United Arab Emirates – Importing a Pet

Does the UAE allow pets to be imported, and are there restrictions on which animals are permitted?

The UAE permits the legal import of domestic pets — principally cats and dogs — provided all conditions are satisfied. In limited circumstances, small non-dangerous bird species may also be brought in, though these too require advance approval and supporting documentation. Wild and exotic animals — including big cats, wolves, and primates — are categorically banned as pets under UAE wildlife protection legislation.

There are no restrictions on domestic cat breeds, but wild exotic felines such as servals or caracals are not permitted. Owners of Bengal or Serval cats wishing to import them must supply a pedigree certificate documenting five generations of lineage. This requirement is uncommon compared with most other countries, so anyone with a hybrid breed should review MOCCAE guidance with particular care before finalising any travel arrangements.

The UAE enforces breed-specific legislation and prohibits the import of certain powerful dog breeds. The following breeds, mixed breeds, and their crosses are banned from entry: 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), and Perro De Presa Canario. Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and Japanese Tosa dogs are also referenced in UAE federal law as dangerous breeds subject to import controls — consult the MOCCAE website for the definitive and current list.

Any attempt to bring in a prohibited breed will result in the dog being turned away at the border, and the owner will bear the full cost of returning the animal to its country of origin without delay. Border officials have the final word and routinely make assessments by visual inspection alone. A dog exhibiting the broad skull, powerful frame, or stocky profile associated with Pit Bull-type breeds may be flagged regardless of what its paperwork states.

For service dogs, emotional support dogs, or medically necessary dogs only, the following additional documents are required: a certified statement from a recognised training facility confirming that the dog has been trained for the relevant purpose, endorsed by the appropriate authority in the country of origin; a medical report from the owner’s doctor substantiating the need for the animal; and a written undertaking from the owner not to transfer ownership, abandon, or breed the dog.

What vaccinations and health requirements do pets need before entering the UAE?

MOCCAE categorises all countries as either low risk or high risk for rabies. Nations designated as low risk include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and others. Any country not appearing on the official low-risk list is automatically treated as high risk. Because this classification has a direct bearing on the documentation your pet will need, you should confirm your country’s status on the MOCCAE website before beginning the import process.

Dogs must be vaccinated against Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, and Leptospirosis. Cats must receive vaccinations covering Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP). All vaccines must be given at least 21 days before travel but no more than 12 months before the intended arrival date.

A rabies vaccination must be administered no fewer than 21 days before entry into the UAE. Where a booster rabies vaccine is given before the previous one has expired, however, the 21-day waiting period does not need to be observed again. The pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. The minimum age for an imported pet from a low-risk country is 12 weeks; the minimum for a pet from a high-risk country is 15 weeks.

For pets travelling from countries not classified as rabies-controlled, a Rabies Serum Neutralisation Test (RSNT) is compulsory. This test confirms that the rabies vaccine has produced sufficient protective immunity, with the minimum acceptable antibody titre set at 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be carried out by an internationally recognised laboratory, must be performed at least 21 days after vaccination, and must be completed between 3 and 12 months before travel.

Both dogs and cats must receive treatment for internal and external parasites within 14 days of departure. Fipronil is the recommended active ingredient for external parasite treatment; Praziquantel is recommended for internal parasites. All treatments must be recorded on the health certificate. Vaccination records must include the vaccine manufacturer’s name, the batch number, and the attending vet’s signature.

Dogs and cats must arrive in the UAE accompanied by an original health certificate issued within 5 days of departure, endorsed by a government veterinarian. As of 2025, always verify these timeframes with MOCCAE or your national veterinary authority before travelling, since requirements are subject to revision.

What is the application process for importing a pet into the UAE, and what paperwork is required?

Every step of the pet import process must be completed in the country of origin and must be carried out in the correct sequence. Beginning preparations well in advance — ideally four to six months before your intended departure — is strongly recommended to allow sufficient time for titer testing and permit processing. The steps below reflect MOCCAE guidance and established pet relocation practice as of 2025; always check the current requirements on the MOCCAE website before proceeding.

