United Arab Emirates
Pet Travel Policy Information
Pet Travel Requirements for United Arab Emirates
Pet Entry Requirements for United Arab Emirates
Country Classifications
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) classifies countries as either low risk of rabies or high risk of rabies.
Pet Microchip
Having your pet identified with a microchip is important when traveling internationally for several reasons. First, a microchip will tie your pet to its documentation when entering a foreign country. Second, if, for any reason, your pet is separated from you during travel, the chances of reuniting with your pet significantly increase if you register your information in a microchip database. Third, mostcountries require that pets be microchippedand compliant microchips may be difficult to find should your pet ever leave the country. Your pet must be identified with a 15-digitwhich is compliant with International Standards Organization standard 11784 or Annex A of ISO standard 11785 prior to entering the United Arab Emirates. All documentation must reflect the microchip number. If your pet’s microchip is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, importers can provide athat will read their pet’s microchip. Your veterinarian, a veterinary hospital or trained nurse should implant the microchip. Documentation should be provided as to the manufacturer of the microchip and registration instructions.
Vaccinations
All cats and dogs over 3 months of age must be vaccinated for rabies between 21 days and 12 months prior to entering the United Arab Emirates. The administering veterinarian should record vaccination information, sign and stamp one of the following documents depending on veterinary practices in the country of origin: a rabies certificatea government-issued vaccination booklet oran EU Pet Passport
Rabies Titer (Serology) Test
A rabies titer test, also known as a rabies antibody test or rabies serology test, is a blood test that measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. The test will assess the effectiveness of a rabies vaccination or determine your pet’s immune response to the rabies virus. When required, a licensed veterinarian will administer the test more than 30 days after the most current rabies vaccination. The United Arab Emirates requires a rabies titer test for cats and dogs from any country classified as having a high risk of rabies (step 1). The test should be administered no sooner than 21 days after rabies vaccination. Samples must be processed at approved laboratories. All dogs and cats arriving in the United Arab Emirates from a high-rabies country without a rabies titer testwill be quarantined and a rabies titer test will be done at the owner’s expense. Exception: If your cat or dog is returning to the UAE and was vaccinated against rabies prior to leaving the UAE and the vaccination is still valid, then a titer test is not required. Notethat pet owners importing a dog or cat to the UAE from Bahrain and Qatar must have a rabies titer test even though it is classified as having a low risk of rabies. The rabies vaccination that was valid at the time of the test must still be valid when entering the UAE.The rabies titer test results or veterinary exemption letters are no substitution for proof of rabies vaccination.
Import Permit
Importers must apply for an Import Paper from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment either in person or online in advance of your pet’s arrival which is valid for 30 days from the date issued. The ministry will charge a fee per permit. You may list up to two pets per permit. If you have more than two pets, then multiple permits will be required. For pets returning to the United Arab Emirates, it will need a Re-Entry card instead of an import permit.
Parasite Treatments
According to all preventative measures to ensure public health and the safety of your pet, treatments for internal and external parasites should be administered prior to entering the United Arab Emirates. The treatment of pets for internal parasites, especially Echinococcus multilocularis, as well as external parasites (fleas and ticks) should be discussed with your veterinarian who will administer according to disease status of the origination country. These treatments are required. The administering veterinarian can record these treatments on the health certificate or issue you a record of treatment.
Health Certificate
All countries worldwide require an original health certificate (sometimes known as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) for live animals entering their country. The certificate should include the following information: details of your pet andvaccinations and treatments andveterinary attestations regarding symptoms of contagious diseases at the time of export. Further, your veterinarian must certify that your pet is healthy enough to travel and is not from a region that is subject to rabies restrictions. The health certificate must properly identify your pet. Your veterinarian will include additional details and treatments on the certificate depending on the country of origin. This certificate must attest that your pet was visually examined during the 24 hours prior to export and found clinically healthy and free of external parasites. Related: A government veterinarian must either issue the certificate or endorse the certificate after issuance by a licensed veterinarian. This official represents the agency in the origination country that is responsible for the import and export of live animals.
Complete all 7 steps to enter United Arab Emirates with your pet
Requirements may change. Always verify with official sources before travel.
Is Quarantine Required for Pets in United Arab Emirates?
Not specified
What Additional Information Do I Need for United Arab Emirates?
- Other Information:
Not specified
- What is a Pet Passport?:
We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents according to the United Arab Emirates pet import requirements for dogs or cats entering the country.This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for resident pets. Your pet’s passport will include proof of microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies titer tests (when required), parasite treatments and international export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country.
- Find a Licensed Veterinarian:
Before beginning any pet export procedure, make sure your veterinarian is approved by the governing veterinarian authority in your pet’s country of origin. The agency of the government that is responsible for the movement of live animals should either license or employ your veterinarian.
- Pets in the United Arab Emirates:
Pet ownership in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is quite popular, especially among expatriates and the growing middle class. The UAE has regulations regarding pet ownership, including mandatory vaccinations and microchipping for dogs and cats. Specific breeds of dogs are banned or restricted, and regulations vary between emirates. The UAE is becoming more pet friendly as the cultural attitude towards pets is more and more positive. Here are some parks that welcome pets: Safa Park (Dubai), Mushrif National Park (Dubai), Kite Beach (Umm al Quwain), BM Beach Resort (Ras Al Khaimah). Stray cats and dogs are a notable issue, particularly in urban areas, so pet owners should protect their pets by vaccinating against all contagious diseases. Due to the environment in this country, parasite treatment is also important. The hot climate in the UAE poses challenges for pet owners, particularly during the summer months. It is crucial to keep pets hydrated and avoid trips outdoors during midday. The UAE has a well-developed network of veterinary clinics, particularly in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so pet owners planning further travel can secure tests and treatments for that purpose.
