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Professional Pet Transport to the UAE

Relocating to the UAE with your pet? Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure a smooth transition for your furry friend. Whether your pet is a seasoned traveller or embarking on their first big adventure overseas, we’ve got all the information you need to make the journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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Pet Transport to the UAE

Transporting pets to the UAE can be quite challenging without expert advice, given the complex regulations and documentation required, such as vaccinations, microchipping, and health certificates. Additionally, navigating airline policies and ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety during travel can be overwhelming without professional guidance.
Keringa-Petwings can assist with the following important requirements:

  • Microchipping, Vaccinations, Rabies, and Health Checks

    • Microchip: Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784-compliant microchip featuring a 15-digit, non-encrypted number.
    • Vaccinations:
      • Dogs: Must be vaccinated against leptospirosis, distemper, parvovirus, and canine hepatitis.
      • Cats: Must be vaccinated against calicivirus, feline rhinotracheitis, and panleukopenia.
      • Rabies: Proof of rabies vaccination at least 21 days before arrival and no more than 12 months before arrival is required.
    • Rabies Titre Test: Required before entry into the UAE. This blood draw should be completed at least 31 days after the rabies vaccination.
    • Pre-Travel Health Check: Ensure your pet undergoes a thorough health check by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days before travel.
    • Post-Arrival Health Check: It is recommended that you have your pet checked by a veterinarian within a week of arrival in the UAE to ensure that it is healthy and adjusting well.

  • Required Documentation

    • Vet Certificate: An original, signed vet certificate stating that your pet has been examined and found fit to fly 24 hours before leaving South Africa and has no external parasites.
    • Import Permit: An import permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is required. This permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

  • Entry Points and Travel Restrictions

    • Approved Entry Points: Dubai Airport, Abu Dhabi Airport, RAK Airport, El Bateen, Sharjah, Al Ain Airport, Ajman, Fujairah.
    • Travel Days: Pets are only allowed to arrive between Monday and Thursday.
    • Pet Limit: You can only import two pets per person every year. Special permission is required for more than two pets.

  • Veterinary Health Certificates

    An official veterinary health certificate is required to confirm your pet meets all health requirements and is fit enough for the rigours of international travel. This certificate, issued by an authorised veterinarian, must be valid at the time of entry into the UK. This certificate should be valid for at least 10 days from the date of issue by the vet until the date of travel. A newly generated health certificate is required for each time your pet travels. This certificate should include:

    1. Results of antibody and blood tests.
    2. Proof of rabies vaccination.
    3. Confirmation of internal and external parasite treatments.

  • Customs Clearance & Quarantine

    Pets arriving from South Africa are not subject to quarantine if they meet all import requirements. However, if any documentation is missing or incorrect, pets may be quarantined until compliance is achieved.

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UAE Pet Transport FAQs

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment states that the cost of an import permit for one pet (cat or dog) is AED 500. Additionally, the inspection fees are AED 500 for each cat and AED 1,000 for each dog upon entry.

Yes, pets must be shipped in a crate approved by the International Air and Transport Association (IATA). It’s important to check with your chosen airline for specific requirements, such as crate dimensions, weight limits, and any additional fees.

Ensure your pet is dewormed, treated for external parasites, and has a thorough health checkup. Practice crate training and provide comfort items like toys and bedding.

Service animals are generally allowed to travel with their owners, but they must meet the same import requirements as other pets. Additionally, you may need to provide documentation proving the animal’s status as a service animal.

If the microchip is not readable, your pet may be quarantined or denied entry. Ensure the microchip is functioning correctly before travel.

Puppies and kittens must be at least 15 weeks old and vaccinated against rabies.

The UAE does not allow the following dog breeds: Bull Terrier (all kinds), Japanese Tosa, Brazilian Fighting Dog, Mastiff (all kinds), Rottweiler, Argentinian Fighting Dog, Wolf Dog Hybrid (or any dog that is a wolf mix), American Bully, Pinscher, Boxer, Canario Presa, Doberman (any type).

Ensure your pet has access to water during the journey and provide familiar items like toys or bedding to reduce stress. Avoid feeding your pet a large meal right before travel to prevent motion sickness.

Have the contact information of a local veterinarian and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment handy in case of emergencies.

Importing pet food into the UAE may be subject to restrictions. It’s best to check with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment for specific guidelines on bringing pet food into the country.

Dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and ferrets are allowed if they meet the import requirements.

Exotic pets, such as reptiles and birds, may have additional import requirements and restrictions. It’s important to check with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment for specific guidelines on importing exotic pets.

Pet birds imported to the UAE require a special import permit and must meet specific health and quarantine requirements.

UAE Pet Transport Reviews