Pet Relocation to UAE: Essential Guide to Travel Documents and Costs

Pet owners planning to relocate to or from the UAE must ensure that all necessary documents and procedures are in place for their pets to travel safely. This process can be complex, involving various regulations, permits, and health requirements that need to be addressed well in advance.

Understanding the rules surrounding pet travel is crucial, as last-minute arrangements can lead to complications. This guide outlines the essential steps for taking pets abroad from the UAE or bringing them into the country.

Pet Relocation Agencies

For those looking to simplify the relocation process, licensed pet relocation services in the UAE can be a viable option. These agencies manage everything from acquiring permits to providing real-time updates during travel and door-to-door delivery.

Before selecting a service, it is important to verify that the company is certified by the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA). This certification ensures adherence to regulated safety practices.

Cost: The fees for pet relocation services generally range from Dh3,500 to Dh15,000, depending on whether the move is regional or international and the level of service required.

Pet Relocation: From the UAE

The UAE has stringent animal export regulations designed to protect both animal health and public safety. Many airlines operating in and out of the UAE permit pets to travel as cargo. According to UAE law, each owner may export up to two cats, two dogs, or one of each per year.

Different countries have varying requirements, making it essential to understand the specific paperwork needed for the destination country. The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) outlines the following general requirements for traveling with pets out of the UAE:

Pet Microchip: Pets must be implanted with ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchips. This is a mandatory identification requirement, and pets cannot exit the country without one. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination to ensure accurate vaccination records.

Microchipping can be done at any veterinary clinic, and it is necessary to register the microchip with local authorities. This registration can be completed through the TAMM online portal in Abu Dhabi or the municipal websites in other emirates. The cost for microchipping typically ranges from Dh150 to Dh200.

Vaccinations: Ensure that your pet’s vaccination records are current. Vaccinations should ideally be administered at least 21 to 30 days prior to travel. While some countries may require more comprehensive vaccination records, the typical requirements for pets traveling abroad from the UAE include:

• Dogs: Vaccinations against rabies and other core diseases.
• Cats: Vaccinations against rabies and other core diseases.

Some countries may also require a rabies antibody titre test, which can take several weeks to process. It is advisable to confirm these requirements with the embassy of the destination country.

Vaccination costs can vary, ranging from Dh80 to Dh250 for individual vaccines and Dh300 to Dh450 for comprehensive packages that include consultations, rabies and core vaccines, deworming, and booster shots.

Veterinary Health Certificate: A health certificate from a veterinarian at MOCCAE is required approximately 7 to 10 days before travel, depending on the destination country’s regulations. This certificate confirms that the pet is fit for travel and free from contagious diseases. The certificate is valid for 30 days and costs Dh400. Applications can be made through MOCCAE’s website.

Pet Passport: This is not a single document but a compilation of necessary documents for airport submission, including microchip details, health certificates, import/export permits, and vaccination records. These documents collectively serve as the pet’s passport and must be kept up to date.

Import Permit: Depending on the destination country, an import permit may be required. It is essential to check specific requirements well in advance of travel.

Pet Relocation: To the UAE

The UAE has strict import requirements for animals to ensure safety and health standards are met. Individuals are allowed to import a maximum of two animals per year, with exceptions for resident pets returning to the country.

To legally bring pets into the UAE, the following documents are required:

Import Permit: This document, issued by MOCCAE, is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and is necessary for customs clearance. Additional considerations apply for emotional support dogs, including:

• A certified document from a training center indicating the dog has been trained for emotional support, service, or medical purposes.
• A medical report from the dog owner’s healthcare provider, certified in the country of origin.
• A pledge by the owner not to transfer ownership, abandon, or breed the dog, and to comply with UAE laws.

Customs Declaration: A bill of landing showing delivery information is necessary. This form can be obtained from the MOCCAE website.

Pet Passport: Similar to the outbound process, this document compiles microchip details, import/export permits, health certificates, and vaccination records.

Veterinary Health Certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, this document must be endorsed by the official authorities of the departure country, confirming the pet’s fitness for travel and compliance with vaccination requirements.

Rabies Testing Certificate (Conditional): If traveling from a high-risk country, a laboratory test certificate for rabies is required, indicating an antibody titration test result of no less than 0.5 IU/ml.

For resident pets returning to the UAE, additional requirements include:

• Microchipping.
• Vaccination against rabies before departure, with valid vaccination upon return.
• A veterinary health certificate from MOCCAE before leaving the UAE.
• An endorsed veterinary health certificate from authorities in the departure country.

Can My Pet Travel with Me on the Aeroplane?

Currently, Etihad Airways is the only airline in the UAE that permits small cats, dogs, and falcons to travel in the cabin. Trained service dogs of all breeds and sizes are also allowed on board if they possess official certification from recognized organizations.

To utilize this service, travelers must meet specific eligibility criteria:

• Pets must be at least 16 weeks old and weigh up to 8kg, including the carrier.
• Pets are allowed in their carriers in both Economy and Business classes.
• Travelers must be at least 18 years old.
• Passengers cannot occupy exit rows or bulkhead seats.

Pet Carrier Requirements: The carrier must fit under the seat, with maximum dimensions of 40 x 40 x 22cm or 50 x 43 x 50cm for an extra seat. It must be ventilated on at least three sides, spacious enough for the pet to move around, escape-proof, and lined with absorbent material.

Cost: While the standard fee for this service is $1,500 (Dh5,508), Etihad Airways has temporarily reduced the fee to $399 (Dh1,465) until May 31, separate from the seat ticket cost.

Booking: Reservations must be made at least seven days before the flight by submitting a booking form through the airline’s website. For flights into Abu Dhabi, a release permit and a UAE health certificate signed by a government-accredited health official in the departure country are required.

What Are the Banned Dog Breeds in the UAE?

According to UAE law, the following dog breeds are prohibited from being brought into the country, except for those serving as service or emotional support animals:

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• American Bully
• Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero)
• Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino)
• Tibetan Mastiff
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux)
• Boerboel
• Bullmastiff
• Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff)
• Bully Kutta (Alangu Mastiff, Indian Mastiff)
• Perro De Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)
• Japanese Tosa
• Presa Canario

For further details, visit the official source: www.emirates247.com.

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Published on 2026-04-29 11:12:00 • By the Editorial Desk