Pet Import Regulations in the UAE: A Complete Guide for Pet Owners

If you plan to bring your pets to the UAE, you need to follow MOCCAE’s pet import regulations. They require an import permit, shipping via IATA-regulated cargo, and specific vaccinations. The import of certain breeds of dogs is prohibited in the UAE. Upon arrival, pet owners need to provide documents like the original vaccination card, health certificate, and Rabies Serum Neutralization Test Certificate.

What you need to know

1. Obtain an import permit prior to arrival through the MOCCAE website. The import permit remains valid for 30 days. Importing pets with an expired import permit is not allowed.
2. Your pet must be shipped in manifested cargo as per IATA regulations. Check the IATA conditions for carrying pets.
3. Cats and dogs need to have a microchip for identification. The chip number should match that on the health certificate. Read about microchipping here.
4. The minimum age for an animal imported from low-risk countries is 12 weeks. However, when it comes to high-risk countries, the minimum age increases to 15 weeks.
5. The following breeds of dogs are prohibited from being imported into the UAE:
   • Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier , American Bully, Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero), Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino), Tibetan Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux), Boerboel, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff), Bully Kutta (Alangu Mastiff, Indian Mastiff), Perro De Presa Canario (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 
6. Every year, you can personally import up to two cats, two dogs, or one of each, except for resident animals who can enter and exit freely.
7. Even so, you must have a fixed microchip for identification purposes, and importantly, all pet health import regulations and requirements of the UAE must be met.

Documents Required upon Arrival at Port of Entry/UAE:

1. An original vaccination card or animal passport is required. It should include the pet microchip, birth date, treatment validity, Rabies vaccination, and other vaccination records.
2. A valid, original health certificate from the exporting country is needed. It should verify the pet’s microchip and certify a health check.
3. Original Certificate for Rabies Serum Neutralization test (RSNT) conducted within 90 days prior to travel, attesting a minimum titer of 0.5IU/ml or above. This certificate is not required for the listed countries below:
   • Australia, Austria, Andorra, Aruba, Barbados, Bahrain, Belgium, Comoros, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, French Polynesia, Falkland Island, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Mauritius, Malta, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, San Marino, Seychelles, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Vanuatu.

Service Fees:

• Import permit fees of 500 Dhs for one pet (cat or dog)
• Inspection fees of 500 Dhs for each cat upon entry
• Inspection fees of 1000 Dhs for each dog upon entry
• You can pay this via E-Dirham, MASTER, or VISA card.

Essential Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats in the UAE

For instance, when you’re importing pets (cats/dogs) into the UAE, there are certain obligatory vaccinations and treatments. You can find the list of necessary vaccinations for dogs in our blog.

Vaccinations for Dogs

• Rabies, a valid vaccination applied according to the instruction of the vaccine manufacturer. After the pet turns 3 months old, give the initial dose. Wait for 21 days before bringing them to the UAE.
• Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
• Canine Parvo Virus
• Infectious Canine Hepatitis.
• Leptospirosis (Ictohaemorragea – Canicola)

Vaccinations for Cats

• Rabies, a valid vaccination applied according to the instruction of the vaccine manufacturer. After the pet turns 3 months old, give the initial dose. Wait for 21 days before bringing them to the UAE.
• Feline Pan Leukcopenia.
• Feline Rhinotracheitis.
• Feline Calicivirus.

The Importance of Vaccinations for Your Pet’s Travel

Required Treatments for Dogs and Cats within 10 Days Pre-Shipping

Besides, in addition to the required vaccinations, pets must undergo certain treatments within 10 days of shipping. These treatments include:

• Anti-external parasites using Fipronil or Permethrin
• Deworming (Anthelmintic) using Praziquantel

Required Documents for Import

Above all, when importing pets into the UAE, there are specific documents you must present upon arrival at the port of entry.

Necessary Certifications and Health Checks

These documents include:

• Provide an original vaccination card or animal passport. It should contain the pet microchip, birth date, treatment validity, Rabies vaccination, and other vaccination records. Refer to List A and B for required vaccinations and treatments.
• You need to present a valid, original health certificate from the country of export. The certificate should verify the pet’s microchip. It should also confirm that a vet examined the animal, who shows satisfactory health symptoms.
• Original Certificate for Rabies Serum Neutralization Test (RSNT) conducted within the 90 days prior to travel, attesting a minimum titer of 0.5IU/ml or above.
  • You don’t need this certificate if you’re coming from any of these countries: Australia, Austria, Andorra, Aruba, Barbados, Bahrain, Belgium, Comoros, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, French Polynesia, Falkland Island, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Mauritius, Malta, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, San Marino, Seychelles, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and Vanuatu. For travelers from these countries, the certificate is not necessary to enter the destination country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when you bring pets into the UAE, it’s vital to adhere to all necessary Pet import regulations and requirements. This not only ensures the safety of your pets, but it also contributes to the wellbeing of the community.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful in guiding you through the process of relocating your pet to the UAE. At Chauf-fur, we understand how important your pet is to you and how stressful the relocation process can be. If you have questions or concerns about pet relocation to the UAE, please get in touch. Our experts are here to ensure a smooth transition for your pet.

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