Pet Transport from Germany to the UAE: Import Permits, Health Certificates and Flights
The Germany to United Arab Emirates import process
Responsible: Your vet in Germany
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: German official vet plus state veterinary authority or BMEL
Responsible: Owner
Responsible: UAE authorities plus owner
Which United Arab Emirates rules depend on a pet coming from Germany?
The United Arab Emirates sorts countries into 2 groups, and Germany falls in “High-risk countries”.
Rabies titre test (at least 0.5 IU/ml, approved laboratory, valid 365 days) required; animal at least 15 weeks old. Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Rabies titre test: The titre result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml; the result may instead be written on the health certificate. Applies to dogs and cats from high-risk countries.
استيراد حيوانات الرفقة ( قطط / كلاب) (Import of pets, cats/dogs), checked 1 October 2026 - Rabies titre test: The titre test certificate is valid for 365 days. Applies to dogs and cats from high-risk countries.
استيراد حيوانات الرفقة ( قطط / كلاب) (Import of pets, cats/dogs), checked 1 October 2026 - Minimum age: Animals from high-risk countries must be at least 15 weeks old. Applies to dogs and cats from high-risk countries.
استيراد حيوانات الرفقة ( قطط / كلاب) (Import of pets, cats/dogs), checked 1 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering the United Arab Emirates, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our United Arab Emirates guide.
What does Germany require before your pet leaves?
- Export health certificate: Berlin example: apply to the district veterinary office three to four weeks before travel; fees are time-based under tariff 31050 of the Berlin VSGebO, from EUR 41 to EUR 615. Applies to dogs and cats leaving from Berlin (Treptow-Köpenick).
Reisen mit Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Rhein-Erft-Kreis example: the district veterinary office charges EUR 35 to issue a health certificate for a stay abroad; it is valid for at most 10 days. Applies to dogs and cats leaving from Rhein-Erft-Kreis.
Gesundheitszeugnis für Auslandaufenthalte von Hunden/Katzen, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Official veterinary health and vaccination certificates for pets travelling abroad are issued by the local veterinary office (Veterinäramt) of the city or district (example: Munich city Veterinäramt). Applies to dogs and cats leaving Germany for non-EU countries.
Tiere im Ausland und bei Reisen, checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: Entry rules for dogs and cats vary widely between non-EU destinations (blood tests, parasite treatment, entry permits); owners must check the destination's rules in advance. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Germany for non-EU countries.
Reisen mit Hund und Katze außerhalb der EU, checked 1 October 2026
What this route typically costs
Critical points
The health certificate must be in UAE-prescribed format and endorsed by a German state veterinary authority or BMEL. A standard German vet certificate without government countersignature will not be accepted.
Temperature embargoes apply during Gulf summer months (June to September). Emirates and other carriers may refuse pet cargo when ground temperatures at DXB exceed safe thresholds. Avoid scheduling travel in peak Gulf summer if possible.
Several dog breeds are restricted or prohibited in UAE emirates regardless of origin country. Confirm your breed is admissible before any bookings are made.
The EU pet passport is not valid for UAE entry. A separately prepared AHC is required even if your pet holds a valid EU passport.
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Most direct option from Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC) to Dubai (DXB). All pets travel as manifested cargo via Emirates SkyCargo; no cabin option on Germany-UAE routes. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply in Gulf summer months (June to September). | Cargo Only |
| Lufthansa | Cabin option for small pets (up to 8kg including carrier) on Frankfurt or Munich to Dubai routes. Larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo. Check current cabin eligibility as policies change. | Cabin and Cargo |
| Flydubai | Operates cargo pet transport on select European routes including connections through Dubai (DXB). Advance booking required; confirm routes and documentation requirements directly. | Cargo Only |
| Air Arabia | Cargo pet transport available on select European routes via Sharjah (SHJ) hub. Check routing availability from German airports. | Cargo Only |
Common questions about this route
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
- IATA · International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations