Pet Relocation to UAE Guide

For many expats, the decision to move to the UAE comes with a non-negotiable condition: the pets come too. Whether you have a Labrador, a Persian cat, or a pair of parakeets, bringing your beloved animals to the UAE is entirely possible — but it requires careful planning, the right paperwork, and a realistic budget. The UAE has clear import regulations that, when followed correctly, result in a smooth relocation process. This guide covers every step, from pre-departure preparation in your home country to settling your pet into their new UAE home.

Before You Start: Eligibility and Restrictions

The UAE permits the import of dogs, cats, and certain other domestic animals (rabbits, birds, ornamental fish). However, there are important restrictions to be aware of before you begin the process.

Breed Restrictions

Certain dog breeds are restricted or banned from import into some emirates. In Dubai, breeds classified as aggressive or dangerous — including Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Japanese Tosa — are generally not permitted. The complete list of restricted breeds is maintained by Dubai Municipality, and it is essential to check this list before starting the process. Mixed breeds with a restricted breed as a primary component may also face scrutiny. If you are unsure about your dog's breed classification, consult a pet relocation specialist or Dubai Municipality directly.

Number of Pets

You can typically import up to two pets per person on a single import permit. If you have more than two pets, you may need to apply for additional permits or use a licensed pet import agent. Some villa communities allow more pets, while apartment buildings may restrict you to one or two animals regardless of the import permit.

The Import Permit

The UAE import permit is the single most important document in the pet relocation process. Without it, your pet will not be allowed to enter the country.

How to Apply

In Dubai, the import permit is issued by Dubai Municipality through their online portal or through the DM app. In Abu Dhabi, it is handled by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA). The application requires: your Emirates ID or passport number, your pet's microchip number, a valid rabies vaccination certificate, a veterinary health certificate from your home country (issued within 10 days of travel), and your pet's vaccination records. The permit costs approximately AED 200 to AED 300 and is typically issued within 2 to 5 business days. The permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, so time your application to align with your pet's travel date.

Timing is Critical

Apply for the import permit once you have all the required documents in order — ideally 2 to 3 weeks before your pet's travel date. If the permit expires before your pet arrives, you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Do not apply too early, but also do not leave it to the last minute, as delays in document processing or permit issuance can disrupt your pet's travel plans.

Vaccinations and Health Requirements

Mandatory Vaccinations

All dogs and cats imported into the UAE must be vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel but no more than 12 months prior (or as specified on the vaccine manufacturer's validity period). Dogs must also be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis (the standard DHLPP combination vaccine). Cats must be vaccinated against feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis (FVRCP). All vaccinations must be recorded in your pet's official vaccination booklet or passport.

Microchipping

Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip before any vaccinations are administered. The microchip number is used to identify your pet throughout the import process and must match the number on all documents. If your pet was microchipped after their vaccinations, some authorities may require the vaccinations to be re-administered after microchipping — check the specific requirements for your emirate.

Health Certificate

A veterinary health certificate (also called an export health certificate or fit-to-fly certificate) must be issued by an accredited veterinarian in your home country within 10 days of travel. This certificate confirms that your pet is healthy, free from infectious diseases, and fit to travel. In many countries, this certificate must also be endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g., APHA in the UK, USDA in the United States). The endorsement process can take several days, so schedule the vet visit early enough to allow for this.

Choosing How Your Pet Travels

In-Cabin Travel

Small pets (dogs and cats under approximately 8 kg including the carrier) can travel in the cabin on some airlines. Emirates allows small dogs and cats in the cabin on select routes, and flydubai permits cabin travel for small pets on certain flights. The pet must remain in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat. Cabin travel costs vary by airline and route but typically range from AED 500 to AED 1,500 per flight. Availability is limited (usually two to three pets per flight), so book early and confirm the pet reservation separately from your own booking.

Cargo (Manifest Cargo or Excess Baggage)

Larger pets must travel in the aircraft's cargo hold, either as excess baggage (on the same flight as you) or as manifest cargo (on a separate cargo flight). Excess baggage is the preferred option because your pet travels on your flight and you can track their journey. Cargo hold sections on modern aircraft are pressurised and temperature-controlled. Costs for cargo transport range from AED 2,000 to AED 8,000 depending on the size of the crate, the route, and the airline. Manifest cargo is typically used when flying on an airline that does not accept pets, or when using a pet transport specialist.

Pet Transport Companies

Many expats choose to use a professional pet relocation company to handle the entire process. These companies manage the paperwork, book the flights, provide airport-approved crates, handle customs clearance at both ends, and deliver your pet to your UAE address. The all-inclusive cost typically ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 depending on the origin country, pet size, and service level. While expensive, this option removes the stress and paperwork burden from you. Reputable companies include PetTravelUAE, British Kennels, and WorldCare Pet Transport.

Arrival in the UAE

Customs and Clearance

When your pet arrives at the UAE airport (most commonly Dubai International Airport or Al Maktoum International), they will be processed through the animal quarantine section. A government veterinarian will inspect your pet's documents, verify the microchip, and conduct a brief health check. If all documents are in order, your pet will be released to you within a few hours. There is no mandatory quarantine period for pets arriving from most countries with valid documentation — this is a common misconception. However, if documents are incomplete or vaccinations are not up to date, your pet may be held at the airport facility until the situation is resolved, which can be stressful for both you and your animal.

Registration with Municipality

After arrival, you must register your pet with the local municipality within 30 days. In Dubai, this is done through Dubai Municipality and involves a visit to a municipality-approved veterinary clinic. The registration includes a health check, verification of vaccinations, and issuance of a pet registration card. The registration fee is approximately AED 100 to AED 200. You will also need to obtain a pet licence (AED 50 to AED 100), which is renewed annually. Keep all registration documents handy, as you may need them for accommodation checks by building management.

