UK to Dubai (UAE) Pet Transport: What You Actually Need

Dubai is one of the most popular expat destinations in the world, and thousands of families move their pets there every year. The UAE’s import process is more straightforward than Australia or Japan - but there are genuine pitfalls, particularly around breed bans and permit timing.

The UAE MOCCAE Import Permit

All dogs and cats must have an import permit from MOCCAE (Ministry of Climate Change and Environment) before arrival. The permit is issued electronically and must be obtained before your pet travels.

Apply through the MOCCAE e-services portal. Processing takes 3-5 working days under normal circumstances. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel.

The permit specifies:

Pet’s microchip number
Breed, species, age, and sex
Owner details
Port of entry

Microchip and Vaccinations

ISO 15-digit microchip required
Rabies vaccination: current, administered after microchipping
Other vaccines: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus (DHPP for dogs); Feline calici, herpesvirus, panleukopenia (FVRCP for cats)
No titre test required for pets travelling from the UK

Health Certificate

Issued by a UK APHA-approved vet, endorsed by APHA, within 10 days of departure. The health certificate must reference the import permit number.

Breed Bans - Read Before Proceeding

The UAE (and specifically Dubai) bans certain breeds from import entirely. Banned dogs include:

Pit Bull Terrier / American Pit Bull
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rottweiler (some emirates - Dubai has additional restrictions)
Tosa Inu
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Wolfdog / Czech Wolfdog
And others

If your dog is one of these breeds - or visually resembles one - contact MOCCAE before applying for a permit. Some breeds that are not formally banned are refused at the owner’s discretion of the customs officer based on visual assessment.

Arriving in Dubai

Pets arrive through Dubai International Airport (DXB) cargo terminal. You must arrange collection with a UAE-based customs agent unless your transport agent handles this.

After customs clearance, pets must be inspected by a MOCCAE-approved vet within 48 hours of arrival and registered with the local authority.

Sources: MOCCAE UAE animal import regulations. Data current as of {TODAY}.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The UK is not on the UAE’s list of countries requiring a titre test. A current rabies vaccination, health certificate, and UAE import permit are the core requirements. Always verify current requirements with MOCCAE before travel.

The UAE bans several breeds including Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers (Dubai), Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. If your dog is a mixed breed that visually resembles a banned type, there is a risk of refusal at customs. Contact MOCCAE before applying for a permit if you have any concern about your breed.