Bringing a dog into the United Arab Emirates hinges on one document that trips up almost everyone: the import permit. Cooper has done this trip three times now, and I promise the paperwork feels far less daunting once you understand the order things must happen. Here's what I wish someone had told me before that first move, laid out so you can start early and breathe easy.
Bringing a pet to United Arab Emirates requires three documents in the right order: a microchip, a rabies vaccine within the destination's wait window, and a government-endorsed health certificate. The table below lays out exactly what's required, what's not, and where each rule comes from.
How United Arab Emirates handles your pet Key links: MOCCAE import permit service (https://www.moccae.gov.ae/en/services/import-permit-pets). USDA APHIS UAE page (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-united-arab-emirates). Import permit via MOCCAE website, valid 90 days, issued in 1 working day. Max 2 cats or 2 dogs (or 1+1) per year for personal import. Min age 12 weeks (low-risk) or 15 weeks (high-risk). RNST required from non-rabies-controlled countries (>=0.5 IU/ml). ALL pets must travel as manifest cargo -- no baggage allowed. Service/emotional support dogs take 5 working days for permit.
Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
Cabin policy Minimum age 15 weeks l be 12 while the minimum age for importing from the high risk countries is not less than 15 weeks. The vaccination should be done at age not less than 12 weeks and the validity verified 2026-07-15 Crate must have/be ventilated INK The mean of transport should fulfill the following requirements: Allow good ventilation of animals Designed not to cause leakage or fall of animal residues (e.g. urine, feces, ...) and forage residues Allow cleaning… verified 2026-07-15 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Minimum age 15 weeks …risk countries will be 12 while the minimum age for importing from the high risk countries is not less than 15 we verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Sedation allowed ✓ Yesrting country and in case that the consignment will cross any other country, it must not mix with other pet animals during transit Personal import is allowed for no more than 2 cats or 2 dogs or a dog and a cat… verified 2026-07-08 Hold: Crate must have/be ventilated INK The mean of transport should fulfill the following requirements: Allow good ventilation of animals Designed not to cause leakage or fall of animal residues (e.g. urine, feces, ...) and forage residues Allow cleaning… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Heat embargo 12°C …in accordance with the above The minimum age of an imported animal from the low risk countries will be 12 while the minimum age for importing from the high risk countries is not less verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, live-animal label INK The mean of transport should fulfill the following requirements: Allow good ventilation of animals Designed not to cause leakage or fall of animal residues (e.g. urine, feces, ...) and forage residues Allow cleaning… verified 2026-07-15 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesRequired Documents Import : No documents required Release: Attested veterinary health certificate issued by the competent veterinary authorities in accordance with the approved models with the countries of export A… verified 2026-07-15 Acclimation certificate required ✓ YesTo import Bengal and Serval cats as pets, a pedigree certificate (fifth generation) must be provided For individuals and commercial companies. verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate validity 30 days …after examining them for the purpose of exporting or re-exporting them outside the country, valid for 30 days fro verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate validity 90 days n’s animals - cats or dogs from outside the country and obtain an import permit valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and then examine these animals at the entry port when they arrive in the… verified 2026-07-15 Microchip · Required ✓ YesA customs declaration showing the shipment data Provide any other documents such as laboratory examination certificate issued by a laboratory accredited by the competent authorities of the State of export in case of… verified 2026-07-15 Microchip · Must be done before vaccination ✓ Yesents of cats and dogs will be shipped directly from the exporting country and in case that the consignment will cross any other country, it must not mix with other pet animals during transit Personal import is allowed… verified 2026-06-19 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Required ✓ Yesf lading showing the delivery data A document of immunizations or a passport with the required data A certified health certificate issued by the competent veterinary authorities In the event of importation from a… verified 2026-07-15 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Minimum level iu ml 5 5 IU / ml) verified 2026-06-19 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Approved laboratory required ✓ YesA certified health certificate issued by the competent veterinary authorities In the event of importation from a high-risk country only, a laboratory test certificate should be attached to the Antibody Titration Test… verified 2026-07-15 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Waiting period after test days 21 days In case that the pet is vaccinated for the first time or discontinuity of the vaccination: a period not less than 21 days must pass from vaccination against Rabies verified 2026-07-15 Import permit · Required ✓ YesA prior