Lead time needed
4-6 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Low-Medium
Airlines
4 carriers on this route
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Pet Transport UAE to Germany: 2026 Guide

Taking your dog or cat from United Arab Emirates to Germany comes down to good timing and the right paperwork. Expect about 4-6 weeks, with a short and predictable checklist. No routine quarantine applies as long as every requirement is met. You will not need …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from United Arab Emirates to Germany typically takes around 4-6 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets. A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Step by step

The United Arab Emirates to Germany import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
6-8 weeks before travel
Confirm ISO microchip predates the rabies vaccination.

Responsible: Vet in UAE

2
Several weeks before travel
Verify current rabies vaccination with 21-day post-primary wait complete.

Responsible: Vet in UAE

3
4-6 weeks before travel
Obtain MOCCAE export permit through the online portal or relocation agent.

Responsible: Owner or pet relocation agent

4
4-6 weeks before travel
Book Emirates SkyCargo or Lufthansa Cargo from DXB to FRA.

Responsible: Owner or agent

5
Within 10 days of travel
Obtain MOCCAE-endorsed EU-format certificate within 10 days of travel.

Responsible: Licensed vet plus MOCCAE endorsement

6
Travel day
Depart DXB. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt or destination airport.

Responsible: Emirates SkyCargo and German customs

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Germany

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination. …
Rabies titre test
Not required. UAE is listed under EU pet travel rules. Titre test and 3-month …
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt …
Import permit
No import permit. MOCCAE-endorsed EU-format certificate is the required …
Health certificate
EU-format International Veterinary Certificate endorsed by MOCCAE, within 10 …
Export permit
MOCCAE export permit required for all companion animals leaving the UAE. …
Costs

What this route typically costs

Licensed vet health certificate plus MOCCAE endorsement: AED 200-500 …
MOCCAE export permit: AED 100-300 (approximately EUR 25-80)
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo DXB to FRA (Emirates or Lufthansa direct): EUR 700-1,800 …
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 1,100-2,800

Critical points

UAE is EU-listed: no titre test required. Four to six weeks is enough preparation time.

Germany's Bundesland breed restrictions are strict and vary by state. Check your specific destination before booking.

MOCCAE export permit is mandatory and separate from the health certificate. Obtain it well before travel.

The MOCCAE-endorsed EU certificate must be dated within 10 days of travel.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Emirates SkyCargo
Emirates operates direct from Dubai (DXB) to Frankfurt (FRA). Emirates SkyCargo handles …
Cargo Only
Lufthansa Cargo
Lufthansa operates between DXB and FRA direct. Lufthansa Cargo is experienced with live …
Cargo Only
Etihad Cargo
Etihad operates from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Frankfurt and other German airports. Useful if …
Cargo Only
flydubai / Emirates via secondary hubs
Secondary routing options exist via other European hubs. Your cargo agent can advise on …
Cargo Only

What Germany requires

Bringing a pet into Germany is one of the simpler processes. Cover the core requirements and you should have few surprises.

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

No. The UAE is listed under EU pet travel rules, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month waiting period are waived. Your pet needs a microchip (predating the vaccination), a current rabies vaccination, MOCCAE export permit, and a MOCCAE-endorsed EU certificate dated within 10 days of travel. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
If your dog is not on Bavaria’s restricted breed list, yes. Bavaria has one of Germany’s strictest state-level breed lists, adding Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, and others to the federal bans. Check the specific Bavarian breed restriction list before booking. If your breed is restricted, the dog cannot legally be kept in Bavaria regardless of import documentation.
MOCCAE (Ministry of Climate Change and Environment) is the UAE authority that regulates animal exports. The export permit is a mandatory authorisation allowing your pet to leave the UAE. It is separate from the health certificate. Obtain it through the MOCCAE online portal or via a registered pet relocation agent before your travel date.
Four to six weeks, assuming your pet’s microchip and vaccination records are in order. The main steps are obtaining the MOCCAE export permit (4-6 weeks ahead), booking cargo (4-6 weeks ahead), and obtaining the MOCCAE-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Emirates SkyCargo and Lufthansa Cargo both operate direct DXB to FRA, and both have established live animal cargo facilities. Emirates has the advantage of extensive cargo capacity on this route; Lufthansa has Frankfurt as its home hub with strong live animal handling on arrival. Compare availability and rates for your specific travel dates.
Airline guides
  • Emirates SkyCargo
  • Lufthansa Cargo
  • Etihad Cargo
  • flydubai / Emirates via secondary hubs
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

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AE DEUnited Arab Emirates to Germany
International pet transport route
Lead time4-6 weeks
QuarantineNone
ComplexityLow-Medium
Airlines4
ServiceDoor to door
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