Moving Your Pet to Dubai from the UK: Complete Guide
Your cat or dog is family — and bringing them with you to Dubai is entirely possible. It requires planning, paperwork, and a few weeks of lead time, but the process is straightforward if you follow it step by step.
The good news: the UK is classified as a low-risk rabies country by the UAE authorities. This means your pet does not require a rabies antibody titre test (which adds 3-4 months for pets from high-risk countries) and there is no quarantine on arrival, provided all paperwork is correct.
You can bring up to two pets per person per year. Dogs and cats are the simplest to import. Start this process at least 8-12 weeks before your planned travel date.
Before You Start
Banned Breeds & Basic Eligibility
The UAE bans import of certain dog breeds. Confirm your dog is not on the prohibited list before starting the process. Mixed breeds with significant banned-breed characteristics may also be refused.
Prohibited Breeds Include
- Pit Bull Terrier (American, Staffordshire)
- Japanese Tosa, American Bully, Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro, Presa Canario, Brazilian Mastiff
- Wolf hybrids and others (check full MOCCAE list)
Step-by-Step Timeline
Microchip & Vaccinations
8-12 weeks before travel
Ensure your pet has an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. Most UK pets already have one. The microchip must be implanted before any vaccinations, as it's the identifier on all documents.
- Verify microchip is scannable and number matches all records
- Rabies vaccination: at least 21 days before departure, no more than 12 months prior
- Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus (DHPPi/L)
- Cats: Feline Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis, Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
- No rabies titre test required for UK pets (major time advantage)
UAE Import Permit
4-6 weeks before travel
Apply for an import permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) through their online portal. The permit is valid for 90 days from issue.
You'll Need
- Your pet's photo and vaccination records
- Your valid passport copy
- Your UAE Emirates ID or visa copy
- Government processing fee
Book Transport & Get Crate
4-6 weeks before travel
Pets from the UK to Dubai must fly as manifest cargo — not as checked baggage or in the cabin. This is a UAE requirement. Your pet travels in a dedicated, climate-controlled cargo hold.
Airline Cargo Options
- Emirates SkyCargo: Most direct route (London to Dubai), dedicated pet service
- Etihad Cargo: London to Abu Dhabi with onward transfer
- KLM / BA Cargo: Transit routes, sometimes more availability
Your pet needs an IATA-compliant travel crate — large enough for them to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Sturdy construction, ventilation on at least three sides, leak-proof bottom, secure latching, and "Live Animal" stickers. Start acclimatising your pet to the crate now.
Consider a pet relocation company (PetAir UK, PBS Pet Travel, James Cargo, Sandy Paws) — they handle everything and reduce the risk of document errors.
Parasite Treatment
Within 14 days of travel
Your pet must receive treatment for internal and external parasites (fleas, ticks, worms) within 14 days of departure. This must be documented, signed, and stamped by your vet.
- Confirm all vaccination records are complete and correctly dated
- Confirm the import permit has been issued
- Check the crate meets airline specifications (measure your pet in it)
DEFRA Export Health Certificate
3-7 days before travel
An Official Veterinarian (OV) — a DEFRA-appointed vet, not your regular vet — must issue an Export Health Certificate within 7 days of travel. Not all vets can issue EHCs, so book well in advance.
The EHC Confirms
- Pet is free from clinical signs of disease
- All vaccinations are properly documented
- Pet is fit to travel
Book early: OV appointments fill up fast during peak relocation months (August-October). Find an APHA-authorised practice well in advance.
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The day of departure
- No food 4-6 hours before travel (to reduce nausea)
- Provide water up to 2 hours before
- Drop your pet at the airline cargo facility (usually 3-4 hours before departure)
- Hand over all original documents to the cargo handlers
Arrival in Dubai
Customs clearance and collection
- Pet goes through Dubai Customs at the cargo terminal
- A customs broker handles clearance (arrange in advance or via relocation company)
- Dubai Municipality vet inspects documents and may conduct a brief health check
- If all paperwork is correct: no quarantine — your pet is released to you
If Paperwork Is Wrong
Incomplete or incorrect documentation can result in your pet being held at an approved quarantine facility for 7 to 30 days. This is stressful for the animal and expensive — thorough preparation is essential.
Life With Pets in Dubai
Heat management: Summer temperatures reach 45C+. Walk dogs early morning (before 7am) and evening (after 7pm). Pavement burns paws.
Off-lead areas: Limited but growing. Designated dog parks in Al Barsha, JLT, and Dubai Hills.
Pet-friendly housing: Not all landlords allow pets. Check before signing. Pet deposits are common.
Vet care: Excellent quality. Pet insurance is available but not mandatory.
Best areas for pets: Arabian Ranches, Springs, and Dubai Hills all have parks, walking paths, and pet-friendly communities.
Key Tips From Expats Who've Done It
Start early. Begin 3 months before your move. The biggest mistake is leaving it too late.
Use a relocation company if you can. One wrong document can mean quarantine.
Crate train your pet. A pet comfortable in their crate travels much less stressfully.
Fly direct if possible. Emirates London-Dubai is 7 hours. Transit flights add stress.
Avoid summer travel. Airlines may embargo pet cargo when ground temperatures exceed 45C.
Keep copies of everything. Digital and physical. Store them in cloud storage too.
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