Pet Transport UK to UAE: The 2026 Guide
Moving a pet from the UK to the UAE involves an import permit from MOCCAE, an APHA-endorsed health certificate, and awareness of summer heat restrictions on cargo flights. No quarantine and no titre test are required. With 6-10 weeks lead time and the right …
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.
Getting the MOCCAE import permit
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) controls pet imports into the UAE. Before your pet can travel, you need an import permit from MOCCAE confirming it is approved to enter the country.
The permit application is made through the UAE government’s online portal (digital.gov.ae or the MOCCAE website). You will need to provide your pet’s microchip number, vaccination records, breed information and your destination emirate. Processing typically takes 1-3 weeks, though delays happen. Apply at least 4 weeks before travel.
Once issued, the permit number must appear on your health certificate. An endorsed health certificate that does not reference the correct MOCCAE permit will cause problems at UAE customs.
Summer heat embargoes
The UAE’s summer temperatures (regularly exceeding 40°C from May through September) create genuine welfare risks for animals in cargo holds, even in climate-controlled environments. Most major airlines impose heat embargoes restricting live animal cargo acceptance during peak summer months.
Emirates, Etihad and British Airways all apply seasonal restrictions. The exact dates and conditions vary by year and aircraft type. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-nosed dogs such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs; and Persian cats) face the most restrictive conditions and may be refused entirely during summer months regardless of temperature controls.
If your move falls between May and September, plan around this. Options include scheduling travel for early morning flights when ground temperatures are lower, routing via a northern hub with an overnight connection, or simply adjusting the travel date to outside peak summer. Discuss this with your agent or airline early in the planning process.
Breed restrictions in the UAE
The UAE regulates certain dog breeds at both the federal and emirate level. Breeds commonly restricted or banned include Pit Bull Terrier types, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers and other breeds classified as dangerous. Restrictions vary by emirate: Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah may have slightly different rules.
Beyond the import rules, many residential buildings and communities in the UAE prohibit large dogs or specific breeds entirely. It is worth confirming pet policies with your landlord or community management before your travel date, not after your dog has arrived.