Updated June 2026
Pet Relocation GuideUAE Pet Import Requirements 2026: Complete Guide to Bringing Dogs & Cats to Dubai
Everything you need to bring your pet to Dubai. No quarantine. No hidden steps. Just a clear, MOCCAE-aligned checklist.
Your Quick Checklist
Here's the full document list in one place. Every item below is mandatory. Skip one, and your pet could be refused entry, confiscated, or re-exported at your expense.
Key MOCCAE Rules at a Glance
- Import permit: AED 200/pet, valid 90 days from issuance
- Pets per person: Maximum 2 pets per person per year
- Minimum import age: 12 weeks (low-risk countries) / 15 weeks (high-risk countries)
- Rabies antibody titer: Required only from high-risk countries — result ≥0.5 IU/ml, drawn ≥21 days after vaccination, valid 365 days
- Transport: Pets are shipped per IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR)
Source: MOCCAE (moccae.gov.ae) — verified June 2026.
What You Need to Bring Your Pet to Dubai (Quick Checklist)
Every item below is mandatory. Skip one, and your pet could be refused entry, confiscated, or re-exported at your expense.
| Document | What It Is | Validity | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOCCAE Import Permit | Official approval from UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment | 90 days from issuance | 200 |
| ISO Microchip Certificate | 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip | Permanent | 300–600 (at vet) |
| Rabies Vaccination Certificate | Proof of rabies vaccine administered by a licensed vet | 1 year (annual booster) | Included in vet fee |
| Core Vaccination Records | DHPPIL (dogs) or FVRCP (cats) | Per vaccine schedule | 100–200 |
| Rabies Titer Test (RNATT) | Blood test proving rabies immunity | 90-day wait from sample | 500–1,200 |
| International Health Certificate | Government-accredited vet certificate with parasite treatments | 10 days from issuance | 400–1,500 |
| Antiparasitic Treatment Record | Internal deworming + external flea/tick treatment | Within 14 days of arrival | 50–150 |
| Owner's Passport & UAE Visa | Required for permit application and customs | — | — |
Critical: Every document must show the same microchip number. A mismatch between the microchip certificate and the vaccination certificate = automatic rejection at customs.
How Long Does It Take?
- From low-risk countries (UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore): 4–6 weeks
- From high-risk countries (most of Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, parts of Asia): Minimum 4 months (due to 90-day titer test waiting period)
Step-by-Step: How to Import Your Pet to Dubai
Follow these 10 steps in order. Each builds on the previous one.
Check Your Breed and Country
Day 0Before you do anything, confirm two things: (1) Is your dog's breed banned in the UAE? (2) Is your origin country high-risk or low-risk for rabies? This determines whether you need a titer test and how long you'll wait.
The exact high-risk/low-risk country list changes. Always verify your country's status on the MOCCAE portal before starting.
Implant the Microchip
Day 0Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. This must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. If your pet was vaccinated before being microchipped, the vaccination is invalid for UAE entry. The microchip number must appear on every subsequent document.
If your pet was already vaccinated before getting microchipped, the vaccination is invalid for UAE entry. You'll need to re-vaccinate after microchipping and wait another 21 days.
Rabies Vaccination
Day 0Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. The vaccine must be inactivated or recombinant (not attenuated live virus), administered ≥21 days before travel, and within 12 months of arrival.
Core Vaccinations
Day 0–14Dogs: DHPPIL (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis). Cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia). These are typically administered alongside the rabies vaccine or shortly after.
Rabies Titer Test — If Required
Day 21–31If your pet is from a high-risk country, a blood sample must be drawn ≥21 days after the rabies vaccination. The sample is sent to a WOAH/ISO 17025 accredited laboratory. Minimum result: ≥0.5 IU/ml. You must then wait 90 days from the date of blood sample collection before your pet can enter the UAE.
Pets from Bahrain and Qatar must have a titer test even though they are classified as low-risk. This is frequently missed and causes delays.
Apply for MOCCAE Import Permit
Day 21–90Apply online via the MOCCAE portal or the MOCCAE mobile app. Fee: AED 200 per animal (import permit), plus a release fee on arrival of AED 500/dog or AED 250/cat — government total ~AED 700/dog, ~AED 450/cat. Validity: 90 days from issuance. Processing time: 3–7 working days. Required: Copy of owner's passport, UAE visa, pet's microchip number, vaccination records, and titer test result (if applicable).
Apply as close to your travel date as safely possible (within the 90-day validity) while leaving time for flight booking.
