Moving to Dubai With Your Dog (2026): Step-by-Step Guide by Country (15 Most Common Origins)

Move to Dubai with your dog using this MOCCAE-based checklist. Country-by-country steps for UK, Germany, France, Australia, USA, Canada, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Egypt and more.

Moving to Dubai With Your Dog (2026): Step-by-Step Guide by Country (15 Most Common Origins)

Moving to Dubai With Your Dog (2026): Step-by-Step Guide by Country

Moving to Dubai with your dog is mostly paperwork, timing, and not letting one mismatched microchip number ruin your week. The UAE's Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MOCCAE) sets the import rules, including permits, vaccinations, microchips, parasite treatment, and (for some countries) rabies titre testing.

This guide covers the universal requirements that apply to everyone, followed by country-specific steps for the 15 most common origin countries.

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Quick Country Jump List

European Countries: United Kingdom • Germany • France • Netherlands • Ireland • Italy

Oceania: Australia • New Zealand

Africa: South Africa • Egypt

Americas: United States • Canada

Asia: India • Pakistan • Philippines

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Part 1: The Universal Dubai Checklist (Applies to Everyone)

Before diving into country-specific requirements, every dog owner must complete these steps regardless of origin.

1. Confirm Your Dog Can Be Imported (Breed Rules Exist)

MOCCAE lists dog breeds that cannot be imported (unless qualifying as regulated service/emotional/medical use under specific requirements). Check this before you book anything.

Common restricted breeds include certain fighting breeds and dangerous dog classifications. Contact MOCCAE directly if you're unsure about your breed.

2. Microchip (Non-Negotiable)

Your dog must have a permanent microchip and the microchip number must match what's written on the health certificate.

Important: The microchip must be implanted BEFORE any vaccinations for the records to be valid. If your dog was vaccinated before being microchipped, those vaccinations may need to be redone.

3. Vaccinations (Must Be Fully Documented)

Your vaccination record/passport must include:

  • Microchip number
  • Full description of your dog
  • Vaccine details including:
  • Vaccine name
  • Manufacturer
  • Batch number
  • Vaccination date

Required vaccinations for dogs include: Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, and more as specified by MOCCAE.

4. MOCCAE Import Permit (Must Be Issued Before Travel)

The MOCCAE import permit is valid for 90 days from issuance. Pets cannot be imported on an expired permit.

Key restrictions:

  • Individuals are generally allowed a maximum of 2 companion animals per person per year
  • Exceptions exist for resident pets returning to the UAE

Apply through the MOCCAE online portal well in advance of your travel date.

5. Parasite Treatments (Within 14 Days Before Travel)

Your dog must receive internal + external parasite prevention within 14 days prior to shipment. This must be recorded in the health certificate or passport.

Timing is critical — too early and it's invalid, too late and you won't have documentation ready.

6. Health Certificate + Competent Authority Certification

To release your dog on arrival, MOCCAE requires:

  • A certified health certificate issued by the competent veterinary authorities of your origin country
  • Original vaccination documents or pet passport

The health certificate typically must be issued within 10 days of travel (varies by country).

7. Rabies Antibody Titration Test (High-Risk Countries Only)

If your origin country is classified as "high-risk" by MOCCAE, you need a rabies antibody titre test with a result of ≥ 0.5 IU/ml.

Important timing:

  • If this is the first rabies vaccine (or vaccination lapsed), at least 21 days must pass after rabies vaccination before the titre test
  • Titre certificate validity is 365 days if rabies vaccination stays valid/continuous

The test must be performed at an approved laboratory.

8. Transport Rules

MOCCAE specifies that:

  • Cats/dogs must be shipped according to IATA transport conditions
  • Shipments should be direct from the exporting country
  • Pets should not be mixed with other animals during transit

Book direct flights where possible. Transit stops add complexity and risk.

9. Minimum Age Requirements

MOCCAE states minimum age is:

  • 12 weeks from low-risk countries
  • 15 weeks from high-risk countries

Puppies younger than this cannot be imported.

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Part 2: Country-by-Country Steps (What Changes by Origin)

Important: MOCCAE publishes a "low-risk countries" list that includes Australia, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, UK, Netherlands, and others.

If your country isn't explicitly listed as low-risk, treat it as potentially high-risk until you confirm, and plan for a rabies titre test + longer timeline.

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1. United Kingdom (UK)

Risk Classification: Low-risk

What's Different: You'll use the UK Export Health Certificate (EHC) process.