transit permit must be obtained from the Ministry for cats and dogs that pass through the country’s territory as a transit consignment, and it must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate or… verified 2026-07-15 Import permit · Lead time 30 days The permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance, and pets cannot be imported using an expired document. verified 2026-07-23 Import permit · Permit validity 90 days …to import companion’s animals - cats or dogs from outside the country and obtain an import permit valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and then examine these animals at the entry port when they arrive in the… verified 2026-07-15 Import permit · Documents required to obtain No documents required for pet dogs and cats Import: No documents required for pet dogs and cats verified 2026-07-15 Flea treatment · Required ✓ YesThe animal was received preventive doses for internal and external parasites during the 14 days prior to shipment, and this is stated in the health certificate or the passport of the animal. verified 2026-07-15 Tick treatment · Required ✓ YesThe animal was received preventive doses for internal and external parasites during the 14 days prior to shipment, and this is stated in the health certificate or the passport of the animal. verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Issuer competent veterinary …document of immunizations or a passport with the required data A certified health certificate issued by the competent veterinary authorities In the event of importation from a high-risk country only, a laboratory test certifi verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesA customs declaration showing the shipment data Provide any other documents such as laboratory examination certificate issued by a laboratory accredited by the competent authorities of the State of export in case of… verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Validity days 365 days …certificate mentioned in Paragraph (a) of this clause The validity of the Rabies Testing certificate is 365 days, in a condition that the rabies vacc verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesA prior transit permit must be obtained from the Ministry for cats and dogs that pass through the country’s territory as a transit consignment, and it must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate or… verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Booster required ✓ YesIn case that the pet is vaccinated for the first time or discontinuity of the vaccination: a period not less than 21 days must pass from vaccination against Rabies verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Waiting period after vaccination 21 days …that the pet is vaccinated for the first time or discontinuity of the vaccination: a period not less than 21 days must pass from vaccination against Rabies. ii.In case that the animal has a valid booster vaccination,… verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 12 weeks The vaccination should be done at age not less than 12 weeks and the validity of the vaccine well be in accordance to the manufacturing company The animal was… verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate required · Health certificate required ✓ YesThe animal must have obtained a veterinary health certificate from the ministry before leaving the country. b. verified 2026-06-19 Internal parasite treatment · Required ✓ YesThe animal was received preventive doses for internal and external parasites during the 14 days prior to shipment, and this is stated in the health certificate or the passport of the animal. verified 2026-07-15 Internal parasite treatment · Timing notes During the 14 days prior to shipment The animal was received preventive doses for internal and external parasites during the 14 days prior to shipment, and this is stated in the health certificate or the passport of the animal. verified 2026-07-15 Other rules Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedities that contains the activity of importing and exporting companion animals, or the activity of a breeding center - pets. Individuals are allowed to import a maximum of 2 companion animals per person during the year,… verified 2026-07-15 Assistance animals accepted ✓ Yesa training center stating that the dog has been trained for Emotional support, Service dog or Medical use, certified by the competent authority in the country of origin. A medical report on the owner’s health status… verified 2026-07-20 Emotional support animals allowed ✗ NoNew Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Palau, Latvia, Albania, Croatia, Maldives, Spain (excluding Melilla and Ceuta), Cyprus, Korea,… verified 2026-07-20 Service & assistance animals Fee waived ✓ Yesnario (Canary Mastiff), Japaneese tosa, Presa Canario (Except for those used as service animals, emotional support animals or for medical purposes and in accordance with the regulating requirements) Required… verified 2026-07-20 Recognized ✓ Yesa training center stating that the dog has been trained for Emotional support, Service dog or Medical use, certified by the competent authority in the country of origin. verified 2026-07-15 Documentation required ✓ YesFill out the electronic form E– Payment Vision inspection Issuing the release permit electronically Required Documents Import: No documents required for pet dogs and cats In case of importation of Service, emotional… verified 2026-07-15 Cabin policy Minimum age 15 weeks l be 12 while the minimum age for importing from the high risk countries is not less than 15 weeks. verified 2026-07-15 Crate must have/be ventilated INK The mean of transport should fulfill the