Pet Relocation in the UAE

Permanently moving to a new country—and the immigration process that goes along with it—entails many moving parts and unknown factors. One of the most important arrangements some families must make surrounds relocating their beloved pets.

Though seemingly minor, the process of properly relocating pets can be tricky. If any small detail is missed, the immigration process for those making a permanent move can become more complex.

This blog provides clarity on the requirements for properly relocating pets to the United Arab Emirates.

Is your pet allowed to relocate to the UAE?

One of the first items pet owners (dog owners specifically) should consider when planning a permanent relocation to the UAE is whether the pet is allowed to relocate in the first place.

The UAE prohibits several dog breeds, listed below, from relocating. Exceptions to this list apply to any breed used for medical purposes or designated as a service or emotional support animal.  

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

Travelling to the UAE

Many airlines now allow pets to be transported in the aircraft’s main cabin, subject to the total dimensions of the pet and pet carrier. However, when relocating pets to the UAE, they must be transported as cargo as opposed to in the main cabin. Shipping must follow IATA conditions for pet animal transport. Cages and pet carriers must meet the IATA requirements, or the pet will not be permitted to travel.

Always check directly with the specific airline in the event it has any additional requirements, as pets may be required to travel on an earlier or later flight to accommodate passenger numbers.

The season of travel (along with any severe weather considerations) may also be an important factor when relocating pets. If pets are sensitive to warmer temperatures, consider planning relocation outside of the summer months.

Additional logistics to consider when preparing for relocation with pets

Each traveller may bring a maximum of two pets per year when relocating to the UAE. Each pet must have an import permit before travel to the UAE begins.

The permit is only valid for 30 days, making it mandatory for travel plans to fall within this timeframe. Apply for the import licence via the government’s website here.

Two different fees are associated with the import licence, including the fee for the permission request for the import per animal and the fee to request release upon arrival to the UAE. Details regarding these fees are below:

• 200 AED: Request permission to import cats and dogs (per animal)
• 500 AED: Request to release dogs (per animal)
• 250 AED: Request to release cats (per animal)

Finally, upon entering the UAE, there are currently no quarantine requirements for pets. The pet owner must be in the UAE to collect their pet in person.

Documentation requirements for pets

• An import permit before importation, issued through the MOCCAE website (30-day validity);
• An authorised health certificate issued from the competent veterinary authorities. The number on the health certificate must match the implanted microchip on the pet; and
• A vaccination document or passport detailing the animal’s microchip number, vaccination status (including name, manufacturing company, batch number and date), and full description of the pet (including species, colour, sex and date of birth).
  • Required vaccinations for dogs include Rabies, Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Parvo Virus, Infectious Canine Hepatitis and Leptospirosis.
  • Required vaccinations for cats include Rabies, Feline Pan Leukcopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis and Feline Calicivirus.

Pet relocation support services

Pet relocation services can offer support throughout the broader relocation process. These services assist with all elements of the process, including applying for the required permits, making flight arrangements and issuing relevant documents.

While engaging a professional service does add costs to overall relocation payments, these services manage the process from end to end, and, in some cases, provide a door-to-door service to help provide peace of mind when transporting pets to the UAE.

Accommodation in the UAE upon arrival

Considering pet allowances is imperative when planning accommodations for arrival in the UAE. Whether the anticipated accommodation stay is for the short- or long-term, pet-friendly requirements are crucial to confirm in advance. There are several hotels, restaurants and pet-friendly communities throughout the UAE, and it would be best to confirm with the relevant accommodation before solidifying travel plans.

Need to know more?

The requirements for any pet relocation are subject to change, and it is recommended to confirm requirements with all agencies and airlines to ensure proper preparedness for pet relocation. For further information on the UAE’s pet relocation requirements, please contact Assistant Manager Tanya Loughran at [email protected].

This blog was published on 7 December 2023. Due to current circumstances, there are frequent legislative changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 site, subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.