1 · Microchip + rabies first
Your pet needs an ISO-standard microchip implanted before its rabies vaccination, and the rabies shot must be current with the right timing window before travel. Sequence matters — a shot before the chip can be rejected.
Relocation guide
Bringing pets to Dubai
Relocating with a cat or dog is very doable — but it's a timing-sensitive paperwork chain, not a same-week job. Here's the sequence (microchip, rabies, import permit, health certificate), what arrival looks like, and the breed + species rules to check first.
The import sequence
2 · Apply for the import permit
An import permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MOCCAE) is required before the pet travels. It is applied for online and is time-limited, so time it close to the travel date.
3 · Vet health certificate
A government-endorsed veterinary health certificate from the origin country, issued close to departure, confirming the pet is fit to fly and vaccinations are in order.
4 · Book IATA-compliant transport
Pets fly as manifest cargo (most carriers) in an IATA-compliant crate. Many owners use a specialist pet-relocation agent to handle airline booking + clearance.
5 · Arrival + clearance
On arrival the pet clears at the airport against the permit + paperwork. With documents in order there is generally no extended quarantine — clearance is same-day. Errors in paperwork are what cause hold-ups.
Rules that catch owners out
Restricted + banned breeds
Certain dog breeds (commonly several guarding/fighting types) are banned or restricted from import. Check your specific breed against the current MOCCAE list before committing to the move.
Number of pets per permit
There are limits on how many animals an individual can import in a period. Multi-pet households should confirm the allowance and plan permits accordingly.
Species beyond cats + dogs
Birds, reptiles and other species have their own (often stricter) rules and may need CITES paperwork. The standard process here covers cats + dogs.
Origin-country rabies status
Requirements (e.g. rabies-titre blood test timing) vary by whether the origin country is rabies-controlled. Confirm what applies to your departure country.
Four realities to plan around
Sequence + timing are everything
Microchip → rabies → titre (if needed) → permit → health certificate each has a timing window. Start months ahead; a mistimed step is the most common cause of a delayed pet.
Check your breed before you plan
A banned or restricted breed can derail the whole move. Confirm against the current import list before booking anything.
A relocation agent is often worth it
Specialist pet-relocation agents handle permit, IATA crate, airline cargo booking and airport clearance. For a stressful, paperwork-heavy process many owners find it pays for itself.
This is general guidance — verify current rules
Import requirements change. Confirm the live MOCCAE requirements (and your airline's pet policy) close to travel; this guide only frames the process.