How We Moved Frida (a Cocker Spaniel) from Italy to the UAE

Published on February 4, 2026

Last updated: February 4, 2026

If you’re a pet parent planning a dog relocation from Italy to the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or elsewhere), the hardest part usually isn’t the flight; it’s getting the permit, vet timeline, and documents aligned so your dog can clear entry smoothly.

Here’s how we helped Frida, a sweet Cocker Spaniel, move from Italy to the United Arab Emirates, with a plan built around MOCCAE’s import rules and real-world travel logistics.

Frida’s Move Snapshot

• Pet Name: Frida
  
• Breed: Cocker Spaniel
  
• Route: Italy to UAE
• Service Type: Door-to-Door transport
• Goal: A  low-stress pet move with no last-minute surprises at check-in or on arrival

What the UAE Requires (MOCCAE) 

For most Italy to UAE moves, these are the core requirements we plan around:

1) UAE import permit

MOCCAE issues an import permit that’s valid for 90 days, and they don’t allow entry on an expired permit. They also note personal import limits (generally max 2 companion animals per person per year, with an exception for resident animals returning).

2) Microchip match across ALL paperwork

MOCCAE requires a permanent microchip, and the chip number must match what’s written on the health certificate.

3) Authorized health certificate and vaccination record

Your dog must be accompanied by:

• an authorized health certificate from a competent veterinary authority
• a vaccination record/passport that includes microchip number, pets full description, and vaccine details (name/manufacturer/batch/date).

4) Parasite treatments within 14 days

MOCCAE requires internal and external parasite prevention within 14 days prior to shipment, documented on the health certificate or passport.

5) Dog vaccines (what MOCCAE lists)

MOCCAE lists required dog vaccinations as:

• Rabies
• Canine Distemper (CDV)
• Parvovirus
• Infectious canine hepatitis
• Leptospirosis (or lab test alternative if vaccination isn’t applied in the exporting country)

Do You Need a Rabies Titer Test from Italy to the UAE?

No, because MOCCAE lists Italy among its low-risk countries.

MOCCAE’s page specifies rabies antibody titration testing is required in case of import from a high-risk country, and it outlines the 21-day waiting rule for first-time/discontinuous rabies vaccination in that context.

How We Planned Frida’s Italy to UAE Timeline 

Step 1: Building the schedule

• the import permit is issued and valid on travel day
• the 14-day parasite window is hit perfectly
• the health certificate is issued in the correct window and matches the permit and microchip

Step 2: Document alignment 

For Frida, the big focus was consistency:

• Microchip number matches across the health certificate and vaccination record
• Vaccines listed with the extra details MOCCAE expects (manufacturer, batch number, dates)

Step 3: Crate and routing planning

MOCCAE requires cats and dogs to be shipped according to IATA conditions.
So we:

• confirm correct crate sizing as well as crate training guidance
• plan routing that reduces risk (and avoids complications with transit mixing rules)

Step 4: Travel day coordination

• Paperwork check (health certificate and vaccination record)
• Ensuring the crate labels and document handling are correct
• Making sure Frida’s records clearly show parasite prevention within 14 days
• Light feeding schedule to reduce discomfort
• Plenty of exercise and potty breaks before check-in
• Familiar bedding and a worn t-shirt from home for comfort

Step 5: UAE arrival and entry

On arrival, the entry team verifies compliance by reviewing the documentation and performing a microchip scan. Because Frida’s paperwork was prepared to match MOCCAE’s checklist, clearance was smooth and less stressful for everyone. Customs clearance typically takes 3–6 hours.

After clearance, Frida was taken to her new home and reunited with her family.

Results: One Happy Dog, One Relieved Family

For Frida’s pet parents, the biggest win was peace of mind, knowing their beloved pup was safe every step of the way. Every document was carefully reviewed, every milestone was tracked and communicated, and Frida was treated with the same care and attention we’d want for our own pets.

Here’s what Frida’s pet parents had to say about their experience with us:

“Everything was perfect. From day one I have been full informed about timing, requirements and they make me confident about the long journey that Frida did from Naples to Dubai. 5 stars service!” – The Vollero Family

Quick Checklist: Moving a Dog from Italy to the UAE

• MOCCAE import permit (valid 90 days)
  
• Microchip implanted and matching on health certificate
  
• Authorized health certificate from the competent veterinary authority
  
• Vaccination record includes microchip and vaccine details (manufacturer/batch/date)
  
• Parasite prevention within 14 days documented
  
• Shipped according to IATA conditions

FAQ: Moving A Dog From Italy to the UAE

How long is the UAE pet import permit valid?

MOCCAE states the import permit is valid for 90 days from issuance.

Do I need a rabies titer test to move my dog from Italy to the UAE?

MOCCAE lists Italy as a low-risk country, and titers are described for imports from high-risk countries.

Do parasite treatments need to be done before entering the UAE?

 Yes, MOCCAE requires internal and external parasite prevention within 14 days prior to shipment, recorded in the health certificate or pet passport.

What vaccines are required for dogs entering the UAE?

MOCCAE lists rabies, CDV, parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis, and leptospirosis.

 

Planning an Italy to UAE pet relocation and want a team to manage the permit, vet timeline, crate prep, flight coordination, and arrival clearance?

Request a quote and we’ll map out the cleanest path for your pet’s move.