Importing a pet

The process of importing your pet into the UAE is fairly straightforward. A maximum of two pets can be imported per person.

Prerequisites

  • Pet must be older than four months.
  • An import permit issued by the UAE’s Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) – complete online at moew.gov.ae.
  • 24-48 hours before departure, the pet must be treated for internal and external parasites.
  • All pets must arrive as manifested cargo – the import of pets as accompanied baggage or in-cabin is strictly prohibited.
  • Dogs must not be one of the breeds prohibited in the UA (see moew.gov.ae for list).

What to bring

  • Up-to-date vaccination card.
  • Passport and residence visa (or offer of employment letter).
  • Microchip certificate.
  • Written confirmation from a private vet that the steps (microchipping, vaccinating and testing) were carried out in the correct order, on headed paper, signed and stamped.
  • Official veterinary certificate, in English.
  • Dhs.200 permit fee (payable by Visa credit card).

Procedure

  • Collect import permit once ready and submit with documents.
  • You will then be allowed to bring in your pet via a recommended airline (note that the permit is only valid for one month).
  • Once your pet arrives, it will be taken to animal handling facilities in Cargo Village, where it will be inspected by a vet, before all the paperwork is processed.

Latest News

View More

Newsletter Subscription