Updated June 2026
India → DubaiIndia to Dubai Pet Relocation — Complete Guide
India is a high-risk country for rabies: when a titer is required, the sample must be taken within 90 days before travel and read ≥0.5 IU/ml — not a wait-after-draw rule.
Flying Your Pet from India to Dubai
India is one of the most common origins for pet relocation to Dubai. The short flight distance (3–4 hours) makes it cost-effective, but the high-risk status means additional documentation is required.
Flight Time
3–4 hours direct
DEL/BOM/BLR → DXB
Timeline
Sample window
Titer within 90 days before travel ≥0.5 IU/ml
Risk Level
High-Risk
Rabies endemic — titer required
Titer Test
Required
RNATT ≥ 0.5 IU/ml
Documents Required for India to Dubai
Because India is a high-risk country, the documentation is more extensive than low-risk routes. The titer test and AQCS NOC are the two most critical steps that Indian pet owners must complete.
1. ISO-Compliant Microchip
15-digit ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination. The chip number must be recorded on all subsequent documents. If your pet has a non-ISO chip, a second ISO chip is required.
2. Rabies Vaccination Certificate
Inactivated rabies vaccine administered at least 30 days before the titer test blood draw. The certificate must include the microchip number, vaccine batch, and date. A 3-year vaccine is acceptable if not expired.
3. Rabies Titer Test (RNATT) — CRITICAL
Blood sample drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination. Sent to an approved lab (CVL Pune, IDEXX, Kansas State, or AHL). Result must be ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. The sample must be taken within 90 days before travel — a pre-travel window, not a 90-day wait after the draw.
4. UAE Import Permit
Applied for online via MOCCAE. Valid 90 days from issuance. Must include the titer test certificate. Cost: confirm current permit and arrival-release fees on the official MOCCAE portal. Dubai Pet Relocation handles the application and Arabic translation.
5. Indian Export NOC (AQCS)
No Objection Certificate from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS) of India, issued within 10 days of travel. The AQCS office inspects the pet, verifies the microchip and documents, and issues the export clearance. This is a mandatory step for all pets leaving India.
6. Owner Identification
Copy of pet owner's passport and UAE residence visa. For new arrivals, a hotel booking or tenancy contract may be requested by Dubai customs.
Important Notes for Indian Pets
- The titer rule is a sample window: draw within 90 days before travel and obtain ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. Sitting 90 days after the draw is how a passing result ages out. Start the vaccination-to-sample sequence as soon as the move date is real.
- AQCS offices in India can be slow during peak seasons (May–July and December). Book your AQCS appointment at least 2 weeks before travel.
- Some Indian veterinarians are not familiar with the UAE import requirements. Dubai Pet Relocation can recommend approved vets in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai who have experience with international pet travel.
- Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats) face additional airline restrictions. Some Indian carriers do not accept these breeds at all. Plan for Emirates or Air India cargo instead.
- The titer test must be done at a lab approved by the UAE. Not all Indian labs are accepted. Dubai Pet Relocation verifies lab accreditation before sending samples.
Pro tip: If your pet's titer test result is below 0.5 IU/ml, a booster rabies vaccination is required, followed by another 30-day wait and a second titer test. To avoid this, ensure your pet is healthy and not on immunosuppressive medication before the first blood draw.
India to Dubai costs — official fees and a quote
We do not publish total package bands on this page. Cargo, crate and coordination depend on the live file. Official MOCCAE amounts below are labelled government fees — confirm on the portal; fees may change.
| Official MOCCAE fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Import permit | AED 200 |
| Dog port release | AED 500 |
| Cat port release | AED 250 |
Confirm on the official MOCCAE portal; fees may change. For cargo, crate and coordination drivers — not a package total — read the pet relocation cost guide, then ask for a WhatsApp quote.
WhatsApp quote +971 50 478 2999India to Dubai Timeline
High-risk files take longer because of the vaccination-to-sample interval and lab turnaround — not because you must sit 90 days after the draw. Schedule the sample so it stays within 90 days before travel at ≥ 0.5 IU/ml.