following requirements: Allow good ventilation of animals Designed not to cause leakage or fall of animal residues (e.g. urine, feces, ...) and forage residues Allow cleaning… verified 2026-07-15 Hold & cargo policy Hold: One-way fee 100 Service Fees Fee Type : Federal Request permission to import a consignment of live animals or birds 100 Payment Method: Cards Fee Type : Federal Request to release sheep and goats per A customs declaration… verified 2026-06-23 Hold: Minimum age 15 weeks …risk countries will be 12 while the minimum age for importing from the high risk countries is not less than 15 we verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Crate must have/be ventilated, IATA-compliant, live-animal label In the case of re-export from the country of origin of the following animals: cows, sheep and goats, live birds, must spend at least 6 months in the country of export, while in the case of birds it is required to stay… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Minimum age 15 weeks …risk countries will be 12 while the minimum age for importing from the high risk countries is not less than 15 we verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Heat embargo 12°C …in accordance with the above The minimum age of an imported animal from the low risk countries will be 12 while the minimum age for importing from the high risk countries is not less verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Crate must have/be ventilated, live-animal label INK The mean of transport should fulfill the following requirements: Allow good ventilation of animals Designed not to cause leakage or fall of animal residues (e.g. urine, feces, ...) and forage residues Allow cleaning… verified 2026-07-15 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ Yesdogs will be shipped according to IATA conditions for pet animal transport. The cats and dogs must be identified with a permanent microchip, and the chip number in the health certificate must conform with the chip No.… verified 2026-07-15 Import permit copy required ✓ Yesimport for live animals and birds About the Service Through this service, it is agreed to import live animals and birds from outside the country and obtain a valid permit for a period of 90 days from the date of… verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate validity 30 days …after examining them for the purpose of exporting or re-exporting them outside the country, valid for 30 days fro verified 2026-07-15 Microchip · Required ✓ YesThe cats and dogs must be identified with a permanent microchip, and the chip number in the health certificate must conform with the chip No. which is implanted in the animal. verified 2026-07-15 Microchip · Must be done before vaccination ✓ Yesents of cats and dogs will be shipped directly from the exporting country and in case that the consignment will cross any other country, it must not mix with other pet animals during transit Personal import is allowed… verified 2026-06-19 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Required ✓ Yesthe delivery data A document of immunizations or a passport with the required data A certified health certificate issued by the competent veterinary authorities In the event of importation from a high-risk country only,… verified 2026-07-15 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Minimum level iu ml 5 5 IU / ml) verified 2026-06-19 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Approved laboratory required ✓ Yesn or bill of lading showing the delivery data A document of immunizations or a passport with the required data A certified health certificate issued by the competent veterinary authorities In the event of importation… verified 2026-07-15 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Waiting period after test days 21 days In case that the pet is vaccinated for the first time or discontinuity of the vaccination: a period not less than 21 days must pass from vaccination against Rabies verified 2026-07-15 Import permit · Required ✓ YesA prior transit permit must be obtained from the Ministry for cats and dogs that pass through the country’s territory as a transit consignment, and it must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate or… verified 2026-07-15 Import permit · Lead time 90 days Issuance of Import permit prior to importation, issued through the MOCCAE web site (validity of permit is 90 days Release: A customs declaration or bill of lading showing the delivery data A document of immunizations… verified 2026-07-26 Import permit · Permit validity 90 days …to import companion’s animals - cats or dogs from outside the country and obtain an import permit valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and then examine these animals at the entry port when they arrive in the… verified 2026-07-15 Import permit · Documents required to obtain No documents required for pet dogs and cats Import: No documents required for pet dogs and cats verified 2026-07-15 Flea treatment · Required ✓ YesThe animal was received preventive doses for internal and external parasites during the 14 days prior to shipment, and this is stated in the health certificate or the passport of the animal. verified 2026-07-15 Tick treatment · Required ✓ YesThe animal was received preventive doses for internal and external parasites during the 14 days prior to shipment, and this is stated in the health certificate or the passport of the animal. verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Issuer competent veterinary …document of immunizations or a passport with the required data A certified health certificate issued by the competent veterinary authorities In the event of importation from a high-risk