Relocating to Dubai with your pet is certainly an exciting adventure, but before you pack your furry (or feathery!) friend’s travel crate, there’s one crucial task you can’t skip: ensuring their vaccinations are up-to-date and securing the required Health Certificate. Dubai takes pet health and safety seriously, so understanding the vaccination and certification requirements is essential for a smooth transition to the UAE.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the mandatory vaccinations for pets entering Dubai, details about the Pet Health Certificate, and everything else you need to know to make your pet’s move as seamless as possible.
1) Why Pet vaccinations are important when moving to Dubai
2) Which vaccinations your Pets need
3) The Rabies Titer Test
4) Pet Health Certificate
5) The costs of vaccinations and certificates
Dubai's pet import regulations are in place to protect not only your pet but also local animals and the environment from potential diseases. The government requires pets to have certain vaccinations to ensure they’re fit for travel and free from diseases that could put other animals (or humans) at risk.
Here’s why staying on top of your pet’s vaccinations is non-negotiable:
The UAE government has clear requirements for pet vaccinations, which vary slightly based on the type of animal you’re bringing. Your veterinarian must provide an official vaccination record or pet passport listing all administered vaccines.
Below is a breakdown of the required vaccines for cats and dogs.
All dogs entering the UAE must be vaccinated for the following diseases:
These vaccines must be administered at least 21 days before travel if your dog is receiving them for the first time or if the previous vaccinations have expired.
For your feline travel companions, the following vaccinations are required:
Like for dogs, the vaccines must be administered at least 21 days before travel.
If you’re bringing a pet from a rabies-controlled or "high-risk" country, your dog or cat may also need to pass a Rabies Titer Test. This test measures antibody levels to ensure vaccination effectiveness (we’ll cover this in detail below)
For birds, rabbits, or exotic pets, contact the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) for species-specific requirements.
If your pet is traveling from a country that’s not on the UAE’s “rabies-free” list, they’ll need to undergo a Rabies Antibody Titer Test (often called the FAVN test).
The Titer Test measures the level of antibodies in your pet’s blood to confirm their vaccination against rabies is effective.
A licensed veterinarian will draw a blood sample and send it to an approved laboratory for testing. The lab must certify that your pet’s antibody levels meet UAE standards (at least 0.5 IU/ml).
The test must be conducted at least 90 days before travel to confirm immunity. Some approved labs include EU-based laboratories or internationally recognized ones like IDEXX.
In addition to vaccinations, you’ll need to secure a Pet Health Certificate to travel with your pet. This certificate is mandatory for entering Dubai and serves as official proof that your pet is healthy, disease-free, and fit for travel.
It’s an official document issued by a licensed veterinarian in your home country, certifying that your pet meets all the health and vaccination requirements for entering Dubai.
The process for obtaining the certificate involves a series of steps - Here’s a breakdown:
While costs vary based on your home country and vet clinic, here’s what you can generally expect:
To help you stay organized, here’s a clear checklist to follow before your move:
No. UAE regulations require vaccinations for all pets entering the country, regardless of where they’ll be housed.
Attestation may not be necessary for certain countries. However, reach out to the UAE Ministry or your vet to confirm requirements based on your location. You can also contact us to get help from a Pet Relocation Agent.
As long as your pet’s vaccinations were administered within the past 12 months, and the documentation is valid, re-vaccination isn’t required.
All in all, vaccinations and health certifications are non-negotiable when you’re planning to bring your pet to Dubai, but the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the required vaccines (especially rabies!) and working closely with a trusted vet, you can ensure your pet’s journey is smooth and stress-free.
Once you’ve sorted the paperwork, you can spend more time focusing on what matters—helping your furry friend settle into their exciting new UAE adventure!
Need expert guidance? Get in touch with our pet relocation specialists or check out our UAE Import Permit Guide for a complete rundown on simplifying your pet’s paperwork process.
