Relocating your pet to or from Dubai is an exciting step, but it comes with its own set of rules, documents, and timelines. Whether you’re moving into this pet-friendly city or preparing for an international departure, bringing your companion along requires careful planning and attention to detail.

While we don’t offer pet relocation services directly, we work with verified partners who can support you throughout the process. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about pet relocation in Dubai, along with expert-recommended services to help make the experience smooth and stress-free for both you and your pet.

Gathering the Required Documents

When planning a pet relocation in Dubai or outside of it, one of the most critical tasks is completing all the required documents for your pet’s move. Begin by familiarizing yourself with Dubai’s pet relocation regulations and other specific requirements from the country you’ll be moving to.

Import Permit from MOCCAE

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is where you’ll begin the process of relocating your pet to Dubai. You will need to apply for an import or export permit through their website.

Depending on your pet’s species, you must complete a specific form for dogs, cats, or other animals. Please note that each import and export permit is valid for only 30 days. 

Here are the fees you should expect when relocating your pet in and out of Dubai:

• 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

• Request to issue a veterinary health certificate (for export permit): AED 400

Additionally, MOCCAE has a very detailed set of guidelines for pet relocation in Dubai. When importing dogs, you’ll generally need to take a look at the dog breeds prohibited for entry, such as:

• All kinds of Pit Bulls

• Japanese Tosa

• Dogo Argentino

• Fila Brasileiro

• Wolf Dog Hybrid

• American Staffordshire Terrier

Permit & Certificate Timelines 

Once you’ve applied through MOCCAE, import or export permits can take between 3 to 14 business days to process, so make sure to apply early. Note that the official veterinary health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your pet’s flight. If you're working with a relocation service, they’ll help ensure your timing aligns with these validity periods.

Veterinary Health Certificate

A health certificate from a certified, licensed veterinarian is a vital requirement for pet relocation in Dubai. This document ensures that your pet is fit for travel and meets the required health standards. You’ll need to visit an official MOCCAE veterinarian to obtain a health certificate for the travel requirement.

The vet will perform all necessary health checks and vaccinations for your pet. Once cleared and the vet has ensured your pet is healthy and fit for travel, the health certificate will be provided. This will be instrumental throughout your pet’s travel.

Pet Passport

A pet passport is another crucial document for pet relocation in Dubai. It contains all relevant information about your pet, including their vaccination records. Cats and dogs must be fully vaccinated before relocating to Dubai. This is to make sure your pet and its new community stay protected.

Here are the essential vaccinations for dogs:

• Rabies

• Canine Distemper Virus

• Canine Parvovirus

• Infectious Canine Hepatitis

• Leptospirosis

Here are the vaccinations cats need:

• Rabies

• Feline Panleukopenia

• Feline Rhinotracheitis

• Feline Calicivirus

Another requirement for pet relocation is microchipping your pet according to Dubai’s ISO standards. Microchipping is a mandatory requirement for cats and dogs in Dubai. Upon arrival in Dubai, a 15-digit microchip will help identify your pet. 

Rabies Titer Requirements 

For pets coming from countries where rabies is still considered a high-risk area, a rabies titer test is required. This test checks whether your pet’s rabies vaccination has produced sufficient antibodies for international travel. The titer test must be done at least 21 days after the rabies vaccine and is valid for 12 months.

We recommend planning this well in advance, especially if you're coming from a non-exempt country, such as the Philippines, India, or certain parts of Asia and Africa. We can guide you on where to have the test done and ensure results are documented properly.

Planning Your Pet’s Relocation to Dubai

Relocating your pet isn’t a last-minute task. We recommend starting the process at least 4 to 6 months in advance, especially if your pet needs a rabies titer test or crate training. Some documents, like the import permit and health certificate, must be obtained just days before travel, but other steps require long-term planning to avoid any setbacks.

Aside from documents, you will need to prepare an IATA-accredited pet carrier to ensure a safe journey.

Now that you’re familiar with the needed documents, the next thing you must work on is planning your pet’s relocation to Dubai. If you’re planning on relocating your pet out of Dubai, you’ll also have additional requirements to fulfill depending on the country you’ll be visiting.

These requirements may include:

• Import permits

• Pet passport

• Veterinary checkups

• Other travel and arrival requirements

Prepare for Manifest Cargo Travel

All pets flying into the UAE, whether to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, must arrive as manifest cargo, not as carry-on or excess baggage. This means your pet must be booked on a specialized cargo airway bill and travel in an IATA-compliant crate that meets strict international guidelines for ventilation, size, and safety.

We recommend:

• Book the crate early and ensure your pet can stand, turn, and lie comfortably inside it.

• Starting crate training at least 4 weeks ahead. Gradually introduce your pet to the carrier so they associate it with comfort and calm, not confinement.

This early preparation reduces travel stress and helps ensure a smoother transition during flight and upon arrival.

Choosing the Right Airline

Selecting the best airline for your pet is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when relocating your pet to Dubai. Not all airlines are equal when handling pets, so you must choose one that prioritizes their comfort and safety.  Fortunately, there have been several airlines that

Here are some of the top airlines we recommend:

Emirates Airline

Emirates Airline is a top choice for pet owners relocating to Dubai. While Emirates doesn't allow pets in the cabin, their SkyCargo service makes sure your pets can join you in a safe and comfortable spot dedicated to pets.

Following IATA's Live Animal Regulations, Emirates ensures that each pet is well taken care of. Emirates has a dedicated facility in Dubai for all pets departing, arriving, and transiting through the airport. Specialists are also available to help with pet owners' requests. 

Pets are transported in dedicated cargo areas designed for maintaining a comfortable temperature, even in Dubai’s hot weather. They use specially designed vehicles from the facility 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 traveling to and from Abu Dhabi. Etihad allows pet owners to book seats for their pets in Economy and Business classes. 

If you’re traveling from another location, Etihad offers a LiveAnimals program to transport your pets. From handling to boarding, each step is carefully done to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort. 

They have dedicated staff to assist pets as they board the aircraft. The cargo is also climate-controlled and pressurized, ensuring these compartments remain comfortable throughout the flight. 

Additionally, Etihad has dedicated vehicles and animal handling facilities to ensure these pet passengers are relaxed while waiting 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 complete guidelines for bringing your pet on the flight. If your pet weighs less than 8 kg, it can be registered as additional carry-on baggage and stay with you in the cabin. However, larger pets must stay in the cargo hold.

Their cargo hold is extremely comfortable for pets. It is air-conditioned and designed to keep pets relaxed throughout the flight. The area also has adequate space for lots of different pets. However, you must register your pet at least 72 hours before your flight to ensure a smooth registration process.