Expatriation calls for faultless organisation, especially when it comes to transferring your pet to Dubai without risking refusal of entry. This practical guide explains the health and administrative requirements so that you can validate each stage of local regulations. Master the subtleties of import permits now to ensure a safe journey for your faithful partner.
Administrative and health preparations: an obstacle course?
Book a flight? That's the easy part. The real challenge is the paperwork. Taking your partner to Dubai requires military precision. Forget total improvisation here, anticipation is your only ally against denied boarding.
Identification and vaccines: the foundations of your dossier
It all starts with the microchip. Make sure that 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 the injections. The rabies vaccine is non-negotiable and must be at least 21 days old. For dogs, distemper and hepatitis are required. Cats must be protected against typhus and coryza.
The Justice of the Peace will be the anti-rabies serum titration. This blood test confirms that the vaccine has worked. It is essential to go to an approved laboratory, otherwise the result will be rejected.
The MOCCAE import permit: the key to Dubai
Your file is based on the import permit. This is the MOCCAE, the local ministry that issues this official document.
Applications are made entirely online via MOCCAE portal. Please note that this paper has a ridiculous 30-day lifespan. So you need to launch the application at the right time, not too early and not too late.
L’obtaining this document requires the immediate submission of a complete file containing a number of essential supporting documents to prove your animal's health compliance.
- clear copy of your passport and residence visa
- Le complete and up-to-date vaccination record of the animal.
- Le unique identification microchip number.
- Le official certificate of rabies serum titration results.
Transporting your pet: forget the cabin, think cargo
Once the paperwork has been dealt with, the real question of travel arises. And then the rules in Dubai are very different of those on European flights.
Cargo travel: the only option (or almost the only option)
Let's be straightforward: your dog or cat will not travel with you in the cabin. Importing into Dubai requires a cargo transport, also known as manifest freight.
Don't panic, the hold is pressurised, ventilated and heated. Your pet must be in a sturdy, fairly large IATA-approved cage so that it can stand up and turn around easily.
The only small exception is the falcons, which are emblematic of the region. For all the others, it's the hold.
Prohibited dog breeds and travel partners
There is a total blockage point for certain breeds of dog deemed to be dangerous. If your dog is on this list, importing is simply impossible.
| Breeds banned from import | 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 MOCCAE before taking any action. | |
For transport, contact airlines with recognised expertise such as Emirates SkyCargo. Many expats choose to go through a pet relocation agency, which handles all the logistics.
Preparing for this move is a mental load. It's just one step among many, in the same way as looking after your own health insurance in Dubai, Another aspect of your expatriation.
The final stages and life on site: what awaits you on arrival
The permit is obtained, the flight is booked. The finish line is near, but this last administrative sprint is the most intense and tolerates no mistakes.
The final sprint before departure: last-minute documents
Le the international health certificate is your absolute passport. It must be issued by your veterinary surgeon just before departure, generally within 10 days of the flight. This is a firm deadline.
However, this document alone is not enough to travel. It must be endorsed and stamped by your country's official veterinary services, such as the DDPP in France. Without this official seal, the file is invalid.
Just before you go to the airport, make sure you have the complete bag to avoid a catastrophic denied boarding at the last second.
- Checklist of documents for the big day:
- MOCCAE import permit (print).
- Pet's original passport with all vaccinations up to date.
- Official International Health Certificate, signed and stamped.
- Air freight booking confirmation.
Arriving in Dubai and settling in with your partner
On arrival, your pet will be directed to the customs clearance centre. An official veterinarian will inspect your pet and check that all your documents are in order. This is the’final validation stage before discharge.
Once the green light is given, you can pick it up. But that's not all. You need to compulsory registration with Dubai Municipality without wasting any time.
The Emirates are becoming increasingly strict on the animal ownership rules. For more tips on expatriation, take a look at our blog.
L’Expatriating your pet to Dubai requires absolute rigour, from vaccinations to cargo transport. Anticipation is the key to obtaining the MOCCAE permit and avoid administrative blockages. Careful preparation ensures a smooth transition, enabling your companion to integrate smoothly in the Emirates.
FAQ Pets in Dubai
Is it possible to expatriate to Dubai with your pet?
Yes, expatriation with a dog or a cat is entirely possible, but it's not always easy. strictly supervised by the Ministry for Climate Change and the 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. Note that imports are limited to two pets per person per year.
Does Emirates accept 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 the Emirates SkyCargo as manifest cargo. The animals travel in a pressurised, air-conditioned hold, guaranteeing their safety in accordance with IATA standards.
Are there any restrictions on the breeds of dog allowed in Dubai?
Absolutely. The United Arab Emirates strictly prohibit the import of certain breeds deemed dangerous. The list includes Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Argentine Mastiffs and Fila Brasileiro. Before taking any action, check the official MOCCAE list, as any prohibited animal will be confiscated or returned at your expense.
Which airlines should I choose for travel to the Emirates?
The majority of flights to the Emirates require the Cargo transport (air freight) and not as accompanied baggage. We recommend using airlines with recognised 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 animal welfare conditions during the flight.
What is the average cost of bringing a pet to Dubai?
The budget is substantial and varies according to the size of the animal and whether or not you use a relocation agency. 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, usually cost several thousand euros.