Microchip, Rabies Vaccine & Titer Test Blood Draw
Your Indian vet implants an ISO microchip and administers a rabies vaccine. After 30 days, a blood sample is drawn for the titer test (RNATT). The sample is sent to an approved lab. Dubai Pet Relocation coordinates with the vet and lab to ensure correct documentation.
Titer Test Results & Sample Window
Lab results arrive in 2–4 weeks. A passing result is ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. Keep the sample date inside 90 days before the actual travel date — do not treat a pass as a 90-day sit after the draw. Dubai Pet Relocation begins preparing the UAE import permit application during lab turnaround.
Import Permit & AQCS NOC Application
Dubai Pet Relocation applies for the UAE import permit via MOCCAE. We also schedule your AQCS appointment in India for the export NOC. The AQCS vet inspects the pet, verifies the microchip, and issues the export clearance certificate.
Flight Booking & Final Health Check
When the titer sample is still inside the 90-day-before-travel window and the MOCCAE permit will cover the flight, Dubai Pet Relocation books cargo space with Emirates, Air India, or IndiGo. A final pre-flight health check is conducted. The IATA crate is delivered for acclimatisation. All documents are reviewed one final time.
India Departure & Dubai Arrival
Your pet checks in at the cargo terminal in Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru. After a 3–4 hour flight, Dubai Pet Relocation meets your pet at DXB, handles the veterinary inspection and customs clearance, and delivers to your home.
Airlines Flying Pets from India to Dubai
Short 3–4 hour flights from India to Dubai make this a cost-effective route. Emirates, Air India, and IndiGo serve all major Indian cities.
Emirates (EK)
SkyCargo Live
- Direct from DEL, BOM, BLR, MAA, HYD
- 3–4 hours non-stop
- Best for large dogs and brachycephalic breeds
- Priority offloading at DXB
Emirates is the most reliable option for Indian pet relocations, with daily direct flights from all major metros and dedicated SkyCargo animal handling.
Air India (AI)
Cargo Division
- Cargo from DEL, BOM, MAA, BLR, COK
- 3–4 hours direct
- Competitive rates for medium-sized pets
- Good for Tier-2 city departures
Air India is a solid budget option, especially for pets departing from cities where Emirates cargo capacity is limited. Their cargo handling is improving but requires careful booking.
IndiGo (6E)
Select International Routes
- Limited pet cargo on select routes
- Budget-friendly when available
- Best for cats and small dogs
- Limited crate size acceptance
IndiGo is the most economical option for small pets, but cargo space is limited and must be booked well in advance. Dubai Pet Relocation confirms availability before recommending IndiGo.
Seasonal Considerations for Indian Pet Travel
Indian summers (April–July) see extreme temperatures that affect both ground handling at Indian airports and cargo hold conditions. Dubai Pet Relocation recommends booking early morning flights (6–9 AM) to avoid peak heat. During monsoon season (July–September), flight delays are common — plan buffer days around your travel date.
Peak relocation season for Indian pets is December–January, when many families move during school holidays. Cargo space fills 3–4 weeks in advance during this period. Start the vaccination-to-sample sequence early enough that the titer draw will still fall within 90 days before the flight you actually book.
India to Dubai Pet Relocation FAQs
Can I take my dog to Dubai from India?
Yes, when the breed is permitted and the file matches MOCCAE rules. India-origin files often need careful titer and AQCS/export timing before the UAE permit window. Permit validity is 90 days from issuance; titer sample within 90 days before travel when required. Corridor process — not volume claims. Export reverse twin: /routes/dubai-to-india/. WhatsApp +971504782999.
Why is India classified as a high-risk country for pet import to Dubai?
India is classified as a high-risk country for rabies by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Rabies is endemic in India, which means the UAE requires additional verification that your pet has sufficient rabies antibody protection before entry. This is done via the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT), commonly known as the titer test.
What is the titer test (RNATT) and how long does it take?
