Moving to Dubai with a cat or dog

Relocation rules are date-sensitive. Before booking flights, confirm the current MOCCAE import service requirements, airline cargo policy, and the rules of the exporting country.

Start with the import permission route

For cats and dogs entering the UAE, MOCCAE's import service is the main official source to check. The service information says personal import is limited to no more than two cats, two dogs, or one dog and one cat annually, except for resident animals exiting and re-entering, and the animal must be identified by a fixed microchip and meet the health requirements for import.

The import permit is not the only document. You still need the vaccination card or pet passport, the health certificate issued by the exporting country's competent authority, and any required rabies antibody test or parasite treatment record. Airlines and cargo handlers can require their own forms and crate rules on top.

Microchip and rabies timing

MOCCAE states that imported animals must be microchipped and vaccinated for rabies. If the pet is being vaccinated for the first time, or if vaccination continuity was broken, at least 21 days must pass after rabies vaccination before import steps can proceed. The animal must be at least 12 weeks old at first rabies vaccination.

For high-risk countries, MOCCAE lists a higher minimum import age of 15 weeks. Rabies antibody testing may also be required depending on the country classification and current service rules. Do not rely on a past friend's move as proof that your route is still valid.

Parasite treatment and health certificate window

MOCCAE's service information says cats and dogs must receive preventive doses for internal and external parasites during the 14 days before shipment, and that this should be stated in the health certificate or animal passport. Build your appointment calendar backward from the flight date so the treatment, health certificate, permit, and cargo booking line up.

Before booking the flight

Ask the airline or relocation handler whether the pet travels as cargo, excess baggage, or under a special assistance rule. Confirm crate size, ventilation, water attachment, sedation policy, flight temperature restrictions, and who physically clears the animal on arrival. Emirates asks for advance pet-travel handling, and other airlines can have different lead times.

If the pet is already anxious, elderly, brachycephalic, medically fragile, or recovering from rescue, ask your vet whether travel should be delayed. A technically complete document file does not automatically mean the animal is fit to fly.

Arrival day in Dubai

Prepare the first day before the animal lands: transport from the airport or cargo terminal, a quiet room, familiar food, water, a litter tray or pee pads, and a vet clinic you can call if the animal is distressed. Avoid grooming, daycare, visitors, and new diets in the first few days.

After arrival registration

Once settled, confirm Dubai registration and local vaccine records with a licensed clinic. Keep the import permit, airway bill or travel documents, microchip certificate, rabies record, parasite treatment, and new local clinic record in one folder. If the pet is later rehomed, transfer the record rather than only handing over photos.

Official source to check first: https://moccae.gov.ae/en/services/import-permit-pets