds a personal handler, real-time tracking, video updates at every checkpoint, comprehensive travel insurance, and priority rebooking.

Question 33

What is the cheapest way to relocate a pet to Dubai?

Accepted Answer

The absolute cheapest route is DIY from a low-risk country like the UK or EU, with a small pet, in off-peak season, with all documentation already complete — which can cost as little as AED 5,400. But the savings are often wiped out by a single missed document (refusal or re-export at your expense), a wrong crate (rebooking from AED 2,000), 20-plus hours of your time, and the stress of managing five providers. Our PawPilot tier (AED 1,500–2,500) keeps costs reasonable while removing the biggest error risks.

Question 34

Are there any hidden fees I should watch out for?

Accepted Answer

Common industry hidden fees include flight rebooking from a summer embargo (AED 2,000–5,000), refusal or re-export from missing documents (which can run into the thousands), a crate rejected at check-in (AED 500–1,500 plus a new crate), extended boarding if a flight is cancelled (AED 200–400 per day), document translation (AED 200–500), and destination delivery charges. We quote a transparent range based on your specific pet, route, and season, and include contingency planning so you are not surprised.

Question 35

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We accept credit card, bank transfer, and Tabby (buy now, pay later). For moves over AED 10,000 we can split payment into two installments: a 50% deposit to lock your booking and start permits, and 50% due 7 days before travel. We also offer a price match guarantee — show us a comparable quote from a licensed competitor and we will match or beat it, while including the hidden fees they probably left out.

Question 36

Can I get a quote before I commit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Message us on WhatsApp with your pet's type and breed, weight and approximate dimensions, the city and country you are moving from, your destination, your planned move date, and your current documentation status. We typically respond within 15 minutes during business hours with a realistic cost range, a clear timeline, and an honest assessment of any seasonal or breed restrictions — with no pressure and no follow-up spam.

Question 37

How long does pet relocation to Dubai take?

Accepted Answer

From low-risk countries like the UK or EU, the process takes 4–6 weeks. From high-risk countries requiring a rabies titer test, the minimum timeline is roughly 4 months, including the mandatory 90-day waiting period after the titer test blood draw. We recommend starting at least 8 weeks before your planned move. If you are on a tighter timeline, message us on WhatsApp — we may have options.

Question 38

When should I start the relocation process?

Accepted Answer

Ideally 8–12 weeks before your planned move for low-risk countries, and 4–5 months ahead for high-risk countries because of the rabies titer test timeline. Starting early gives you more flight options, lower costs, and time to handle unexpected issues without stress. In peak season (October to May), booking 8–12 weeks in advance also secures the best cargo rates and routing.

Question 39

Why is the 90-day titer test wait non-negotiable?

Accepted Answer

The 90-day waiting period runs from the date the titer test blood sample is collected, and under UAE rules it cannot be waived, expedited, or bypassed for any reason. You cannot apply for the import permit or book travel until it has passed. This is why high-risk relocations take a minimum of about four months from scratch, and why starting early is so important if you are moving from a high-risk country.

Question 40

How long does the MOCCAE import permit take to process?

Accepted Answer

The MOCCAE import permit typically takes two to five business days once all documents are correctly submitted, though incomplete or error-filled applications can stretch to one or two weeks. The permit is valid for 90 days from issuance. We recommend applying about three to four weeks before travel — late enough that it stays valid through your flight, but early enough to absorb a resubmission if needed.

Question 41

What happens if my documents are delayed?

Accepted Answer

Document delays are one of the most common causes of relocation stress. If a document is delayed, we adjust the timeline, communicate with the airline and vet partners, and explore options like expedited processing or a later flight. The earlier you involve us, the more options we have to handle delays without missing your move date.

Question 42

Can I relocate my pet at the last minute?

Accepted Answer

Last-minute relocations are possible from low-risk countries if all documents are already in order, though last-minute cargo bookings cost more and have fewer flight options. From high-risk countries a last-minute move is almost impossible because of the mandatory titer test waiting period. We recommend starting at least 8 weeks ahead.

Question 43

Which airlines accept pets to Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Emirates SkyCargo is the most common carrier for DXB arrivals and Etihad Cargo is the main option for Abu Dhabi. flydubai, Lufthansa Cargo, KLM Cargo, Turkish Cargo, and Qatar Cargo also carry pets on various routes. Each airline has different crate requirements, brachycephalic rules, temperature embargoes, and booking procedures, so we match your pet and route to the best airline option.

