28 Nov
If you’re planning a move or vacation to the UAE, one of the biggest questions you may have is, how to fly with your dog or cat to Dubai. The idea can feel overwhelming at first, paperwork, airline rules, health checks, costs, and the logistics of getting your furry companion through the airport. But the good news is that it’s absolutely manageable with proper planning.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from dog travel to Dubai process and the cat travel to Dubai process to approved airlines, documents, costs, and what to expect on arrival. By the end, you’ll feel confident about navigating the pet travel to Dubai guidelines smoothly and safely.
Dubai, and the UAE as a whole, follows strict animal import regulations to maintain public safety and prevent the spread of diseases such as rabies. These rules can seem tedious, but they’re designed to protect both humans and animals. Understanding them early will save you stress and ensure your pet doesn’t face delays or quarantine.
Whether you’re traveling with a dog or a cat, many of the steps are similar, but a few details differ. Below, we’ll walk you through the complete process.
Before anything else, ensure that your breed is approved. For dogs - some dog breeds are restricted in the UAE. If you’re beginning the dog travel to Dubai process, check if your dog’s breed appears on the banned list, for example Pit Bull types, Japanese Tosa, Wolf hybrids. If your breed is restricted, the UAE will not issue an import permit. For cats - The cat travel to Dubai process is generally easier since there are no banned cat breeds. However, exotic or wild cat species may face additional restrictions.
Not every airline handles international pet travel, so you’ll want to choose among reputable pet-friendly airlines to Dubai. Some commonly used carriers include Emirates, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, Air France. Most of these airlines accept pets only as manifest cargo for UAE-bound flights. Unlike some countries where small pets can travel in-cabin, Dubai regulations require nearly all animals to arrive as cargo. Be sure to book well in advance, especially during peak travel months.
This is one of the most important pet travels to Dubai guidelines. You’ll need an import permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). But there are some important things to keep in mind- apply no earlier than 30 days before travel, the permit is valid for 30 days once issued. You’ll need to submit your pet’s microchip number, vaccination records, and passport or health certificate. Without this document, your pet will not be allowed entry into Dubai.
Dubai requires pets to be microchipped with an ISO-compliant (ISO 11784/11785) microchip. If your pet already has a non-ISO chip, bring your own scanner to avoid issues.
The vaccination process varies slightly between dogs and cats. Required vaccinations for dogs include rabies (at least 21 days old but not more than 1 year, unless using a 3-year vaccine), distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and hepatitis. And for the cats, required vaccinations involve rabies, Feline Panleukopenia (FVRCP vaccine).
Many countries do not require a rabies blood titer test for entry into Dubai, but the UAE may require it for pets coming from high-risk regions. Always check the latest requirements based on your country of origin.
Within 5-10 days before travel, your pet must undergo a full health check from a licensed vet. They’ll issue an international veterinary health certificate stating that your pet is fit to travel. If your country requires government endorsement, such as USDA for the US, make sure to complete that step as well.
Your airline will only accept an IATA-approved pet crate. What matters is that your pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The crate must have proper ventilation on all sides. Use absorbent bedding. Attach food and water bowls securely. Label the crate with your pet’s name, your contact info, and any special instructions. Consider crate training your pet weeks before the flight to reduce stress.
Since the pets travel as cargo to Dubai, you’ll drop off your pet at the airline’s cargo terminal several hours before your flight. Pets are generally kept in climate-controlled facilities. Airline staff will load and unload them separately from luggage. Although you may not love the idea of cargo travel, major airlines that handle animals follow strict welfare standards.
Upon arrival, your pet goes through inspection by MOCCAE officers. They will check for microchip, vaccination records, import permit and health certificate. If everything is in order, you’ll be able to pick up your pet after paying the inspection fee.
The cost to fly a pet to Dubai varies significantly depending on several factors:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Import Permit | 200 - 3000 AED (depending on the country) |
| Vaccinations | 80-400 AED |
| Crate | 294 – 1,101 AED |
| Airline Cargo Fee | 1,200 – 4,407 AED |
| Health Certificate | 184 – 551 AED |
| Government Endorsement (if required) | 110 – 735 AED |
| Airport Inspection Fee in Dubai | 367 – 551 AED |
On average, most pet parents spend 2,571 AED - 7,345 AED per pet depending on airline, country of origin, and size of the animal.
Flying with your pet to Dubai takes planning, but thousands of expats do it every year without issues. The key is understanding the Pet travel to Dubai guidelines, choosing reliable pet-friendly airlines to Dubai, and preparing all your paperwork well in advance. With the right approach, your dog or cat can arrive safely and comfortably, and join you in enjoying life in one of the world’s most exciting cities.
AUTHOR’S BIO
Shivangi Lawania
Storytelling is my way of bringing ideas to life. I enjoy shaping words that spark curiosity and connection, while keeping a strong focus on branding and communication. For me, great content blends creativity with clarity to leave a lasting impression.