Pet Transport from India to the United Arab Emirates
The India to United Arab Emirates import process
Responsible: Your veterinarian plus approved laboratory
Responsible: AQCS-registered official veterinarian
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
Which United Arab Emirates rules depend on a pet coming from India?
The United Arab Emirates sorts countries into 2 groups, and India 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 India require before your pet leaves?
- Export permit: Not required: AQCS's full list of requirements for exporting a pet dog or cat contains no Indian export permit or licence; only the importing country's own permit, if it has one. Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
Export of pets (Dog & Cats), checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: For export, the owner takes the pet and documents (originals and copies) to the AQCS quarantine office 7 days before embarkation, with a prior appointment, to obtain the NOC (export certificate). Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
Export of pets (Dog & Cats), checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: A fit-to-fly veterinary health certificate from a local registered vet is required, plus microchip certificate, vaccination details, owner's passport and ticket, and any importing-country requirements (import permit, titre test). Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
Export of pets (Dog & Cats), checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: The AQCS export certificate is valid for 10 days from issue or examination. Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
Export of pets (Dog & Cats), checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: The document is the AQCS 'Certificate of Health for Export (Pet Animals)', normally issued the same day. Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: AQCS charges Rs 500 per export certification (DAHD order effective 1 May 2025). Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
Processing fees and quarantine accommodation charges w.e.f. 01.05.2025 (order of 28 April 2025), checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: A separate application form is needed for each pet; if the pet is too young for a vaccination, the mother's vaccination record must be produced. Applies to dogs and cats leaving India.
Export of pets (Dog & Cats), checked 1 October 2026
What this route typically costs
Critical points
India is classified as a high-risk origin country by UAE authorities. A titre test with a passing result (0.5 IU/ml) is required for Indian pets. Pets without a confirmed passing titre test will be refused entry.
Emirates SkyCargo suspends live animal cargo during the Gulf summer (typically May-September) due to extreme temperatures. Plan travel for October to April if possible. Check current embargo dates with the carrier before booking.
The AQCS NOC is required for all pet exports from India. Without it, the health certificate cannot be correctly endorsed and airlines will not accept the pet.
Verify current UAE import requirements with MOCCAE (moccae.gov.ae) and the relevant municipality before travel. Requirements can change.
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Cargo only from India. Emirates SkyCargo operates from Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bangalore (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Hyderabad (HYD), and Kochi (COK) to Dubai (DXB). Pets in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. No cabin pets on any Emirates international route. Temperature embargoes apply during Gulf summer (typically May-September). | Cargo Only |
| Air India | International cargo from major Indian airports to Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH). Pets in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold via Air India Cargo. No cabin pets on international routes. Contact AI Cargo for booking. | Cargo Only |
| Etihad Airways | Cargo from Indian cities to Abu Dhabi (AUH) hub. Etihad Cargo handles live animals in temperature-controlled hold. Useful option for owners relocating to Abu Dhabi or the Northern Emirates. Temperature restrictions apply in summer. | Cargo Only |
| IndiGo | IndiGo does not carry pets as cargo on international routes. Domestic India sectors only for connecting to international services at major airports. | Cargo Only |
| Lufthansa | Cargo from Indian cities via Frankfurt (FRA) hub to UAE. Connecting option if direct India-UAE cargo slots are full. Pets in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round. | 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.