1. Determine your country’s rabies classification. Establish whether your origin country is low risk or high risk for rabies before taking any other steps, as this dictates whether a rabies titer test will be needed.
2. Microchip your pet. Every dog and cat entering the UAE must carry a microchip. An ISO-standard chip is recommended. The microchip number must appear on all accompanying documents — vaccination records, health certificate, and so on.
3. Vaccinate your pet. Administer all required vaccines (rabies plus the relevant core vaccines for dogs or cats) at least 21 days before travel, in accordance with the vaccination requirements outlined above.
4. Arrange a rabies titer test if required. For pets from high-risk rabies countries, a Rabies Titer Test certificate from an accredited laboratory in the exporting country must be obtained. The certificate must state the date of sampling, the date and method of testing, and confirm that the sample was collected at least 21 days after the rabies vaccination.
5. Apply for a MOCCAE import permit. Before your pet arrives, you must obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, either online or in person. A fee is charged per permit, and up to two pets may be included on a single permit. The permit remains valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Check the MOCCAE website for the current fee, as figures vary between sources. Processing typically takes a couple of working days.
6. Obtain a government-endorsed health certificate. A government-accredited veterinarian in your country of origin must examine your pet and complete an export health certificate. This document must be issued within 5 days of departure (or 10 days for certain countries, by arrangement with MOCCAE).
7. Assemble all supporting documentation. Your pet’s vaccination record or pet passport should display the microchip number, a description of the animal (species, colour, sex, date of birth), vaccine name, manufacturer, batch number, and vaccination date. A declaration signed by the owner confirming that the animal is a genuine personal pet with no commercial, gifting, or breeding purpose is also required.
8. Book appropriate transport. Confirm airline and cargo arrangements (refer to the additional rules section below) and ensure your pet’s travel crate meets IATA specifications.
9. Clear veterinary inspection on arrival. Before your pet is released, it will be examined at the port of entry to verify compliance with all import conditions. Keep all original documents — health certificate, import permit, vaccination records, and titer test results where applicable — readily accessible throughout the process.

Does the UAE require pets to undergo quarantine on arrival?

Mandatory quarantine does not apply in the UAE — provided the arriving pet carries all required documentation and has received all specified veterinary treatments as stipulated by MOCCAE. This places the UAE in a more straightforward category than destinations such as Australia or New Zealand, where every incoming pet must spend up to 10 days in a government-approved quarantine facility regardless of paperwork status. In the UAE, meeting the documentation requirements effectively substitutes for quarantine.

Assuming the pet appears healthy on arrival and all paperwork is in order, there is no quarantine period to serve. The customs clearance process can, however, take several hours. Engaging a customs broker typically helps to prevent delays caused by missing documents or incomplete health information at the point of arrival.

The most common reason for a pet to be held on arrival or refused entry is incomplete, expired, or improperly documented vaccination records. Should your pet be detained due to a paperwork problem, any resulting boarding, retesting, or return shipping costs will be entirely your responsibility. Ensuring the documentation is accurate and complete before departure is therefore both a regulatory obligation and a sound financial precaution.

Is the UAE part of any international pet travel scheme?

The UAE does not participate in the EU Pet Travel Scheme or any comparable multilateral pet travel arrangement. Unlike movement between EU member states — where a standardised pet passport issued by an accredited veterinarian facilitates entry — no such scheme exists that would simplify bringing a pet into the UAE from a participating country. Every animal entering the UAE must go through the full MOCCAE import permit process, regardless of where it is travelling from.

Gaining entry to the UAE with a pet requires a valid import permit issued by MOCCAE. The permit typically takes a couple of working days to process. This permit, together with an officially endorsed health certificate and complete vaccination documentation, constitutes the formal import authorisation. No shortcut arrangement exists for owners travelling from countries that operate their own pet passport or travel scheme.

Owners relocating from EU member states should be aware that a European pet passport carries no formal status at UAE ports of entry. A fresh UAE import permit and a newly issued, government-endorsed health certificate are always required. That said, the UAE’s country-of-origin rabies risk classification does mean that pet owners from countries with well-established veterinary infrastructure will generally face a lighter set of requirements, with no rabies titer test needed if the country of origin appears on the UAE’s low-risk list.

Do pet owners need to register or licence their pet after arriving in the UAE?

Registration of all dogs and cats with the local municipality is compulsory and must be completed within 30 days of arrival. Proof of vaccination and microchip details will be required. Because registration procedures differ between emirates, owners should familiarise themselves with the specific rules applicable to the emirate in which they intend to live.

