Pet Transport UAE to Italy: 2026 Guide
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.
Responsible: Vet in UAE
Responsible: Owner or pet relocation agent
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Licensed vet plus MOCCAE endorsement
Responsible: Emirates SkyCargo and Italian customs
Which Italy rules depend on a pet coming from the United Arab Emirates?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and the United Arab Emirates falls in “Listed third countries and territories, Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636”.
No rabies antibody titration test needed. Animal health certificate, microchip and rabies vaccination still required; entry through a travellers' point of entry with documentary and identity checks. Montenegro and Serbia were added by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228. The EUR-Lex text of 2026/636 lists the USA as including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Official source
The rules that apply to every pet entering Italy, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Italy guide.
What does the United Arab Emirates require before your pet leaves?
- Export permit: A copy of the importing country's import permit is required for live animal exports, but companion animals are exempt from this document. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the UAE.
Request for a veterinary health certificate for exporting or re-exporting live animals (Arabic), checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: MOCCAE issues the veterinary health certificate for exporting live animals after examination; it covers companion animals. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the UAE.
Request for a veterinary health certificate for exporting or re-exporting live animals (Arabic), checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: The export health certificate is valid for 30 days from issue. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the UAE.
Request for a veterinary health certificate for exporting or re-exporting live animals (Arabic), checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Fee is AED 100 for a personal consignment of up to 2 animals including companion animals (AED 400 standard). Applies to personal export of up to 2 dogs or cats.
Request for a veterinary health certificate for exporting or re-exporting live animals (Arabic), checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: MOCCAE requires any additional documents or test reports requested by the importing country to be provided with the export certificate application. Applies to All pet dogs and cats.
Request for a veterinary health certificate for exporting or re-exporting live animals (Arabic), checked 1 October 2026
What this route typically costs
Critical points
No rabies antibody test applies on this route. The United Arab Emirates is on the EU listed register, so the test and its three-month wait are both off the table. Guidance that puts this move at five months is describing an unlisted origin.
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.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Common questions
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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.
- IATA · International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations