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Are you planning to move to the UAE with your furry (or feathered, or scaly) friend? For many expats, bringing their pets is an important part of planning their relocation. But here's the thing - moving to the UAE with a pet requires more than just a kennel box and a ticket. You’ll need to navigate import permits, veterinary requirements, and a variety of essential documents to ensure a smooth journey for your Pet.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about relocating to the UAE with your pet. From the permits required to the paperwork you can’t miss, we’ve got you covered with practical tips to make the big move stress-free! Let’s get into it
1) Are you allowed to bring Pets to the UAE?
2) How to get an import Permit for your Pet
3) Documents required to apply for a Pet Import Permit
4) Airline Travel Requirements
5) Restricted Breeds and Pet Import Rules
6) Customs Clearance for Pets in the UAE
Naturally, the first thing you’ll ask yourself when thinking of moving to to the UAE is if you can bring your pet with you at all.
Yes! The UAE is pet-friendly, and you’re allowed to bring your pets into the country under certain conditions. There’s regulations in place to protect the health and safety of both your pet and the local ecosystem - So it’s important to know all the requirements ahead of time.
Pets are typically imported into the UAE as non-commercial shipments, meaning the import is for personal use only (i.e., not for sale) - And the UAE allows you to bring:
Before your pet can accompany you to the UAE, you’ll need to apply for an Import Permit, which is your ticket to entering the UAE with an animal. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) oversees pet imports in the UAE and enforces regulations to ensure pets and local animals remain healthy.
An import permit is a mandatory document that grants permission for pets to enter the UAE. Without this permit, your pet will not be allowed through customs, and their entry could be delayed (or worse, denied).
There’s two ways you can get your Pet’s Import Permit - Submitting your application online or using the help of a relocation agency. An experienced agent can simplify the process by handling everything, from import permits and health certificates to flight bookings and getting customs clearance; making sure no mistakes are made and that your per arrives in their new home safe and sound.
We partner with an amazing Pet Relocation Team who can handle the end to end process for you. Contact us to get a quote if you need help with relocating your pet.
Typically, the import permit costs AED 500–AED 1,500 depending on the type of pet and additional lab testing required. This fee must be paid when applying for the permit.
Most import permits are issued within 3–5 working days, but it’s advisable to apply at least 2–4 weeks before your travel date to allow for contingencies.
The process of getting an import permit requires gathering and submitting several essential documents. Here’s what you’ll need:
Once you’ve secured your pet's import permit, it’s time to think about how they’ll be traveling. Most international airlines allow pet travel, but you'll need to adhere to their specific animal transportation policies.
The first thing to keep in mind is that your pet may need to travel as Cargo - If this is not something you feel comfortable with, we recommend that you speak to out Pet Relocation Agents to advise you on potential alternatives for your move.
✔ Pet Reservation:Inform the airline in advance about your pet. Airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways allow pets to travel as cargo or excess baggage, depending on the size and weight of the animal.
✔ Travel Crate:Ensure your pet is secured in an International Air Transport Association (IATA)-compliant crate, which is safe and comfortable for them to travel in.
✔ Travel Health Certificate:This document (issued within 10 days of travel) must include all microchip, vaccination, and rabies titer test details. Airlines will require this at check-in.
✔ Airline Costs:
Pet transportation costs vary widely based on the airline, the size of the animal, and the travel destination. But you can expect to pay anywhere from AED 1,500–AED 8,000 for pet cargo services.
If you’re relocating with a dog, it’s crucial to know that certain breeds are not permitted entry into the UAE due to safety regulations.
If your pet falls into one of these categories, importation won’t be allowed. Always double-check with MOCCAE or a Pet Relocation Agent to confirm whether your pet’s breed is allowed entry.
Once you arrive in the UAE with your pet, you’ll also need to clear Customs - here’s usually the process:
Each person is allowed to import up to two pets per year (this can be two cats, two dogs, or one of each). It’s also important to note that each animal needs its own Import Permit.
Import permits are typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Yes, you can import other small pets, but these may require additional permits and veterinary tests (e.g., for exotic species).
In a nutshell, the most important step for moving your pet to the UAE is Getting your Import Permit and ensuring your pet meets all health and vaccination requirements.
If you need help with the process, you can reach out to our team below to speak with a relocation expert and get support with organising a smooth move for you and your pet.
