Moving to Dubai With a Pet

Bring your pet to Dubai the right way

The import permit, microchip, vaccination, and health-certificate steps for relocating a dog or cat to the UAE, plus what to do once you land.

Requirements change and depend on your country of origin. Always confirm the current rules on the MOCCAE portal before booking travel.

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ISO chip
11784/11785, before vaccination
MOCCAE
import permit applied for online
Health cert
from a licensed departure-country vet
Register
with Dubai Municipality on arrival
The steps

What the move involves

The order matters: the microchip comes before the rabies vaccination, and the import permit comes before travel. A licensed relocation agent can manage the whole chain if you would rather not.

ISO microchip + vaccines

An ISO 11784/11785 chip implanted before the rabies shot, plus current core vaccinations. The chip number ties every document together.

Health certificate

A licensed vet in your departure country certifies your pet is fit to travel and disease-free, within the required window before the flight.

MOCCAE import permit

Applied for online before arrival. Many expats use a licensed relocation agent to file it and coordinate the airline and customs.

Crate, cargo, clearance

An IATA-compliant crate, airline cargo booking, and customs clearance on arrival. Costs vary by origin, size, and agent.

After you land

Settling a relocated pet in Dubai

The climate is the biggest adjustment. Keep your pet in air-conditioned comfort, walk only in the early morning or after sunset during summer, and register with Dubai Municipality. A verified Petme sitter who knows how to settle newly-arrived pets can bridge the first few weeks while you set up your home.

Common questions

Moving to Dubai with a pet

What relocating owners ask most about the import process.

What do I need to bring a pet into Dubai?
You need an MOCCAE import permit, an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before vaccinations, current rabies and core vaccinations, and a health certificate from a licensed vet in your country of departure. Requirements vary by country of origin, so confirm the current rules on the MOCCAE portal before you book travel.
How do I get an MOCCAE import permit?
The import permit is applied for online through the MOCCAE portal, usually within a set window before arrival. Many expats use a licensed pet-relocation agent to file the permit and coordinate the airline and customs clearance, especially for first-time moves.
Does my pet need a specific microchip?
Yes. The UAE requires an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip, and it must be implanted before your rabies vaccination for the records to line up. If your pet has a non-ISO chip, bring your own scanner or have an ISO chip added and re-vaccinate as advised by your vet.
How many pets can I bring to Dubai?
Personal import is generally limited to a small number of pets per person per year, with higher limits available through licensed agents. Confirm the current limit with MOCCAE, as it can change.
How much does it cost to move a pet to Dubai?
Costs vary widely by origin country, pet size, and whether you use an agent. They typically include the import permit, the microchip and vaccinations, the health certificate, an IATA-compliant crate, and airline cargo fees. Get quotes from a licensed relocation agent for an accurate total.
What should I do once my pet arrives in Dubai?
Register your pet with Dubai Municipality, keep vaccinations current, and settle them into a cool, air-conditioned routine, since the climate is a big adjustment. A verified Petme sitter experienced with newly-relocated pets can help during the transition while you set up your new home.
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