Bringing Pets to Dubai? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the Move

Moving to Dubai is a big step for families, and for many, their pets are a vital part of that journey.

To make sure your move goes smoothly there are clear rules and processes you need to follow. From paperwork and vaccinations to what life looks like here for pet owners, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

Can you bring your pets to Dubai?

Yes, you can bring cats and dogs into Dubai, but the UAE has strict guidelines in place. The key things to know upfront:

• Each person is allowed to bring in a maximum of two pets per year.
• Some breeds of dogs are banned (such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Japanese Tosas).
• All pets must arrive with an import permit issued by the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).

Vaccinations and health requirements

Before your pet can travel, there are mandatory vaccinations and health checks you need to take care of. The main requirements include:

• Microchip: Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip.
• Rabies vaccination: Given at least 21 days before travel but not older than 12 months.

Paperwork and permits

• Dubai requires paperwork to be sorted in order to bring your pet legally, you’ll need:
• Import permit from MOCCAE (valid for 30 days).
• Health certificate issued by a licensed vet in your home country.
• Rabies vaccination certificate.
• Copy of your passport and Emirates ID (if available).

Airlines will check these documents before boarding, and customs officials will re-check them on arrival in Dubai.

Flying to Dubai with pets

• Most major airlines allow pets to travel either in-cabin (if small enough), as checked baggage, or as cargo. A few tips we suggest are:
  Book early: Pet slots on flights are limited.
• Check airline policies: Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways each have slightly different rules.
• Travel crates: Your pet must be in an IATA-approved travel crate that is big enough for them to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.

Arrival in Dubai

Once you land, pets are inspected at the Dubai airport by MOCCAE officials. If everything is in order, clearance usually happens within a few hours. If paperwork is missing or vaccinations are incomplete, pets may be quarantined until the issue is resolved, so double-check all documents before you travel.

Living in Dubai With Pets

Dubai has a growing number of pet-friendly communities, services, and amenities, but there are still some things to keep in mind:

Where you can live: Many villa communities (such as The Meadows, Arabian Ranches, and Dubai Hills Estate) are popular with pet owners thanks to larger plots and outdoor space. Some apartment buildings have pet restrictions, so always check before signing a lease.

Pet services: Grooming salons, veterinary clinics, dog trainers, and daycare facilities are widely available.

Outdoor spaces: Dedicated dog parks are popping up across the city, and beach areas like The Pointe (Palm Jumeirah) and Kite Beach have pet-friendly zones.

Heat considerations: Summers are extremely hot, so most walks should be limited to early mornings or late evenings.

What costs can you expect?

Bringing a pet into Dubai does come with costs, including:

• Import permit: Around AED 500 per pet.
• Vet checks and vaccinations: Vary by country.
• Airline pet transport fees: Can range from USD 200 all the way up to 1,000+, depending on airline and size.
• Optional services: Some relocation companies offer full pet transport packages, which can cost several thousand dirhams.

Thinking of living in Dubai?

If you’re relocating and need advice not only on bringing pets but also on finding the right home for your lifestyle, our team at Espace Real Estate can help guide you through every step of the move.

Check out some of our properties for sale in Dubai.