Updated June 2026
Australia → DubaiAustralia to Dubai Pet Relocation — Complete Guide
Australia is rabies-free and low-risk, but AQIS export rules are among the world's strictest. We navigate every step for you.
Flying Your Pet from Australia to Dubai
Australia to Dubai is a long-haul route with excellent airline options. The key challenge is navigating Australia's strict AQIS export requirements alongside UAE import rules.
Flight Time
14–18 hours
SYD/MEL/BNE/PER → DXB (1 stop)
Timeline
4–6 weeks
Includes AQIS processing
Risk Level
Low-Risk
Rabies-free — no titer test
AQIS Export
Required
DAFF permit + AQIS inspection
Documents Required for Australia to Dubai
Australian export documentation is strict and requires coordination between your vet, AQIS, and Dubai Pet Relocation. The two layers of compliance (Australian export + UAE import) must be handled carefully.
1. ISO-Compliant Microchip
Australian pets are already microchipped with ISO 11784/11785 chips by law (required in most states). The chip number must be recorded on all export and import documents.
2. Rabies Vaccination (for UAE compliance)
Even though Australia is rabies-free, the UAE requires a rabies vaccination. An inactivated rabies vaccine must be administered by an AQIS-accredited vet at least 21 days before travel. The vaccine must be imported specifically for export purposes, as routine rabies vaccination is not practised in Australia.
3. AQIS Export Permit (DAFF)
An export permit must be obtained from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). This requires submitting your pet's details, travel itinerary, and destination country information. Processing takes 5–10 business days.
4. AQIS Health Certificate & Inspection
An AQIS-accredited veterinarian examines your pet and issues an export health certificate within 10 days of travel. Your pet must also present for a final inspection at an AQIS quarantine facility before departure. This confirms the pet is healthy and all documentation is correct.
5. UAE Import Permit
Applied for online via MOCCAE. Valid 90 days from issuance. Must be obtained before booking the flight. Cost: AED 200 per pet (plus a release fee on arrival of AED 500/dog or AED 250/cat). Dubai Pet Relocation handles the application and Arabic translation.
6. Owner Identification
Copy of pet owner's passport and UAE residence visa. For new arrivals, a hotel booking or tenancy contract may be requested by Dubai customs.
Important Notes for Australian Pets
- Australian vets do not routinely stock rabies vaccines because Australia is rabies-free. The rabies vaccine for export must be specially ordered — allow 2–3 weeks for delivery.
- AQIS-accredited veterinarians are limited in number. Not all vets can issue export health certificates. Dubai Pet Relocation can recommend accredited vets in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
- The AQIS final inspection must be done at a DAFF-approved facility, usually at the airport or a quarantine station. This requires an appointment, which should be booked at least 1 week in advance.
- Some Australian states (e.g., Tasmania) have additional internal biosecurity requirements. If your pet has been in Tasmania recently, additional documentation may be needed.
- No titer test is required for Australian pets because Australia is rabies-free. This saves approximately AED 1,500–2,000 and 3–4 months compared to high-risk routes.
Pro tip: Perth departures are significantly cheaper and faster than East Coast departures because the flight distance to Dubai is shorter. If you have flexibility, relocating from Perth can save AED 3,000–5,000 in freight costs.
Australia to Dubai Cost Breakdown
Long-haul flights from Australia make this a more expensive route, but the absence of a titer test helps offset costs. Perth departures are cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne.
