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Top Pet Relocation Companies in Abu Dhabi (2026 Guide)

Moving to or from Abu Dhabi with a pet requires more than simply booking a flight. Pets need permits, veterinary documentation, approved travel crates, and airline coordination. For many owners, working with professional pet relocation companies in Abu Dhabi makes the process much smoother and safer.

These specialised agencies handle everything from paperwork and veterinary preparation to flight bookings and airport logistics. Whether you are relocating internationally or simply transporting a pet within the UAE, choosing the right relocation partner can reduce stress for both you and your pet.

Below is a guide to what to look for in a pet relocation company, along with some of the leading providers operating in Abu Dhabi.

What to Consider When Choosing a Pet Relocation Firm

Cat in pet carrier ready for transfer

Not all pet relocation companies offer the same level of service. Before selecting a provider, it helps to understand the factors that ensure a safe and compliant move.

Licensing and Accreditation

Always check whether the company is registered with the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). Compliance with IATA animal transport standards is also essential, especially for international flights.

Services Offered

Some companies offer full door-to-door relocation, while others focus mainly on airport transfers or documentation. A full-service provider may handle permits, veterinary checks, airline bookings, and final delivery at your destination.

Safety Measures

Animal safety should always be the priority. Look for features such as climate-controlled vehicles, certified animal handlers, and IATA-approved travel crates designed to keep pets comfortable during transport.

Cost Transparency

Reliable companies provide detailed quotations outlining agency fees, airline cargo costs, permits, and veterinary expenses. Transparent pricing helps avoid unexpected charges such as quarantine fees or customs costs.

Experience and Reputation

Companies with a longer track record often have stronger relationships with airlines and government authorities. Reviews from other pet owners can also provide insight into how smoothly relocations are handled.

Geographic Coverage

Some companies specialise in international relocations, while others focus mainly on domestic transport within the UAE. Confirm that your chosen provider handles both export and import procedures for your destination country.

Leading Pet Relocation Companies in Abu Dhabi

Child seated near his poodle on the runway

Abu Dhabi hosts several professional relocation agencies that help pet owners manage both domestic and international moves.

1. Pet Taxi – Jack Petgrooming

Pet’s Taxi is one of the most recognised pet transport providers in the UAE. The company offers both domestic and international relocation services, including airport cargo handling and door-to-door transport.

The service focuses heavily on pet comfort, offering safety seatbelts, travel bedding, and specialised crates for longer journeys. Many owners choose Pet’s Taxi for its availability and experience with airport cargo logistics.

Approximate pricing starts around AED 250 for local Abu Dhabi transport, while international relocation packages can reach AED 15,000 or more, depending on destination and services.

Contact Information

Contact Number: 0503520198
Instagram: @jack_petgrooming

Location

It’s located in E10 – Al Danah – Zone 1 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

2. Paws Global

Paws Global is an international pet relocation company that helps owners safely transport pets across the UAE and worldwide. The company manages key aspects of the relocation process, including travel documentation, veterinary requirements, airline bookings, and door-to-door transport. With experience handling both domestic and international moves, Paws Global focuses on ensuring pets travel comfortably while complying with airline and government regulations.

Contact Information

Instagram: @paws_global_uae

Location

3. Dagin Pets Relocation

Dagin provides comprehensive international pet relocation services, including full door-to-door coordination. Their services typically cover veterinary preparation, travel documentation, airline bookings, and ground transport.

The company emphasises compliance with international animal transport standards and focuses on reducing pet travel stress during long journeys.

Consultations are usually free, with final costs depending on destination, pet size, and service level.

Contact Information

Instagram: @daginpets

Location

4. Wag and Fly

Wag & Fly is a pet relocation service that helps families move pets to and from the UAE with personalised support. The company assists with documentation, travel arrangements, and airline coordination for pets travelling in the cabin, cargo, or excess baggage. Its approach focuses on treating pets as family members rather than cargo, while guiding owners through the complex paperwork and travel requirements involved in international relocations.

Contact Information

Instagram: @wagnflyuae

5. Pet Journey

Pet Journey is a digital relocation platform designed to simplify the process for expatriates moving with pets. The platform focuses on online quotes and streamlined documentation.

Pet owners can submit their pet’s details and travel route to receive a relocation plan and estimated cost within minutes.

Because of its digital structure, administrative fees may be lower than traditional relocation services.

