Bringing your beloved pet into the UAE might feel overwhelming at first — between permits, paperwork, and quarantine fears, the process can seem more stressful than the move itself. But the truth is, if you understand the steps, it’s entirely manageable.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through how to import a pet into the UAE — from official requirements and hidden costs, to common mistakes and helpful relocation services. Whether you’re moving to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or beyond, this step-by-step breakdown will help you plan confidently and ensure your furry (or feathered!) companion arrives safely.
In this article, you’ll learn:
The exact step-by-step process to import a pet into the UAE
What documents and permits you need — and where to get them
How much it typically costs (including hidden fees you might miss)
Common mistakes expats make when relocating with pets — and how to avoid them
Links to official UAE government portals for permits and health requirements
A list of trusted companies that help with pet relocation to the UAE
Breed restrictions, vaccination rules, and pet import quantity limits
What to expect at the airport: customs clearance, inspections, and more
Before booking flights or packing pet supplies, it’s crucial to understand that the UAE takes animal importation seriously. These laws aren’t just red tape—they exist to protect the country’s people, animals, and ecosystems. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) enforces strict policies around pet health, documentation, and species regulation.
Whether you’re importing a dog, cat, bird, or exotic pet, requirements can differ based on the type of animal and your country of origin. You’ll need to secure a valid MOCCAE Import Permit before travel. Most pets must also have an ISO-compliant microchip, an international health certificate from a licensed vet, and proof of up-to-date vaccinations.
And here’s something many people miss: if you’re bringing multiple animals, every single one needs its own permit and complete set of documents. No shortcuts here.
This is the foundation of a smooth import process—and the biggest factor in avoiding delays, quarantine holds, or denied entry at the airport. Bringing pets into the UAE isn’t as simple as buying a plane ticket. The country has strict animal import regulations in place to ensure animal safety, prevent disease transmission, and maintain ecological balance. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is the main authority responsible for overseeing pet importation, and all animals must meet the UAE’s health, documentation, and species-specific requirements before they can legally enter the country.
Whether you’re importing a dog, cat, bird, or exotic animal, the requirements will vary depending on the animal type and country of origin. Pet owners must apply for an official MOCCAE Import Permit before traveling, and in most cases, an international health certificate, vaccination proof, and microchip registration are also required. If you’re bringing multiple animals, each one must have its own permit and paperwork.
Bringing pets into the UAE isn’t as simple as buying a plane ticket. The country has strict animal import regulations in place to ensure animal safety, prevent disease transmission, and maintain ecological balance. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is the main authority responsible for overseeing pet importation, and all animals must meet the UAE’s health, documentation, and species-specific requirements before they can legally enter the country.
Whether you’re importing a dog, cat, bird, or exotic animal, the requirements will vary depending on the animal type and country of origin. Pet owners must apply for an official MOCCAE Import Permit before traveling, and in most cases, an international health certificate, vaccination proof, and microchip registration are also required. If you’re bringing multiple animals, each one must have its own permit and paperwork.
Before doing anything else, make sure your pet species and breed are not restricted. Some dog breeds (like Pit Bulls, Tosas, and Rottweilers) are banned for import, and exotic animals (like primates or certain reptiles) require special permissions. You can check the latest official list on the MOCCAE website. Additionally, you can also check our guide on what pets are legal in UAE
You’ll need an official import permit from the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). Apply online via their MOCCAE e-services portal. The cost is typically AED 200 per pet, and the permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
The application usually takes 1 to 3 working days to process. To avoid delays or rejections, make sure all submitted information matches your pet’s documents exactly — including microchip number, vaccination records, and travel itinerary. You’ll need to upload clear scans of your pet’s vaccination certificate, a recent health certificate (or vet passport), and in some cases, a photo of your pet.
Any errors or missing documents can lead to application rejection, so double-check everything before submission. If you’re unsure about any of the fields in the application, it’s best to reach out directly to MOCCAE support or consult with your local vet.
Make sure your pet is up to date on required vaccinations — this is one of the most critical steps to avoid quarantine or denial of entry. Dogs usually need rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. Cats typically need rabies and a feline combo vaccine (such as FVRCP).
To be safe, visit your local veterinarian and request a “travel clearance” appointment. They will issue a formal international health certificate and ensure that all vaccines are current and documented.
For the most accurate and up-to-date requirements, you can refer to the MOCCAE pet import regulations or contact the UAE consulate or embassy in your country. Make sure the vaccination records include the batch number, expiry date, and signature of the administering vet. All vaccines should be administered at least 21 days prior to travel but not more than 12 months old, depending on the vaccine type.
Pets arriving with incomplete, expired, or undocumented vaccines are the most likely to be flagged for quarantine or refused entry.
“I JUST came to Dubai from Canada 2 weeks ago with my dog. I mistakenly went into it without a service thinking it wouldn’t be hard — but nooo, it was just a huge headache. Flights to Dubai don’t allow ANY dogs in cabin, so I had to fly to Abu Dhabi with Etihad and take a taxi to Dubai.”
— Pet owner via Reddit (Read Full Post)
Here’s what they had to preapre:
Vaccine certificate (rabies shot + others)
Rabies titre test, done 21 days after vaccination (results take 4–6 weeks)
UAE import permit
Customs declaration for Abu Dhabi, not Dubai
Vet visit within 48 hours of flight for full health check and parasite treatment
Final CFIA approval within 48 hours of departure (Canada-specific requirement)
Flight booking with Etihad at least 7 days in advance, plus ~AED 1,500 pet fee
This story highlights how strict UAE regulations can catch pet owners off guard, especially when flying directly into Dubai.
