Bringing Pets To
the United Arab Emirates
Do you want to bring your cat or dog when you go to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? When you know your departure date, you will want to start the international travel process for your pet. All Paws Express specializes in international pet relocation and will ensure your pet has all the necessary documentation and vaccinations to enter the UAE.
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Things You Should Know Before Moving Dogs and Cats to the UAE
Banned Cat and Dog Breeds
The UAE has banned the following dog breeds:
The UAE does NOT ALLOW the following dog breeds:
- Pit Bulls (Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully)
- Mastiff Dogs (Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasileiro), 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 the above breeds or their hybrid
ALSO, Pets younger than 27 weeks are NOT ALLOWED to enter the UAE.
UAE Import Requirements
Vaccinations, Tests, and Microchips
There are multiple requirements for moving your pet to the UAE, and a specific timeline for microchipping and certain vaccines and tests. The important requirements and tests that your dog or cat must meet are:
Rabies Titer Vaccination Certificate
Pets older than 27 weeks must have a rabies titer vaccination given more than 21 days before entering UAE. A blood sample test is also required and cannot be given less than three weeks after the vaccination. Within 12 weeks to a year before traveling to the UAE, your pet’s rabies titer test blood sample must be collected. And the test results must be ≥ 0.5 IU.
Vaccination Certificate
Required Vaccinations for Dogs:
- Rabies
- Canine distemper virus
- Infectious canine hepatitis
- Canine parvovirus
- Leptospirosis
Required Vaccinations for Cats:
- Rabies
- Feline panleukopenia
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline rhinotracheitis
Parasite Treatments
Within 14 days before travel, your pet must be treated and documented on their health certificate for external and internal parasite treatments.
Health Certificate from a USDA Accredited Veterinarian
Your pet must have a Health Certificate from a USDA accredited veterinarian or military veterinarian. The local USDA APHIS Veterinary Services must endorse and sign your pet’s Health Certificate. Your pet’s health certificate is valid for 10 days. Your pet must enter the UAE within this ten-day period.
You can bring no more than two pets into UAE annually.
Microchip Identification
Dogs and cats must have an ISO compliant microchip before entering UAE. If your pet’s microchip is not ISO compliant, you’ll need to bring a microchip reader or contact the port’s Veterinary Officials to verify if they have a capable microchip reader.
Permits and Paperwork
Import Permit
Your pet will need an import permit from the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. To obtain the permit, visit this website, and follow the instructions for filling out the form and e-payment. This permit will allow your pet to enter the UAE, and it is valid for 30 days. Your pet may not enter with an expired permit.
To fly into the UAE, your pet must fly as manifested cargo. And you must have a copy of the Import Permit when your pet arrives. If your pet travels through other countries before arriving in the UAE, you must sign an attestation that your pet didn’t come into contact with any other animal.
COVID-19 Statement (Cats Only)
If you’re bringing a cat into the UAE, you will need to fill out the COVID-19 statement included in the cat Health Certificate. This statement must be issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA APHIS.
There are currently no pandemic restrictions, requirements, or statements needed for dogs, but All Paws Express will carefully update you if any of this information changes.
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