Moving abroad requires meticulous planning, especially when it comes to transporting your pet to Dubai without risking refusal of entry. This practical guide breaks down the health and administrative requirements so you can comply with every step of the local regulations. Learn the ins and outs of import permits now to ensure a safe journey for your faithful companion.
Administrative and health preparations: an obstacle course?
Booking a flight? That's the easy part. The real challenge is the paperwork. Taking your pet to Dubai requires military precision. Forget about improvising—here, anticipation is your only ally against being denied boarding.
Identification and vaccinations: the foundations of your file
It all starts with the microchip. Make sure it complies with ISO 11784 or 11785. If your pet has a non-compliant chip, you will need to travel with your own reader.
Let's move on to vaccinations. The rabies vaccine is non-negotiable and must have been administered at least 21 days prior to travel. For dogs, distemper and hepatitis vaccines are required. Cats must be protected against typhus and coryza.
The judge of peace will be the rabies serum titration. This blood test confirms that the vaccine has worked properly. It is essential to use an approved laboratory, otherwise the result will be rejected.
The MOCCAE import license: the key to Dubai
Your application is based on the import permit. This official document is issued by the local ministry, MOCCAE.
The application is made entirely online via the MOCCAE portal. Please note that this document has a ridiculously short lifespan of 30 days. You must therefore submit your application at the right time, neither too early nor too late.
To obtain this document, you must immediately submit a complete file containing several essential supporting documents to prove that your animal complies with health requirements.
- clear copy of your passport and residence visa
- The animal's complete and up-to-date vaccination record.
- The unique number of the identification microchip.
- The official certificate of the results of the rabies serum titration.
Transporting your pet: forget the cabin, consider cargo
Once the paperwork has been completed, the practical question of travel arises. And here, Dubai's rules are very different from those for European flights.
Traveling by cargo ship: the only option (or almost)
Let's be clear: your dog or cat will not be traveling with you in the cabin. Importing animals into Dubai requires transport by cargo, also known as manifest freight.
Don't panic, the cargo hold is pressurized, ventilated, and heated. Your pet must be in an IATA-approved cage that is sturdy and large enough for it to stand up and turn around without difficulty.
The only small exception is for falcons, which are emblematic of the region. For all others, it's the cargo hold.
Prohibited dog breeds and travel partners
There is a total ban on certain breeds of dogs that are considered dangerous. If your dog is on this list, importing it is simply impossible.
| Breeds prohibited from importation | Restricted breeds – import subject to conditions |
|---|---|
| Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasileiro), Argentine Mastiff (Dogo Argentino). | Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Mastiff (all varieties), Boxer. |
| This list is subject to change. Always check the latest regulations with the MOCCAE before taking any action. | |
For transportation, contact companies with recognized expertise such as Emirates SkyCargo. Many expatriates choose to use a pet relocation agency that handles all the logistics.
Preparing for this move is a mental burden. It is one step among many, just like taking care of your own health insurance in Dubai, another aspect of your expatriation.
The final stages and life on site: what to expect upon arrival
The permit has been obtained, the flight has been booked. The finish line is near, but this final administrative sprint is the most intense and leaves no room for error.
The final sprint before departure: last-minute documents
The international health certificate is your passport. It must be issued by your veterinarian just before departure, generally within 10 days of the flight. This is a strict deadline.
However, this document alone is not sufficient for travel. It must be signed and stamped by the official veterinary services in your country, such as the DDPP in France. Without this official seal, the file is invalid.
Just before heading to the airport, make sure you have the complete envelope to avoid a catastrophic last-minute denied boarding.
- Checklist of documents for the big day:
- MOCCAE import permit (printed).
- Original pet passport with all vaccinations up to date.
- Official international health certificate, signed and stamped.
- Air freight booking confirmation.
Arriving in Dubai and integrating your companion
Upon arrival, your pet will be directed to the customs clearance center. An official veterinarian will inspect your pet and check that all your documents are in order. This isthe final validation step before departure.
Once you get the green light, you can pick it up. But that's not all. You must register it with the Dubai municipality without delay.
The Emirates are becoming increasingly strict about pet ownership rules. For more tips on expatriation, feel free to check out our blog.
Moving your pet to Dubai requires absolute rigor, from vaccinations to cargo transport. Planning ahead is key to obtaining the MOCCAE permit and avoiding any administrative delays. Careful preparation ensures a smooth transition, allowing your companion to settle into life in the Emirates with ease.
FAQ Pets in Dubai
Is it possible to move to Dubai with your pet?
Yes, it is entirely possible to move abroad with a dog or cat, but it is strictly regulated by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). You must obtain a valid import permit, comply with the vaccination protocol (particularly for rabies), and identify the animal with a compliant microchip. Please note that imports are limited to two pets per person per year.
Does Emirates allow pets in the cabin?
No, Emirates does not generally allow pets in the cabin, with the exception of falcons and guide dogs for the visually impaired. Dogs and cats must be transported via Emirates SkyCargo as manifest cargo. Animals travel in a pressurized and air-conditioned cargo hold, ensuring their safety in accordance with IATA standards.
Are there any restrictions on the breeds of dogs allowed in Dubai?
Absolutely. The United Arab Emirates strictly prohibits the importation of certain breeds deemed dangerous. This list includes Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Argentine Dogos, and Fila Brasileiro. Before taking any steps, check the official MOCCAE list, as any prohibited animal will be confiscated or returned at your expense.
Which airlines should you choose for travel to the Emirates?
Most flights to the Emirates require transport by cargo (air freight) rather than as accompanied baggage. It is recommended to use companies with recognized expertise in transporting live animals, such as Emirates SkyCargo or Air France-KLM Cargo. These operators are familiar with the specific requirements of the destination and the conditions for animal welfare during the flight.
What is the average cost of bringing an animal to Dubai?
The budget is substantial and varies depending on the size of the animal and whether or not a relocation agency is used. Costs include the import permit (approximately AED 100 to 200), veterinary fees (vaccinations, serum titration), the IATA cage, and air freight calculated by volumetric weight. For a complete service including customs clearance, you can generally expect to pay several thousand euros.
