What Is Needed To Transport Your Pet To UAE?

What Do You Need to Transport Your Pet to the UAE?

Ensuring Safe and Stress-Free Pet Travel

Moving your pet to the UAE can be a smooth process with the right knowledge and preparation. Our expert guide covers everything you need to know, from health certifications to travel tips, ensuring your pet’s safe arrival into the UAE.

Please note that these are countries in the UAE that are categorized as a low-risk rabies:

Australia, Austria, Andorra, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland,
French Polynesia, Falkland Islands, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait,
Liechtenstein, Mauritius, Malta, Caledonia. New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, San Marino, Sweden,
Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Palau, Latvia, Albania, Croatia,
Maldives, Spain (excluding Melilla), Cyprus, Korea, Montenegro, Seychelles, Suriname, Micronesia,
Greece, Marshall Islands, Bahamas, Lithuania, Macedonia.

If your country of origin is not listed above, they are considered a high-risk rabies country.

For more information, visit here.

You should establish the classification of your origin country before starting the import process.

Important Notes on Pet Travel Timelines

What Do You Need to Transport Your Pet to the UAE?

Ensuring Safe and Stress-Free Pet Travel

Moving your pet to the UAE can be a smooth process with the right knowledge and preparation. Our expert guide covers everything you need to know, from health certifications to travel tips, ensuring your pet’s safe arrival into the UAE.

Please note that these are countries in the UAE that are categorized as a low-risk rabies:

Australia, Austria, Andorra, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland,
French Polynesia, Falkland Islands, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait,
Liechtenstein, Mauritius, Malta, Caledonia. New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, San Marino, Sweden,
Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Palau, Latvia, Albania, Croatia,
Maldives, Spain (excluding Melilla), Cyprus, Korea, Montenegro, Seychelles, Suriname, Micronesia,
Greece, Marshall Islands, Bahamas, Lithuania, Macedonia.

If your country of origin is not listed above, they are considered a high-risk rabies country.

For more information, visit here.

You should establish the classification of your origin country before starting the import process.

Important Notes on Pet Travel Timelines

What Are The Banned Breeds for Import to the UAE?

The following dog breeds, including their hybrids or crosses, are banned for import into the UAE:

Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American
Bully, Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero), Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino), Tibetan Mastiff,
Neapolitan Mastiff, French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux), Boerboel, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso
(Italian Mastiff), Bully Kutta (Alangu Mastiff, Indian Mastiff), Perro De Presa Canario (Canary
Mastiff), Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Wolf-Dog Hybrid, Japanese tosa, and Presa Canario *

*The only exceptions are in the cases of Service Animals or Documented Emotional Support Animals

Should I Keep My Pet's Original Health Documents When Moving to the UAE?

Make sure to keep all original health documents with your pet's at all times. Do not pack or take them with you—they are your pet’s “passport” for travel!

Health Requirements For Pets to Enter the UAE

Microchip

Microchip Timing: Your pet's microchip must be implanted before receiving their most recent vaccinations.

ISO-Compliant Microchip: Ensure your pet is identified with a 15-digit, ISO-compliant microchip or AVID chip (9 digit)

Regular Microchip Scans: Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet's microchip during every vet visit. Confirm the microchip is functioning, readable, and matches all medical records.

Avoid Travel Delays: If your pet's microchip is unreadable or its information is incorrect on paperwork, it could delay their travel plans.

A cat and dog sitting calmly at the vet's office, being examined before travel, symbolizing pre-travel health checks for pets.

What Vaccines Are Needed For Your Pet?

Rabies Vaccine

The rabies vaccination must be greater than 21 days old and 12 months prior to the time of entry into the UAE. This vaccine must be administered by a Government Accredited Veterinarian in the origin country.

Note: cats and dogs must be at least 12 weeks (3 months) of age at the time of the rabies vaccination.

Additional Vaccines

All pets entering the UAE MUST be vaccinated against Canine and Feline distemper in order to enter the country.

These vaccinations must be given in accordance to manufacturer guidelines and greater than 14 days old and unexpired at the time of entry into the UAE.

For Dogs:

DHPP+L: Protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Should be given within the last 6 months.

For Cats:

FVRCP: Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.

Internal & External Parasite Treatments:

Your pet should receive treatments for Internal and External Parasites within 14 days of your pets' travels to the UAE.

Treatment for internal parasites and external parasites is required. Please consult your veterinarian, who will administer the appropriate treatments based on the disease status of the country of origin

Blood Tests

If your cat or dog is coming from a high-risk rabies country, a Rabies Titre blood draw must be done no sooner than 21 days after the most recent rabies vaccination, and not more than 12 months before your pets travels to the UAE.

Document Requirements For Pet's to Enter the UAE

A white Maltese dog sitting patiently with a pet passport in the foreground, ready for an international journey, symbolizing organized and stress-free pet travel.

Import Permit

An import permit must be obtained either in person or online before your pet's arrival. If you choose to work with WorldCare Pet Transport, your Pet Relocation Counselor, along with our local team in the UAE, will handle the import permit application on your behalf. The permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

Additional Document Requirements

Health Certificate

A Government Accredited Veterinarian in the country of origin must examine your pets and complete the health certificate for export within 24 hours of your pet's intended departure.

If you decided to work with WorldCare Pet, your Pet Relocation Counselor and our team in your origin country can assist you with this.

International Fit to Fly Certificate

A Government Accredited Vet must examine your pet and complete the Fit to Fly Certificate within 10 days of your pet's intended departure.

FAQ: Moving Your Pet to the UAE

PawPrint City Guides For the UAE

Planning pet transport to the UAE? Explore our PawPrint Guide for safe, pet-friendly services, including veterinarians, boarding kennels, dog parks, pet groomers, and pet shops!

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