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Co-Founder & CEO movingo
Editor
Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
May 16, 2025
While there are many guides about moving to the UAE, what about bringing our pets? The process isn't straightforward due to the UAE's strict pet regulations. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about traveling with pets.
With this knowledge, you can relocate your pet smoothly and avoid potential fines of up to AED 700,000.
With this knowledge, you can relocate your pet smoothly and avoid potential fines of up to AED 700,000.
- What animals can I bring to the UAE?
- What kind of animals are banned in the UAE?
- Young Pets
- Dogs and don'ts. Breeds not allowed in the UAE
- What about cats?
- Requirements for importing pets
- Transportation and cargo rules for pets
- Quarantine for pets entering UAE
- Laws on owning a pet in the UAE
- Pet сare and pet-friendly places in the UAE
- Fines & penalties for violating pet rules
- FAQ: Pets in the UAE
What animals can I bring to the UAE?
You can bring these common household pets:
- Cats
- Dogs
- Birds (like parrots, canaries)
- Rabbits and hamsters
- Fish
What kind of animals are banned in the UAE?
According to UAE law, several types of animals are prohibited from entering the country:
- Exotic animals like monkeys, big cats (lions, tigers), and reptiles. These may only be kept by zoos, animal parks, circuses, breeders, and research facilities.
- Dangerous wild animals like wolves.
- Certain bird species due to disease risks.
- Pitbulls and other banned dog breeds (details below).
Young Pets
Planning to bring a puppy or kitten with you? Here's what you need to know:
You cannot bring dogs and cats under 12-15 weeks old into the UAE.
- Age restrictions vary by country of origin.
- Young pets must be fully vaccinated. Vaccines must be given at least 21 days before travel and be less than 12 months old.
- They must be weaned (not drinking mother's milk).
- Pets must have complete documentation.
- Vaccination list for dogs
- Vaccination list for cats
Once your pet meets these requirements, you can start preparing their documents. While we can't help with pet paperwork, we're here to assist with your family's visas and other documentation. Just reach out! 😉
Dogs and don'ts. Breeds not allowed in the UAE
As mentioned above, not all dog breeds are allowed in the UAE. The following breeds are prohibited:
- All Pit Bulls
- Japanese Tosa (Tosa Inu; Tosa Fighting Dog)
- Argentinian Fighting Dog (Dogo Argentino; Argentinian Mastiff)
- Brazilian Fighting Dog (Fila Brasileiro; Brazilian Mastiff)
- Wolf-dog hybrids (any dog that is part wolf)
- American Staffordshire Terrier
These breeds are classified as dangerous and cannot be imported. Additionally, some breeds in Dubai may require additional controls and permits from the Dubai Municipality. Be sure to check it out before you arrive.
- Husky
- Olde English Bulldogs
- Perro de Presa Mallorquin/Bulldog
- Shar Pei
For all other permitted dog breeds, you must ensure:
- Leashed in public
- Muzzled
- Registration with the local municipality
What about cats?
Cats are generally welcome in the UAE, but there are several important requirements:
- They must be vaccinated
- They need a microchip
- You must obtain an import permit
- They should be at least 4 months old
Requirements for importing pets
Once you've confirmed your pet meets the age requirements, isn't on the banned list, and is healthy enough to travel, here's what you need to prepare:
- Apply for an import permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)
- Ensure your pet's microchip meets UAE standards (ISO 11784/11785)
- Get all vaccination records up to date
- Obtain a health certificate from an approved vet in your country
- Book cargo transport with a pet-friendly airline
Transportation and cargo rules for pets
In most cases, pets must travel as manifest cargo, not in cabin. However, if you're flying with Etihad Airlines to Abu Dhabi, you may be able to bring your pet as checked baggage or in the cabin. (Check out the requirements on the official web page).
Pets must travel in IATA-approved travel crates. The crate must be spacious enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Pets must travel in IATA-approved travel crates. The crate must be spacious enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater / Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
Label the crate with your name, contact number, and pet details. Some airlines allow pets on board for service animals or in special cases — check before you book.
One of our clients explained how this process really works.