| Service Item | Small Pet (Cat / Small Dog) | Medium Dog | Large Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microchip + Rabies Export Vaccine | AED 500–900 | AED 600–1,000 | AED 700–1,200 |
| AQIS Export Permit (DAFF) | AED 800–1,500 | AED 800–1,500 | AED 800–1,500 |
| AQIS Health Certificate & Inspection | AED 700–1,200 | AED 700–1,200 | AED 700–1,200 |
| UAE Import Permit (MOCCAE) | AED 200 | AED 500 | AED 500 |
| Air Cargo (East Coast → DXB) | AED 7,000–11,000 | AED 9,500–14,000 | AED 13,000–19,000 |
| Air Cargo (Perth → DXB) | AED 5,500–8,500 | AED 7,500–11,000 | AED 10,000–15,000 |
| IATA-Approved Travel Crate | AED 300–500 | AED 500–900 | AED 900–1,500 |
| Dubai Customs Clearance | AED 800–1,500 | AED 1,000–1,800 | AED 1,200–2,000 |
| Optional: Dubai Pet Relocation Door-to-Door | AED 2,000–3,000 | AED 2,500–3,500 | AED 3,000–5,000 |
| Total (East Coast) | AED 12,000–18,000 | AED 15,000–22,000 | AED 20,000–30,000 |
| Total (Perth) | AED 10,000–15,000 | AED 13,000–19,000 | AED 17,000–26,000 |
* Prices are estimates in AUD and converted to AED. East Coast flights (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) are more expensive due to longer distance and connection requirements. Perth is the closest Australian city to Dubai and offers the most direct routing. Air cargo rates fluctuate with fuel surcharges and seasonal demand. Contact Dubai Pet Relocation for a precise quote based on your departure city and pet details.
Australia to Dubai Timeline
The Australian export process adds 1–2 weeks to the standard timeline, but the absence of a titer test keeps the overall process to 4–6 weeks.
Microchip, Rabies Vaccine & AQIS Permit Application
Your AQIS-accredited vet implants/verifies the ISO microchip and administers the rabies export vaccine. Dubai Pet Relocation applies for the DAFF export permit and begins the UAE import permit application.
21-Day Wait & Permit Processing
The 21-day rabies vaccination wait period continues. DAFF processes the export permit (5–10 days). Dubai Pet Relocation monitors both the Australian and UAE permit applications and prepares the flight booking options.
AQIS Health Certificate & Pre-Export Inspection
Your AQIS vet conducts the pre-export examination and issues the export health certificate. Your pet presents at the AQIS quarantine facility for final inspection. All documents are reviewed by Dubai Pet Relocation for accuracy.
Flight Booking & Crate Preparation
With both permits and the health certificate in hand, Dubai Pet Relocation books cargo space with Emirates or Qantas. The IATA-compliant crate is delivered for acclimatisation. A final pre-flight checklist is provided.
Australia Departure & Dubai Arrival
Your pet checks in at the airline cargo terminal (SYD, MEL, BNE, or PER). After a 14–18 hour journey, Dubai Pet Relocation meets your pet at DXB, handles customs clearance and veterinary inspection, and delivers to your home.
Airlines Flying Pets from Australia to Dubai
Long-haul flights from Australia require experienced carriers with dedicated animal cargo programmes. Emirates and Qantas are the top choices.
Emirates (EK)
SkyCargo Live — via Dubai Hub
- Cargo from SYD, MEL, BNE, PER
- 14–18 hours with connection
- Dedicated animal handling at all Australian ports
- Seamless transfer through Dubai hub
Emirates is the most popular choice for Australian pet relocations, offering the most direct routing and seamless connections through their Dubai hub. Their SkyCargo Live team handles all documentation at both ends.
Qantas (QF)
Freight — with partner connections
- Cargo from SYD, MEL, BNE, PER
- Often connects via Singapore or codeshare
- Competitive rates on select routes
- Australian-based customer service
Qantas is a good alternative for Australian pet owners who prefer dealing with an Australian carrier. Some routes may involve connections through Singapore or other partner hubs. Dubai Pet Relocation evaluates the best routing for your pet.
Long-Haul Travel Considerations
The 14–18 hour journey from Australia to Dubai is one of the longest pet relocation routes. Dubai Pet Relocation ensures your pet travels in an IATA-compliant crate with adequate ventilation, absorbent bedding, and a familiar item (e.g., a small blanket with your scent). Both Emirates and Qantas use climate-controlled cargo holds maintained at 16–18°C throughout the flight.
Australian biosecurity laws prohibit the inclusion of hay, straw, or rawhide chews in the crate. Only synthetic bedding and stainless-steel bowls are permitted. Dubai Pet Relocation provides a pre-travel packing guide that complies with both Australian export and UAE import regulations.
Australia to Dubai Pet Relocation FAQs
Is Australia a low-risk or high-risk country for pet import to Dubai?
Australia is classified as a low-risk country for rabies by the UAE. However, Australia has some of the strictest export regulations in the world, governed by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) through the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). While no rabies titer test is required for Australian pets travelling to Dubai, the AQIS export process is extensive and must be followed precisely.