Typical Flow:

  • Apply for the UAE EHC via the UK government service (covers England, Scotland, Wales)
  • Work with an Official Veterinarian (OV) to complete and sign the certificate
  • Ensure your dog meets all MOCCAE requirements before the OV appointment
  • The OV will verify microchip, vaccinations, and health status

Gotcha: Date windows are critical. Don't complete the final certificate too early (typically valid 10 days), and ensure every document has the same microchip number. One digit wrong and you're rejected.

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2. Germany

Risk Classification: Low-risk

What's Different: German documentation is usually very clean, but you must align it to MOCCAE's format requirements.

Typical Flow:

  • Ensure your EU pet passport is up to date
  • Obtain a MOCCAE-aligned health certificate (chip, vaccine batch numbers, dates)
  • Get the certificate endorsed by the appropriate German authority

Gotcha: If your dog's rabies shot was recorded BEFORE microchipping (rare, but it happens), you may need to redo the vaccination sequence. The vaccination is only valid if the microchip was implanted first.

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3. France

Risk Classification: Verify current status

What's Different: France follows EU-style records, but you must verify whether France is currently classified as low-risk or high-risk in MOCCAE's classification list. The published low-risk list doesn't explicitly show "France."

Typical Flow:

  • Check MOCCAE's current country classification
  • If uncertain, plan for the high-risk path (titre test required)
  • Allow extra time for titre testing if needed (test + 21-day wait if first vaccination)

Gotcha: Don't assume EU membership means automatic low-risk status. Confirm directly with MOCCAE.

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4. Netherlands

Risk Classification: Low-risk

What's Different: Usually smooth because Dutch vets are experienced with international export paperwork.

Typical Flow:

  • Follow MOCCAE release requirements closely
  • Ensure health certificate + passport includes vaccine batch numbers
  • Obtain official endorsement from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA)

Gotcha: Even with smooth processing, parasite treatment timing (within 14 days) still catches people out.

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5. Ireland

Risk Classification: Low-risk (Ireland appears in MOCCAE's low-risk list)

What's Different: Typically aligns well with MOCCAE low-risk handling.

Typical Flow:

  • Work with a Local Veterinary Inspector (LVI) to complete the export certificate
  • Ensure all vaccination records include batch numbers and manufacturer details
  • Submit for Department of Agriculture endorsement

Gotcha: Parasite treatment must be done within 14 days and properly recorded. This is the most common error.

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6. Italy

Risk Classification: Verify current status

What's Different: Similar to other EU routes, but verify classification.

Typical Flow:

  • Confirm Italy's current risk classification with MOCCAE
  • Ensure your vaccination document includes manufacturer + batch number + dates (not just "vaccinated")
  • Obtain endorsement from the Italian health authorities

Gotcha: Italian vet records sometimes omit batch numbers. Check this before your export appointment.

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7. Australia

Risk Classification: Low-risk (Australia appears in MOCCAE's low-risk list)

What's Different: Long-haul logistics and stricter airline/cargo handling.

Typical Flow:

  • Follow MOCCAE import permit + release rules as usual
  • Use Australia's Department of Agriculture export process for live animals
  • Obtain all permits and certificates through the appropriate channels

Gotcha: Book flights and crates early. Long routes (20+ hours) significantly reduce flexibility. Many airlines have seasonal pet embargoes for hot routes.

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8. New Zealand

Risk Classification: Low-risk (New Zealand appears in MOCCAE's low-risk list)

What's Different: Similar to Australia — long-haul planning is essential.

Typical Flow:

  • Work with an Approved Veterinary Inspector
  • Obtain MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) export certification
  • Follow MOCCAE requirements for permit and documentation

Gotcha: Don't underestimate crate training time. Dogs need to be comfortable in their travel crate for 24+ hours. Start months ahead.

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9. South Africa

Risk Classification: Verify current status

What's Different: Routes can involve more transit complexity.

Typical Flow:

  • Check current risk classification with MOCCAE
  • Follow MOCCAE rules for health certificate and documentation
  • Pay attention to the transit note (no mixing with other pets during transit)
  • Obtain State Veterinary endorsement

Gotcha: Build buffer time for endorsements and attestations. South African processing can be slower than European timelines.

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10. United States (USA)

Risk Classification: Verify current status (USA is a large country with varying rabies status by region)

What's Different: USDA APHIS endorsement is a core part of the export process.

Typical Flow:

  • Work with a USDA-accredited veterinarian to complete the health certificate
  • Submit the health certificate to USDA APHIS for endorsement
  • APHIS provides specific guidance for UAE requirements

Gotcha: APHIS appointments and endorsement processing take time. Don't leave this to the last week. Some APHIS offices are appointment-only with 2-3 week waits.

