How to Move to Dubai with a Dog: Complete 2026 Relocation Guide

Moving to Dubai with your dog requires careful planning and adherence to specific regulations set by the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of relocating your canine companion with you to Dubai.

Understanding Dubai's Dog Import Requirements

Before beginning your move, you need to understand the basic requirements for bringing your dogs into the UAE. The import process involves multiple steps that needs to be completed in a specific order and timeline.

What Documents you Need:

Essential Documents Checklist:

Import Permit: Apply through the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) portal. The permit costs AED 200 (approximately $55) per animal and remains valid for 30–90 days from the date of issue, depending on the details submitted in the MOCCAE portal. Always verify validity dates once approved. Processing typically takes between 3 days to 2 weeks, so you will need to apply well in advance.
Health Certificate: A licensed veterinarian must issue this certificate no more than 10 days before departure. For dogs traveling from the United States, the USDA must endorse this document. The certificate must confirm your dog is clinically healthy, free from infectious diseases, and fit to travel, and must reference the microchip number and vaccinations.
Vaccination Records: Your dog must have current vaccinations documented on an official certificate, including vaccine names, manufacturers, batch numbers, and vaccination dates.

Microchipping Requirements

All dogs entering Dubai must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785-compliant chip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered. Both ISO and AVID microchips are accepted in the UAE. Ensure your veterinarian confirms the microchip is readable before proceeding with other requirements.

Vaccination Protocol and Timeline

Proper vaccination timing is crucial for a smooth relocation process. Here's what your dog needs:

Rabies Vaccination: Must be administered at least 21 days before travel but not more than one year prior and be valid at the time of entry, according to the vaccine manufacturer's stated validity (1–3 years, depending on vaccine type). Your dog must be at least 12 weeks old when receiving the rabies vaccine.
Core Vaccinations: Dogs require the DHLPP vaccine covering distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. These should be current at the time of import and administered at least two weeks before departure for maximum effectiveness.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough): While not mandatory for entry, this vaccination is required for boarding facilities and generally recommended for your dog's safety in social environments.

Rabies Titer Test for High-Risk Countries

If you're traveling from countries where rabies is considered high-risk (including the Philippines, India, and parts of Asia and Africa), your dog must undergo a rabies antibody titer test. The test must show results of 0.5 IU/ml or higher and can only be performed at least 21 days after the rabies vaccination. Waiting periods vary based on origin country and MOCCAE approval and should be confirmed before travel. Plan this requirement carefully as it significantly extends your preparation timeline.

Parasite Treatment Requirements

Within 14 days of departure, your dog must receive both internal and external parasite treatments. Treatments with fipronil or permethrin are commonly used. Schedule this during your final veterinary appointment when obtaining the health certificate to ensure all timing requirements align.

Age and Quantity Restrictions

Dogs must generally be at least 12 weeks old, provided all vaccination requirements are met. Higher age limits may apply for pets arriving from high-risk rabies countries. Additionally, you can only import two dogs per year (or one dog and one cat, or two cats). This restriction applies per household annually.

Critical Breed Restrictions in Dubai

Understanding breed restrictions is essential before planning your move, as certain breeds are completely prohibited from entering the UAE.

Banned Dog Breeds

⚠️ Important: The following breeds and their mixes are commonly restricted or refused for import under MOCCAE regulations:

American Pit Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
American Bully
All Mastiff breeds (Brazilian Mastiff/Fila Brasileiro, Argentinian Mastiff/Dogo Argentino, Tibetan Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, French Mastiff/Dogue de Bordeaux, Boerboel, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Bully Kutta, Perro de Presa Canario)
Rottweilers
Tosa Inu (Japanese Fighting Dog)
Boxer (in some classifications)

These restrictions are enforced under Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 and apply across all seven Emirates. Import permit applications for banned breeds are automatically denied.

Restricted Breeds

Some breeds like Doberman Pinschers are not banned but are restricted. They must be muzzled and leashed in public, registered, and kept away from parks and public transit. Ownership comes with additional conditions and responsibilities.

Mixed Breed Considerations

If your dog is a mixed breed that physically resembles a banned breed, import approval may be refused at MOCCAE's discretion, regardless of stated breed. If confirmed to contain banned breed genetics, the same restrictions apply. When uncertain about your dog's breed classification, consult with MOCCAE or a professional pet relocation service before making travel arrangements.

Transportation Logistics

Air Travel Requirements

All pets must travel to the UAE as manifested cargo, not as passenger baggage. This requirement applies to commercial flights and ensures proper handling and documentation. The only exception is for certified assistance dogs.

Choosing an Airline: Select pet-friendly airlines with strong animal safety records. Emirates, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, and KLM are popular choices for pet travel to Dubai. Some airlines like Etihad allow pets under 8 kilograms to travel in the cabin, though most dogs will travel in the cargo hold.

IATA-Compliant Crate: Your dog's travel crate must meet International Air Transport Association guidelines. The crate should be secure, well-ventilated, comfortable, and appropriately sized for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Crate Training: Begin acclimating your dog to their travel crate weeks before departure. Gradual introduction helps reduce travel stress and ensures your dog feels secure during the journey.

Professional Pet Relocation Services

Many pet owners choose professional pet relocation companies to handle the complex logistics and documentation. Services typically cost between AED 3,000 to AED 12,000 or more, depending on factors like your dog's size, country of origin, airline fees, and additional services required. Professional relocators can:

Navigate documentation requirements
Obtain import permits on your behalf
Arrange appropriate transportation
Ensure all timing requirements are met
Provide door-to-door service
Handle customs clearance

Arrival and Customs Process

At Dubai Airport

Upon arrival at Dubai International Airport or other UAE entry points, proceed to the cargo village with all required documentation:

                    Valid import permit
Original health certificate with USDA endorsement (if applicable)
Complete vaccination records
Copy of your passport and residence permit
Attestation that your pet did not contact other animals during transit (if applicable)

                

Port officials will verify all documentation and inspect your dog before clearing entry. Any missing or incorrect paperwork can result in quarantine, entry denial, or significant delays.

Post-Arrival Registration

Registration Requirements:

Once in Dubai, register your dog with Dubai Municipality within your first few weeks. The registration includes:

Rabies vaccination verification
Issuance of a red identification disc (AED 50 through Dubai Municipality or higher at private clinics)
Official record in the municipality database

Important: Your dog must wear this identification disc on their collar at all times. Dogs must wear their registration tag when in public, and failure to comply may result in penalties depending on local municipal enforcement. Annual rabies vaccinations and registration renewal are mandatory.

Final Checklist

Before you begin your journey, ensure you have:

✓ Verified your dog's breed is permitted
✓ Microchipped your dog (ISO compliant)
✓ Completed all required vaccinations
✓ Obtained import permit from MOCCAE
✓ Secured health certificate (within 10 days of travel)
✓ Arranged parasite treatment (within 14 days)
✓ Booked appropriate transportation
✓ Prepared IATA-compliant travel crate
✓ Organized all documentation
✓ Researched veterinary clinics in Dubai
✓ Identified pet-friendly housing

Ready to start your relocation journey with your furball? You can use our interactive map to get a better overall idea of dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, and veterinary clinics across Dubai to help you plan your new life with your dog in the UAE.