Pet-Friendly Housing

Finding the Right Home

Not all residential properties in the UAE accept pets. Apartment buildings are the most restrictive — many have a strict no-pet policy, while others allow small pets (cats and small dogs) with prior approval and an additional deposit. Villas and townhouses in communities like Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah Islands, Springs, and Mirdif are generally more pet-friendly, with gardens and open spaces for dogs to exercise. When searching for accommodation, always confirm the building's pet policy before signing a lease. Some landlords are flexible even if the building has restrictions, while others enforce the rules strictly. Real estate agents on GoProfiled's real estate listings → can help you find pet-friendly properties.

Additional Deposits and Fees

If your building allows pets, expect to pay a pet deposit of AED 1,000 to AED 3,000, which is refundable when you move out (provided there is no pet-related damage). Some buildings charge a non-refundable pet fee instead. A few premium communities charge an annual pet registration fee with the community management. These costs are in addition to the standard security deposit and should be factored into your moving budget.

Living with Pets in the UAE

Veterinary Care

The UAE has a good network of veterinary clinics, ranging from basic facilities to advanced veterinary hospitals with specialist departments. A standard vet consultation costs AED 100 to AED 300, vaccinations AED 100 to AED 250 per set, and spaying or neutering AED 500 to AED 1,500. Pet insurance is available in the UAE through several providers, with annual premiums starting from AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 for cats and dogs. Given the cost of veterinary care, particularly for emergencies or specialist treatment, pet insurance is worth serious consideration.

Summer Heat

The UAE summer (June to September) is extremely challenging for pets, particularly dogs. Temperatures regularly exceed 45°C, and pavement surfaces can reach temperatures that burn paw pads. Walk your dog only early in the morning (before 7 AM) and after sunset (after 7 PM) during summer months. Always carry water for your pet. Some breeds, particularly flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats, are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness. If you have such a breed, take extra precautions and keep them in air-conditioned environments during the hottest months.

Pet Services and Amenities

The UAE has a growing pet services industry. Dog walking services cost AED 50 to AED 100 per walk, pet grooming AED 100 to AED 300 per session, and pet boarding AED 80 to AED 200 per night. Several dog-friendly parks and beaches exist in Dubai, including the Barsha Pond Park dog park and the Jebel Ali dog-friendly beach. Abu Dhabi also has designated dog parks. Pet shops are well-stocked with food, supplies, and accessories, with major retailers like Pet Zone, Petzone, and Dubai Pet Food offering a wide range. Online delivery of pet supplies through platforms like PetStation and Kibsons is also available. Check Dubai listings on GoProfiled → for pet services near you.

Costs Summary

Total Relocation Budget

The total cost of relocating a medium-sized dog to the UAE typically breaks down as follows: vaccinations and health certificate in home country (AED 1,000 to AED 2,500), microchipping if not already done (AED 200 to AED 400), airline transport or cargo (AED 2,000 to AED 8,000), import permit (AED 200 to AED 300), UAE customs and clearance (AED 300 to AED 500), municipality registration (AED 200 to AED 300), and pet deposit on accommodation (AED 1,000 to AED 3,000). Total: approximately AED 5,000 to AED 15,000. Using a professional relocation company adds to this cost but removes the administrative burden. For a cat, costs are generally 20-30% lower due to smaller transport crates and simpler handling requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a quarantine period for pets in the UAE?

No, there is no mandatory quarantine for pets arriving from most countries with complete and valid documentation. Your pet will be inspected and cleared at the airport on arrival, typically within two to four hours. Quarantine only applies if documents are incomplete, vaccinations are not up to date, or the pet shows signs of illness upon arrival. This is a significant advantage of the UAE compared to some other countries (such as Australia or New Zealand) that impose lengthy quarantine periods.

Can I bring my pet on Emirates flights?

Emirates allows pets in the cabin (small pets under 8 kg including carrier) on select routes and in the cargo hold (as checked excess baggage) on most routes. The airline uses its Emirates SkyCargo service for larger animals or when cabin space is not available. Book your pet's travel well in advance, as space is limited. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds may face restrictions during summer months due to heat-related health risks during ground handling.

What breeds are banned in Dubai?

Dubai Municipality maintains a list of restricted breeds that are not permitted for import or ownership. As of 2026, this list typically includes Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and certain wolf-hybrid breeds. The list may be updated, so check directly with Dubai Municipality or a pet relocation specialist before making plans. If your dog is a mixed breed, the primary breed classification on its registration documents will be used for the assessment.

Can I take my pet to the beach in the UAE?

Most public beaches in the UAE do not allow dogs. However, there are designated dog-friendly beaches — the most well-known being the Jebel Ali dog beach in Dubai, a stretch of coastline where dogs can swim and run off-leash. Some private beach clubs also welcome dogs during specific hours or on designated days. Abu Dhabi has dog-friendly areas near Al Bateen and on Saadiyat Island. Always clean up after your pet and keep them on a leash in public areas unless you are in a designated off-leash zone. Fines for not cleaning up after your dog start at AED 500.

Settle Your Pet into UAE Life

Relocating with a pet requires more planning and cost than moving alone, but the companionship and joy your pet brings makes the effort worthwhile. Start the process early, get your paperwork right, and choose pet-friendly housing from the start. Your furry family member will adapt to UAE life faster than you might expect. Browse pet-friendly properties on GoProfiled → and explore the services and amenities that make the UAE a surprisingly good place to be a pet owner.