Book Manifest Cargo Flight
2–4 weeks before travelAll pets entering Dubai must travel as manifest cargo. They cannot fly in the cabin or as checked baggage on flights to Dubai. Emirates SkyCargo is most common for DXB arrivals (72 hours advance notice). Etihad Cargo is an alternative for Abu Dhabi arrivals. Cargo costs typically range from AED 3,000–12,000 depending on route, airline, and pet size.
Health Certificate and Antiparasitics
Within 10–14 days of travelAntiparasitic treatment: internal (deworming/Praziquantel) and external (Fipronil or Permethrin) within 14 days before arrival. International Health Certificate: issued by a government-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of arrival.
Arrival and Customs Clearance
Day of arrivalYour pet arrives at 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 owner's passport and UAE visa. If all documents are correct, customs clearance takes 2–4 hours. Your pet does not enter quarantine.
Dubai Municipality Registration
Within 30 daysRegister your pet via the Aleef app or Dubai Smart Services portal. You need your Emirates ID, pet's microchip number, current vaccination records, pet photo, and your residence address (Makani number). Fee: ~AED 10. Annual renewal required. A physical municipality ID tag must be worn on your pet's collar at all times.
Required Documents Checklist
Every pet entering the UAE needs these documents. No exceptions.
MOCCAE Import Permit
The import permit is the gatekeeper. Without it, your pet cannot enter the UAE.
- Apply: Online at moccae.gov.ae or via the MOCCAE app
- Cost: AED 200 per animal (import permit), plus a release fee on arrival of AED 500/dog or AED 250/cat — government total ~AED 700/dog, ~AED 450/cat
- Processing: 3–7 working days
- Validity: 90 days from issuance
Warning: The permit is valid for a limited window. Apply too early, and it may expire before you travel. Apply too late, and you may miss your flight booking window.
ISO Microchip Certificate
- Must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant (15-digit number)
- Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination
- The microchip number must appear on every document
Warning: If your pet was already vaccinated before getting microchipped, the vaccination is invalid for UAE entry. You'll need to re-vaccinate after microchipping and wait another 21 days.
Rabies Vaccination Certificate
- Pet must be ≥12 weeks old at vaccination
- Must be ≥21 days old at time of travel
- Must be within 12 months of arrival
- Must be inactivated or recombinant vaccine
- Certificate must include: microchip number, vaccine batch number, manufacturer, date of administration, vet's signature and stamp
Rabies Titer Test (RNATT)
- Required for pets from high-risk rabies countries
- Not required for: UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore
- Required for: Bahrain and Qatar (special exception)
- Blood sample drawn ≥21 days after rabies vaccination
- Minimum result: ≥0.5 IU/ml
- 90-day waiting period from sample collection date
- Must be processed at a WOAH/ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
International Health Certificate
- Issued by a government-accredited or official veterinarian
- Valid for 10 days from issuance to arrival
- Must include: pet owner's details, microchip number, vaccination records, antiparasitic treatment dates and products used, vet's official stamp and signature
Antiparasitic Treatment Record
- Internal deworming (Praziquantel or equivalent) within 14 days of arrival
- External parasite treatment (Fipronil or Permethrin) within 14 days of arrival
- Record must include product name, date of administration, and vet's signature
Owner's Passport and UAE Visa
- Required for permit application and customs clearance
- The permit applicant must match the person collecting the pet
Banned and Restricted Dog Breeds
The UAE enforces a strict federal breed ban. If your dog is on this list, it cannot be imported — unless it is a certified service or emotional support animal.
Completely Banned (Cannot Enter the UAE)
Pit Bull Types
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Bully
- Any Bull Terrier or Pit Bull cross
Mastiff Types
- Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasileiro)
- Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino)
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux)
- Boerboel
- Bullmastiff
- Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff)
- Bully Kutta (Alangu / Indian Mastiff)
- Perro de Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)
- Any Mastiff cross or hybrid
Other Banned Breeds
- Japanese Tosa (Tosa Inu)
- Wolf-dog hybrids (any dog mixed with a wolf)
- Savannah cats and Bengal cats (unless 5th generation removed from pedigree)
Restricted Breeds (Dubai-Specific Rules)
These breeds are permitted in the UAE but have additional restrictions in Dubai:
- Cannot live in apartments
- Must be leashed and muzzled in public
- Must be registered with the Veterinary Services Division
Restricted breeds:
- Bull Terrier (including Miniature)
- Husky
- English Bulldog / Old English Bulldog
- Perro de Presa Mallorquin
- Shar Pei
- Rottweiler (in some community contexts)
- Doberman Pinscher (in some community contexts)
- Boxer
Some sources list Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, and Boxer as fully banned. Other authoritative sources classify them as restricted. Always verify with MOCCAE before importing these breeds.