country only, a laboratory test certifi verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesRelease: A customs declaration or bill of lading showing the delivery data A document of immunizations or a passport with the required data A certified health certificate issued by the competent veterinary authorities… verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Validity days 365 days …certificate mentioned in Paragraph (a) of this clause The validity of the Rabies Testing certificate is 365 days, in a condition that the rabies vacc verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Government endorsed ✓ Yesta A document of immunizations or a passport with the required data A certified health certificate issued by the competent veterinary authorities In the event of importation from a high-risk country only, a laboratory… verified 2026-07-15 Other vaccinations · Fvrcp ✓ YesFeline Calicivirus For noncompliance of import requirements there will be: Pet will be rejected (on its owner expenses) or confiscated Service Fees Fee Type : Federal for issuing the import permit for one head 200… verified 2026-06-19 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesA prior transit permit must be obtained from the Ministry for cats and dogs that pass through the country’s territory as a transit consignment, and it must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate or… verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Booster required ✓ YesIn case that the pet is vaccinated for the first time or discontinuity of the vaccination: a period not less than 21 days must pass from vaccination against Rabies verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Waiting period after vaccination 21 days In case that the pet is vaccinated for the first time or discontinuity of the vaccination: a period not less than 21 days must pass from vaccination against Rabies verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 12 weeks The vaccination should be done at age not less than 12 weeks and the validity of the vaccine well be in accordance to the manufacturing company The animal was… verified 2026-07-15 Internal parasite treatment · Required ✓ YesThe animal was received preventive doses for internal and external parasites during the 14 days prior to shipment, and this is stated in the health certificate or the passport of the animal. verified 2026-07-15 Internal parasite treatment · Timing notes During the 14 days prior to shipment The animal was received preventive doses for internal and external parasites during the 14 days prior to shipment, and this is stated in the health certificate or the passport of the animal. verified 2026-07-15 Other rules Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedities that contains the activity of importing and exporting companion animals, or the activity of a breeding center - pets. Individuals are allowed to import a maximum of 2 companion animals per person during the year,… verified 2026-07-15
Timing chain
Day -90 microchip implant · Day -21 rabies vaccine deadline · Day -365 health certificate issued · Day 0 arrive at customs
Breed restrictions
Banned breeds: Staffordshire Bull Terrier verified 2026-07-15
The microchip must be implanted and recorded before the rabies vaccination, or the vaccination date won't count. Book the chip appointment first, keep the implant certificate, then schedule the shot. Cats and dogs must ship directly from the exporting country, and during any transit they must not mix with other pet animals. Confirm your routing avoids shared animal-transit handling.
Certain breeds are banned from import entirely, including the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and Brazilian Mastiff. Verify the breed listed on official paperwork against this prohibited list before booking anything. A dog matching a banned breed cannot enter, so resolve breed classification questions with authorities far ahead of any travel date.
Frequently asked
Does my pet need a microchip for United Arab Emirates? Yes. United Arab Emirates requires an ISO-standard microchip, and it must be fitted before the rabies vaccination to be valid. How long before travel must the rabies vaccine be given for United Arab Emirates? The rabies vaccine must take effect at least 21 days before entry, and can be given from 12 weeks of age. Travelling before that window makes the vaccination invalid at the border. Does United Arab Emirates require a rabies antibody (titer) test? Only for pets arriving from a country not on the EU's listed (Annex II) countries. Those pets need a rabies antibody titer test from an approved lab. Pets from EU or listed countries do not. What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity? If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays. What happens if I forget a document? At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
The Rabies Testing certificate stays valid for 365 days from the recorded result. Note the exact result date and count forward one year to find the expiry. Schedule travel comfortably inside that window rather than close to the edge. Where permitted, the examination results can be recorded directly in the health certificate instead of a separate document, reducing paperwork to track.
Take it one step at a time and the timeline sorts itself out. Start with the microchip, then the rabies shot, then the permit and health certificate, and mark each expiry date on a calendar. When you're ready to map your own dates and requirements, build a personalized plan with Pawgo's plan-builder for your exact trip. You've got this, and your dog will be right there beside you.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
