Lead time needed
4-6 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Low-Medium
Airlines
4 carriers on this route
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AE
IT

Pet Transport UAE to Italy: 2026 Guide

Taking your dog or cat from United Arab Emirates to Italy comes down to good timing and the right paperwork. Preparation is relatively light here, so plan on about 4-6 weeks to be comfortable. There is no routine quarantine, provided the paperwork is in order. …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from United Arab Emirates to Italy 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 Italy 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 from DXB to FCO or MXP (or alternative carrier).

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. Italian customs and Ministry of Health vet inspects at FCO or MXP.

Responsible: Emirates SkyCargo and Italian customs

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Italy

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. Italian customs (Dogana) and Ministry of …
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 FCO or MXP (Emirates direct): EUR 600-1,600 depending on …
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 1,000-2,600

Critical points

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

Italy has no national breed ban since 2009. Most breeds enter without breed-specific permits.

MOCCAE export permit is mandatory and must be in place before departure.

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 Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa …
Cargo Only
ITA Airways Cargo
ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia) operates between DXB and FCO. ITA Cargo handles live …
Cargo Only
Etihad Cargo
Etihad operates from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Rome and Milan. Useful if based in Abu Dhabi. …
Cargo Only
Lufthansa Cargo via FRA
Lufthansa routes via Frankfurt with connections to Italian airports. A two-leg option if …
Cargo Only

Italy entry requirements at a glance

The requirements for Italy are light, but not zero. A little planning goes a long way on a route like this.

Getting the details right

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.

Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.

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 an ISO 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.
No. Italy removed its national breed ban in 2009 and uses a behaviour-based approach. There are no federal breed-specific import restrictions. Rottweilers, Cane Corsos, and similar breeds enter Italy through standard EU documentation without additional breed permits. Some regional or local ordinances may vary; check your specific comune if concerned.
Yes. Emirates SkyCargo operates direct from Dubai (DXB) to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP), and both routes accept live animal cargo. Emirates has established live animal handling facilities at Dubai International. Book four to six weeks ahead and confirm live animal space on your specific flight number.
MOCCAE (Ministry of Climate Change and Environment) is the UAE government authority that regulates animal exports. The export permit is mandatory for all companion animals leaving the UAE. It is separate from the health certificate and must be obtained before departure through the MOCCAE portal or a registered relocation agent.
Emirates direct cargo from DXB to FCO or MXP typically costs EUR 600 to EUR 1,600 depending on crate size. Add EUR 50-130 for the MOCCAE certificate, EUR 25-80 for the export permit, and EUR 80-250 for an IATA crate if needed. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,000 to EUR 2,600.
Airline guides
  • Emirates SkyCargo
  • ITA Airways Cargo
  • Etihad Cargo
  • Lufthansa Cargo via FRA
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

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