DE AE

Pet Transport from Germany to United Arab Emirates

Moderate complexity 6-10 weeks typical

Planning to move your pet from Germany to United Arab Emirates? Get Your Quote

Pet transport from Germany to United Arab Emirates is a moderately complex route. The documentation is specific and there are a few stages to work through, but families who plan ahead get their pets there without major issues.

At minimum, your pet needs a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard), a current rabies vaccination, a rabies titre test with a waiting period after the result, an approved import permit from the destination authority, and a government-endorsed health certificate issued close to your travel date. Allow 6-10 weeks from starting preparation to travel day.

Use the step-by-step timeline below to plan your preparation, and get in touch if you want us to coordinate the process for you.

Step-by-Step Process

1
Get your pet microchipped (ISO 11784/11785)

Before any vaccinations. Must be done first.

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
Rabies vaccination

At least 21 days before travel (after microchip)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
Rabies titre test (RNATT blood test)

Blood drawn 30+ days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.

Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

4
Apply for import permit from United Arab Emirates

Lead time: Check with authorities

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

5
Obtain health certificate / veterinary clearance

Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirements)

Responsible: Official veterinarian

6
Book IATA-compliant flight and arrange pet cargo/cabin booking

2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space availability.

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

7
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation

3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets

Responsible: You + airline cargo desk

United Arab Emirates Import Requirements

What United Arab Emirates requires for pets entering the country.

Microchip

Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before rabies vaccination

Rabies Vaccination

Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. Vaccination must be administered after microchipping. Titre test may be required from certain countries.

Rabies Titre Test

Required for: Pets from certain non-approved or high-risk countries. Not required for: Pets from approved countries (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, EU countries, etc.). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml

Quarantine

No routine quarantine. Penalty quarantine up to varies days if non-compliant

Import Permit

Required. Import permit MUST be obtained before travel. Different emirates have different application processes. Allow 1-2 weeks for processing.

Health Certificate

Required. Veterinary health certificate / Official health certificate. Issued by: Government veterinarian or government-endorsed veterinarian in country of export. Certificate must confirm: rabies vaccination status, microchip number, pet is free from infectious disease, fit to travel

Exporting from Germany

What you need from Germany before your pet can leave.

Export Permit

No formal export permit for pets. Health certificate and EU pet passport serve as documentation.

Cost Factors

Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

  • Airline cargo/cabin fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size)
  • IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
  • Veterinary fees (vaccinations, health certificate, microchip)
  • Import permit application fee (United Arab Emirates)
  • Government endorsement/USDA endorsement fee (if applicable)
  • Pet transport agent fee (if using a relocation service)

Breed Restrictions

United Arab Emirates restricts or bans the following breeds from entry:

  • Pit Bull Terrier (and related types) (restricted)
  • American Staffordshire Terrier (restricted)
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier (restricted in some emirates)
  • Rottweiler (restricted but not outright banned in most emirates)
  • Dogo Argentino (restricted)
  • Fila Brasileiro (restricted)
  • Japanese Tosa (restricted)
  • Perro de Presa Canario (restricted)
If your pet is a restricted breed or a mix involving a restricted breed, contact us before making travel arrangements.

Important Warnings

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds face cargo restrictions on most airlines. Check breed-specific policies before booking.
Microchip MUST be implanted before rabies vaccination. Vaccination given before microchip is invalid and the clock restarts.
Temperature embargoes apply during Gulf summer months (June to September). Airlines may refuse pet cargo when ground temperatures exceed 30C.

Frequently Asked Questions

The process takes 6-10 weeks from start to finish. The rabies titre test requires a 3-6 month waiting period after the blood draw before your pet can travel, so start early.

No routine quarantine for pets entering United Arab Emirates with the correct documentation. No routine quarantine. Penalty quarantine up to varies days if non-compliant

Required. Import permit MUST be obtained before travel. Different emirates have different application processes. Allow 1-2 weeks for processing.

Required. Veterinary health certificate / Official health certificate. Issued by: Government veterinarian or government-endorsed veterinarian in country of export. Certificate must confirm: rabies vaccination status, microchip number, pet is free from infectious disease, fit to travel Your Germany vet must be approved to issue official veterinary certificates. The certificate must be issued within the timeframe required by United Arab Emirates: usually 10 days before travel. Present the original at check-in.

Yes. Required for: Pets from certain non-approved or high-risk countries. Not required for: Pets from approved countries (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, EU countries, etc.). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml The microchip must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination for the vaccination to be valid. Start this process as early as possible.
On this page
Route summary
  • From: Germany
  • To: United Arab Emirates
  • Complexity: Moderate
  • Timeline: 6-10 weeks
Get a quote
Related Routes
Country Guides

Start your journey

Get Your Free Quote

Enter your pet's details and route

Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.

No obligation. Your details are kept private and never shared.

Get a free pet transport quote

Tell us your route and pet details. We will send you a step-by-step plan and tailored quote.

Request a Quote