Nov 29, 2024
Relocating your pet in Dubai signals the start of your new life with your best friend. However, while the process might be challenging, you can easily go through it by just following these steps. We’ll talk about everything you need to know about pet relocation in Dubai. Plus, we’ll recommend the best pet relocation services to help you get started.
Step 1: Gather the Documents
Knowing what to do and what to prepare are key tasks in your pet’s move. The first thing you’ll have to do is to research the pet relocation requirements in Dubai.
Import Permit from MOCCAE
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is the first place you need to go to. Through their website, you’ll find the necessary resources to start importing your pet. They have an easily downloadable form that you can use to apply for an import permit.
Depending on your pet, you’ll need to fill out a form to get that import permit. There’s a specific process for cats and dogs and a specific one for other live animals and birds. Each import permit is valid for 30 days only.
Here are the rates you’ll need to take note of:
Request for importing cats and dogs (per head): AED 200
Request to release dogs (per head): AED 500
Request to release cats (per head): AED 250
Import permit fee (per head): AED 500
Cat inspection fee upon entry: AED 500
Dog inspection fee upon entry: AED 1000
Additionally, MOCCAE has a very detailed set of guidelines for relocating pets in Dubai. When importing dogs, you’ll generally need to take a look at the dog breeds prohibited for entry. These are the following:
All kinds of Pit Bulls
Japanese Tosa
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Wolf Dog Hybrid
American Staffordshire Terrier
Vet Health Certificate
You’ll also need a health certificate from a certified vet. Communicate your plans with them so they can provide all the necessary checks for a seamless pet relocation process in Dubai. This health certificate is important to ensure your pet is fit and ready for a long flight.
Pet Passport
Your pet will need to have a document where all its information and vaccination records can be easily accessed. This is when a pet passport comes in handy. A pet passport contains everything your pet needs to travel.
One of the most important parts of the pet passport is the vaccination records. Your pet will need to be completely vaccinated before relocating to Dubai. To help you get started, here are the essential vaccinations your dog and cat will need:
Dog Vaccinations Required
Rabies
Canine Distemper Virus
Canine Parvovirus
Infectious Canine Hepatitis
Leptospirosis
Cat Vaccinations Required
Rabies
Feline Panleukopenia
Feline Rhinotracheitis
Feline Calicivirus
Additionally, another part of completing the pet passport will require you to microchip your pets. This should be done according to Dubai’s regulations, following the ISO standards with a 15-digit code.
Step 2: Plan Your Pet’s Relocation in Dubai
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with everything about Dubai’s pet import standards, it’s time to get into the travel details. Your pets will have a long flight ahead of them and they’ll be facing a new routine at a new home. It’s important to prepare your pets for the journey ahead.
Choose the Airline
Choosing the airline for your pet is a crucial part of the entire move. Start by identifying the best airlines that can accommodate your pet. To help you, we’ll narrow down the best airlines to help your pet’s relocation to Dubai.
Emirates Airline
Emirates Airline is a top choice for pet owners relocating to Dubai. While Emirates does not allow pets in the cabin, their SkyCargo service makes sure your pets can join you in a safe and comfortable spot dedicated to pets.
The airline sees to it that each pet is well taken care of, following IATA’s Live Animal Regulations. Emirates has a dedicated facility in Dubai for all pets that are departing, arriving, and transiting. Additionally, they have specialists ready at the facility to help with any pet owner’s requests.
Pets are transported in dedicated cargo areas designed to maintain a comfortable temperature, even in Dubai’s hot weather. From the facility, they use specially designed vehicles to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is another popular option for pet owners flying with their pets, especially those travelling to and from Abu Dhabi. This is because Etihad Airways allows pet owners to book seats for their pets in Economy and Business classes.
If you’re coming from another location, Etihad has a program for transporting your pets called LiveAnimals. From handling to boarding, each step is carefully done to keep your pet’s safety and comfort. They have a dedicated staff to assist pets as they go up the ramp to the aircraft.
The cargo is also climate-controlled and pressurized, which means that these compartments will be super comfortable throughout the flight.
Additionally, Etihad has dedicated vehicles and animal handling facilities to make sure that these pet passengers are relaxed while they wait for their flight. They also have dedicated experts in these facilities who check on these pets constantly.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa offers a great way to travel with your pet. They have a complete set of guidelines to help you bring your pet on the flight. If your best friend’s weight is less than 8 kg, they can be registered as additional carry-on baggage and stay with you in the cabin. However, larger pets will have to stay in the cargo hold.
Their cargo hold is extremely comfortable for pets, as these are air-conditioned and designed to keep pets relaxed during the entire flight. The area also has adequate space. However, you must first register your pet at least 72 hours before your flight so the process can go smoothly.
Use a Pet Relocation Service
Relocating your pet in Dubai can be challenging, but with the right help, the process will go smoothly. These experts will guide you on everything you need, from pet documents to airline requirements and pet carriers. We’ve narrowed down the best pet relocation service in Dubai you can use for your next flight.
Sandy Paws
Website: www.sandypaws.ae
Sandy Paws is considered one of the most reliable pet relocation services in Dubai. With over 10,000 pets relocated, they are experts in creating a comfortable experience for the pet and its owner.
To begin the process, they’ll find you a trusted agent within the country of origin. From there, they’ll work with the agent to secure your documents, so all you have to worry about is packing. Once everything is finalized, they’ll safely deliver your pet back to you at your new home.
What’s awesome about Sandy Paws is their flexibility. Whether you have one, two, or more pets to be relocated, their rates stay the same. Additionally, their pet relocation experts are available 24/7 to help you with your concerns and inquiries.
JetSet Pets
Website: jetsetpets.ae
JetSet Pets is another great pet relocation service that seeks to make the move seamless and stress-free. They have a detailed step-by-step procedure that shows how they do the process.
First off, they’ll need information on your pets, your flight, and other related matters. This will allow them to create the best experience for you. They’ll handle all the permits, vet visits for the health certificate, and other documents you need for the pet relocation process.
JetSet Pets will also handle any urgent concerns, such as booking boarding services for your pet and securing quarantine upon arrival. They’ll also handle transportation so your pet can arrive safely at your new home.
Pawsome Pets
Website: www.pawsomepets.ae
Pawsome Pets is an experienced pet relocation company that provides a one-on-one experience with clients. They’ll spend the time to get to know you and your pet, as well as everything you need for the relocation process.
With their service, they are able to prepare and organize every requirement needed, from travel documentation, health certificates, and the application for import and export permits. They’ll also take care of all the accessories your pet will need, such as IATA-approved carriers, calming collars, and other essentials.
Pawsome Pets wants to give pet owners peace of mind, which is why they’ll also provide regular updates and organize boarding services for your pet before and after the flight. With their air-conditioned vehicles, they’ll transport your pet to your home on the agreed date.
Step 3: Help Your Pet Adjust
Your pets will have a hard time adjusting to the new scenery, especially after an unfamiliar experience with the aircraft. They’ll need time to take everything in, which means certain changes are to be expected.
Some of these changes might pertain to their behavior, as they might also lose their appetites. Helping your pet recover is part of the entire experience. Start by creating a comfortable space for them to rest. Provide treats and attention so they’ll feel happier.
With time, your pets will eventually get used to its new living situation. Your presence will be a big factor in the process.
Conclusion
The pet relocation process in Dubai can be stressful, but with the right guidance and help, the process will be smooth. While you can absolutely do it on your own by following this guide, you can also enlist the help of pet relocation services in Dubai so you can focus on your personal matters.