How long does the rabies titre test take in 2026?

The test itself takes 3–4 weeks plus courier time; start at least two months before your planned move.

Can I bring a cane corso to Abu Dhabi?

Cane Corsos are on the banned-breed list; entry is almost never approved unless you obtain a rare exemption from ADAFSA.

Do I need an import permit for a puppy under three months?

Yes, every dog regardless of age needs a MOCCAE import permit; puppies must still meet the microchip and vaccination timeline.

Is quarantine still required at Abu Dhabi airport?

No quarantine is required if all paperwork is complete; however, incomplete documents can trigger up to 21 days at the Animal Reception Centre.

Which Abu Dhabi buildings allow large dogs?

Al Raha Gardens, Yas Acres, and Saadiyat Beach Apartments are known to accept dogs over 20 kg; always confirm in the tenancy contract.

Can I Move My Dog to Abu Dhabi in 2026

A room filled with lots of boxes and plants

Quick answer

Yes, you can move your dog to Abu Dhabi in 2026, but you must follow a strict six-step process involving microchipping, rabies vaccination, blood testing, an import permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), and a final health certificate. The entire timeline usually takes 4–6 months and costs roughly 3,500–6,000 AED, depending on your dog’s breed and country of origin.

Step-by-step: how to bring your dog to Abu Dhabi

Step 1 – Microchip your dog (ISO 11784/11785)

Every dog entering the UAE must have a 15-digit microchip implanted before any other procedure. If your dog already has a non-ISO chip, a new ISO chip must be implanted and recorded. Book this at any licensed veterinary clinic; the procedure takes 10 minutes and costs 150–250 AED.

Step 2 – Rabies vaccination and titre test

Your dog needs a valid rabies vaccination given after the microchip date. At least 30 days later, a blood sample must be sent to an approved laboratory (e.g., Kansas State University or VetLab Dubai) for a rabies antibody titre test. Results must show ≥0.5 IU/ml. The test itself costs 800–1,200 AED and takes 3–4 weeks.

Step 3 – Apply for an import permit

Once the titre result is ready, apply for an import permit through the MOCCAE online portal (moccae.gov.ae). You will upload the titre certificate, vaccination record, and your Emirates ID or passport copy. Processing takes 5–10 working days and the fee is 300 AED per pet. Print the approved permit; you will need it at the airport.

Step 4 – Obtain a veterinary health certificate

Within 10 days of travel, a licensed veterinarian in your home country must issue an official health certificate stating the dog is clinically healthy, free of parasites, and up to date on core vaccinations. The certificate must be endorsed by your country’s official veterinary authority (USDA-APHIS in the USA, DEFRA in the UK, etc.).

Step 5 – Book an approved airline and flight

Only airlines with temperature-controlled cargo holds are allowed. Etihad Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo both accept pets on flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Dubai (DXB). Book at least eight weeks ahead; peak season (October–April) fills quickly. Cargo fees range from 2,500–4,500 AED for dogs up to 32 kg.

Step 6 – Arrival and clearance at Abu Dhabi airport

Upon landing at AUH, your dog will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre (ARC) inside the cargo terminal. Present the import permit, health certificate, and passport. The ARC performs a visual check; if paperwork is complete, release usually occurs within four hours. If any document is missing, your dog may be held for up to 21 days at your expense (≈150 AED/day).

Common mistakes expats make

Skipping the rabies titre test and assuming vaccination alone is enough.
Using a non-ISO microchip that scanners at AUH cannot read.
Applying for the MOCCAE permit too late—processing can take 10 days.
Choosing an airline without a temperature-controlled hold, causing last-minute rebooking.
Forgetting to update the dog’s records in the Dubai Municipality or Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) database within 30 days of arrival.

Costs to budget for (2026 estimates)

Microchip	150–250 AED
Rabies vaccination	200–350 AED
Rabies titre test + courier	800–1,200 AED
MOCCAE import permit	300 AED
Health certificate + endorsement	400–700 AED
Airline cargo fee (up to 32 kg)	2,500–4,500 AED
ARC handling (if needed)	300 AED
Total typical range	3,500–6,000 AED

Breed restrictions you must know

Abu Dhabi follows the same banned-breed list as the rest of the UAE: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, Neapolitan Mastiff, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, and Cane Corso. Mixed breeds that show 50 % or more of these breeds are also refused entry. If your dog is a restricted breed, you will need special approval from ADAFSA; approval rates are under 5 %.

Quarantine rules in 2026

If all documents are in order, no quarantine is required. However, if the rabies titre test result is borderline or the health certificate is older than 10 days, authorities may impose up to 21 days of quarantine at the ARC. Daily boarding fees start at 150 AED. Always double-check the latest quarantine policy on the MOCCAE website 48 hours before departure.

Settling your dog in Abu Dhabi

Finding a vet and grooming salon

Popular clinics include British Veterinary Centre (Al Khalidiyah), American Veterinary Center (Al Raha), and Vets4Pets (Yas Island). Annual vaccination packages cost 800–1,200 AED. Grooming salons such as The Grooming Lounge (Al Maryah) and Pet Pawfection (Saadiyat) charge 150–300 AED per session.

Registering with local authorities

Within 30 days of arrival, register your dog with ADAFSA via their e-services portal. You will need the microchip number, rabies certificate, and a recent photo. The one-time registration fee is 100 AED. You will receive a digital pet passport that must be renewed annually.

Housing considerations

Not all Abu Dhabi buildings allow pets. Check the tenancy contract and building bylaws before signing. Popular pet-friendly compounds include Al Raha Gardens, Yas Acres, and Saadiyat Beach Apartments. Landlords may request an additional 500–1,000 AED pet deposit.

Returning to your home country later

When you eventually leave the UAE, you must repeat most steps in reverse: obtain a new health certificate from a UAE-approved vet, get it endorsed by ADAFSA, and check your destination country’s import rules. Many expats keep digital copies of all certificates in a cloud folder for quick access.

Key takeaway

Moving your dog to Abu Dhabi is completely doable in 2026 if you start the process 4–6 months before travel, stay within the MOCCAE and ADAFSA guidelines, and budget 3,500–6,000 AED. Begin with the microchip and rabies titre test today; every other step flows from those two documents.