In Dubai, pet registration is obligatory for all cats and dogs and requires both a valid microchip and up-to-date vaccinations linked to the owner’s Emirates ID. Registration can be completed at approved veterinary clinics or through an online portal, after which Dubai Municipality issues an official pet ID tag. Annual licence renewal is required, and keeping records current supports both legal compliance and the swift return of a lost animal.

Abu Dhabi operates a comparable system, though it is structured around annual renewals via its Animal Ownership portal rather than an initial registration fee. Only UAE residents holding a valid Emirates ID are eligible to register pets, making it important for new arrivals to obtain their Emirates ID as a priority during the settling-in period.

Pet owners who fail to register their animals face the risk of fines and potential confiscation. In Dubai, a fine ranging from AED 150 to AED 500 applies for a first offence. Registration fees at government facilities are generally modest; as of 2025, the Abu Dhabi Relocation Office cited an import permit cost of AED 200 per pet for dogs and cats. For current registration fees in each emirate, consult Dubai Municipality directly at dm.gov.ae or the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority at adafsa.gov.ae.

Dogs must be kept on a leash in all public spaces without exception. If a dog’s breed appears on the restricted list, it must also wear a muzzle. Certain areas of the UAE prohibit dog walking altogether, so it is worth identifying designated dog-walking zones in your neighbourhood before your pet arrives.

Are there any additional rules or costs expats should be aware of when bringing a pet to the UAE?

All dogs and cats must enter the UAE as manifest cargo. Travelling as manifest cargo means the pet is treated as an unaccompanied freight shipment — even if the owner is on the same flight, the animal journeys separately. Pets travelling in this way begin their trip at the cargo facility of the departure airport and will only be released at the destination once all customs and import formalities have been completed, a process that may take several hours.

All pets entering the UAE must arrive as manifest (air) cargo, with one exception: flights operated by Etihad Airways into Abu Dhabi permit small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin. For arrivals at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, smaller pets may be eligible for in-cabin travel on Etihad Airways, provided they do not exceed 8 kg and the carrier fits within dimensions of 16×16×9 inches when stored under the seat in front.

Each individual is permitted to import a maximum of two companion animals per year, except for resident pets returning to the country. In some circumstances, an agent may be able to arrange an increase to five animals — but this should be confirmed directly with MOCCAE, as the rules are subject to change.

Where the travel itinerary includes a layover, an attestation form must be completed confirming that the pet had no contact with other animals during the stopover. This is an important logistical point to factor in when booking connecting flights.

The total cost of importing a pet to the UAE can be substantial. Shipping a pet to the UAE may cost USD 2,000 or more depending on the route and specific requirements. This typically covers cargo fees, customs broker charges, MOCCAE veterinary inspection fees, and any titer testing expenses. MOCCAE veterinary inspection fees, as cited by one Dubai-based clearance agency, were AED 253 per cat and AED 503 per dog at the time of writing — however, these figures should be confirmed on the MOCCAE website, as they may be updated.

The penalties for breaching pet import regulations are severe: fines for importing prohibited or wild animals range from AED 10,000 to AED 700,000, with a custodial sentence of up to six months for the most serious violations. Non-compliance with standard import rules can attract a fine of AED 5,000 per animal.

The UAE’s extreme summer temperatures — which frequently exceed 40°C — present a significant welfare concern for imported pets. Owners should acclimatise their animals gradually, restrict outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, and ensure continuous access to fresh water and shade. Some airlines impose seasonal embargoes on accepting pets as cargo during peak summer months; verify your carrier’s policy well before your travel date.

Where can expats find official information about importing a pet into the UAE?

The principal authority governing all pet imports into the UAE is the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). MOCCAE administers regulations covering pet health standards, documentation requirements, and species controls. The MOCCAE website hosts the official import permit application portal, the current banned breed list, country-by-country rabies risk classifications, and all relevant technical requirements. Visit moccae.gov.ae to submit a permit application and to review the most current rules before making any travel arrangements.

