Last verified: 6 September 2026
Statutory checklist — not the import serviceUAE Pet Import Requirements — Permits, Titer & Cargo
90-day MOCCAE permit, RNATT sample within 90 days before travel, microchip before rabies, manifested cargo. Confirm fees on the portal.
Direct answer
How long do pets stay in quarantine?
The UAE typically has no long quarantine when documents are correct. Compliant dogs and cats are examined at the entry port and released to the owner. We do not invent a day-count for a paperwork hold. Dogs are legal; some breeds are banned. The MOCCAE import permit is valid for 90 days.
The UAE typically has no long quarantine when the file is correct. Rules cover microchip, rabies, health certificate, a 90-day MOCCAE import permit, cargo entry, and breed bans. Dogs are legal; some types are not. Banned dog breeds in Dubai. Confirm contested government fees on the official portal. Email support@dubai-pet-relocation.ae or WhatsApp +971 50 478 2999.
Your Quick Checklist
Here's the full document list in one place. Every item below is mandatory. Skip one, and your pet could be refused entry, confiscated, or re-exported at your expense.
Key MOCCAE Rules at a Glance
- Import permit: MOCCAE import permits are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. The pet must enter the UAE within that window. It is not allowed to import pets with an expired import permit. Confirm the current MOCCAE import-permit fee on the official portal when you apply. Fees may change.
- Pets per person: Personal (non-commercial) import is typically limited to a maximum of 2 pets per person (2 cats, or 2 dogs, or 1 cat and 1 dog) per permit / per year. Confirm the current portal rule for your case.
- Minimum import age: First rabies vaccination is not given before the pet is 12 weeks old, and at least 21 days must elapse between that vaccination and arrival in the UAE.
- Rabies antibody titer: When a rabies antibody titre test (RNATT) is required, the blood sample must be taken within 90 days before travel and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. This is a sample-timing window, not a 90-day waiting period after the test.
- Transport: Pets must enter the UAE as manifested cargo under IATA live-animal conditions — not as cabin or accompanied checked baggage. Etihad in-cabin arrivals into Abu Dhabi are a published exception for eligible small pets.
- Non-compliance: Non-compliant imports can face a fine of AED 5,000 per animal, and the animal may be rejected or confiscated.
- Processing estimate: MOCCAE import-permit processing is typically estimated at 2–5 working days for a complete application. That figure is a secondary-sourced estimate, not a first-party SLA — confirm current timing on the official portal.
Last verified: 6 September 2026. Confirm current figures on the official MOCCAE portal before you apply.
What You Need to Bring Your Pet to Dubai (Quick Checklist)
Every item below is mandatory. Skip one, and your pet could be refused entry, confiscated, or re-exported at your expense.
| Document | What It Is | Timing / validity | Fee note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOCCAE Import Permit | Official approval from UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment | 90 days from issuance | Verify on portal |
| ISO Microchip Certificate | 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip | Permanent — implant before rabies vaccination | Private vet charge |
| Rabies Vaccination Certificate | Proof of rabies vaccine administered by a licensed vet | ≥21 days and ≤12 months before arrival; pet ≥12 weeks at vaccination | Private vet charge |
| Core Vaccination Records | Dogs: CDV, parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis. Cats: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus | Per vaccine schedule | Private vet charge |
| Rabies Titer Test (RNATT) | Blood test proving rabies antibodies when the origin requires it | Sample within 90 days before travel; result ≥0.5 IU/ml | Private lab / shipping |
| International Health Certificate | Origin-country government-endorsed veterinary certificate | Commonly 5–10 days before departure | Private / official vet |
| Antiparasitic Treatment Record | Internal deworming + external flea/tick treatment | Within 10 days before shipping | Private vet charge |
| Owner's Passport & UAE Visa | Required for permit application and customs | — | — |
Last verified: 6 September 2026. Confirm current figures on the official MOCCAE portal before you apply.