- Flights to the United Arab Emirates:
Pets can enter the United Arab Emirates by air at Dubai (Dubai International Airport) or Abu Dhabi (If your pet transits any country, a transit attestation must be signed by the holder of the pet.). Although these airports are served by multiple commercial airlines, an abundance of routes is provided by Emirates Airlines and Etihad as they are both based in the UAE. Flights to United Arab Emirates should be direct or transit through arabies-controlled countryor another EU Member State if possible*. If your pet transits any country, a transit attestation must be signed by the holder of the pet.*Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply.
- Animals Eligible for These Regulations:
Unless otherwise stated, the regulations below apply to domestic dogs and cats including service and assistance dogs and cats. These regulations do not include the import of wolf hybrids, Savannah and Bengal cats, unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree. There are a maximum two pets per individual per year. (two cats or two dogs or one cat and one dog) can be imported. An agent can arrange to increase the number to five. All dogs must be leashed and muzzled when in public places.
- Entering the United Arab Emirates with a Pet:
All pets entering the United Arab Emirates must arrivemanifest (air) cargowhen imported unlesslanding in Abu Dhabi on flights operated by Etihad Airways where small cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin.Pets must be transported as directly as possible. If there is a layover on the itinerary, then an attestation form mustbe completed that your pet was not exposed to other animals during the layover. Service animals can arrive in the cabin or as checked baggage if they conform to regulations above and their airline permits it. Your pet must have a transit permit to transit the UAE by land. A prior transit permit must be obtained from the Ministry for cats and dogs which cross the country as a transit consignment. They shall be accompanied with a veterinary health certificate or a vaccination document which shows that the animal has been vaccinated for rabies and an import permit (No Objection Certificate) from the importing state. Related:Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant? The inspection process is somewhat complicated and can take several hours. Importers might consider employing the services of a transport agent in the United Arab Emirates who will handle all of the details for you and arrange for speedy clearance through immigration. Send us an email at info@wagsandwanders.com if you need a recommendation for an agent. All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport. Flights should be direct if the duration of the flight does not violate animal welfare laws. Layovers should be short and not involve a change in airline companies. If your pet’s itinerary involves a layover in the European Union, then additional requirements will apply.
- United Arab Emirates Pet Import Requirements:
All steps required to import a pet dog or cat to United Arab Emirates must be completed in the country of origin. Complete steps 1-7 in the order given.
- Importing Other Pet Animals to United Arab Emirates:
Birds entering the United Arab Emirates will require an import permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. If your pet bird is subject to CITIES requirements, those permits must be secured. Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to requirements of rabies vaccination but may have to meet other requirements and should have a health certificate to enter United Arab Emirates. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.
- Breeds Banned from Import to the United Arab Emirates:
The United Arab Emirates does not permit the import or transit of the following breeds, their crosses or their hybrids: Any Bull Terrier (Pit Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or other), Japanese Tosa (Tosa Inu, Tosa Fighting Dog, Japanese Tosa), Argentinian Fighting Dog (Dogo Argentino, Argentinian Mastiff), Brazilian Fighting Dog (Fila Brasileiro, Brazilian Mastiff), Wolf Dog Hybrid (any dog mixed with a wolf), Any breed of Mastiff, American Bully, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Canario Presa or Boxer. If you are planning to live in the Emirate of Dubai, the breeds mentioned previously who are currently residents of Dubai as well as the following breeds cannot reside in an apartment, must be leashed and muzzled, must be registeredwith the Veterinary Services Division: Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, Husky, English Bulldogs, Perro de Pressa Mallorquin, Bull Dog and Shar Pei.
- Exporting Resident Pets from the United Arab Emirates:
To export your pet from the United Arab Emirates, the basic requirements are an export permit that will be examined at Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah international airports, a valid rabies vaccination between 30 days and 12 months prior to export, proof your pet has been microchipped; a crate that meets International Air Transport Association guidelines. Pets leaving the United Arab Emirates after visiting must also obtain an export permit. Pet owners should plan to apply in person for the permit. The permit can also be applied for online. If you plan to return to the UAE after leaving the country, your pet must have a microchip, current rabies vaccination, health certificate and export permit. It is helpful to use the services of an agent to apply for the permit if within your budget. Pets leaving the United Arab Emirates do not need a rabies titer test to return as long as their rabies vaccination does not expire before they re-enter the country. Pets returning to the United Arab Emirates must be accompanied with a copy of the veterinary health certificate issued when exiting the country.
- Quarantine for Pets Entering the United Arab Emirates:
Quarantine will not be imposed on your pet if the following regulations are met. Pets not meeting import regulations will be quarantined, returned to the origin country or euthanized. All costs are the responsibility of the importer.
- Importing Puppies and Kittens to the United Arab Emirates:
Unvaccinated pets from countries with a low risk of rabies (see step 1) under the age of 12 weeks cannot enter the UAE as they do not conform to pet import requirements. Puppies and kittens from countries with a high risk of rabies cannot enter the United Arab Emirates until they reach 15 weeks of age and conform to all requirements. Related:More information on transporting a puppy.
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the trade of some species of animals, including pets. This is crucial if you have a pet that isn’t a dog or cat, and it’s crucial if it’s a turtle or a parrot. If this is the case, importers will have to submit additional permit applications. The agency that issues these permits is responsible for the protection of wildlife in your country. Over 180 countries participate in and enforce CITES regulations. Related:Search the CITES databaseorSearch the Species+ database Related:Read more about CITES
Related Resources
Traveler Tips & Experiences
Emily Parker
February 12, 2025
I visited United Arab Emirates last year with my French Bulldog and found the process straightforward and well-documented.
Michael Chen
January 3, 2025
Air travel to United Arab Emirates was a breeze and my cat had no issues. Highly recommend booking early!