For emirate-level registration and licensing requirements following arrival, the relevant authorities are:

• Dubai Municipality — responsible for pet registration, licensing, and animal welfare enforcement in Dubai. Visit dm.gov.ae and navigate to the Animal Health and Welfare section.
• Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) — oversees animal health and pet ownership regulation in Abu Dhabi. Visit adafsa.gov.ae for emirate-specific guidance.
• UAE Federal Customs Authority — manages customs clearance at all ports of entry. Visit fca.gov.ae for customs-related enquiries.

For the most reliable and up-to-date requirements, refer directly to the MOCCAE pet import regulations or contact the UAE embassy or consulate in your home country. Requirements do change, and what was accurate at the time of publication may no longer reflect the rules in force when you travel. Always confirm all details — including fees, permitted breeds, and health certificate timeframes — with official sources immediately prior to your pet’s departure.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the full pet import process take from start to finish?

Beginning preparations at least four to six months before your planned move is strongly advisable, as the process contains several time-sensitive steps that cannot be rushed. If a rabies titer test is necessary, the blood sample cannot be collected until at least 21 days after the rabies vaccination has been administered, and the result must be received — ideally with several months to spare — before travel. Permit processing time and airline booking lead times should also be built into your planning schedule.

What happens if my pet arrives without the correct paperwork?

Pets presenting with incomplete, out-of-date, or inadequately documented vaccination histories are the most likely to be quarantined or denied entry. If your pet falls into a non-compliant category, it could be refused admission, leaving you responsible for quarantine costs, return shipping expenses, and potentially significant fines. Make sure that every document is an original, has been properly endorsed, and remains within its validity period before your pet departs.

Are the rules different for cats versus dogs?

The fundamental requirements — microchipping, import permit, health certificate, rabies vaccination and titer test where applicable, and parasite treatment — are the same for both species. Dogs are subject to additional breed restrictions and must receive the core DHPP-L vaccinations, while cats require FVRCP vaccination. The minimum permitted import age of 12 weeks for pets from low-risk countries and 15 weeks for those from high-risk countries applies to both cats and dogs. Unlike dogs, cats are not subject to breed bans, with the exception of certain exotic hybrid varieties.

Can I import a rescue animal or a stray into the UAE?

Rescue animals may in principle be imported to the UAE, but they are subject to the identical health, documentation, and permit requirements as any other pet. The practical difficulty is that rescue animals — particularly strays — frequently have partial or unknown vaccination histories, which can make it challenging to obtain a valid titer test result or to satisfy vaccination timeframe conditions. Working with a veterinarian who specialises in international pet travel to develop a compliant vaccination programme well ahead of the planned departure date is essential.

Do I need a customs broker to clear my pet on arrival?

Most airlines require that pets shipped to Dubai as cargo be handled through a customs broker — a specialist agent who manages customs clearance and liaises with UAE authorities to ensure all permit requirements are fulfilled. The only exception to this requirement is for pets small enough to qualify for Etihad Airways’ in-cabin service on flights to Abu Dhabi. Engaging a reputable broker with experience of MOCCAE procedures is strongly recommended to prevent delays on arrival.

Is there a limit on how many pets I can bring to the UAE?

Personal import is restricted to a maximum of two cats, two dogs, or one cat and one dog per year, with an exception for resident animals leaving and re-entering the country, provided they are microchipped and satisfy health requirements. If you need to bring more than two pets into the UAE, contact MOCCAE directly or engage a licensed pet relocation specialist who can advise on the options available.

Can I bring a pet bird or other animal to the UAE?

Numerous bird species are permitted in the UAE, including budgerigars, cockatiels, and parrots, though imported birds require permits. In addition to a veterinary inspection at the airport upon arrival, imported birds must undergo faecal and blood tests at the Ministry’s Quarantine Station before they can be released. Other small animals such as rabbits and hamsters are generally allowed, but you should check MOCCAE’s current species list before finalising any plans, as the requirements differ considerably from those applying to cats and dogs.

Will my pet need to be re-vaccinated or re-registered if I move between emirates?

Registrations held in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah must be transferred upon relocation to Dubai. Each emirate runs its own municipal registration system, and you are required to update your pet’s registration with the relevant local authority whenever you move within the UAE. Vaccination records and microchip information must always be kept current, as they will be needed when completing the transfer. Contact the relevant municipality for the current transfer procedure and any applicable fees.