The RNATT (Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test) is a blood test that measures your pet's rabies antibody levels. The blood sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and sent to an approved laboratory (such as the Central Veterinary Laboratory in India, or an international lab like IDEXX, Kansas State, or AHL). Results typically take 2–4 weeks. The sample used for travel must be taken within 90 days before travel and read at least 0.5 IU/ml — a pre-travel sample window, not a 90-day wait after the blood is drawn.
Which airlines fly pets from India to Dubai?
Emirates (EK), Air India (AI), and IndiGo (6E) operate pet cargo services from major Indian cities. Emirates flies from Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), and Hyderabad (HYD). Air India also offers cargo from most metro cities. IndiGo carries pets in cargo on select domestic and international routes. Most flights are 3–4 hours direct. Dubai Pet Relocation books the most suitable airline based on your city, pet size, and travel date.
How long does the India to Dubai pet relocation process take?
Plan the calendar around vaccination-to-sample interval, lab turnaround, and the 90-day-before-travel sample window: Month 1 — microchip and rabies vaccination (then wait at least 30 days before the titer draw); Month 1–2 — titer blood draw and lab processing so the sample date will still fall within 90 days before the eventual travel date and read ≥ 0.5 IU/ml; Month 2–3 — apply for the UAE import permit (valid 90 days from issuance) and obtain the Indian export health certificate (NOC from AQCS); then book flight, final health check, and travel. Do not sit 90 days after the draw — that is how a passing sample ages out of the window.
How much does it cost to relocate a pet from India to Dubai?
We do not publish total package AED bands on this corridor. Official MOCCAE fees — confirm on the portal; fees may change — are import permit AED 200, dog port release AED 500 and cat port release AED 250. See what drives pet relocation cost for the driver list, then WhatsApp +971504782999 for a quote on your pet, crate and dates.
What documents are required for an Indian pet to enter Dubai?
Required documents: (1) ISO-compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination; (2) valid rabies vaccination certificate (30+ days old before titer test); (3) Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) certificate with result ≥ 0.5 IU/ml; (4) UAE import permit via MOCCAE; (5) Indian export health certificate (NOC from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service — AQCS) issued within 10 days of travel; (6) copy of pet owner's passport and UAE visa. The titer test is the critical additional document that low-risk countries do not require.
Can I get the titer test done in India, or do I need to send blood abroad?
The titer test can be done in India at the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) in Pune, or through private veterinary laboratories that are approved by the UAE. However, many Indian pet owners choose to send blood samples to international laboratories such as IDEXX (Germany), Kansas State University (USA), or the Animal Health Laboratory (UK) for faster turnaround and wider international recognition. Dubai Pet Relocation can arrange the blood draw, courier, and lab selection for you. Results from any WOAH-approved lab are accepted by the UAE.
What happens when my pet arrives in Dubai from India?
Upon arrival at DXB, your pet is transferred to the Dubai Municipality Animal Care Centre for veterinary inspection. The MOCCAE vet scans the microchip, verifies the rabies vaccination, checks the titer test certificate, and inspects the pet for signs of illness. If all documents are correct and the pet is healthy, clearance takes 2–4 hours. Dubai Pet Relocation provides meet-and-greet service, handles all customs formalities, and can deliver your pet directly to your home or a Dubai boarding facility. Because India is high-risk, the inspection may be slightly more thorough than for low-risk countries.
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.
Ready to Relocate Your Pet from India to Dubai?
We coordinate the India-to-Dubai corridor: titer sample within 90 days before travel, AQCS NOC, the MOCCAE import permit (valid 90 days from issuance), cargo booking, and WhatsApp updates during business hours. From Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, or any city in India — we manage the titer test, AQCS NOC, flight booking, and Dubai customs.
Related Routes & Next Steps
Pet Import to Dubai
Our full import service: permits, customs and door-to-door delivery.
Philippines to Dubai
High-risk origin guide with similar titer-test requirements.
Australia to Dubai
Requirements and timeline for Australian pet relocations.
Exporting from Dubai to India
The outbound twin — AQCS Transfer of Residence, not this inbound file.