Relocating is a fun experience but it comes with its own challenges, especially when you are a pet owner. The process of pet relocation involves some additional steps and precautions for the safe travel of your furry friend. The Emirate of Dubai permits owners to bring their pets while relocating. However, owners have to follow a legal procedure, vaccinate their pets and are also obligated to do travel arrangements.
Here is the complete process and legal issues that you have to follow for pet relocation to Dubai.
Process of Pet Relocation to Dubai
Documentation required for pet relocation to Dubai is mentioned below. Prior to moving to the process first, take a look at the breeds of cats and dogs that are illegal to keep in Dubai.
Impermissible Breeds
Following are the breeds that are banned by the government to be imported to Dubai.
- Japanese Tosa (fighting dogs)
- Pit Bull (all kinds)
- Argentinian Mastiff (Argentian fighting dog)
- Brazilian Mastiff (Brazilian fighting dog)
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Wolf-Dog Hybrid
Terms and Conditions
- For relocating pets to Dubai, an import permit is required prior to entry. The permit can be obtained from the official website of MOCCAE.
- Remember that the permit is valid for 30 days only, and the pet must be shipped within this timeframe.
- Pets can only be shifted through manifested cargo that caters to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations.
Documents Required
Other than the import permit, here is the list of documents that will be required for relocating a pet to Dubai.
- Animal Passport: Original animal passport or vaccination card is required for the pet’s entry into Dubai. The cart must include the validity of treatments, date of birth, pet microchip and vaccination records.
- Health Certificate: Original and valid health certificate from the exporting country, stating the animal’s health condition. Moreover, it should also state the pet identification microchip from the exporting country.
- Rabies Certificate: Certificate of Rabies Serum Neutralisation test (original) conducted within 90 days prior to shipping. The test must attest to a titer of 0.5IU/ml (minimum).
Vaccination of Pets
According to the official website of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Environment and Water, the following vaccinations are required for cats and dogs.
Vaccination for Cats
- Rabies Vaccine 21 days prior arrival (as per the vaccine manufacturer’s instruction)
- Feline Rhinotracheitis
- Feline Calicivirus
- Feline Pan Leukcopenia
Vaccination for Dogs
- Rabies Vaccine 21 days prior arrival (as per the vaccine manufacturer’s instruction)
- Leptospirosis (Ictohaemorragea – Canicola)
- Canine Distemper Virus
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis
- Canine Parvo Virus
Other than the aforementioned vaccinations, here are some other treatments to be done 10 days before shipping the pet.
- Anti-external parasites (Fipronil/Permethrin)
- Deworming (Praziquantel)
Services Charges for Relocating Pet to Dubai
The service charges and fines that are included for shipping pets to Dubai are as follows:
- Inspection Fee: AED 500/cat and AED 1,000/dog
- Import Permit Charges: AED 500/pet
- Noncompliance with Import Regulations: If owners fail to comply with the import regulations, AED 5000/pet will be charged. Also, the pet will be sent back at the owner’s expense.
Things to Consider while Relocating Pets to Dubai
Other than the legal process, a number of other factors must be considered before relocating pets.
How will your Pet Travel in a Plane?
There are different ways to transport pets by air. Mainly, pets are transported as manifest cargo, excess luggage in the hold or cabin. All the ways are options for a pet to travel, but it is better to choose according to the size of your pet.
While travelling as manifest cargo, the pets are placed at the front of the plane and can travel with or without the owner being on the same flight. Whereas, when travelling as cargo, the pets are placed on the back hold. The fares of both the ways are dependent upon the weight of the carate including the weight of the pet.
What to do after Arrival of Pet
In case of travelling with excessive luggage, you can receive them from the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. After collecting them, owners must pass through the ‘Something to Declare’ gate. You will have to show all the paperwork at the gate and acquire approval to leave the airport.
In case of travelling as cargo, the pets will be shifted from the flight to the Animal Reception Centre. Here, the staff will review all the paperwork and provide the necessary documentation to release the pet from the airport.
Where to keep your Pet
Some residential societies and buildings in Dubai are pet restricted. Therefore, it is suggested to check whether your residence is included in the pet-friendly society in Dubai or not. You may also need to inform the landlord or building authorities about keeping your pet at home. In case you haven’t decided yet, consider these apartments for rent in Dubai
This was all the legal process and steps involved in relocating your pet to Dubai. If you are new in the Emirate and have convenient shifting, you can opt for pet relocation companies in Dubai. However, the cost of relocating will increase when you avail of the company’s services.
Once your pet is home, you can transport it anywhere in the Emirate using pet taxi services in Dubai.
