Pet Relocation UAE 2026: Documents, Costs & Travel Rules Explained
Planning to move with your furry companion? Pet relocation in the UAE has become more structured—but also more regulated. From mandatory documents to travel costs, here’s everything you need to know before flying with your pet.
Can You Travel With Pets From the UAE?
Yes, pets can legally travel from the UAE, but strict regulations apply to ensure animal safety and public health.
- You can export up to two cats, two dogs, or one of each per year
- Most pets travel as air cargo, not in the cabin
- Airlines provide temperature-controlled compartments for safe transport
Essential Documents for Pet Travel
Before booking your pet’s journey, make sure all paperwork is ready. Missing documents are the most common reason for delays.
- ISO-compliant microchip (15-digit)
- Rabies vaccination certificate (after microchipping)
- Up-to-date core vaccinations
- Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
- UAE export permit / MOCCAE approval
- Fit-to-fly certificate from a vet
- Destination-specific approvals (EU, UK, etc.)
Pet Relocation Cost in UAE
The cost of relocating your pet depends on distance, size, and services used.
💸 Average Cost Breakdown
- Relocation services: AED 3,500 – AED 15,000
- Airline transport: $500 – $800 (approx.)
Import fees (UAE example)
- Permit: AED 500
- Inspection: AED 500–1000
Eligibility criteria
i) Pets must be at least 16 weeks old and weigh up to 8kg (including carrier weight).
ii) Pets are permitted in their carrier in Economy and Business.
iii) You must be at least 18 years old to travel with a pet.
iv) You must not sit in an exit row or bulkhead seat.
How you can carry Pets on Flights?
Most airlines, including Emirates, follow strict policies:
- Pets usually travel as cargo via SkyCargo
- Limited cabin travel (only for service animals)
- Dedicated teams manage documentation and logistics
- Special animal care facilities are available in Dubai
You must book at least seven days before your flight, by submitting a booking form via the airline’s website. If you’re flying into Abu Dhabi, you must have a release permit for your pet and submit a UAE health certificate at the airport. The certificate must be signed and stamped by a government-accredited health official in your country of departure, within five days before your flight.
Important UAE Pet Travel Rules
Before relocating your pet, keep these key rules in mind:
- Only dogs and cats are commonly allowed
- Certain dog breeds may be restricted or banned
- All vaccinations must be valid and updated
- Documentation errors can lead to entry refusal or delays
What is a Pet Passport?
A pet passport is a collection of your pet’s essential information, including microchip details, import and export permits, health certificates, and an up-to-date vaccination record.
Step-by-Step Guide: Pet Relocation Process
- Microchip your pet
- Complete vaccinations
- Apply for permits
- Get health & travel certificates
- Book airline cargo or relocation service
- Final vet inspection before departure
What Vaccinations are essential for Dogs & Cats before travel on Flights?
| Dogs | Cats |
| Rabies virus | Rabies virus |
| Canine distemper virus | Feline rhinotracheitis/herpesvirus |
| Canine hepatitis/adenovirus | Feline calicivirus |
| Canine parvovirus | Feline panleukopenia |
| Canine parainfluenza virus | |
| Canine leptospirosis | |
| Canine kennel cough (for pets who are going into kennels upon arrival at the destination country) | |
Where you can get Pets Customs Declaration?
You can obtain the customs declaration form from the MOCCAE website.
What are the pet carrier requirements?
The pet carrier must meet the following guidelines:
- Maximum size should be 40 × 40 × 22 cm to fit under the seat, or 50 × 43 × 50 cm if an extra seat is purchased.
- It must be well-ventilated on at least three sides and spacious enough for your pet to move around and lie down comfortably.
- The carrier should be escape-proof, leak-proof, and lined with absorbent material.
What is the cost of traveling with a pet carrier?
The service typically costs $1500 (Dh5,508), but Etihad Airways has reduced the fee to $399 (Dh1,465) until May 31. This fee is separate from the cost of the seat ticket.
Veterinary health certificate
Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, this document must be approved by the official authorities of the departure country. It confirms that your pet is fit for travel and meets all required vaccination standards.
Rabies testing certificate (conditional)
If you are traveling from a high-risk country, you will need a laboratory certificate confirming a rabies antibody titration test. The test must be conducted by an approved laboratory, and the result should be at least 0.5 IU/ml.
What are the banned dog breeds in the UAE?
As per UAE law, the following dog breeds cannot be brought into the country, with the exception of those used as service animals, emotional support animals or “for medical purposes and in accordance with the regulating requirements”, according to MOCCAE.
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Bully
- Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero)
- Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino)
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux)
- Boerboel
- Bullmastiff
- Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff)
- Bully Kutta (Alangu Mastiff, Indian Mastiff)
- Perro De Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)
- Japanese Tosa
- Presa Canario
Final Thoughts
Relocating your pet from or to the UAE is completely possible—but it requires careful planning, proper documentation, and budgeting. With costs ranging from a few thousand dirhams to premium relocation packages, choosing the right service and preparing early can make the journey smooth for both you and your pet.