Critical: Every document must show the same microchip number. A mismatch between the microchip certificate and the vaccination certificate = automatic rejection at customs.
How Long Does It Take?
- RNATT not required and the pet is already vaccinated: usually a matter of weeks (health certificate, 10-day parasite treatments, 90-day permit, cargo slot)
- RNATT required: 21-day post-vaccine wait + lab time + the sample must still fall within 90 days before travel — not a 90-day sit after the result
- MOCCAE maintains a rabies-controlled / exempt-country list that decides whether an RNATT is required. We do not publish an unverified country list — confirm your origin on the official MOCCAE portal.
Step-by-Step: How to Import Your Pet to Dubai
Follow these 10 steps in order. Each builds on the previous one. This is the statutory sequence — the commercial import job lives on pet import to Dubai.
Check Your Breed and Country
Day 0Before you do anything, confirm two things: (1) Is your dog's breed listed under Federal Law 22/2016 Annex 2? (2) Does MOCCAE require an RNATT for your origin? That second question is answered on the official portal — not by an unofficial country list on this page.
The exempt / rabies-controlled country list could not be captured first-party for publication. Always verify your origin on the MOCCAE portal before skipping a titer test.
Implant the Microchip
Day 0The ISO 11784/11785 15-digit microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination that will be used for UAE import. If your pet was vaccinated before being microchipped, the vaccination is invalid for UAE entry. The microchip number must appear on every subsequent document.
If your pet was already vaccinated before getting microchipped, the vaccination is invalid for UAE entry. You'll need to re-vaccinate after microchipping and wait another 21 days.
Rabies Vaccination
Day 0First rabies vaccination is not given before the pet is 12 weeks old, and at least 21 days must elapse between that vaccination and arrival in the UAE. The vaccine must be inactivated or recombinant (not attenuated live virus) and within 12 months of arrival.
Core Vaccinations
Day 0–14Dogs: DHPPIL (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis). Cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia). These are typically administered alongside the rabies vaccine or shortly after.
Rabies Titer Test — If Required
After day 21 — sample must sit within 90 days of travelWhen a rabies antibody titre test (RNATT) is required, the blood sample must be taken within 90 days before travel and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. This is a sample-timing window, not a 90-day waiting period after the test. Draw the sample ≥21 days after the rabies vaccination and send it to an accredited laboratory.
We do not publish an unverified exempt-country list. Confirm your origin on the MOCCAE portal before you skip this step.
Apply for MOCCAE Import Permit
Day 21–90Apply online via the MOCCAE portal with UAE Pass (see the dedicated permit guide). MOCCAE import permits are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. The pet must enter the UAE within that window. It is not allowed to import pets with an expired import permit. MOCCAE import-permit processing is typically estimated at 2–5 working days for a complete application. That figure is a secondary-sourced estimate, not a first-party SLA — confirm current timing on the official portal. Confirm the current MOCCAE import-permit fee on the official portal when you apply. Fees may change. Required: owner passport, UAE visa or residency details, microchip number, vaccination records, and titer result if your origin requires one.
Apply as close to your travel date as safely possible (within the 90-day validity) while leaving time for flight booking.
Book Manifest Cargo Flight
2–4 weeks before travelPets must enter the UAE as manifested cargo under IATA live-animal conditions — not as cabin or accompanied checked baggage. Etihad in-cabin arrivals into Abu Dhabi are a published exception for eligible small pets. Emirates arrivals into Dubai travel as SkyCargo. Cargo pricing is airline- and route-specific — we do not invent a total here.
Health Certificate and Antiparasitics
Within 10–14 days of travelExternal parasite treatment (for example Fipronil or Permethrin) and internal deworming are required within 10 days before shipping to the UAE. International health certificate: issued or endorsed by the competent origin authority, commonly within 5–10 days of departure.
