Moving Pets From Dubai Internationally: Relocation Guide

International Pet Export From Dubai: The Basics

Moving a cat or dog from Dubai to another country is a logistics project that takes a minimum of 1-3 months to plan depending on the destination. Unlike moving household goods — which primarily involves paperwork and freight — pet export from Dubai involves veterinary procedures, government certification, airline coordination, and destination country biosecurity compliance, all of which must happen in a precise sequence. Getting any step wrong means your pet cannot travel with you, or faces quarantine on arrival.

The central document for all pet exports from Dubai is the MOCCAE Export Health Certificate — issued by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). Without this certificate, endorsed by a MOCCAE-approved veterinary clinic, no airline will accept your pet for international travel. This guide covers the end-to-end process for the UK, USA, and Australia — the three most common destinations for Dubai-based expat pet owners.

Universal Requirements: All Destinations

Regardless of destination, every pet leaving Dubai requires:

1. ISO-standard microchip (15-digit): Must be implanted before rabies vaccination. The microchip must be readable and match the number on all veterinary records. ISO 11784/11785 standard chips are required — most UAE vets implant these by default.
2. Valid rabies vaccination: Administered after microchip implantation. The vaccine must be current (not expired) on the date of travel. Most countries require rabies vaccination at least 21-30 days before departure — not on departure day.
3. MOCCAE Export Health Certificate: Issued by a MOCCAE-approved vet clinic within 10 days of travel. The certificate includes the vet's signature, the clinic's MOCCAE registration number, microchip details, vaccination records, and a declaration of good health.
4. Airline booking for pet: Pets travel either as cabin baggage (small pets under 8 kg including carrier, airline-dependent) or in the hold as checked-in excess baggage or cargo. Confirm your airline's pet policy before booking your own ticket.

MOCCAE-approved vet clinics are listed on the MOCCAE website (moccae.gov.ae). In Dubai, well-known approved clinics include Veterinary Hospital Jumeirah, Prime Vets, and German Veterinary Clinic.

Moving to the UK With Your Pet

The UK has strict but manageable pet import requirements. Pets can enter the UK without quarantine if all conditions are met:

1. Valid ISO microchip
2. Rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel (if it is the pet's first rabies vaccination). If the pet was previously vaccinated and the booster is current, the 21-day wait does not apply.
3. Tapeworm treatment: Dogs only — must receive a vet-administered tapeworm treatment (Praziquantel) no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before arrival in the UK. This is recorded in the pet passport or health certificate.
4. Animal health certificate (AHC) endorsed by a UK-approved vet — your MOCCAE certificate must be completed by a vet listed on the UK Government's approved third-country vet list
5. Entry via an approved UK port with a Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) route — check gov.uk for the current approved entry points

The tapeworm treatment timing for dogs is the most common scheduling error — plan your departure date around the 24-hour to 5-day window precisely. Cats and other pets do not need tapeworm treatment for UK entry.

Moving to the USA With Your Pet

US pet import requirements are managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and USDA APHIS. Key requirements:

• Dogs: Must arrive with a CDC-compliant dog import form (submitted online via the CDC Dog Import website). Dogs must have valid rabies vaccination documentation. Since 2024, dogs vaccinated in countries not considered high-risk by the CDC (UAE is not on the high-risk list) can enter the US with standard documentation — no additional titer test is required.
• Cats: No federal requirements beyond an airline health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian.
• State-specific rules: Hawaii has a 5-day-or-less quarantine requirement with prior approval and pre-arrival documentation. All other states follow federal CDC guidelines.
• Airline hold travel: The USA allows pets in the cabin (under seat) or hold. Some US airlines (Delta, United) have banned snub-nosed breeds in cargo — confirm per breed before booking.

The MOCCAE Export Health Certificate combined with your vet's USDA-endorsed health certificate covers most UAE-to-USA pet shipments without additional titer testing.

Moving to Australia With Your Pet

Australia has the world's most stringent pet import requirements, designed to protect its unique biosecurity environment. Plan a minimum of 6 months before your move date if you intend to bring pets to Australia:

1. Import permit: Apply to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) before any other step. Import permits must be approved before veterinary procedures begin.
2. Microchip and rabies vaccination: Standard requirements as above.
3. Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT): A blood sample must be sent to an approved laboratory to confirm adequate vaccine response. The test must show a titre of ≥0.5 IU/ml. Critically, 180 days must pass after a satisfactory RNATT result before your pet can enter Australia — this is the primary reason for the 6-month minimum planning window.
4. Approved country residency: Your pet must have been residing in an approved country (UAE qualifies) for the 6 months before departure.
5. Mandatory quarantine on arrival: 10 days in a designated quarantine facility (currently only in Melbourne). You pay for quarantine costs — approximately AUD 2,000–3,500 per pet for the 10-day stay.
6. Approved carriers: Only specific approved airlines can carry pets to Australia as cargo. Check the DAFF approved carrier list at agriculture.gov.au.

Approved Pet Relocation Companies in Dubai

While SAMA Movers handles household goods and furniture, we work alongside specialist pet relocation companies for international pet export. Approved and experienced pet relocation companies in Dubai include:

• Happy Tails Worldwide: Specialises in UK, Australia, and USA routes
• Pet Movers UAE: Full-service from vet coordination to airline booking
• Travelpaws: Australia route specialists

For your household goods moving in parallel, our professional packing service ensures your belongings are packed and shipped efficiently while you focus on pet logistics. Also read our international moving guide for sea freight costs and customs documentation. Our within-UAE pet moving guide covers local moves with pets. For your international move checklist, see our moving out of Dubai guide. Get a free household goods estimate while planning your pet relocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a MOCCAE export health certificate for my pet?

A MOCCAE Export Health Certificate is issued within 1-3 business days of your approved vet clinic submitting the application, provided all documentation is in order (valid microchip, up-to-date vaccinations, health check completed). The certificate is valid for 10 days from issue, so it should be obtained no more than 10 days before your travel date. Start the booking process with your vet at least 2 weeks before departure.

Can I take my pet on the plane in the cabin from Dubai?

Some airlines allow small pets (under 8 kg including carrier) in the cabin on international flights from Dubai. Emirates does not allow pets in the cabin on any route. Etihad Airways permits small pets in cabin on most routes (not Australia). flydubai and Air Arabia allow cabin pets on select short-haul routes. Always confirm with your specific airline before booking — rules vary by route, breed, and aircraft type. Larger pets travel in the temperature-controlled hold as checked excess baggage or cargo.

How much does it cost to ship a pet from Dubai to the UK?

Total costs for shipping a dog from Dubai to the UK range from AED 3,500–8,000 depending on pet size and airline. This includes: MOCCAE health certificate (AED 300–500), airline excess baggage or cargo fee (AED 1,500–4,000 depending on weight and route), and optional pet relocation company coordination fee (AED 1,500–3,000 if using a specialist). Smaller pets in cabin cost less — typically just the airline's pet cabin fee of USD 100–200 each way.