How to Bring Your Pet to Dubai: Complete 2026 Import Guide

Relocating a pet to the UAE requires strict adherence to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) regulations. A single missing document or incorrect date can result in immediate deportation or a 21-day quarantine at your expense.

TL;DR: Quick Facts for UAE Pet Import

• Microchip: 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 (must be implanted before or on the day of the rabies vaccine).
• Rabies Vaccine: Minimum 21-day wait after the first dose before travel.
• Core Paperwork: MOCCAE Import Permit (valid 30 days) and an Official Health Certificate.
• Flight Method: Manifest cargo only for Dubai (no in-cabin pets).
• Quarantine: No quarantine if all documentation is 100% accurate.

Step 1: UAE Pet Microchip Requirements

The absolute foundation of importing a cat or dog to Dubai is the microchip. Your pet must have a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip.

Critical Timing: The microchip must be implanted before or on the exact same day as the rabies vaccination. If the rabies shot predates the microchip, the UAE will invalidate the vaccine. Once the chip is implanted, a 21-day waiting period is required so scanners at Dubai Customs can reliably verify the number linked to your documents.

Step 2: Rabies and Core Vaccination Rules

All pets must have up-to-date vaccinations officially recorded, signed, and stamped in their veterinary passport.

Pet Type	Mandatory Vaccinations
Dogs	Rabies, Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis
Cats	Rabies, Feline Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis

RNATT Blood Test Requirements: If you are relocating from a country classified by the UAE as “high-risk” for rabies, a Rabies Titer Test (RNATT) is mandatory to prove sufficient antibody levels. Ensure you also schedule a comprehensive health check 30 days prior to departure.

Step 3: Required Documents to Import Dogs and Cats to Dubai

The timeline for paperwork is incredibly tight. Missing these specific windows will derail the cost of moving a dog or cat to the UAE by adding quarantine fees.

• MOCCAE Import Permit: Apply online via the government portal at least 30 days before travel. It costs approximately AED 200, is valid for exactly 30 days, and covers up to two pets.
• Official Health Certificate: Must be issued by a government-licensed veterinarian 5 to 10 days before your pet arrives in Dubai. (Note: If you are importing a cat or dog from the USA to Dubai, you have exactly a 10-day window). This certificate must state the pet is free of infectious diseases and explicitly list the microchip number.

Banned Dog and Cat Breeds in the UAE

Customs officials strictly enforce public safety bans. The following breeds (and their mixes) will be confiscated and denied entry:

Banned Dogs:

• Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers
• Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers
• American Bullies
• Argentinian Mastiffs (Dogo Argentino), Brazilian Mastiffs (Fila Brasileiro)
• Japanese Tosas, Presa Canarios

Banned Cats:

• Wild cat hybrids (e.g., Savannahs, Bengals) are prohibited unless you provide pedigree proof they are at least five generations removed from wild ancestry.

Note for allowed breeds: “Strong” dogs like Huskies or Bull Terriers must be leashed and muzzled in public Dubai spaces and often require special registration for apartment living.

Cargo Flights and IATA-Approved Pet Crate Size

Pets flying into Dubai cannot travel in the cabin; they must fly as manifest cargo.

• Crate Standards: You must use an IATA-approved pet crate size. The crate must allow the animal enough room to stand without touching the top, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• Booking: Airlines like Emirates require cargo space to be booked a minimum of 72 hours before departure.
• No Sedatives: Never sedate your pet. Altitude changes affect blood pressure, increasing the risk of respiratory failure.

Upon landing, an airport vet will examine your pet and verify every original document. Due to the extreme heat and complex clearance process, many owners use professional pet relocation services in Dubai to handle the logistics and ensure pre-booked, air-conditioned transport awaits their pet.