Arrival and Customs Clearance
Day of arrivalYour pet arrives at DXB or DWC cargo terminal. You (or your agent) present the MOCCAE import permit, original health certificate, vaccination records, microchip certificate, titer test result (if applicable), antiparasitic treatment record, and owner's passport and UAE visa. If all documents are correct, customs clearance takes 2–4 hours. Your pet does not enter quarantine.
Dubai Municipality Registration
Within 30 daysRegister your pet via the Aleef app or Dubai Smart Services portal. You need your Emirates ID, pet's microchip number, current vaccination records, pet photo, and your residence address (Makani number). Fee: ~AED 10. Annual renewal required. A physical municipality ID tag must be worn on your pet's collar at all times.
Required Documents Checklist
Every pet entering the UAE needs these documents. No exceptions.
MOCCAE Import Permit
The import permit is the gatekeeper. Without it, your pet cannot enter the UAE.
- Apply: Online at moccae.gov.ae via UAE Pass — see the MOCCAE import permit guide
- Cost: confirm the current permit and arrival-release fees on the official MOCCAE portal
- Processing: typically estimated at 2–5 working days (not a first-party SLA)
- Validity: 90 days from issuance
Warning: The permit is valid for a limited window. Apply too early, and it may expire before you travel. Apply too late, and you may miss your flight booking window.
ISO Microchip Certificate
- Must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant (15-digit number)
- Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination
- The microchip number must appear on every document
Warning: If your pet was already vaccinated before getting microchipped, the vaccination is invalid for UAE entry. You'll need to re-vaccinate after microchipping and wait another 21 days.
Rabies Vaccination Certificate
- Pet must be ≥12 weeks old at vaccination
- Must be ≥21 days old at time of travel
- Must be within 12 months of arrival
- Must be inactivated or recombinant vaccine
- Certificate must include: microchip number, vaccine batch number, manufacturer, date of administration, vet's signature and stamp
Rabies Titer Test (RNATT)
- Required when MOCCAE does not treat the origin as exempt
- Confirm your origin on the official portal — we do not publish an unverified country list
- Blood sample drawn ≥21 days after rabies vaccination
- Minimum result: ≥0.5 IU/ml
- Sample taken within 90 days before travel — not a 90-day wait after the result
- Processed at a laboratory MOCCAE will accept (typically WOAH / ISO 17025 accredited)
International Health Certificate
- Issued by a government-accredited or official veterinarian
- Valid for 10 days from issuance to arrival
- Must include: pet owner's details, microchip number, vaccination records, antiparasitic treatment dates and products used, vet's official stamp and signature
Antiparasitic Treatment Record
- Internal deworming within 10 days before shipping
- External parasite treatment (for example Fipronil or Permethrin) within 10 days before shipping
- Record must include product name, date of administration, and vet's signature
Owner's Passport and UAE Visa
- Required for permit application and customs clearance
- The permit applicant must match the person collecting the pet
Banned and Restricted Dog Breeds
Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 Annex 2 (as amended, including Ministerial Decree 190/2021) lists dangerous-dog types that cannot be imported as ordinary pets. The dedicated list lives on banned dog breeds in Dubai. Narrow service / assistance exceptions need training-centre and medical documentation — an “emotional support” letter is not a shortcut.
Completely Banned (Cannot Enter the UAE)
Pit Bull Types
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Bully
- Any Bull Terrier or Pit Bull cross
Mastiff Types
- Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasileiro)
- Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino)
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux)
- Boerboel
- Bullmastiff
- Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff)
- Bully Kutta (Alangu / Indian Mastiff)
- Perro de Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)
- Any Mastiff cross or hybrid
Other Banned Breeds
- Japanese Tosa (Tosa Inu)
- Rottweiler
- Doberman
- Boxer
- Wolf-dog hybrids (any dog mixed with a wolf)
- Savannah cats and Bengal cats (unless 5th generation removed from pedigree)
Restricted Breeds (Dubai-Specific Rules)
These breeds are permitted in the UAE but have additional restrictions in Dubai:
- Cannot live in apartments
- Must be leashed and muzzled in public
- Must be registered with the Veterinary Services Division
Restricted breeds:
- Bull Terrier (including Miniature)
- Husky
- English Bulldog / Old English Bulldog
- Perro de Presa Mallorquin
- Shar Pei
Federal Law 22/2016 Annex 2 treats Rottweiler, Doberman, Presa Canario and Boxer as banned types, not merely Dubai-restricted. Confirm the current annex on the official source before you book — do not rely on a blog reprint.
