๐ Taking a Cat to UAE
Here's exactly what you need to bring a cat into UAE ๐ฆ๐ช. The rules below are specific to cats; for the full country overview see the country hub.
Verified entry requirements (2026)
- Import permit FIRST (MOCCAE portal; valid 30 days โ some sources say 90, verify).
- ISO microchip โ the rabies vaccination must come strictly AFTER the chip.
- Age โฅ15 weeks at import; vaccinate at โฅ12 weeks; โฅ21 days after the vaccine before travel.
- Titer (RSNT) โ from non-controlled countries; โฅ0.5 IU/ml. Exempt: UK, Germany, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Sweden, NZ, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal (verify the full list).
- Other vaccines: dogs โ distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis; cats โ panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus. Parasite treatment within 14 days.
- Limit: 2 cats / 2 dogs / 1+1 per person per year.
- Breed ban: Pit Bulls, mastiffs (Fila, Dogo Argentino), Tosa, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Presa Canario, Boxers and crosses.
- Cargo only (not cabin). No quarantine if requirements are met.
Flying
Cats travel in cargo on this route โ book an IATA-compliant crate.
- โ ISO 11784/11785 microchipping before rabies vaccine timeline
- โ Rabies titer blood test (RNATT) & mandatory 90-day waiting period
- โ Airport transit zone regulations, international vet certificates & EU pet passport
โ Your Checklist is Ready!
We have reserved your guide. Download the PDF directly:
โ๏ธ IATA-Approved Pet Carriers & Spill-Proof Water Bowls
Important: airlines will deny boarding without an IATA-compliant crate or approved cabin carrier. Secure verified airline gear in advance:
IATA Airline-Approved Cabin Carrier
Fits under the seat on Turkish, FlyDubai, Lufthansa, Delta, Emirates. 3-sided mesh ventilation, waterproof bottom, safety leash ring.
Heavy-Duty IATA Live Animal Cargo Crate
Impact-resistant rigid shell, steel door with central squeeze latch, secured with metal nuts & bolts (plastic latches strictly banned).
No-Drip Water Bottle & Dual Kennel Bowl
External refill spout allows airline ground staff to replenish water without opening the crate door during flight connections.
Emergency Pet Relocation Kit ($19)
Complete digital relocation toolkit for emergency and planned travel with pets. Everything you need in one verified pack:
- ๐ International Vet Certificate filled sample templates (EU, USDA, APHIS, Non-Commercial)
- ๐จ Emergency step-by-step SOP for flight delays, boarding denials & airport lost pet protocols
- ๐ Airline dispute & complaint letter templates + 24/7 on-call relocation specialist contact
๐งณ Essential Travel Services for Flying with Pets
FAQ
Can my cat fly in the cabin to UAE?
Cats travel in cargo on this route โ book an IATA-compliant crate.
Does my cat need a titer test?
No, a titer test is not required for UAE.
How many pets can I bring?
Usually up to 2 per traveler.