Question 44

Can my pet fly in the cabin to Dubai?

Accepted Answer

No. All pets entering Dubai must travel as manifest cargo — they cannot fly in the cabin or as checked baggage on flights to Dubai. The only in-cabin option in the region is Etihad to Abu Dhabi for very small pets up to 8kg (around USD 399), and that is not available to Dubai. For long-haul routes to Dubai, cargo is the rule, not the exception.

Question 45

What is a temperature embargo and will it affect my pet?

Accepted Answer

Most airlines impose a summer heat embargo from May 1 to September 30 and will restrict or refuse pet cargo whenever ground temperatures exceed 29°C at any point in the journey. In Dubai, summer tarmac temperatures reach 45°C and beyond, which is why the embargo exists. Some airlines offer limited early-morning slots before 8 AM when it is cooler. We check seasonal restrictions before booking and can suggest alternative routing or timing.

Question 46

Can my pet travel on the same flight as me?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Pets traveling as cargo are booked on the same flight when possible, but this is not guaranteed. Cargo bookings are handled separately from passenger tickets and depend on cargo space, temperature conditions, and airline policy. Emirates SkyCargo, for example, requires 72 hours of advance notice. We always try to book your pet on your flight or the closest available option.

Question 47

Is it safe for my pet to fly in the cargo hold?

Accepted Answer

Yes. On modern wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350, the cargo hold is pressurized and climate-controlled to 18–24°C during flight, which is safe for all breeds. The real risk is on the ground — loading, tarmac waiting, and unloading — which is exactly what the summer embargo and the 29°C ground rule are designed to manage. Booking direct or early-morning flights and avoiding the hottest months keeps your pet safest.

Question 48

What size travel crate does my pet need?

Accepted Answer

IATA requires that your pet can stand without touching the top of the crate, turn around comfortably, and lie down in a natural position. The sizing formula is: crate length = nose-to-tail length plus 10–15cm, crate height = floor-to-head height plus 10cm, and crate width = shoulder width multiplied by two. Always add a 2–3cm safety margin, and use one size larger for brachycephalic breeds. We measure your pet on a video call and source the correct crate.

Question 49

What makes a crate IATA-compliant?

Accepted Answer

An IATA LAR-compliant crate has a single-piece rigid plastic shell, a metal door with a secure locking latch the animal cannot open, ventilation on all four sides (at least 16% of the wall area), no working wheels, attachable food and water bowls fitted to the door, a leak-proof floor with absorbent bedding (no straw or hay), and "Live Animal" plus upright-arrow labels on all sides. Soft carriers, wire crates, and homemade wooden boxes are not accepted for cargo travel to Dubai.

Question 50

What happens if my crate is even slightly too small?

Accepted Answer

Airlines and ground handlers measure crates at check-in and strictly enforce IATA sizing. A crate that is too small even by 1cm will be refused, and your pet will be offloaded — which usually means a rebooking fee and a new, larger crate. This is why we always add a 2–3cm safety margin to every measurement and use one size larger for brachycephalic breeds. Buying the wrong crate online is one of the most common and expensive mistakes we see.

Question 51

Should I buy or rent a travel crate?

Accepted Answer

Buying makes sense if you travel often or have a growing puppy, and it costs roughly AED 400–1,500 depending on size. Renting is cost-effective for a one-time relocation and avoids storage issues, costing around AED 200–600 for a one-way trip. We offer both — we sell airline-approved crates with a compliance guarantee and rent IATA-compliant crates with free return shipping from Dubai after arrival.

Question 52

How do I get my pet used to the crate before travel?

Accepted Answer

Start crate familiarization at least 2–3 weeks before travel, or 4–6 weeks for anxious pets. Introduce the crate as a safe space with the door open, feed meals inside, add a familiar blanket or a worn T-shirt with your scent, then gradually close the door for short and then longer periods. Small soft toys are fine, but avoid hard toys, chews, or anything with small parts that could be a choking hazard. Never sedate a pet for crate travel.

Question 53

Which dog breeds are banned in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

The UAE bans Pit Bull types (including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier), Mastiff types (including Cane Corso, Boerboel, Bullmastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and others), the Japanese Tosa, and wolf-dog hybrids. Any dog that visually resembles a banned breed may also be refused. Rottweilers and Dobermans are restricted rather than banned.

