Bringing Your Pet to UAE: 2026 Import Rules by Country

Quick answer

Bringing a pet to the UAE in 2026 requires an MOCCAE import permit, ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, and a country-specific health certificate issued by the official veterinary authority. Processing takes 5-15 working days. Dogs and cats from low-risk countries need only these documents. Animals from high-risk countries need a rabies titre test and 6-month waiting period. Fees range from AED 300-800 per animal for the permit and inspection.

General requirements for all countries

All dogs and cats imported to the UAE must follow these steps regardless of origin:

• Get an ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before any vaccination
• Administer rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel
• Obtain an MOCCAE import permit through the MOCAF app or portal
• Book an inspection at the arrival airport veterinary clinic
• Bring the original health certificate and vaccination records

Non-compliance results in quarantine or return to origin at owner expense.

Process for pets from GCC countries

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman

Pets from GCC countries require fewer steps. Apply for the MOCCAE import permit 7-10 days before travel. Submit the GCC health certificate issued by the local Ministry of Agriculture or equivalent authority. No rabies titre test needed. Inspection at Dubai or Abu Dhabi airport lasts 30-45 minutes. Fee for the permit is AED 300 per animal. Arrivals after 14:00 on Fridays and Saturdays may incur overtime charges of AED 200.

Process for pets from low-risk countries

UK, EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea

These countries fall under low-risk rabies status. Steps include:

1. Apply for MOCCAE import permit via MOCAF app
2. Submit veterinary health certificate issued by USDA, DEFRA, or equivalent
3. Include rabies vaccination record dated at least 21 days before arrival
4. Complete online declaration on Emirates or Etihad cargo forms
5. Present documents at the airport animal reception centre

Permit fee is AED 450. Inspection fee is AED 150. Total processing time at airport is 1-2 hours. No titre test or quarantine if all documents are valid.

Process for pets from medium-risk countries

Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia

Medium-risk countries require the rabies titre test. The blood sample must be sent to an approved laboratory such as Kansas State University or the Animal Plant Health Agency (UK). Results take 3-4 weeks. The 6-month waiting period begins from the blood draw date. Apply for the MOCCAE permit only after receiving positive titre results. Permit fee rises to AED 600. Airport inspection lasts 2-3 hours and includes clinical examination.

Process for pets from high-risk countries

India, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh

High-risk countries demand stricter controls. Follow these steps:

1. Implant ISO microchip
2. Administer rabies vaccination
3. Draw blood for rabies titre test at an approved lab
4. Wait 6 months from the datum of sampling
5. Obtain health certificate within 10 days of departure
6. Apply for MOCCAE import permit 15 days before travel

Permit fee is AED 800. Inspection at the airport may include blood sampling if document mismatch occurs. Pets may face 21-day quarantine at the owner expense if any step is missing.

Airline and transport rules

Most airlines accept pets as accompanied baggage or cargo. Emirates SkyCargo accepts pets only in cargo hold. Etihad Cargo requires 72-hour notice. Flydubai accepts dogs and cats under 6 kg as cabin baggage with soft-sided carriers. Cabin pets must fit under the seat. Maximum pet weight for baggage is 32 kg including crate. Extra charges range from AED 800-1500 per pet on short-haul and 1500-2500 on long-haul routes.

FAQs

How long does the MOCCAE permit take?

Normal processing takes 5-7 working days. Express processing at Dubai Municipality costs AED 200 extra and completes in 2 days.

Can I bring my ferret or rabbit?

Other pets such as ferrets, rabbits, birds, and reptiles require separate MOCCAE approval. Ferrets need the same rabies vaccination process as dogs and cats. Birds need avian influenza and Newcastle disease tests.

Does the UAE accept electronic health certificates?

Yes. Digital certificates issued by USDA or DEFRA through their official portals are accepted at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports in 2026.

Are there restrictions for brachycephalic breeds?

Brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs, Persian cats, and Pugs are restricted during summer months (June to September). Many airlines ban them or require temperature-controlled containers.

Can pets be brought into Sharjah or Ajman?

Yes. All pets arriving at Sharjah Airport or Ras Al Khaimah Airport pass through the Dubai Municipality veterinary inspection team. Documents must be submitted through the MOCAF app before arrival.

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