MOCCAE import permit paperwork with a calm dog beside the documents

Updated June 2026

Pet Relocation Guide

MOCCAE Import Permit for Pets — Dubai & UAE Complete Guide (2026)

Q: How long does the MOCCAE import permit take?

The MOCCAE import permit typically takes 2–5 business days to process once all documents are correctly submitted. However, if your application is incomplete, contains errors, or requires additional verification, processing can take 1–2 weeks or longer. Dubai Pet Relocation recommends applying at least 3–4 weeks before your planned travel date to account for any resubmission needs.

Q: Can I apply for the MOCCAE import permit myself?

Yes, you can apply directly through the MOCCAE online portal or the MOCCAE UAE app. However, the process requires careful document preparation, correct photo formatting, and accurate breed/vaccination entry. Many owners make mistakes that lead to rejection or delays. Dubai Pet Relocation offers an application service where we handle the entire process, error-check all documents, and follow up with MOCCAE on your behalf.

Q: What if my MOCCAE permit is rejected?

If your permit is rejected, MOCCAE will specify the reason (wrong photo, expired vaccine, incorrect microchip number, wrong breed declaration, etc.). You must correct the issue and resubmit. There is no additional fee for resubmission, but the processing timeline resets. Dubai Pet Relocation reviews rejection reasons, fixes the problem, and resubmits within 24 hours to minimize delays.

Q: What happens if my permit expires before I travel?

MOCCAE import permits are valid for 90 days from issuance. If your permit expires before travel, you must submit a new application and pay the AED 200 fee again. Dubai Pet Relocation tracks permit expiry dates and coordinates your travel timeline to ensure your permit is valid on arrival day. We also set calendar reminders for reapplication if needed.

Q: Do cats and dogs need separate permits?

Yes, each pet requires a separate MOCCAE import permit. The fee is AED 200 per pet. You cannot combine multiple pets on a single permit application. If you are relocating 2 dogs and 1 cat, you need 3 separate permits and will pay AED 600 total.

Q: What documents do I need for the MOCCAE import permit?

You need: (1) Clear passport copy of the pet owner, (2) Recent pet photo (front face, neutral background), (3) Up-to-date vaccination records showing rabies and annual vaccines, (4) Microchip certificate with ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip number, (5) Health certificate from an accredited veterinarian (for some origins). All documents must be in English or Arabic.

Q: Is a MOCCAE export permit needed to leave Dubai?

Yes, if you are leaving Dubai with your pet, you need a MOCCAE export permit. The process is similar to the import permit: apply online, submit passport copy, pet photo, vaccination records, and microchip certificate. The fee is also AED 200 per pet. Some destination countries require additional health certificates endorsed by the UAE government vet. Dubai Pet Relocation handles both import and export permits.

Q: What is the most common reason for MOCCAE permit rejection?

The most common rejection reason is an incorrect or low-quality pet photo. MOCCAE requires a clear, front-facing photo of the pet with a neutral background, no accessories, and good lighting. Other common reasons include: expired rabies vaccination, incorrect microchip number entry, breed name mismatch with passport, and missing or incomplete vaccination records.

A mandatory government approval for every pet entering the UAE. The application process, documents, costs, and common mistakes — explained.

Get a Free WhatsApp Quote +971 55 174 4849

What Is MOCCAE and Why Does It Matter?

MOCCAE stands for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates. It is the federal government body responsible for regulating animal imports, exports, and welfare across all seven emirates, including Dubai.

Every dog, cat, and other pet entering the UAE must have a valid MOCCAE import permit before arrival. This permit confirms that your pet meets UAE health, vaccination, and identification standards. Airlines will not board pets without it, and Dubai customs will refuse entry.

Why the Permit Is Mandatory

Prevents entry of unvaccinated or diseased animals
Tracks banned and restricted breeds entering Dubai
Ensures microchip identification for all imported pets
Protects public health and local animal populations

Permit at a Glance

Cost

Import permit AED 200 per pet

Plus release fee on arrival: AED 500/dog or AED 250/cat. Government total ~AED 700/dog, ~AED 450/cat.

Processing Time

2–5 business days

Validity

90 days from issuance

Penalty Without Permit

Refused entry, fines, re-export

Step-by-Step MOCCAE Import Permit Application

Follow these steps carefully to apply for your pet's MOCCAE import permit. Errors at any stage can cause delays or rejection.