Service and Emotional Support Animal Exceptions
Banned breeds may receive an exception only if they are:
- Certified service animals (trained by an ADI or IGDF accredited organization)
- Certified emotional support animals (for medical purposes)
Required documentation:
- Training record from an accredited training centre
- Medical records justifying the need for the animal
Penalty warning: Non-compliant imports can face a fine of AED 5,000 per animal, and the animal may be rejected or confiscated. Possession rules for Annex-2 dogs are a separate federal matter — see the banned-breeds guide rather than an invented fine ladder here.
Vaccination Requirements
Rabies Vaccination (Mandatory for All)
- Minimum age: 12 weeks at first vaccination
- Pre-travel window: Administered between 21 days and 12 months prior to entering the UAE
- Accepted types: Inactivated or recombinant vaccines only
- Not accepted: Attenuated live virus vaccines
- Boosters: Annual booster required, or follow manufacturer's guidance for 2-3 year vaccines
Core Vaccinations — Dogs
- Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
- Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus)
- Leptospirosis (Canicola and Icterohaemorrhagiae)
Core Vaccinations — Cats
- Feline Panleukopenia (FPV / Feline Distemper)
- Feline Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1 / Herpes Virus)
- Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV) — recommended by some authorities
Vaccination Timing — Why Order Matters
- Microchip first. Always. The microchip must precede the rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination second. Wait ≥21 days before travel.
- Core vaccines third. Can be given alongside rabies or shortly after.
- Titer test fourth (if required). Blood drawn ≥21 days after rabies vaccination.
- Health certificate last. Within 10 days of arrival.
Warning: If your vaccination records show the rabies vaccine was given before the microchip, MOCCAE will reject your import permit. You'll need to re-vaccinate after microchipping and restart the timeline.
Rabies Titer Test Rules
The rabies titer test (also called RNATT — Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test) proves that your pet's rabies vaccine worked.
Do You Need a Titer Test?
Yes, if MOCCAE does not treat your origin as exempt. The Ministry maintains a rabies-controlled / exempt-country list. We do not reprint an unofficial version of that list on this page.
Deep timing lives on the rabies titer test guide. Confirm the origin on the portal before you skip the test.
The high-risk/low-risk country list is maintained by MOCCAE and changes. Verify your country's current status in the MOCCAE portal before skipping the titer test.
Titer Test Requirements
- Blood sample drawn ≥21 days after primary rabies vaccination
- Minimum result: ≥0.5 IU/ml
- Must be processed at a WOAH/ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
- Sample taken within 90 days before travel — not a 90-day wait after the result
- The test result must be included in your MOCCAE permit application
Titer Test Timeline Example
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Microchip, then rabies vaccination |
| Day 21+ | Earliest useful blood sample for RNATT |
| Lab window | Operational estimate — often 1–3 weeks |
| Sample rule | Draw must fall within 90 days before arrival |
| Permit | Apply so the 90-day validity still covers landing |
| Last 10 days | Parasite treatments + origin health certificate |
| Travel day | Manifest cargo; sample and permit both still in date |
When an RNATT is required, the floor is set by vaccine wait + lab time + keeping the sample inside 90 days of travel — not by a post-test sit.
Warning: The sample-within-90-days rule is not negotiable. A passing result whose draw date is older than 90 days on arrival is the wrong certificate. Do not invent a 90-day sit after the PDF arrives.
