Updated June 2026
India → DubaiIndia to Dubai Pet Relocation — Complete Guide
India is a high-risk country for rabies: a titer test (RNATT) and 90-day wait are mandatory. Your complete 3–4 month guide.
Flying Your Pet from India to Dubai
India is one of the most common origins for pet relocation to Dubai. The short flight distance (3–4 hours) makes it cost-effective, but the high-risk status means additional documentation is required.
Flight Time
3–4 hours direct
DEL/BOM/BLR → DXB
Timeline
3–4 months
Minimum (titer test + 90-day wait)
Risk Level
High-Risk
Rabies endemic — titer required
Titer Test
Required
RNATT ≥ 0.5 IU/ml
Documents Required for India to Dubai
Because India is a high-risk country, the documentation is more extensive than low-risk routes. The titer test and AQCS NOC are the two most critical steps that Indian pet owners must complete.
1. ISO-Compliant Microchip
15-digit ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination. The chip number must be recorded on all subsequent documents. If your pet has a non-ISO chip, a second ISO chip is required.
2. Rabies Vaccination Certificate
Inactivated rabies vaccine administered at least 30 days before the titer test blood draw. The certificate must include the microchip number, vaccine batch, and date. A 3-year vaccine is acceptable if not expired.
3. Rabies Titer Test (RNATT) — CRITICAL
Blood sample drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination. Sent to an approved lab (CVL Pune, IDEXX, Kansas State, or AHL). Result must be ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. A 90-day waiting period from the blood draw date is mandatory before travel. This step alone adds 3–4 months to the timeline.
4. UAE Import Permit
Applied for online via MOCCAE. Valid 90 days from issuance. Must include the titer test certificate. 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.
5. Indian Export NOC (AQCS)
No Objection Certificate from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) of India, issued within 10 days of travel. The AQCS office inspects the pet, verifies the microchip and documents, and issues the export clearance. This is a mandatory step for all pets leaving India.
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 Indian Pets
- The 90-day titer test waiting period is absolute — there are no exceptions, even with urgent travel. Start the process as soon as you know you are moving.
- AQCS offices in India can be slow during peak seasons (May–July and December). Book your AQCS appointment at least 2 weeks before travel.
- Some Indian veterinarians are not familiar with the UAE import requirements. Dubai Pet Relocation can recommend approved vets in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai who have experience with international pet travel.
- Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats) face additional airline restrictions. Some Indian carriers do not accept these breeds at all. Plan for Emirates or Air India cargo instead.
- The titer test must be done at a lab approved by the UAE. Not all Indian labs are accepted. Dubai Pet Relocation verifies lab accreditation before sending samples.
Pro tip: If your pet's titer test result is below 0.5 IU/ml, a booster rabies vaccination is required, followed by another 30-day wait and a second titer test. To avoid this, ensure your pet is healthy and not on immunosuppressive medication before the first blood draw.
India to Dubai Cost Breakdown
India to Dubai is one of the more affordable international routes due to short flight times, but the titer test adds cost. Here is the full breakdown.
| Service Item | Small Pet (Cat / Small Dog) | Medium Dog | Large Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microchip + Rabies Vaccine | AED 300–600 | AED 400–700 | AED 500–900 |
| Rabies Titer Test (RNATT) | AED 1,000–1,800 | AED 1,000–1,800 | AED 1,000–1,800 |
| Indian AQCS Export NOC | AED 600–1,200 | AED 600–1,200 | AED 600–1,200 |
| UAE Import Permit (MOCCAE) | AED 200 | AED 500 | AED 500 |
| Air Cargo (India → DXB, one way) | AED 2,000–4,000 | AED 3,500–6,000 | AED 5,000–9,000 |
| IATA-Approved Travel Crate | AED 250–400 | AED 400–700 | AED 700–1,200 |
| Dubai Customs Clearance | AED 700–1,200 | AED 800–1,400 | AED 1,000–1,800 |
| Optional: Dubai Pet Relocation Door-to-Door | AED 1,200–2,000 | AED 1,500–2,500 | AED 1,800–3,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | AED 6,000–10,000 | AED 8,500–13,000 | AED 11,000–18,000 |
* Prices are estimates in AED. Indian Rupee amounts will vary with exchange rates. The titer test is the single biggest additional cost compared to low-risk routes. Air cargo rates from Tier-2 cities (e.g., Pune, Ahmedabad, Kochi) may be higher due to limited cargo capacity. Multiple pets may qualify for a 10–15% discount on combined services. Contact Dubai Pet Relocation for an exact quote.
