Taking Your Pet to the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a land of opulent skyscrapers, golden deserts, and rich cultural heritage, is an increasingly popular destination for expatriates and tourists alike. However, when it comes to bringing your four-legged companions along, there are specific guidelines and regulations governing the shipping of pets to this dynamic and diverse nation.

At Pets by Plane, our job is to take the strain out of the international travel process for you and your pet and let you get on with all the other things you need to do. We can help manage your pet's flight from the UK to the UAE from start to finish. 

Whether you choose to use our 'Full Service' or our 'Flight Only' offer, we will ensure that your cat, dog or other pet travels safely and calmly and is well cared for throughout their journey.

 

         

General Information, Entry Procedure and Requirements

When planning your pets travel to UAE there are no restricting factors to delay your shipment if your pet is up to date with common vaccinations including Rabies. From a country designated as low risk, such as the UK, then you can apply for an import permit straight away with the vaccination record and accompanying information. Once the permit is received, normally around 10 working days later (but can be as quick as 2 working days) then you would be able to book travel. If your pet is not vaccinated against Rabies then fear not as once you have been vaccinated you can travel 21 days later.

General requirements before applying for the import permit for both cats and dogs include :

  • Microchipping your pet - this does not need to be ISO but it would be strongly recommended in case your pet wants to return home or to another country where this is a requirement. 
  • External and Internal Parasite Treatments within 14 days of flight departure. Specific active ingredients are required for each treatment.
 

 The UAE will require the following vaccinations, that must be valid at the point of departure and administered no longer than 12months prior. These will need to be shown either on the Passport or Vaccination History supplied by the Veterinarian to be able to apply for the Import Permit :

         Dog's
  • Canine distemper
  • Canine parvovirus
  • Infectious canine hepatitis
  • Leptospirosis
             Cat's
  • Feline pan leukopenia
  • Feline rhinotracheitis
  • Feline calicivirus
 

Within 24 hours of departure and Official Vet (OV) in the UK must inspect your pet to ensure they are fit -to -fly as well as complete the DEFRA Export Health Certificate (EHC). 

Tips and Useful Advice

Certain dog breeds and their crosses or hybrids are not allowed for import or transit. These breeds include Bull Terriers Japanese Tosas, Mastiff breeds Canario Presa, American Bully, and Wolf Dog Hybrids. However, exceptions are made for service dogs, emotional support dogs, or dogs providing medical support.  

 Some breeds are also required to register upon arrival, wear muzzles in public , and are not allowed to reside in apartment buildings.  For further information see the (MOCCA site).