Import Permit Application
The MOCCAE import permit is the single most important document for bringing your pet to Dubai. Without it, your pet cannot enter the country.
How to Apply
- Online: Visit moccae.gov.ae and navigate to the pet import permit section
- Mobile app: Download the MOCCAE app (available on iOS and Android)
- With a coordinator: MOCCAE permit assistance reviews the file — we still do not issue the permit
What You'll Need
- Copy of your passport
- UAE visa or proof of residency
- Pet's ISO microchip number
- Rabies vaccination certificate (with microchip number, batch number, manufacturer, date, vet stamp)
- Core vaccination records
- Titer test result (if applicable)
- Recent photo of your pet
Fees and Timeline
- Fee: confirm the current permit and arrival-release amounts on the official MOCCAE portal
- Processing: typically estimated at 2–5 working days (not a first-party SLA)
- Validity: 90 days from issuance
Common Application Mistakes
- Microchip mismatch: The microchip number on the permit application doesn't match the vaccination certificate
- Expired vaccine: Rabies vaccine is older than 12 months or less than 21 days old
- Missing titer test: Applying for a permit from a high-risk country without the titer test result
- Wrong validity window: Applying too early and having the permit expire before travel
Warning: If your permit application is rejected, you must correct the issue and reapply. This can add 1–2 weeks to your timeline. We check every application three times before submission.
Airline-Specific Requirements
All pets entering Dubai must travel as manifest cargo. They cannot fly in the cabin or as checked baggage on flights to Dubai — with one exception.
Emirates SkyCargo
Emirates is the most common airline for pet transport to Dubai.
- In-cabin: No regular pets allowed. Only trained service dogs and falcons on specific routes.
- Checked baggage: Not accepted for flights to Dubai.
- Cargo (SkyCargo): Mandatory for itineraries ending in Dubai. First-party Emirates checked-baggage animal charges (USD 500 / 650 / 800 by weight and size) apply to eligible departures from Dubai under 17 hours — they are not a cabin fare and they are not a published DXB-arrival cargo tariff. Confirm current SkyCargo pricing with the airline.
- Advance notice: Minimum 72 hours
- Crate: IATA-approved, rigid, leak-proof. For restricted breeds, crate must be at least 10% larger than standard.
- Banned breeds: Even stricter than UAE law. Includes snub-nosed breeds with seasonal restrictions (November–April only).
Etihad Airways
Etihad is the most pet-friendly UAE airline — but only for Abu Dhabi.
- In-cabin (to Abu Dhabi only): Small dogs and cats allowed. Pet + carrier must weigh ≤8 kg. Carrier max: 40 x 40 x 22 cm. Etihad publishes cabin pet fees that change; confirm at booking. A 2026 promo from USD 399 is expired; USD 1,500 is Estimated only.
- Checked baggage: Accepted on some routes.
- Cargo: Available for larger pets.
- Advance notice: Book via Contact Centre; submit form 7 days before, documents 72 hours before.
- Banned breeds: Same as UAE federal list, plus Boxer.
- Abu Dhabi entry: Etihad publishes a pet release permit, a completed UAE health certificate and an Abu Dhabi Customs Bill of Entry. Confirm current handling charges with the airline / customs broker — we do not invent an AED figure here.
- Pet age: Must be ≥16 weeks old for in-cabin.
flydubai
flydubai does not have a published pet-in-cabin policy.
- Pets are generally handled as cargo via flydubai's cargo services or partners.
- Recommendation: Contact flydubai Cargo directly for arrangements.