Contact Information

Instagram: @tracedme_pet_journey

Typical Cost Breakdown and Requirements

Woman carrying poodle in bag ahead of travel

Pet relocation must comply with UAE regulations issued by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The cost of relocating a pet to or from Abu Dhabi depends on several factors, including destination, pet size, airline requirements, and documentation. Permit fees, veterinary preparation, and airline cargo charges can all influence the final price. These requirements form part of the broader pet relocation process in Abu Dhabi, which includes government permits, vaccinations, and compliance with international travel regulations. 

Common expenses include:

Prices mentioned below are indicative and may vary depending on pet size, destination, airline requirements, and service provider.

  • Import permit: from AED 200 to AED 500 per pet
  • Entry inspection fees: around AED 1,000 for dogs and AED 500 for cats
  • Vaccinations and microchipping: typically AED 100–300 for vaccines and AED 100–250 for microchips
  • Airline cargo fees: roughly AED 800–4,000 depending on pet size and route

Quarantine costs may apply in some cases if documentation or vaccination requirements are not met.

Timeline: What to Plan Ahead

Relocating a pet requires preparation, especially for international travel, where documentation and vaccinations must follow strict timelines. Starting early helps prevent last-minute stress and ensures everything is approved before departure.

Here are a few key steps to plan ahead:

  • Begin preparations four to six months before travel if you are relocating internationally. This allows time for vaccinations, permits, and any required tests.
  • Arrange your pet’s health certificate within seven days of departure, as most authorities require it close to the travel date.
  • Check airline pet travel policies in advance, including crate size requirements, breed restrictions, and seasonal temperature rules.
  • Book pet taxis and airport handling services at least 24–48 hours before travel, especially during busy relocation periods.

Planning ahead ensures permits, vaccinations, and travel arrangements remain valid, helping your pet’s journey go smoothly.

Choosing the Right Pet Relocation Company

The best relocation company often depends on the type of move you are planning. Some pet owners need full international relocation support, while others only require transport within the UAE. Housing considerations can also play a role, particularly in dog-friendly communities in Abu Dhabi, where pets are commonly accommodated in residential buildings.

When comparing companies, consider what services matter most to you:

  • Full-service relocation if you want the company to manage paperwork, flight bookings, permits, and final delivery.
  • Local transport services if you only need help getting your pet to the airport, veterinary clinic, or boarding facility.
  • Specialised providers, if your pet is an exotic species or belongs to a restricted breed, require additional permits.
  • Transparent pricing that keeps costs within a set budget is important.

It’s often helpful to request quotes from two or three companies. Comparing services, response times, and pricing can help you choose the provider that best fits your relocation plans.

Preparing Your Pet for Relocation

Couple preparing their pet for relocation

Before travel, it is important to help your pet adjust to the relocation process. Animals can experience stress when travelling, particularly on long flights or unfamiliar routes.

One helpful step is to allow your pet to spend time in its travel crate several days before departure. This helps the animal become familiar with the space and reduces anxiety during the journey. Maintaining your pet’s regular feeding and walking routine can also help keep them calm before travel.

Veterinarians often recommend avoiding heavy meals just before departure and ensuring pets remain well hydrated. Some relocation companies also offer guidance on travel preparation and comfort measures to make the journey easier for both pets and owners.

In many cases, relocation preparations involve a final health check from one of the veterinary clinics in Abu Dhabi to confirm that vaccination records and travel certificates are in order.

Key Takeaways

Relocating a pet from Abu Dhabi requires careful preparation, documentation, and coordination with airlines and government authorities. For many residents, relocation planning also includes finding pet-friendly apartments for rent in Abu Dhabi that permit pets under building regulations.

Explore the Available Pet-Friendly Apartments for Rent in Abu Dhabi

Working with experienced pet relocation companies in Abu Dhabi can significantly simplify the process. Costs vary widely depending on the destination, pet size, and service level, but planning ahead helps reduce both expenses and stress. With proper planning and the right support, moving with a pet can be a safe and manageable experience.

FAQs

What documents are required to relocate a pet to Abu Dhabi?

You will typically need a MOCCAE import permit, microchip registration, a valid rabies vaccination, and a veterinary health certificate.

How much does international pet relocation cost from Abu Dhabi?

Costs usually range from AED 2,000 to AED 15,000+, depending on the destination and services included.

Can pets travel in the cabin on flights from Abu Dhabi?

Some airlines allow small pets in the cabin, but many international relocations require cargo transport.

How are restricted breeds or exotic pets handled?

Special permits and additional documentation may be required. Experienced relocation companies can guide you through these regulations.

How long does pet relocation take?

International moves often require four to six months of preparation, while domestic transport can sometimes be arranged within a few days.

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