Quick checklist
- Obtain a valid MOCCAE import permit before travel.
- Confirm the microchip number matches every document.
- Prepare the vaccination record and attested official health certificate.
- Complete rabies antibody testing if the origin is currently classed as high risk.
- Record parasite treatment within the 14 days before shipment.
- Confirm the route, crate and handling requirements directly with the operating airline.
Moving to the UAE with a dog or cat takes planning. The requirements depend partly on whether the exporting country is currently classified as low or high risk for rabies, so do not rely on a generic international checklist.
1. Check whether your pet can be imported
MOCCAE currently limits personal imports to two companion animals per person per year: two cats, two dogs, or one of each. Qualifying UAE-resident pets returning after travel are excepted from that annual limit, but still need an import permit and must meet the return conditions.
Breed and species restrictions apply. Check the current prohibited-dog list and special conditions on the live MOCCAE service before paying for travel. Airline acceptance does not equal UAE import approval.
2. Check the origin country's rabies-risk category
- Pets from currently listed low-risk countries must be at least 12 weeks old.
- Pets from high-risk countries must be at least 15 weeks old.
- A rabies antibody titration test is required for high-risk origins.
Use MOCCAE's live country classification rather than copying a list from another website. The classification can change.
3. Make sure the microchip details match
Your dog or cat must have a permanent microchip. Its number must match the health certificate and vaccination document or pet passport. Ask your vet to scan the chip before preparing the paperwork and compare every digit.
4. Complete the required vaccinations
Dogs currently require records for rabies, canine distemper, canine parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis. MOCCAE allows an accepted test instead of leptospirosis vaccination where the exporting country does not vaccinate against it.
Cats currently require rabies, feline panleukopenia, feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus records. Rabies vaccination cannot begin before 12 weeks of age.
5. Complete the rabies antibody test if required
- The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml from an approved laboratory.
- After a first rabies vaccination or a lapse, at least 21 days must pass before the testing step.
- MOCCAE says the 21-day wait does not apply after a valid booster.
- The result remains valid for 365 days only while rabies vaccination remains continuously valid under the current rules.
6. Obtain the UAE import permit
Apply through MOCCAE before the pet enters the UAE. The current permit is valid for 90 days from issue and costs AED 200 per animal. MOCCAE lists one working day for the standard service and five working days for service, emotional-support or medical dogs. Treat these as service estimates, not guarantees.
7. Arrange the official health certificate
At entry, the pet must have an attested veterinary health certificate issued by the competent veterinary authority in the exporting country, plus a compliant vaccination record or passport. A routine private-vet note may not be the required official or endorsed export certificate.
8. Record parasite treatment
MOCCAE requires preventive treatment for internal and external parasites during the 14 days before shipment. It must be recorded in the health certificate or pet passport.
9. Confirm the airline and route
Shipment must follow IATA live-animal conditions and travel directly from the exporting country. If the route transits another country, the animal must not mix with other animals. Airline policies differ on crates, seasonal restrictions, handling, routes and travel category, so obtain written confirmation from the operating carrier.
10. Prepare for inspection and release
- Customs declaration or airway bill
- Vaccination record or pet passport
- Attested official veterinary health certificate
- Rabies antibody test certificate when required
- Valid import permit
- Payment method for applicable fees
Current federal release fees are AED 500 per dog and AED 250 per cat, in addition to the AED 200 permit fee per animal and any airline, cargo, laboratory, veterinary or relocation costs.
Leaving the UAE instead? Start with our current pet-export documents and planning checklist, then verify the destination country's rules.