Airline Comparison Summary
| Airline | Cabin to UAE? | Checked Baggage to UAE? | Cargo to UAE? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | ❌ No (except service dogs) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (SkyCargo) | Most DXB arrivals; direct routes |
| Etihad | ✅ Yes (to Abu Dhabi, ≤8kg) | ✅ Some routes | ✅ Yes | Small pets to Abu Dhabi; pet-friendly policies |
| flydubai | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Cargo) | Budget cargo options; regional routes |
Important: The choice of airline affects your total cost by AED 3,000–12,000. We work with the cargo departments directly — not the passenger reservation desks — to confirm pet-specific rules in writing before booking.
Health Certificate Timing
The International Health Certificate is the last document you obtain before travel. Get the timing wrong, and it expires before your pet arrives.
- Valid for 10 days from the date of issuance to the date of arrival in the UAE
- Must be issued by a government-accredited or official veterinarian
- Must include antiparasitic treatment records
- Must show the same microchip number as all other documents
When to Schedule the Health Certificate
- Book the vet appointment 2–3 days before your pet's flight
- The certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival, so work backwards from your arrival date
- If your flight is delayed and the certificate expires, you must obtain a new one
Some countries require additional government endorsement (e.g., DEFRA in the UK, USDA in the USA, CFIA in Canada). This can add 2–5 days. Confirm your origin country's endorsement requirements with your vet.
What Happens If Your Documents Are Wrong
This is the section most pet owners skip — and the one that causes the most pain.
No Quarantine (If Documents Are Correct)
If all your paperwork is complete, correct, and consistent, your pet does not need to enter quarantine. This is one of the UAE's biggest advantages as a pet relocation destination.
Conditional Quarantine (If Documents Are Wrong)
Quarantine is imposed if your pet arrives from a high-risk country without a titer test, documentation is incomplete, or the pet shows clinical signs of illness.
- Location: Dubai Cargo Village or Abu Dhabi Cargo Terminal
- Cost: Entirely borne by the owner
- Duration: Until the issue is resolved (typically 30 days)
- Missing one document can mean your pet is refused entry, confiscated, or re-exported — at your expense (boarding/re-flight costs can run into the thousands)
Return or Euthanasia (Worst Cases)
Non-compliant imports can face a fine of AED 5,000 per animal, and the animal may be rejected or confiscated. In serious cases the animal may be refused entry or returned to origin at the owner's expense. We do not dramatise outcomes that are not in the first-party import rule.
Outdated blogs still describe a 30-day permit or a 90-day wait after the titer. This page uses the locked first-party rules: import permit valid 90 days from issuance, and — when a titer is required — a sample taken within 90 days before travel.
The Most Common Document Errors
- Microchip before vaccination — Vaccination given before microchip = invalid
- Titer test timing — Blood drawn before 21 days post-vaccination = invalid
- Permit validity — Permit expired before travel = entry denied
- Health certificate expiry — Certificate older than 10 days on arrival = quarantine risk
- Mismatched microchip numbers — Different numbers on different documents = automatic rejection
Related services and guides
Pet import service
Commercial twin — cargo, clearance and a Dubai door. This page stays the rules list.
MOCCAE import permit guide
UAE Pass walkthrough and rejection reasons for the 90-day permit.
Rabies titer test (RNATT)
Sample within 90 days before travel. Threshold ≥0.5 IU/ml.
MOCCAE permit assistance
Document review and portal tracking. The Ministry still issues the PDF.
Banned dog breeds
Federal Law 22/2016 Annex 2 list and mixed-breed notes.
Relocation to Dubai
Arrival-side settling after the statutory pack is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to bring your pet home to Dubai?
Send origin, breed and what you already have. We will tell you which items on this checklist are still open — or point you to the commercial import service. Email support@dubai-pet-relocation.ae if WhatsApp is not convenient.
Pre-filled WhatsApp message: "Hi, I need help understanding the import requirements for my [dog/cat] from [country] to Dubai."
Official Sources
We coordinate the paperwork, but the rules are set by government and industry authorities. Always confirm the current requirements directly with the official sources.
Last verified: 6 September 2026. Confirm current figures on the official MOCCAE portal before you apply.