This story highlights how strict UAE regulations can catch pet owners off guard, especially when flying directly into Dubai.
💡 Fetchway Tip: If your airline doesn’t allow in-cabin pets into Dubai, route your flight into Abu Dhabi (via Etihad) and arrange a pet taxi or private transfer to your destination.
Microchipping is mandatory. The chip must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant. You can visit your local vet to verify the chip is working and properly registered to your name. If your pet has a pet passport, the microchip number should be listed there — double-check that the number matches the scanner reading. If you’re unsure, your vet can scan and confirm. Microchip scanners are also available online, but for accuracy and peace of mind, it’s best to have a vet verify it.
Not all airlines are equally equipped for pet travel. Confirm whether your pet must arrive as manifest cargo or excess baggage — some UAE airports only allow arrivals at the cargo terminal. Always contact the airline and the receiving airport in advance to clarify pet handling procedures and avoid last-minute issues. This is also a great opportunity to look into affiliate-friendly booking platforms that cater to pet relocation.
Here are some pet-friendly airlines commonly used for importing pets into the UAE:
Recommended Departures from: UAE, UK, India, Europe
Common Pets Allowed: Dogs, Cats, Birds
Recommended Departures from: Germany, Europe
Common Pets Allowed: Dogs, Cats, Birds, Rodents
Recommended Departures from: Netherlands, Europe, US
Common Pets Allowed: Dogs, Cats, Rabbits
Recommended Departures from: Turkey, Europe, Central Asia
Common Pets Allowed: Dogs, Cats, Reptiles
Recommended Departures from: Asia-Pacific
Common Pets Allowed: Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Fish
Once the flight is booked, it’s good practice to notify the UAE’s port authorities of your pet’s arrival. This can typically be handled through your shipping agent or via contact with the airport’s veterinary services. Most healthy pets with correct documentation are released immediately, though some may undergo brief inspection or quarantine. For official contact, refer to the airport’s animal health and quarantine office listed on their website or coordinate with your pet relocation service.
Once the flight is booked, it’s good practice to notify the UAE’s port authorities of your pet’s arrival. This can typically be handled through your shipping agent or via contact with the airport’s veterinary services. Most healthy pets with correct documentation are released immediately, though some may undergo brief inspection or quarantine. For official contact, refer to the airport’s animal health and quarantine office listed on their website or coordinate with your pet relocation service.
You’ll need to pay handling fees at the arrival terminal. These can include inspection fees, documentation fees, and terminal handling charges. Expect a total of AED 300–500 depending on the airport and size of the pet.
Another option you can consider if you are not 100% confident in handling all of this by yourself is hiring a Pet Relocation Service Company. Doing so will help you avoid stress — especially if you’re dealing with multiple pets, unfamiliar paperwork, or tight travel timelines.
These services are ideal for people who:
They typically handle everything: applying for permits, arranging health checks, booking pet-friendly flights, submitting arrival notices, and ensuring smooth clearance at UAE airports. While more expensive, many expats find it well worth the cost for the convenience and assurance.
Reputable options include:
Pet Relocation Services, Pet Taxi
Pet Relocation Services, Pet Courier Services, more
Air & Road Relocation, Documentation Services, more
These recommended services can assist you with paperwork, flight booking, customs clearance, and additional relocation services.
The total cost of importing a pet into the UAE can vary widely depending on the country of departure, size of the animal, mode of transport, and whether you hire a relocation service. Some countries require additional blood tests or documentation, while others have higher airline cargo rates.
Still, to help you plan ahead, here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay:
Import permit: AED 200
Vet visit + vaccinations + health certificate: AED 300–700
Airline cargo fees: AED 1,200–3,500 (or more for large pets)
Arrival fees (inspection, handling): AED 300–500
Pet relocation service (optional): AED 1,000–3,000
Total estimated cost: AED 2,000–8,000
Whether you’re importing a dog, cat, bird, or exotic animal, the requirements will vary depending on the animal type and country of origin. Pet owners must apply for an official MOCCAE Import Permit before traveling, and in most cases, an international health certificate, vaccination proof, and microchip registration are also required. If you’re bringing multiple animals, each one must have its own permit and paperwork.
Wrong or missing paperwork – Health certificates must be valid and signed by a licensed vet.
Outdated vaccinations – All shots must be up to date with proof.
Arriving with banned breeds – Don’t assume all dogs are allowed. Always check the list.
Not informing airport staff in advance – Your pet might be held longer without prior notice.
Missing microchip or mismatched ID – The chip number must match your documents.
Ideally, start 30 to 60 days in advance. While MOCCAE permits are valid for 30 days, you’ll need time to complete vaccinations, gather documents, and book pet-friendly flights.
Yes. Each pet must have its own MOCCAE import permit, health certificate, and supporting documents.
Yes, but each animal must meet all requirements independently, and you may be subject to quantity limits depending on the species.
Your pet may be refused entry or placed in quarantine at the port of arrival. Always ensure vaccines are current and properly documented.
Some airlines allow small pets to fly in-cabin, but most pets entering the UAE must arrive as manifest cargo. Check directly with your airline for in-cabin eligibility.
Yes, especially if your pet is arriving as cargo. Notify the destination airport’s veterinary quarantine department at least 24 hours before arrival.
No. The UAE does not recognize emotional support animals as a special category. They must meet the same import rules as regular pets.
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