Dubai is a pet-friendly city, but bringing a furry four-legged companion home involves planning, paperwork and expenses. From official permits to relocation services, several factors contribute to the total cost of bringing a pet home in Dubai.
Import Permit Fees Impact the Cost of Bringing Pet to Dubai
An import permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is mandatory for bringing pets into Dubai. The charges vary depending on the type of animal:
- Cats and dogs: AED 200 per pet
- Horses: AED 400 per animal
This permit ensures that your pet complies with UAE health and safety regulations before arrival.
Documents Required for Pet Import in Dubai
To complete the process of bringing a pet home in Dubai, pet owners must prepare and submit several documents, including:
- Valid import permit issued by MOCCAE
- Original health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in the country of export
- Updated vaccination records (rabies vaccination is mandatory for cats and dogs)
- Microchip details (ISO-compliant microchip is required)
- Copy of the owner’s passport and Emirates ID (for residents)
- Pet’s travel details (airline booking, route and date of arrival)
Pet Relocation Cost in Dubai
Pet relocation in Dubai involves various costs. There may also be additional expenses for hiring a professional service to do the job. Costs vary depending on the origin country, airline charges and the type of pet. On average:
- Cats and dogs: AED 5,000 – AED 15,000 (including travel crate, air freight, veterinary checks and handling fees)
- Horses: Charges are significantly higher, often reaching tens of thousands of dirhams, due to specialised transport requirements.
Pet Import Charges in Dubai
Apart from the relocation service and import permit, owners should also account for:
- Customs clearance fees at Dubai airport
- Veterinary inspection charges on arrival
- Quarantine (if required): While Dubai does not impose long-term quarantine for compliant pets, any discrepancies in paperwork or vaccinations may result in additional costs for short-term holding.
Bringing Dog to Dubai Cost Breakdown
For a dog, the approximate cost of bringing a pet home in Dubai includes:
- Import permit fee: AED 200
- Veterinary certification and vaccinations: AED 500 – AED 1,500 (depending on the country)
- Air freight and relocation: AED 8,000 – AED 15,000
- Miscellaneous customs and handling fees: AED 500 – AED 1,000
- Estimated total: AED 9,200 – AED 17,700
Bringing Cat to Dubai Cost Breakdown
For a cat, the expenses are slightly lower compared to a dog:
- Import permit fee: AED 200
- Veterinary certification and vaccinations: AED 300 – AED 1,000
- Air freight and relocation: AED 5,000 – AED 10,000
- Miscellaneous customs and handling fees: AED 500 – AED 1,000
- Estimated total: AED 6,000 – AED 12,200
FAQs
Are there separate costs for cats and dogs when bringing them to Dubai?
Yes, the cost for bringing cats and dogs home may vary depending on the transportation means, buying pet accessories, vaccination charges and freight handling fees, among others.
Do I need to pay for pet quarantine in Dubai?
It is not applicable in every case. Quarantine period and charges for pets in Dubai may vary from case to case.
Do I need to hire a pet relocation service for Dubai?
While individuals can handle pet relocation in Dubai themselves, if they are aware of the associated costs and legalities, professional services may ensure even a smoother experience.
Which are the pet-friendly areas in Dubai?
Some of the known pet-friendly areas in Dubai include JLT, Downtown and JVC, among others.
The cost of bringing a pet home in Dubai depends on the type of animal, travel distance and whether professional relocation services are used. Preparing the correct documents in advance and budgeting for all related charges can ensure a smooth transition for your furry friend to Dubai.
When renting or buying a property in Dubai, make sure that your chosen neighbourhood has pet-friendly facilities. For first-hand experiences, ask questions from new neighbours to get more acquainted with your surroundings after moving in.
Another way to stay in the know is to keep reading UAE’s top property blog. It is where you’ll get all the area insights and updates on the new projects in Dubai, which include dog parks among other pet-friendly amenities.
