HK
Hong Kong
✈️
AE
United Arab Emirates
Pet Transport from Hong Kong to United Arab Emirates
Pet transport from Hong Kong 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 …
NoneQuarantine on arrival
Moderate routeExpert coordination essential
6-10 weeksPreparation lead time
Fully managedDoor to door service available
Step by step
The Hong Kong to United Arab Emirates pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Get your pet microchipped (ISO 11784/11785)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Before any vaccinations. Must be done first.2
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
At least 21 days before travel (after microchip)3
Rabies titre test (RNATT blood test)
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
Blood drawn 30+ days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.4
Apply for import permit from United Arab Emirates
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Lead time: Check with authorities5
Obtain health certificate / veterinary clearance
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirements)6
Book IATA-compliant flight and arrange pet cargo/cabin booking
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space availability.7
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation
Responsible: You + airline cargo desk
3-4 hours before departure for cargo petsRequirements
What your pet needs to enter United Arab Emirates
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
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
Export permit (Hong Kong)
Required for all live animal exports from Hong Kong
Costs
What this route typically costs
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)
Critical points to read before you book
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.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
EMIRATES
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
BRITISH
British Airways
Cargo transport available
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo transport available. Transport of large animals to certain destinations not possible due to local circumstances. Fighting dog breeds subject to special rules
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel as cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
QANTAS
Qantas
Cargo transport available. Brachycephalic breeds restricted year-round. Temperature embargoes: seasonal restrictions during Australian summer (Dec-Feb)
KLM ROYAL
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Pets can travel in the hold as checked baggage or via KLM Cargo
AIR FRANCE
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo transport available. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes. French regulations on dangerous dog breeds apply
CATHAY PACIFIC
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
SWISS
Swiss International Air Lines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Larger pets travel in hold. Swiss WorldCargo for freight.
VIRGIN
Virgin Atlantic
Cargo: Pets transported through Virgin Atlantic Cargo. Brachycephalic breeds restricted. Temperature embargoes
FAQ
Common questions about Hong Kong to United Arab Emirates pet transport
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 Hong Kong 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.
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Route at a glance
FromHong Kong
ToUnited Arab Emirates
Prep time6-10 weeks
ComplexityModerate
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