Pet Transport from USA to UAE 2026

Moving a dog or cat from the United States to the UAE takes careful planning, primarily because of the UAE’s specific import permit process and its breed restriction list. Once you have confirmed your breed is permitted and obtained the MOCCAE permit, the logistics are straightforward.

The MOCCAE import permit

All dogs and cats entering the UAE require an import permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). Applications are submitted via the MOCCAE digital services portal. You will need your pet’s microchip number, vaccination records, and breed confirmation.

The breed restriction list is strictly enforced. Do not assume your breed is permitted: check the current MOCCAE list before applying. Restricted breeds include Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Chow Chow, Akita, and others.

USDA APHIS health certificate

From the USA, your health certificate must be endorsed by USDA APHIS. Book your appointment with an accredited vet and schedule APHIS endorsement at least 10 days before your flight. APHIS endorsement takes three to five business days in normal circumstances.

The health certificate must reference the microchip number and list all vaccinations with product names, batch numbers, and validity dates. Rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis are typically required for dogs.

Getting your pet to Dubai or Abu Dhabi

Most large dogs travel as manifest cargo. Emirates SkyCargo has a dedicated live animal service and experience handling UAE customs clearance at Dubai World Central or Dubai International Airport cargo terminals. Etihad Cargo handles arrivals at Abu Dhabi.

Small dogs and cats under 8 kg (including carrier) may be accepted in cabin on some carriers. Emirates does not allow pets in cabin on its commercial flights. Qatar Airways and Etihad permit small pets in cabin in economy on some routes.

Timeline

For a USA to UAE move, allow:

  • Four to six weeks for MOCCAE permit processing
  • 10 days before travel for vet examination and APHIS endorsement
  • Two to three weeks for freight booking and carrier arrangements

Official sources:

  • MOCCAE UAE: moccae.gov.ae
  • USDA APHIS international pet travel: aphis.usda.gov
  • Emirates SkyCargo live animals: skycargo.com

Frequently Asked Questions

You need: a USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of travel; current rabies vaccination; additional core vaccinations; an import permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE); and in some cases an endorsement from the UAE Embassy in Washington. Work with a specialist pet freight forwarder who knows the UAE import process, as requirements can be updated.

Yes. The UAE maintains a list of restricted dog breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman, Chow Chow, Akita, and several others. These breeds cannot be imported as pets. Airlines also apply their own restrictions on top of government rules, so confirm both before booking. Non-restricted breeds travel without issue.

Emirates SkyCargo operates a dedicated pet cargo service from major US cities to Dubai (DXB). Etihad Airways also accepts pets as cargo to Abu Dhabi (AUH). Qatar Airways routes via Doha (DOH) are another option. Most large pets travel as manifest cargo rather than excess baggage on transatlantic routes of this distance.

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