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Pet Movement
Legislation

Country of Destination

Pet Movement Legislation

Country of Departure

Pet Transport from the USA to the UAE – Rules & Veterinary Requirements

Documents Required for Entry

UAE Import Permit

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

  • The permit application is submitted via the MOCCAE official portal.
  • The permit is valid for 90 days, and pets must arrive within this time.
  • Each owner is allowed to import a maximum of two pets per year, except for UAE residents returning with their registered pets.

Microchipping

All pets must have a microchip implanted before receiving a rabies vaccination.

  • The microchip must meet ISO 11784/11785 standards.
  • The chip number listed on the Health Certificate must match the implanted microchip.

Rabies Vaccination

Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies before entry into the UAE.

  • The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel.
  • If the pet has a valid booster shot, the waiting period is not required.
  • The vaccine certificate must include vaccine details, batch number, manufacturer, and validity period.

Rabies Antibody Test

A rabies titer test is required for all pets, even if coming from a rabies-free country.

  • The test must be performed in a government-approved laboratory.
  • For pets vaccinated for the first time or with a lapse in vaccination, the test should be conducted at least 21 days after the vaccination.
  • The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml and is valid for one year.

Additional Required Vaccinations

  • For Dogs: Canine distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, and leptospirosis.
  • For Cats: Feline panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus.

Health Certificate

The veterinary certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian in the USA and must be endorsed by the USDA no earlier than 10 days before departure.


Parasite Treatment

Pets must be treated for internal and external parasites within 14 days before departure. Treatment details must be recorded in the Health Certificate.

Travel and Transport Requirements

Pets must be transported in accordance with IATA Live Animal Regulations. 


Restricted Breeds

The UAE prohibits the import of certain dog breeds unless they are certified service animals:

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

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