India to Dubai Timeline
The high-risk route requires a minimum of 3–4 months. The titer test and 90-day wait are the longest steps. Here is the exact month-by-month process.
Microchip, Rabies Vaccine & Titer Test Blood Draw
Your Indian vet implants an ISO microchip and administers a rabies vaccine. After 30 days, a blood sample is drawn for the titer test (RNATT). The sample is sent to an approved lab. Dubai Pet Relocation coordinates with the vet and lab to ensure correct documentation.
Titer Test Results & 90-Day Waiting Period
Lab results arrive in 2–4 weeks. If the antibody level is ≥ 0.5 IU/ml, the 90-day mandatory waiting period begins from the date of the blood draw. This wait is non-negotiable. Dubai Pet Relocation begins preparing the UAE import permit application during this time.
Import Permit & AQCS NOC Application
Dubai Pet Relocation applies for the UAE import permit via MOCCAE. We also schedule your AQCS appointment in India for the export NOC. The AQCS vet inspects the pet, verifies the microchip, and issues the export clearance certificate.
Flight Booking & Final Health Check
With the 90-day wait complete, Dubai Pet Relocation books cargo space with Emirates, Air India, or IndiGo. A final pre-flight health check is conducted. The IATA crate is delivered for acclimatisation. All documents are reviewed one final time.
India Departure & Dubai Arrival
Your pet checks in at the cargo terminal in Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru. After a 3–4 hour flight, Dubai Pet Relocation meets your pet at DXB, handles the veterinary inspection and customs clearance, and delivers to your home.
Airlines Flying Pets from India to Dubai
Short 3–4 hour flights from India to Dubai make this a cost-effective route. Emirates, Air India, and IndiGo serve all major Indian cities.
Emirates (EK)
SkyCargo Live
- Direct from DEL, BOM, BLR, MAA, HYD
- 3–4 hours non-stop
- Best for large dogs and brachycephalic breeds
- Priority offloading at DXB
Emirates is the most reliable option for Indian pet relocations, with daily direct flights from all major metros and dedicated SkyCargo animal handling.
Air India (AI)
Cargo Division
- Cargo from DEL, BOM, MAA, BLR, COK
- 3–4 hours direct
- Competitive rates for medium-sized pets
- Good for Tier-2 city departures
Air India is a solid budget option, especially for pets departing from cities where Emirates cargo capacity is limited. Their cargo handling is improving but requires careful booking.
IndiGo (6E)
Select International Routes
- Limited pet cargo on select routes
- Budget-friendly when available
- Best for cats and small dogs
- Limited crate size acceptance
IndiGo is the most economical option for small pets, but cargo space is limited and must be booked well in advance. Dubai Pet Relocation confirms availability before recommending IndiGo.
Seasonal Considerations for Indian Pet Travel
Indian summers (April–July) see extreme temperatures that affect both ground handling at Indian airports and cargo hold conditions. Dubai Pet Relocation recommends booking early morning flights (6–9 AM) to avoid peak heat. During monsoon season (July–September), flight delays are common — plan buffer days around your travel date.
Peak relocation season for Indian pets is December–January, when many families move during school holidays. Cargo space fills 3–4 weeks in advance during this period. Start your titer test process at least 4 months before your intended travel date to avoid disappointment.
India to Dubai Pet Relocation FAQs
Why is India classified as a high-risk country for pet import to Dubai?
India is classified as a high-risk country for rabies by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Rabies is endemic in India, which means the UAE requires additional verification that your pet has sufficient rabies antibody protection before entry. This is done via the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT), commonly known as the titer test.
