Pet Movement Legislation

Country of Departure

Pet Transport from the UK to the UAE – Rules and Official Requirements

Required Documents

Import Permit

Pet owners must obtain an Import Permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) in the UAE.

  • The application must be submitted online via the MOCCAE official portal.
  • The permit is valid for 90 days, and the pet must arrive within this period.
  • A maximum of two pets per owner can be imported per year, except for UAE-resident pets returning to the country.

Microchipping

All pets must be microchipped before travel.

  • The microchip must comply with ISO 11784/11785 standards.
  • The microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination.
  • The chip number in the Health Certificate must match the implanted microchip.

Rabies Vaccination

Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.

  • The first rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before entry.
  • If the pet has a valid booster, the 21-day waiting period is not required.
  • Vaccination records must include: vaccine name, manufacturer, batch number, date, and validity period.

Rabies Antibody Titer Test

A rabies antibody titer test is not required for pets traveling from the UK.


Additional Required Vaccinations

  • For Dogs: Distemper, Parvovirus, Infectious Hepatitis, Leptospirosis (or a test if not vaccinated).
  • For Cats: Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus.

Health Certificate

Issued by a licensed veterinarian in the UK no earlier than 10 days before departure and officially endorsed.


Parasite Treatment

Internal and external parasite treatment must be administered within 14 days before departure and recorded in the Health Certificate.

Transport Conditions

All pets must be transported as manifested cargo, following IATA Live Animal Regulations.


Additional Restrictions for Certain Cat Breeds

Importing Bengal cats and servals as pets requires a pedigree certificate proving at least five generations of ancestry.


Breed Restrictions

The following breeds are prohibited from import, except for service animals with special permits:

  • ❌ American Pit Bull Terrier
  • ❌ American Staffordshire Terrier
  • ❌ American Bully
  • ❌ Bullmastiff
  • ❌ Cane Corso
  • ❌ Dogo Argentino
  • ❌ Japanese Tosa
  • ❌ Neapolitan Mastiff
  • ❌ Perro de Presa Canario
  • ❌ Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • ❌ Tibetan Mastiff

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