Everything You Need to Know About Pet Passports in the UAE

Traveling internationally with pets is becoming increasingly popular in the UAE. However, it requires careful preparation, especially when obtaining a pet passport; an essential document for safe and legal travel with your cat or dog.

What Is a Pet Passport?

A pet passport is a legal document verifying your pet’s identity, vaccination history, and overall health status. It ensures your pet meets the health standards required both locally and by destination countries.

While the UAE does not have an official ‘pet passport’ like the EU, the collection of documents required for your pet’s travel is often called a pet passport. Provided you have a proof of microchipping, vaccination records, a health certificate, and an import/export permit, you should have no trouble travelling with your pet. 

Getting Started: Microchipping and Identification

Microchipping is the first and a mandatory step in the process. Your pet must be implanted with an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip before any vaccinations are given. This permanent ID links your pet to your contact details, serving as a critical identification tool, and an essential when it comes to international pet travel. 

Health Requirements for Travel

Vaccinations and Health Checks

A rabies vaccination is the cornerstone of a pet passport. The rabies shot must be administered after microchipping and between 21 days and 12 months before travel. This timeframe crucial; depending on your destination, you may require a rabies titer test, which will require additional time to process. Make sure to plan your travel and take such factors into consideration. 

Dogs and cats require additional vaccinations to protect against other diseases:

• Dogs: distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus
• Cats: panleukopenia, calicivirus, influenza

A licensed veterinarian must certify all vaccinations and issue a health certificate within ten days of travel.

Parasite Treatments

Treatments for internal and external parasites must be administered within 14 days prior to departure and documented accordingly.

Strict Breed Restrictions

The UAE enforces breed restrictions banning several dog breeds, such as American Pit Bull Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Confirm your pet’s breed eligibility before making travel plans.

Securing Necessary Permits and Documentation

To enter the UAE with your pet, you must obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, which is valid for 30 days. Travellers from the U.S. also need the APHIS Form 7001, endorsed by the USDA.

Important Eligibility and Travel Details

• Pets must be at least 15 weeks old.
• Only two personal pet imports allowed per person per year.
• All vaccinations and treatments must be current and properly documented.
• Breed restrictions are strictly enforced.

Cost Breakdown

Typical costs associated with obtaining a pet passport in the UAE include:

• Microchipping: AED 100–250
• Rabies Vaccination: AED 100–200
• Additional Vaccinations: AED 50–150 each
• Health Certificates: AED 100–300
• Import Permit: Around AED 500
• Parasite Treatment: AED 50–200

Optional professional relocation services incur higher fees.

Preparing for Departure

Plan well ahead: schedule vaccines, parasite treatments, and vet visits early. Keep all documents readily accessible during travel. This preparation increases the likelihood of smooth customs clearance without quarantine on arrival.

Navigating the pet passport process in the UAE might seem complex, but with proper planning and a clear understanding of requirements, you and your pet can enjoy stress-free, memorable international journeys together.