Travelling internationally with your furry family member from the UAE requires more than a cosy carrier and some treats. If you’re living in or departing from the UAE, getting your pet travel-ready means obtaining a pet passport in the UAE, the official set of documents that ensures your pet meets all health and travel requirements.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the pet passport, including documents, costs, and travel tips for a smooth journey.
- What is a pet passport in the UAE?
- Eligibility criteria for a pet passport UAE
- Required documents and steps for obtaining the pet passport
- Step-by-step application process
- Travel tips and regulations when dealing with the UAE
- Costs of a pet passport in the UAE
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
What is a pet passport in the UAE?
A pet passport in the UAE is the set of documents your cat or dog needs for international travel. Instead of one booklet, it works as a small file that brings together your pet’s microchip details, vaccination records, health certificate, and the import or export permits issued by the UAE authorities. This file proves your pet’s identity, health status, and readiness to travel, which makes it essential for any trip abroad.
Why is it important?
These documents help your pet meet both UAE regulations and the entry rules of the country you are travelling to. Airlines and border officials rely on this file to confirm that your pet is vaccinated, healthy, and safe to move across borders, which is especially helpful when you choose apartments that allow pets. With a complete and accurate set of documents, your pet’s travel experience becomes smoother, and you avoid unexpected delays during airport checks.
Eligibility criteria for a pet passport UAE
Pets must meet a few basic requirements before you can begin the pet passport UAE process. These rules help ensure a smooth travel experience, especially if you’re relocating with pets.
Minimum age
Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old to be eligible for the application. This age ensures they can be microchipped and receive their rabies vaccination, which is an essential part of international pet travel.
Breed restrictions
The UAE has restrictions on specific dog breeds for both import and export. These include:
- The American Bully
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Argentinian Fighting Dog
- Brazilian Fighting Dog
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Canary Fighting Dog
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Related mastiff types
Annual limit per owner
Each owner can usually move up to two pets: two cats, two dogs, or one of each per year. Some agencies may support requests for additional pets; however, the standard allowance remains two animals per year under UAE rules.
Required documents and steps for obtaining the pet passport
Here’s a structured breakdown of what you’ll need and when to get an international pet passport:
1. Microchipping
Your pet must be implanted with an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard). This should be done before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match across all documents.
2. Vaccinations
- Rabies vaccination: This is mandatory. It must be administered after microchipping. Typically, the shot must be given at least 21 days before travel (and no more than 12 months prior) to meet the requirements of many destination countries.
- Core vaccinations: These are essential for your pet’s overall health and readiness for travel. For dogs, this typically includes distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis (adenovirus), leptospirosis, and Bordetella, depending on the region. For cats, core vaccines include panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and other region-specific vaccinations.
3. Rabies titer test (if required)
Some destination countries (for example, many in the EU) require a rabies antibody (titer) test, often performed at least 21 days after the rabies shot, at approved labs. In cases where a pet is coming from a country with a higher rabies risk, this might also apply.
4. International health certificate
A licensed veterinarian issues a health certificate (or certificate of veterinary inspection) confirming your pet is healthy, vaccinated, microchipped, etc., and fit for travel. For pets entering the UAE, this certificate often must be issued within a specified time window before arrival.
5. Import/export permit
In the UAE, the governing authority is the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MOCCAE). You will likely need to apply for an import permit if bringing a pet into the UAE, or an export permit when leaving. The permit is usually valid for a limited period (e.g., 30 days) for the travel to occur.
6. Parasite treatments
Before departure or arrival, you will likely need documented treatment for external (ticks, fleas) and internal (worms) parasites. The timing is essential, often within 14 days of travel.
7. Compilation and submission of documents
Once the above steps are completed, you must assemble all relevant documents (microchip certificate, vaccination records, health certificate, import/export permit, and parasite treatment record) into a single file for submission. For pets travelling from the UAE, these documents collectively function as the “pet passport”.
Step-by-step application process
Here is a simple breakdown of how to get a pet passport in the UAE:
1. Confirm eligibility
Ensure your pet meets the UAE’s requirements for age, breed, and annual travel limits. This ensures you can begin the process without delays.
2. Visit a licensed veterinarian
Visit a government-approved veterinarian for microchipping, vaccinations, and health checks, and many pet owners rely on top veterinary clinics in Dubai for these steps.
3. Collect all official records
Request printed and stamped documents, including the microchip certificate, vaccination records, and health check details. These form the base of your travel file.
4. Apply for the MOCCAE permit
Submit your pet’s health certificate and supporting documents to MOCCAE to request the import or export permit. The permit is time-sensitive, so apply once your travel dates are clear.
5. Complete destination requirements
Some countries require extra steps such as titer tests, tapeworm treatments, or specific travel forms. Confirm these early so you can meet all timelines.
6. Organise the final travel file
Once your permit is approved, compile all documents into one folder. This becomes your pet passport UAE and is presented during airline and border checks.
7. Keep documents ready on travel day
Carry your pet’s full file with you when checking in. Airline staff and border officials will review the documents before clearing your pet to travel.
Travel tips and regulations when dealing with the UAE
When travelling to or from the UAE with your pet, it’s essential to understand the key regulations and practical tips. Following these rules helps ensure a smooth journey for both you and your furry companion.
- Travel method: Pets entering the UAE typically must arrive as manifested cargo, and pet taxi services can help with airport drop-off. Cabin travel is rare, unless special conditions apply.
- Number of pets per owner: As noted, the limit is typically two cats, two dogs, or one of each per year. Some agents may help with up to five.
- Breed restrictions in public: Beyond travel, in public places in the UAE, dogs must often be leashed and muzzled; ensure you check local rules for your emirate.
- Destination variations: Requirements vary by destination country, e.g., titer tests, transit layovers, country-risk classifications (low vs high rabies risk). Always double-check both the UAE export and the destination import rules.
Costs of a pet passport in the UAE
When users ask about the pet passport UAE cost or pet passport Dubai, the following gives you ball-park figures (note: these are approximate and subject to change):
- Import permit: Around AED 500.
- Microchipping: Roughly AED 100–250.
- Rabies vaccination: About AED 100–200.
- Health certificate (vet fee) + core vaccinations: Around AED 100–300 (varies widely).
- Parasite treatments: AED 50–200 depending on treatment type.
- Additional costs (cargo travel, airline pet fees, titter test, transit agent) will vary depending on your route and service provider.
Key takeaways
A pet passport UAE is a set of documents that confirms your pet’s microchip, vaccinations, and overall health for international travel. Your pet must meet specific age, breed, and vaccination requirements, and some destinations may require additional steps, such as a rabies titer test or parasite treatments.
The cost of a pet passport in the UAE varies depending on vaccinations, permits, and travel arrangements. Preparing early and checking the requirements for both the UAE and your destination helps ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, especially if you plan to settle in one of the cat or dog-friendly communities in Abu Dhabi.
FAQs
No, you don’t. The UAE does not issue a single booklet. Instead, your pet travels with a compiled set of documents that includes the microchip details, vaccination records, health certificate, and the MOCCAE permit.
If your pet is already microchipped and vaccinated, the MOCCAE permit is usually issued within a few working days. The process takes longer if your destination requires a rabies titer test or additional paperwork.
Only UAE-licensed veterinarians who are authorised to issue international health certificates can prepare valid travel documents. It’s best to confirm your clinic is approved before you start.
Yes, both cats and dogs can follow the pet passport UAE process as long as they meet the required age, microchip, and vaccination rules.
Incorrect or missing details can lead to delays during airline or border checks. Ensuring all records are accurate and up to date helps your pet travel without issues.