Prepare Required Documents

Before starting the application, gather all required documents. Ensure they are clear, in English or Arabic, and up to date.

Passport copy of the pet owner (clear, full page)

Recent pet photo (front face, neutral background, no accessories)

Vaccination records (rabies + annual boosters, dates clear)

Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, 15-digit number)

Health certificate (from accredited vet, within required timeframe)

Breed confirmation (if mixed breed or restricted breed)

Create a MOCCAE Account

Visit the MOCCAE online portal or download the MOCCAE UAE mobile app. Register using your email and UAE mobile number (or your sponsor's number if you don't have one yet). Complete your profile with accurate personal details matching your passport.

Portal Access Tip

The MOCCAE portal sometimes has server maintenance or slow response times. Apply during UAE business hours (Sunday–Thursday, 8 AM–4 PM) for best results. Save your application reference number immediately.

Submit the Application

Log in to the portal, select "Import Permit for Pets," and fill out the application form. Upload all documents in the specified format (usually PDF or JPEG, under 2MB per file). Pay the AED 200 fee per pet via credit card or online bank transfer.

Double-check microchip number for typos

Use exact breed name from official sources

Ensure rabies vaccine is valid on travel date

Photo: front face, clear eyes, no collars/accessories

Wait for Approval

MOCCAE processes applications in 2–5 business days. Monitor your email and the portal for status updates. You will receive an approval notification with a downloadable permit PDF.

Pro tip: If you don't hear back within 5 business days, contact MOCCAE customer service with your application reference number. Dubai Pet Relocation handles all follow-ups for our clients.

Download and Print the Permit

Once approved, download the permit PDF and print at least two copies. One copy goes with your pet's travel documents, and one stays with you. The airline will check the permit at check-in, and Dubai customs will verify it on arrival. Do not rely on digital copies alone — printed permits are mandatory.

Common Rejection Reasons & How to Fix Them

Rejection Reason	How to Fix	Prevention Tip
Wrong pet photo	Retake with neutral background, front face, no accessories	Use Dubai Pet Relocation's photo guide before submission
Expired rabies vaccine	Revaccinate and wait 21 days before reapplying	Check vaccine expiry date before applying
Incorrect microchip number	Verify with scanner and re-enter exactly as shown	Copy-paste from official certificate, never type manually
Wrong breed declaration	Correct breed name and provide documentation if mixed	Use official breed name from vet records or FCI/AKC
Incomplete vaccination records	Upload full vaccination history with clear dates	Ask your vet for a complete, stamped vaccination book
Passport mismatch	Ensure passport name matches application exactly	Use same spelling as your travel passport

Resubmission Resets the Timeline

When you resubmit after a rejection, the 2–5 business day processing clock restarts. If your permit is rejected twice, you could lose 2+ weeks. Dubai Pet Relocation error-checks every application before submission to avoid this scenario.

MOCCAE Export Permit (Leaving Dubai)

If you are relocating from Dubai to another country, you need a MOCCAE export permit. The process is similar to the import permit but with a few differences.

Cost: AED 200 per pet (same as import)

Processing: 2–5 business days

Documents: Passport copy, pet photo, UAE vaccination records, microchip certificate

Health certificate: May need additional government vet endorsement for some destinations

How Dubai Pet Relocation Handles Permits

Dubai Pet Relocation's permit service handles the entire application process from document collection to final approval. Our team has processed hundreds of MOCCAE permits and knows exactly what triggers rejections.

Document Review

We check every document for completeness, format, and accuracy before submission.

Application Submission

We complete the MOCCAE portal application, upload documents, and pay fees.

Follow-Up & Monitoring

We track application status daily and contact MOCCAE if processing exceeds 5 days.

Error Correction & Resubmission

If rejected, we fix the issue and resubmit within 24 hours at no extra service charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MOCCAE import and export permits for pets.

How long does the MOCCAE import permit take?

Can I apply for the MOCCAE import permit myself?

What if my MOCCAE permit is rejected?

What happens if my permit expires before I travel?

Do cats and dogs need separate permits?

What documents do I need for the MOCCAE import permit?

Is a MOCCAE export permit needed to leave Dubai?

What is the most common reason for MOCCAE permit rejection?

Let Dubai Pet Relocation Handle Your MOCCAE Permit

Avoid rejection delays and paperwork stress. Dubai Pet Relocation's permit service includes document review, error-checking, application submission, and free resubmission if needed.

Apply for Permit Help Learn How It Works