Destination: UAE

Pet Travel to the UAE – What You Need to Know

Below is a practical, up-to-date overview of what’s typically required for dog travel to the UAE and cat travel to the UAE from the UK. Requirements can vary by airport and routing, so we always confirm details against the latest UAE import permit conditions and the UK export health certificate guidance before your pet travels.

1) UAE import permit (MOCCAE)

To import cats and dogs into the UAE, you’ll need an import permit issued by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). This  permit is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, and pets are examined at the entry port and released once compliant. Personal import is typically limited to a maximum of two cats, two dogs, or one of each per year (with specific exceptions).

2) Microchipping and identification

For UAE entry, your pet must be identified with a fixed microchip. UK export health certificate guidance for the UAE specifies microchips should normally comply with ISO 11784 / ISO 11785 (or an approved equivalent, with prior notification).

 3) Vaccination requirements (dogs and cats)

Vaccinations are required for dogs and cats, including rabies (with first dose not before 12 weeks of age) and core vaccinations (e.g., canine distemper/parvovirus/hepatitis for dogs; feline panleukopenia/rhinotracheitis/calicivirus for cats). From the UK export side, guidance suggests the most recent vaccinations should have been within 12 months of export, and initial rabies vaccination must be carried out more than 21 days prior to export.

4) Parasite treatments and health certification (UK export requirements)

For UK departures, you’ll usually travel under the relevant Export Health Certificate (EHC) for cats and dogs to the UAE, applied for via the UK’s EHC service, and completed by an Official Veterinarian (OV). The UK’s Notes for Guidance also reference parasite treatments needing to comply with the requirements laid out in the EHC.

5) Quarantine and arrival clearance

In most standard, correctly-documented cases, pets are inspected on arrival and cleared through the appropriate entry port process. Service channels here include airport cargo and veterinary quarantine centres. If documents don’t match (even small errors), pets may be rejected at the owner’s expense or confiscated – which is why accuracy and timing are everything.

6) Breed restrictions and snub-nosed considerations

The UAE has restrictions on certain dog types, such as Pit Bull types, Japanese Tosa, Presa Canario, and others. Separately, airline policies may restrict snub-nosed breeds and crosses, so we route these cases especially carefully and advise on the safest options.

7) Airline and routing options

Airline options can vary depending on whether pets must travel as manifest cargo, as checked baggage, or (rarely) in-cabin. What this means for you: PetAir will recommend the most appropriate, welfare-led routing for your pet’s size, breed, and temperament – and manage the airline booking and acceptance requirements.

Typical timeline (best practice)

For most pets, allow 6–10+ weeks to plan comfortably, with key milestones around rabies timing, documentation windows, and flight availability. The UK export guidance includes specific timing rules (such as the 21+ day rabies window for primary vaccination), so we build your plan backwards from your target travel date. It is best practice to book early, however at PetAir we do offer fast-track services for pet travel to the UAE.