๐ฆ๐ช Pet travel to UAE: entry requirements (2026)
Bringing a pet to UAE ๐ฆ๐ช is a controlled but manageable destination. No quarantine if all paperwork is in order. The essentials: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, import permit and an official health certificate.
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.
By species
Popular routes to UAE
Official sources
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Does the microchip have to come before the rabies shot?
Yes. For UAE the rabies vaccination only counts if the ISO 11784/11785 microchip was implanted first. Always chip, then vaccinate.
Is there quarantine in UAE?
No mandatory quarantine if your paperwork is complete and correct.
Can my pet fly in the cabin?
No โ this route requires cargo transport.
How long does preparation take?
Start about 1โ2 months ahead.
Are any dog breeds banned?
Yes: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Neapolitan Mastiff, Japanese Tosa, Cane Corso, Rottweiler, Boerboel, Wolf hybrids.