Pet Transport UK to UAE: The 2026 Guide
Taking your dog or cat from United Kingdom to United Arab Emirates comes down to good timing and the right paperwork. Plan on roughly 6-10 weeks; the checklist is clear and the timing is manageable. No routine quarantine applies as long as every requirement is …
The United Kingdom to United Arab Emirates 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 to confirm
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent (online application via UAE government portal)
Responsible: Owner to check with airline
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: APHA-authorised vet, then APHA for endorsement
Responsible: Airline cargo
Responsible: UAE Ministry of Agriculture customs team
What your pet needs to enter United Arab Emirates
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Summer heat embargoes (approximately May to September) restrict live animal cargo acceptance on many UAE-bound routes. If you are planning a summer move, check embargo dates with your airline and consider routing via a hub with overnight connection when temperatures permit.
The MOCCAE import permit must be obtained before the pet departs the UK. Arriving without a valid permit means the animal may be held at the airport or returned.
Rabies vaccination must be current: given at least 30 days but no more than 12 months before arrival. Check the expiry date carefully. A vaccination that expires during the journey or within days of arrival may not be accepted.
Several breeds are banned or restricted in specific UAE emirates: Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Rottweilers are among those subject to restrictions. Check the rules for your specific emirate.
Some UAE buildings and communities prohibit certain breeds or sizes of dogs. Confirm with your landlord or community management before the move.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
United Arab Emirates entry requirements at a glance
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.