Pet Transport from New Zealand to the UAE

The journey from New Zealand to United Arab Emirates for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. This is a middle of the road route, and about 6-12 weeks of preparation …

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6-12

Weeks lead time needed

Start this early minimum

None

Quarantine on arrival

Moderate

Route complexity

Airlines on this route

Lead time needed

6-12 weeks

Quarantine

None

Route complexity

Moderate

Airlines

4 carriers on this route

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In short: Preparing to move a pet from New Zealand to United Arab Emirates typically takes around 6-12 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets. A rabies titre test is not required.

Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.

Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team

Step by step

The New Zealand to United Arab Emirates import process

4-6 weeks before travel.

Apply for MOCCAE import permit via UAE government portal

Responsible: You or your agent

Allow 2-3 weeks for legalisation process. Time this with the 10-day validity window.

Arrange health certificate legalisation at UAE Embassy in NZ

Responsible: You or your agent

4-6 weeks before travel.

Book Emirates or Etihad cargo space to DXB or AUH

Responsible: You or your cargo agent

MPI vet exam + MPI endorsement + UAE legalisation all within 10-day window. Tight. Use an agent.

Obtain MPI-endorsed health certificate within 10 days of UAE arrival

Responsible: MPI-authorised vet + MPI + UAE Embassy

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.

Rabies vaccination

Required. Current and valid.

Rabies titre test

Not required for pets from New Zealand under standard UAE import rules.

Quarantine

No routine quarantine for compliant pets. Veterinary inspection on arrival.

Import permit

Required. Import permit from MOCCAE (Ministry of Climate Change and Environment) before travel. Apply via the UAE government portal.

Health certificate

Official health certificate endorsed by MPI and then legalised by the UAE Embassy in New Zealand (or a recognised apostille process). Check current UAE Embassy requirements before departure.

Leaving New Zealand

Export requirements

Export permit

No formal export permit required for personal pet exports from New Zealand.

Health certificate

UAE-compatible official veterinary health certificate issued by an MPI-authorised vet and endorsed by MPI. Issued within 10 days of UAE arrival.

Costs

What this route typically costs

Cargo fee AKL to DXB or AUH (long-haul, typically NZD 3,000-7,000+ depending on pet size)

IATA crate

MOCCAE import permit fee

UAE Embassy legalisation fee

MPI vet fee + endorsement fee

Agent fee (strongly recommended)

Critical points

UAE health certificate legalisation at the UAE Embassy adds time and cost on top of the MPI endorsement. Factor both into your 10-day window. A pet transport agent is strongly recommended.

Summer embargoes (June-September in the UAE) restrict certain breeds on Emirates and Etihad due to extreme heat. Check breed restrictions before booking summer departures.

Breed restrictions apply in the UAE: certain breed types are restricted or prohibited. Confirm your breed is permitted before committing to the move.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

Airline	Notes	Type
Emirates	Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo from AKL via SYD or directly to DXB. Temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Summer heat embargoes (June-September) may restrict certain breeds.	Cargo Only
Etihad Airways	Cargo: Via AUH. Connection via Sydney or Singapore typically. Temperature-controlled throughout. Brachycephalic restrictions apply.	Cargo Only
Qantas	Cargo: AKL-SYD, then partner carrier to DXB or AUH. Two-leg journey. Brachycephalic restricted year-round.	Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines	Cargo: AKL-SIN-DXB. Via Singapore. One transfer. Good live animal handling at Changi.	Cargo Only

The rules for bringing a pet into United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.

How to keep this move on track

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

Yes. An import permit from MOCCAE (UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment) is required before your pet can enter the UAE. Apply via the UAE government portal at least 4-6 weeks before travel.

No. A titre test is not required for pets from New Zealand under current UAE import rules. The main requirements are current microchip, current rabies vaccination, the MOCCAE import permit, and the MPI-endorsed health certificate with UAE Embassy legalisation.

Emirates is the strongest option for Dubai (DXB) destinations, with direct or one-stop services from Auckland and an established live animal cargo process. Etihad is the natural choice for Abu Dhabi (AUH). Both observe summer heat embargoes for certain breeds from June to September.

The UAE requires the official veterinary health certificate to be legalised (stamped) by the UAE Embassy in the country of export. In New Zealand, this means presenting the MPI-endorsed certificate to the UAE Embassy in Wellington. Allow 2-3 weeks for this process, on top of the MPI endorsement time.

Airline guides

Emirates
Etihad Airways
Qantas
Singapore Airlines

Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

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