What is AQIS and how does it affect my pet's export from Australia?
AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service) is the Australian government agency that oversees the export of all live animals. To export a pet from Australia, you must: (1) Book an export permit from DAFF; (2) Have your pet examined by an AQIS-accredited veterinarian; (3) Obtain an AQIS export health certificate; (4) Present your pet for a final inspection at an approved quarantine facility before departure. This process adds 1–2 weeks to the timeline and requires careful coordination.
Which airlines fly pets from Australia to Dubai?
Emirates (EK) and Qantas (QF) are the primary carriers for pet cargo from Australia to Dubai. Emirates operates from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), and Perth (PER) with one-stop connections via their hub. Qantas offers cargo services from major Australian cities, often connecting through Singapore or directly on codeshare routes. The total travel time is 14–18 hours including the connection. Dubai Pet Relocation books the optimal route based on your city and pet size.
How long does the Australia to Dubai pet relocation process take?
The minimum timeline is 4 to 6 weeks: Week 1 — microchip and rabies vaccination (21-day wait begins; note: Australia is rabies-free, so this is for UAE import purposes); Week 2 — apply for AQIS export permit and book DAFF inspection; Week 3 — apply for UAE import permit; Week 4 — AQIS pre-export inspection and health certificate; Week 5 — final veterinary check and document review; Week 6 — book cargo flight and depart. Some Australian states have additional internal requirements that may add 1–2 weeks.
How much does it cost to relocate a pet from Australia to Dubai?
For a single pet, total costs typically range from AED 12,000 to AED 24,000 (AUD 5,000–10,000). This includes: veterinary prep (microchip + vaccines for UAE compliance ~AED 500–1,000), AQIS export permit and inspection (~AED 1,500–2,500), UAE import permit (AED 500), air cargo freight (AED 7,000–15,000 depending on city and crate size), customs clearance in Dubai (AED 1,000–2,000), and optional Dubai Pet Relocation door-to-door service (AED 2,000–4,000). Perth departures are cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne due to shorter distance.
What documents are required for an Australian pet to enter Dubai?
Required documents: (1) ISO-compliant microchip (Australia uses ISO 11784/11785 as standard); (2) rabies vaccination certificate (even though Australia is rabies-free, the UAE requires it — administered at least 21 days before travel); (3) UAE import permit via MOCCAE; (4) AQIS export health certificate and DAFF export permit; (5) Australian veterinary health certificate from an AQIS-accredited vet within 10 days of travel; (6) copy of pet owner's passport and UAE visa. No titer test is required for Australian pets.
Do Australian pets need a rabies vaccine if Australia is rabies-free?
Yes. Although Australia is rabies-free and your pet likely never had a rabies vaccine before, the UAE requires all imported pets to have a valid rabies vaccination. Your Australian vet must administer an inactivated rabies vaccine (imported specifically for export purposes) at least 21 days before travel. This is a mandatory UAE requirement, not an Australian one. The vaccine must be recorded in the AQIS health certificate with the microchip number.
What happens when my pet arrives in Dubai from Australia?
Upon arrival at DXB, your pet is transferred to the Dubai Municipality Animal Care Centre for veterinary inspection. The MOCCAE vet scans the microchip, verifies the rabies vaccination and AQIS health certificate, and conducts a brief physical examination. Because Australia is a low-risk country, clearance is typically smooth and takes 2–3 hours. Dubai Pet Relocation provides meet-and-greet service, handles all customs formalities, and delivers your pet to your home or a Dubai boarding facility. The Australian origin often means the inspection is quicker than for high-risk countries.
Official Sources
We coordinate the paperwork, but the rules are set by government and industry authorities. Always confirm the current requirements directly with the official sources.
Ready to Relocate Your Pet from Australia to Dubai?
Dubai Pet Relocation understands the unique challenges of Australian pet export. From Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or anywhere in Australia — we coordinate with AQIS, DAFF, and UAE authorities to ensure a smooth relocation.
Related Routes & Next Steps
Pet Import to Dubai
Our full import service: permits, customs and door-to-door delivery.
New Zealand to Dubai
A similar rabies-free origin with comparable requirements.
South Africa to Dubai
Requirements and timeline for South African pet relocations.
UK to Dubai
Low-risk route guide for pets relocating from Britain.