What is the titer test (RNATT) and how long does it take?
The RNATT (Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test) is a blood test that measures your pet's rabies antibody levels. The blood sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and sent to an approved laboratory (such as the Central Veterinary Laboratory in India, or an international lab like IDEXX, Kansas State, or AHL). Results typically take 2–4 weeks. Your pet must wait at least 90 days from the date of the blood sample before travelling to Dubai. This 90-day wait is non-negotiable and enforced by UAE customs.
Which airlines fly pets from India to Dubai?
Emirates (EK), Air India (AI), and IndiGo (6E) operate pet cargo services from major Indian cities. Emirates flies from Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), and Hyderabad (HYD). Air India also offers cargo from most metro cities. IndiGo carries pets in cargo on select domestic and international routes. Most flights are 3–4 hours direct. Dubai Pet Relocation books the most suitable airline based on your city, pet size, and travel date.
How long does the India to Dubai pet relocation process take?
The minimum timeline is 3 to 4 months due to the titer test requirement: Month 1 — microchip and rabies vaccination (30-day wait before titer test); Month 1–2 — titer test blood draw, lab processing, and 90-day waiting period from blood draw date; Month 3 — apply for UAE import permit, obtain Indian export health certificate (NOC from AQCS); Month 4 — book flight, final health check, and travel. Dubai Pet Relocation manages all steps in parallel to minimise the overall timeline, but the 90-day titer wait cannot be shortened.
How much does it cost to relocate a pet from India to Dubai?
For a single pet, total costs typically range from AED 6,000 to AED 14,000 (INR 1,35,000–3,15,000). This includes: veterinary prep (microchip + vaccines + titer test ~AED 1,500–2,500), Indian export NOC and health certificate (~AED 800–1,500), UAE import permit (AED 500), air cargo freight (AED 2,500–6,000 depending on city and crate size), customs clearance in Dubai (AED 800–1,500), and optional Dubai Pet Relocation door-to-door service (AED 1,500–2,500). The titer test adds approximately AED 1,000–1,800 to the total compared to low-risk routes.
What documents are required for an Indian pet to enter Dubai?
Required documents: (1) ISO-compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination; (2) valid rabies vaccination certificate (30+ days old before titer test); (3) Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) certificate with result ≥ 0.5 IU/ml; (4) UAE import permit via MOCCAE; (5) Indian export health certificate (NOC from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service — AQCS) issued within 10 days of travel; (6) copy of pet owner's passport and UAE visa. The titer test is the critical additional document that low-risk countries do not require.
Can I get the titer test done in India, or do I need to send blood abroad?
The titer test can be done in India at the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) in Pune, or through private veterinary laboratories that are approved by the UAE. However, many Indian pet owners choose to send blood samples to international laboratories such as IDEXX (Germany), Kansas State University (USA), or the Animal Health Laboratory (UK) for faster turnaround and wider international recognition. Dubai Pet Relocation can arrange the blood draw, courier, and lab selection for you. Results from any WOAH-approved lab are accepted by the UAE.
What happens when my pet arrives in Dubai from India?
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, checks the titer test certificate, and inspects the pet for signs of illness. If all documents are correct and the pet is healthy, clearance takes 2–4 hours. Dubai Pet Relocation provides meet-and-greet service, handles all customs formalities, and can deliver your pet directly to your home or a Dubai boarding facility. Because India is high-risk, the inspection may be slightly more thorough than for low-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 India to Dubai?
Dubai Pet Relocation has helped hundreds of Indian families move their pets to Dubai. From Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, or any city in India — we manage the titer test, AQCS NOC, flight booking, and Dubai customs.
Related Routes & Next Steps
Pet Import to Dubai
Our full import service: permits, customs and door-to-door delivery.
Philippines to Dubai
High-risk origin guide with similar titer-test requirements.
Australia to Dubai
Requirements and timeline for Australian pet relocations.
UK to Dubai
Low-risk route guide for pets relocating from Britain.