Service and Emotional Support Animal Exceptions
Banned breeds may receive an exception only if they are:
- Certified service animals (trained by an ADI or IGDF accredited organization)
- Certified emotional support animals (for medical purposes)
Required documentation:
- Training record from an accredited training centre
- Medical records justifying the need for the animal
Penalty warning: Non-compliance with breed restrictions can result in fines from AED 10,000 to AED 700,000, possible jail sentences, and confiscation of the animal.
Vaccination Requirements
Rabies Vaccination (Mandatory for All)
- Minimum age: 12 weeks at first vaccination
- Pre-travel window: Administered between 21 days and 12 months prior to entering the UAE
- Accepted types: Inactivated or recombinant vaccines only
- Not accepted: Attenuated live virus vaccines
- Boosters: Annual booster required, or follow manufacturer's guidance for 2-3 year vaccines
Core Vaccinations — Dogs
- Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
- Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus)
- Leptospirosis (Canicola and Icterohaemorrhagiae)
Core Vaccinations — Cats
- Feline Panleukopenia (FPV / Feline Distemper)
- Feline Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1 / Herpes Virus)
- Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV) — recommended by some authorities
Vaccination Timing — Why Order Matters
- Microchip first. Always. The microchip must precede the rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination second. Wait ≥21 days before travel.
- Core vaccines third. Can be given alongside rabies or shortly after.
- Titer test fourth (if required). Blood drawn ≥21 days after rabies vaccination.
- Health certificate last. Within 10 days of arrival.
Warning: If your vaccination records show the rabies vaccine was given before the microchip, MOCCAE will reject your import permit. You'll need to re-vaccinate after microchipping and restart the timeline.
Rabies Titer Test Rules
The rabies titer test (also called RNATT — Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test) proves that your pet's rabies vaccine worked.
Do You Need a Titer Test?
Yes, if your pet is from a high-risk country. Most of Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Asia are classified as high-risk.
No, if your pet is from a low-risk country: UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and most other developed nations.
Yes, even if low-risk: Pets from Bahrain and Qatar must have a titer test. This is a specific exception.
The high-risk/low-risk country list is maintained by MOCCAE and changes. Verify your country's current status in the MOCCAE portal before skipping the titer test.
Titer Test Requirements
- Blood sample drawn ≥21 days after primary rabies vaccination
- Minimum result: ≥0.5 IU/ml
- Must be processed at a WOAH/ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
- 90-day waiting period from the date of blood sample collection before the pet can enter the UAE
- The test result must be included in your MOCCAE permit application
Titer Test Timeline Example
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Microchip + rabies vaccination |
| Day 21 | Blood sample for titer test |
| Day 31 | Receive result (≥0.5 IU/ml) |
| Day 111 | Apply for MOCCAE import permit (90-day wait complete) |
| Day 118 | Book cargo flight |
| Day 121 | Antiparasitic treatment + health certificate |
| Day 121+ | Pet arrives in Dubai |
Total minimum time from scratch for high-risk countries: ~4 months.
Warning: The 90-day waiting period is not negotiable. You cannot apply for the import permit or book travel until this period has passed. There are no exceptions.
Import Permit Application
The MOCCAE import permit is the single most important document for bringing your pet to Dubai. Without it, your pet cannot enter the country.
How to Apply
- Online: Visit moccae.gov.ae and navigate to the pet import permit section
- Mobile app: Download the MOCCAE app (available on iOS and Android)
- Through a licensed agent: Dubai Pet Relocation can submit the application on your behalf
What You'll Need
- Copy of your passport
- UAE visa or proof of residency
- Pet's ISO microchip number
- Rabies vaccination certificate (with microchip number, batch number, manufacturer, date, vet stamp)
- Core vaccination records
- Titer test result (if applicable)
- Recent photo of your pet
Fees and Timeline
- Fee: AED 200 per animal (plus release fee on arrival: AED 500/dog or AED 250/cat)
- Processing: 3–7 working days
- Validity: 90 days from issuance
Common Application Mistakes
- Microchip mismatch: The microchip number on the permit application doesn't match the vaccination certificate
- Expired vaccine: Rabies vaccine is older than 12 months or less than 21 days old
- Missing titer test: Applying for a permit from a high-risk country without the titer test result
- Wrong validity window: Applying too early and having the permit expire before travel
Warning: If your permit application is rejected, you must correct the issue and reapply. This can add 1–2 weeks to your timeline. We check every application three times before submission.
Airline-Specific Requirements
All pets entering Dubai must travel as manifest cargo. They cannot fly in the cabin or as checked baggage on flights to Dubai — with one exception.