“
Moving a dog from Cyprus to Dubai was a bit of a pain. The paperwork wasn't too bad — Cyprus is in the "green zone" for the UAE, so not a lot of forms needed. But organizing the whole thing was a nightmare if you did it yourself.
You need paperwork for every step of the process, and you can't get it without using specialized agencies to help with moving pets. After trying to figure it out ourselves for a long time, we finally decided to leave it to the experts.
They took care of all the paperwork and the cargo crate, as well as dealing with the airline (we flew with Emirates). The agency sorted through all the paperwork, worked with the airline to make sure everything was in order, and made sure the crate was packed according to regulations.. They also helped with the veterinary fees and the clearance procedure upon arrival in Dubai.
The agency picked up our dog about 8 hours before the flight and prepared it for transport. In Dubai, we dropped off the pet about 1.5 hours after checking into our hotel. If you're planning to travel with a dog, we recommend walking your dog as much as possible before your flight to help him rest during the journey.
You need paperwork for every step of the process, and you can't get it without using specialized agencies to help with moving pets. After trying to figure it out ourselves for a long time, we finally decided to leave it to the experts.
They took care of all the paperwork and the cargo crate, as well as dealing with the airline (we flew with Emirates). The agency sorted through all the paperwork, worked with the airline to make sure everything was in order, and made sure the crate was packed according to regulations.. They also helped with the veterinary fees and the clearance procedure upon arrival in Dubai.
The agency picked up our dog about 8 hours before the flight and prepared it for transport. In Dubai, we dropped off the pet about 1.5 hours after checking into our hotel. If you're planning to travel with a dog, we recommend walking your dog as much as possible before your flight to help him rest during the journey.
Quarantine for pets entering UAE
Typically, pets do not require quarantine upon arrival in the UAE. However, quarantine may be necessary if:
- Your paperwork is incomplete
- Your pet comes from a high-risk country for rabies
- Your pet shows signs of illness
In such cases, pets may be quarantined for up to 21 days.
Laws on owning a pet in the UAE
After all the paperwork and the flight, you're finally in the UAE with your furry friend. Here's what you need to know to make your pet's stay comfortable:
- All pets must be registered
- You must carry a valid vaccination card
- Dogs must be on a leash in public
- Dangerous pets are banned
- Breeding animals without a license is illegal
Pet сare and pet-friendly places in the UAE
Living in the UAE is great for pets. Many parks now allow dogs (on leashes), and there are special pet cafés and beaches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Veterinary clinics, pet stores, grooming salons are readily available, with many clinics offering modern facilities and English-speaking staff.
For additional peace of mind, you can purchase pet insurance (though it's not required) and access pet sitters and boarding services. If you follow all the legal requirements, your pet will enjoy a comfortable life here.
For additional peace of mind, you can purchase pet insurance (though it's not required) and access pet sitters and boarding services. If you follow all the legal requirements, your pet will enjoy a comfortable life here.
But don't forget about heat. Avoid long walks during the day.
Fines & penalties for violating pet rules
As noted above, there are serious consequences for not following pet regulations:
- Fines for importing illegal and wild animals: from AED 10,000 to 700,000 and up to six months in jail
- Non-compliance with import rules: AED 5,000 for each animal
- Confiscation of the pet
- Deportation in extreme animal cruelty cases
movingo is an all-in-one platform for company formation, visas, and everyday legal matters in the UAE. We're here to help you avoid any roadblocks along the way. Check this out
FAQ: Pets in the UAE
Common domestic pets like cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, hamsters, and fish.
Yes, there are many parks, clinics and services, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Yes, but you'll need an import permit, up-to-date vaccinations, and an approved travel crate.
Most Dubai apartment policies limit residents to one or two pets per household.
Yes, some taxis and specialized pet transport companies allow pets.
No, axolotls are classified as exotic animals and therefore not legal.
Yes, catnip is legal and available in UAE pet stores.
Only small, non-dangerous domestic species with proper permits are allowed—wild animals are prohibited.
Emirates (cargo only), Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa (check specific airline policies).
No, it's a forbidden breed.
No, owning wild animals like lions is illegal.
Yes, if your dog meets all requirements
No, keeping tigers as pets is strictly illegal and carries heavy fines.
Yes, but they must adhere to strict control and registration requirements.
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