Pet Transport from Ireland to the United Arab Emirates
A move from Ireland to United Arab Emirates with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Expect about 6-10 weeks. Nothing here is unusually complex, but the deadlines …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Ireland to United Arab Emirates
typically takes around 6-10 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Ireland to United Arab Emirates import process
01
First step. Must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
02
After microchip. Allow at least 21 days before travel for the vaccination to be valid.
Rabies vaccination from a DAFM-registered vet
Responsible: Your veterinarian
03
4-6 weeks before travel. Apply as early as possible.
Apply for import permit from the relevant UAE emirate authority
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
04
4-6 weeks before travel. Confirm seasonal heat embargoes for summer travel.
Book cargo space with Emirates SkyCargo from Dublin to Dubai
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
05
At least 3-4 weeks before travel.
Source IATA-compliant travel crate and acclimatise your pet
Responsible: You
06
Within 10 days of travel.
Obtain AHC from DAFM-authorised official vet
Responsible: DAFM-authorised official veterinarian
07
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets.
Travel day: check in at cargo desk, Dublin Airport
Responsible: You and the airline cargo desk
Requirements
United Arab Emirates entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 microchip. Must be implanted and readable before travel.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current and valid. Allow at least 21 days after initial vaccination before travel.
Quarantine
Not required for compliant pets from approved countries. Ireland is considered a low-risk approved country by UAE authorities.
Import permit
Required. Import permit from the relevant municipality (Dubai: Dubai Municipality; Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority). Obtain before travel.
Health certificate
Required. AHC from DAFM-authorised official vet, issued within 10 days of travel. The UAE may require the certificate to be stamped or endorsed; confirm requirements with the destination emirate's authority.
Leaving Ireland
Export requirements
Export permit
Not required. Ireland is an EU member state; no export permit needed for personal pet exports.
Health certificate
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a DAFM-authorised official vet within 10 days of travel. Current EU non-commercial format valid until 30 September 2026; new format applies from 1 October 2026. Source: DAFM, gov.ie/dafm.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Emirates SkyCargo fee from Dublin to Dubai: typically EUR 500-1,200 depending on crate size and weight
UAE import permit fee: varies by emirate, typically AED 200-500
IATA-compliant travel crate: EUR 80-300 depending on size
DAFM official vet appointment for AHC: EUR 80-180
Veterinary fees for vaccinations and microchip confirmation: EUR 100-250
Pet transport agent fee if used: EUR 400-900 for Ireland-UAE coordination
Critical points
Emirates imposes heat embargoes on pet cargo during summer months (typically June to September) when Dubai temperatures exceed thresholds. Check with Emirates SkyCargo before booking summer travel.
Import permit requirements differ between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Confirm the requirements for your specific destination emirate before applying.
No cabin pets on Emirates. Cargo is the only option from Dublin.
Certain breeds are banned or restricted in the UAE regardless of origin, including many brachycephalic breeds and specific dog breeds. Verify with the relevant emirate authority before travel.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Emirates
Direct service from Dublin to Dubai (DXB). Pets travel as manifest cargo via Emirates SkyCargo. No cabin pets on any Emirates route. Book through Emirates SkyCargo or an accredited cargo agent. Seasonal heat embargoes apply for summer months.
Cargo Only
Etihad Airways
No direct Dublin to Abu Dhabi service. Routing via other European hubs. Pets travel via Etihad Cargo. Confirm routing and seasonal restrictions before booking.
Cargo Only
What United Arab Emirates requires
The path into United Arab Emirates is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Avoiding the common mistakes
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No routine quarantine for compliant pets from approved countries including Ireland. Provided your microchip, vaccination, import permit, and health certificate are all in order, your pet will be released after document checks on arrival.
No. Ireland is classified as a low-risk approved country for UAE import purposes. A titre test is not required. A valid rabies vaccination with at least 21 days elapsed since initial vaccination is required.
No. Emirates does not permit pets in the cabin on any route. Your pet will travel as manifest cargo via Emirates SkyCargo in a temperature-controlled hold. Book cargo space separately from your passenger ticket.
Yes. Emirates imposes heat embargoes on pet cargo when Dubai ground temperatures exceed safe thresholds, typically from June through September. Contact Emirates SkyCargo directly before booking summer travel to confirm whether your dates are affected.
Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department issues import permits for pets entering Dubai emirate. For Abu Dhabi, the authority is ADAFSA. Apply to the correct authority for your specific destination emirate; each has its own process and fees.
Airline guides
Emirates
Etihad Airways
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.