Question 54

Are Rottweilers and Dobermans allowed in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Rottweilers and Dobermans are allowed but classified as restricted breeds. They must be muzzled in public at all times, kept on a short leash, and may face additional community or building restrictions. Some residential communities and landlords explicitly prohibit these breeds, so always check your building's pet policy before relocating. Many communities also require liability insurance for restricted breeds.

Question 55

My dog is a mixed breed that looks like a banned type — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Breed identification at UAE customs is primarily visual, and officers may refuse entry to any dog that resembles a banned type, even if it is not genetically that breed — and that decision is final at the port of entry. We strongly recommend a pre-travel breed assessment with clear photos, pedigree papers, and a veterinary breed-confirmation letter to support your case. Message us for a free breed assessment before you start the process.

Question 56

Can I bring a banned breed if it is a service dog?

Accepted Answer

Service dogs are generally exempt from breed bans, but only if they are accredited by an internationally recognized organization such as ADI (Assistance Dogs International) or IGDF (International Guide Dog Federation). You must carry the accreditation certificate, service dog ID, and documentation confirming the dog is trained for a specific disability-related task. Emotional support animals do not qualify for this exemption.

Question 57

My dog is a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed — can it still fly?

Accepted Answer

Brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Boxers are not banned from entering Dubai, but their flat faces and compromised airways make them far more vulnerable to heat stress. Many airlines ban them entirely from May 1 to September 30, and some carriers like Emirates have year-round restrictions or require one crate size larger and a veterinary fitness certificate. For these breeds, we plan moves for cooler months or use safer alternatives like a pet nanny.

Question 58

Can my dog be sedated for the flight?

Accepted Answer

Most airlines and veterinarians strongly advise against sedation for air travel. Sedation can impair your dog's ability to regulate body temperature and respond to stress at altitude. Airlines such as Etihad explicitly prohibit sedatives. Instead, we recommend crate training, natural calming aids, and choosing a pet-friendly airline. We provide guidance on preparing your dog for travel without sedation.

Question 59

Are cats easier to relocate than dogs?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes. Cats are usually smaller, most breeds are not restricted, and they often handle crate travel well once acclimated. They also avoid the breed-ban eligibility check that complicates many dog relocations. However, cats are more sensitive to stress and environmental changes, so preparation — crate training, familiar scents, calming pheromones — is important.

Question 60

Do cats need the same documents as dogs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The MOCCAE import requirements are the same for cats and dogs: an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, the FVRCP core vaccines (rather than the dog's DHPPIL), an international health certificate, antiparasitic treatment, and the import permit. High-risk origin countries also require the rabies titer test for cats. The main difference is that cats do not face breed bans, so the eligibility check is simpler.

Question 61

Are any cat breeds restricted in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Cats do not face the same breed bans as dogs, but Savannah cats and Bengal cats are restricted unless they are at least five generations removed from their wild ancestor in the pedigree. Flat-faced cat breeds such as Persians, Himalayans, Exotic Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, and Scottish Folds are not banned, but like brachycephalic dogs they face airline heat restrictions during the summer embargo. We confirm your cat's eligibility before you start.

Question 62

Can my cat travel in the cabin?

Accepted Answer

No, not to Dubai. Like dogs, cats entering Dubai must travel as manifest cargo and cannot fly in the cabin or as checked baggage. The cargo hold on modern aircraft is pressurized and climate-controlled to 18–24°C, which is safe. We check the specific policy for your route and advise on the best, calmest option for your cat.

Question 63

How can I keep my cat calm during the move?

Accepted Answer

Cats are sensitive to stress, so preparation matters. Start crate familiarization 2–3 weeks ahead (longer for anxious cats), feed meals inside the carrier, and add a familiar blanket or a worn T-shirt with your scent. Calming pheromone sprays can help, but sedation is not recommended for air travel. Keeping the journey as direct as possible and avoiding the summer heat months also reduces stress.

Question 64

I need to move my pet during the summer embargo — what are my options?

Accepted Answer

If your move date falls during the May 1 to September 30 embargo, you have several options: a pet nanny service that travels with your pet in-cabin or as accompanied baggage (around AED 5,000–12,000), routing via a cooler hub such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or London (around AED 4,000–9,000), a limited early-morning cargo slot before 8 AM, or a private charter for genuinely urgent moves (AED 25,000–80,000+). In many cases, boarding your pet until the embargo ends is safer and cheaper than forcing a summer flight. We evaluate all of these against your timeline and budget.

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