Moving a Pet to United Arab Emirates
Rules and Regulations for International Pet Shipping
What Pet Travel Documents Are Needed to Travel to United Arab Emirates?
Every country sets their own rules for importing pets when you move to or visit their country. In the United Arab Emirates, it is the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment that governs pet importation.
The UAE will allow the import of live animals depending on the country you are moving from. You can view the complete list of approved and unapproved countries here. Additionally, pets being imported to the UAE require an import permit. We typically handle the import permit on your behalf, so not to worry!
Your pet must travel to the UAE as manifest cargo. (This means that they cannot travel in-cabin or as accompanied baggage with you.)
Pets must be at least 15 weeks old at the time of import.
We have outlined the import requirements for moving a pet to the UAE below.
Import Permit
Cats or dogs from outside the UAE are required to have an import permit upon entry. The import permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. We can obtain this on your behalf.
Vaccines
Rabies Vaccination
The Rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old and less than one year old at the time of travel. It must also be given at least 21 days prior to the Rabies Titer test. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.
The Rabies Vaccination Certificate MUST include the following details on it: Full name of manufacturer & product, batch or serial #, date given, date due, original ink vet signature, vet name, vet license #, pet details & microchip #.
Required Dog Vaccinations
Dogs must also be vaccinated for:
● Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis (also known as DHPP or DAPP)
● Leptospirosis
*All of the vaccinations must be greater than 21 days old and less than 1 year old at the time of travel.
Required Cat Vaccinations
Cats must also be vaccinated for:
● Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus & Panleukopenia (also known as tricat or FVRCP)
*All of the vaccinations must be greater than 21 days old and less than 1 year old at the time of travel.
Blood Tests
Rabies Titer Test (FAVN)
A USDA Accredited Vet must draw blood & complete a Rabies Titer blood test (also known as FAVN) with Kansas State University (KSU). The results must be ≥ 0.5 iu/ml
The blood sample must be collected at least 21 days after the primary Rabies vaccination AND less than 12 months prior to travel.
If your pet has received previous rabies vaccinations with no lapse, the blood draw can be done the same day as the most recent Rabies vaccination.
The ORIGINAL Rabies Titer Test Results (FAVN) must travel with your pet. The original will be mailed to your vet from the KSU lab.
Health Certificates
A USDA Accredited Vet must complete the APHIS 7001 Form and UAE Health Certificate within 10 days prior to travel.
The UAE Health Certificate must also be endorsed by the USDA.
Both of these Original signed/endorsed documents must travel with your pet on the day of departure.
Other Treatments
A USDA Accredited Veterinarian must administer BOTH and internal AND external parasite treatment in their office within 14 days prior to travel. However, this should be done at the same time as the final exam and health certificate completion within 10 days prior to travel.
The vet should use an external parasite treatment containing Fipronil or Permethrin.
The vet should use an internal parasite treatment containing Praziquantel.
What Are the Pet Restrictions for United Arab Emirates?
The following dog breeds are NOT allowed entry into the UAE:
● Pit Bulls (Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully)
● Mastiff Dogs (Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero), Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino), Any Mastiff or Hybrid)
● Tosa (Japanese Tosa or Hybrid)
● Rottweilers or Hybrid
● Doberman Pinschers
● Canario Presa
● Boxer
● Any mixed breed of above breeds or their hybrid
Do I Need a Microchip for My Pet to Travel to United Arab Emirates?
All dogs, cats, and ferrets must have a microchip that meets ISO standard 11784 or 11785. (The number will be 15 digits.) If your pet currently has no microchip, it is mandatory that they receive one and the number must be accurately reported on all of your pet's records.
What Are the Quarantine Requirements for a Pet Traveling to United Arab Emirates?
The UAE does not quarantine pets upon arrival, provided that they meet all the stated health requirements.
Are There Any Area Specific Pet Requirements in United Arab Emirates?
Although the UAE does not have any other pet import requirements, airlines also have rules about pet travel. Therefore, it is important to consult your airline (or your Starwood rep) to learn if there are additional rules that apply to your pet’s journey.
Our United Arab Emirates pet shipping services include:
- Door-to-door transport
- Assistance with health certificates, import certificates, and other travel documents needed for animal transport to UAE (outlined above)
- USDA endorsement of all relevant documents where required
- Airline-approved flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identification
and emergency notification instructions - Customs clearance and delivery to your home
- Local pet taxi service to and from the airport, your home, veterinarian or boarding facility
- Travel consultation and flight reservations
We will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and we will update you as your pet travels to the United Arab Emirates.