Emirates SkyCargo
Emirates is the most common airline for pet transport to Dubai.
- In-cabin: No regular pets allowed. Only trained service dogs and falcons on specific routes.
- Checked baggage: Not accepted for flights to Dubai.
- Cargo (SkyCargo): Mandatory for most pets. Cost: typically $1,500–$5,000 USD.
- Advance notice: Minimum 72 hours
- Crate: IATA-approved, rigid, leak-proof. For restricted breeds, crate must be at least 10% larger than standard.
- Banned breeds: Even stricter than UAE law. Includes snub-nosed breeds with seasonal restrictions (November–April only).
Etihad Airways
Etihad is the most pet-friendly UAE airline — but only for Abu Dhabi.
- In-cabin (to Abu Dhabi only): Small dogs and cats allowed. Pet + carrier must weigh ≤8 kg. Carrier max: 40 x 40 x 22 cm. Fee: USD 399 per segment.
- Checked baggage: Accepted on some routes.
- Cargo: Available for larger pets.
- Advance notice: Book via Contact Centre; submit form 7 days before, documents 72 hours before.
- Banned breeds: Same as UAE federal list, plus Boxer.
- Abu Dhabi entry: Requires a Bill of Entry from MICCO Logistics (cost: AED 365) at least 24 hours before departure.
- Pet age: Must be ≥16 weeks old for in-cabin.
flydubai
flydubai does not have a published pet-in-cabin policy.
- Pets are generally handled as cargo via flydubai's cargo services or partners.
- Recommendation: Contact flydubai Cargo directly for arrangements.
Airline Comparison Summary
| Airline | Cabin to UAE? | Checked Baggage to UAE? | Cargo to UAE? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | ❌ No (except service dogs) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (SkyCargo) | Most DXB arrivals; direct routes |
| Etihad | ✅ Yes (to Abu Dhabi, ≤8kg) | ✅ Some routes | ✅ Yes | Small pets to Abu Dhabi; pet-friendly policies |
| flydubai | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Cargo) | Budget cargo options; regional routes |
Important: The choice of airline affects your total cost by AED 3,000–12,000. We work with the cargo departments directly — not the passenger reservation desks — to confirm pet-specific rules in writing before booking.
Health Certificate Timing
The International Health Certificate is the last document you obtain before travel. Get the timing wrong, and it expires before your pet arrives.
- Valid for 10 days from the date of issuance to the date of arrival in the UAE
- Must be issued by a government-accredited or official veterinarian
- Must include antiparasitic treatment records
- Must show the same microchip number as all other documents
When to Schedule the Health Certificate
- Book the vet appointment 2–3 days before your pet's flight
- The certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival, so work backwards from your arrival date
- If your flight is delayed and the certificate expires, you must obtain a new one
Some countries require additional government endorsement (e.g., DEFRA in the UK, USDA in the USA, CFIA in Canada). This can add 2–5 days. Confirm your origin country's endorsement requirements with your vet.
What Happens If Your Documents Are Wrong
This is the section most pet owners skip — and the one that causes the most pain.
No Quarantine (If Documents Are Correct)
If all your paperwork is complete, correct, and consistent, your pet does not need to enter quarantine. This is one of the UAE's biggest advantages as a pet relocation destination.
Conditional Quarantine (If Documents Are Wrong)
Quarantine is imposed if your pet arrives from a high-risk country without a titer test, documentation is incomplete, or the pet shows clinical signs of illness.
- Location: Dubai Cargo Village or Abu Dhabi Cargo Terminal
- Cost: Entirely borne by the owner
- Duration: Until the issue is resolved (typically 30 days)
- Missing one document can mean your pet is refused entry, confiscated, or re-exported — at your expense (boarding/re-flight costs can run into the thousands)
Return or Euthanasia (Worst Cases)
In extreme cases, the animal may be returned to the origin country on the next available flight at the owner's expense. In the worst cases, euthanasia may be ordered if the animal poses a rabies risk and cannot be returned.
These are not theoretical risks. They happen when pet owners assume "it will be fine" or rely on outdated information. We check every document three times because we've seen what happens when one date is wrong.
The Most Common Document Errors
- Microchip before vaccination — Vaccination given before microchip = invalid
- Titer test timing — Blood drawn before 21 days post-vaccination = invalid
- Permit validity — Permit expired before travel = entry denied
- Health certificate expiry — Certificate older than 10 days on arrival = quarantine risk
- Mismatched microchip numbers — Different numbers on different documents = automatic rejection
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to bring your pet home to Dubai?
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