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11. Canada

Risk Classification: Verify current status

What's Different: CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) endorsement is required and appointment-based.

Typical Flow:

  • Work with a CFIA-accredited veterinarian
  • Obtain the correct export certificate for UAE
  • Get the certificate endorsed by an official CFIA veterinarian

Gotcha: CFIA endorsement cannot be done after the animal leaves Canada. Missing this means your dog cannot be released in Dubai. Book your CFIA appointment early.

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12. India

Risk Classification: Likely high-risk (verify with MOCCAE)

What's Different: You must confirm whether India is treated as high-risk and plan accordingly.

Typical Flow:

  • Assume high-risk requirements until confirmed otherwise
  • Plan for rabies titre test (≥ 0.5 IU/ml result required)
  • Allow 21+ days after rabies vaccination before titre test if first vaccination
  • Obtain health certificate from an authorized veterinarian
  • Get endorsement from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS)

Gotcha: Titre test laboratory availability can vary. Start this process 3-4 months before your planned travel date.

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13. Pakistan

Risk Classification: Likely high-risk (verify with MOCCAE)

What's Different: Same approach as India.

Typical Flow:

  • Plan for the high-risk pathway unless you've verified low-risk status
  • Rabies titre test with approved laboratory
  • Follow MOCCAE documentation requirements exactly
  • Obtain endorsement from the appropriate Pakistani veterinary authority

Gotcha: Laboratory access for titre testing may be limited. Research approved labs early.

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14. Philippines

Risk Classification: Likely high-risk (verify with MOCCAE)

What's Different: Processing times and lab scheduling for titre tests can be the main bottleneck.

Typical Flow:

  • Plan for high-risk requirements unless confirmed low-risk
  • Schedule titre test well in advance
  • Work with a licensed veterinarian for export documentation
  • Obtain endorsement from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)

Gotcha: Processing times can extend beyond expectations. Start 4 months ahead to be safe.

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15. Egypt

Risk Classification: Likely high-risk (verify with MOCCAE)

What's Different: Proper certification chain is critical.

Typical Flow:

  • Plan for high-risk requirements unless confirmed low-risk
  • Ensure the health certificate is issued by the competent veterinary authority
  • Certificate must be properly certified as required by MOCCAE for release
  • Obtain endorsement from the General Organization for Veterinary Services (GOVS)

Gotcha: The certification chain (vet → authority → attestation) must be complete. Missing any step means rejection at Dubai.

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Part 3: After Arrival in Dubai (What to Do Next)

Congratulations — your dog made it! Now complete these essential steps.

1. Register and Get Dubai Municipality Tag

Many residents complete tagging/registration through veterinary clinics. You'll typically need:

  • Emirates ID (or passport with valid UAE visa)
  • Vaccination card showing microchip + up-to-date vaccinations
  • Your dog present for the registration

This registration is separate from MOCCAE and is for local municipal tracking.

2. Set Up Your "Dubai Dog Basics"

Choose a vet near home — You'll need one for annual boosters, emergencies, and general care. Check our Vets page for options across Dubai.

Update annual vaccinations — Keep your dog's protection current, especially important in a new environment.

Keep digital + printed copies of everything — Dubai loves documents. Scan everything and keep originals safe. You'll need vaccination records for:

  • Boarding/kennels
  • Grooming services
  • Pet-friendly hotels
  • Future travel

3. Explore Dubai With Your Dog

Once settled, check out:

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Need Professional Help With Pet Relocation?

If this process feels overwhelming, professional pet relocation services handle the entire process for you — permits, paperwork, flights, and customs clearance.

Check our Animal Transport page for vetted relocation specialists serving the UAE.

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Summary Checklist

Before Travel:

  • [ ] Confirm breed is allowed in UAE
  • [ ] Microchip implanted (before vaccinations)
  • [ ] All vaccinations complete with batch numbers recorded
  • [ ] MOCCAE import permit obtained (valid 90 days)
  • [ ] Rabies titre test (if high-risk country)
  • [ ] Parasite treatment (within 14 days of travel)
  • [ ] Health certificate from official vet
  • [ ] Certificate endorsed by origin country authority
  • [ ] Direct flight booked with pet-approved airline
  • [ ] IATA-compliant crate prepared and dog is crate-trained

After Arrival:

  • [ ] Clear MOCCAE inspection at Dubai airport
  • [ ] Register with Dubai Municipality
  • [ ] Find local veterinarian
  • [ ] Update contact details on microchip registry
  • [ ] Explore your new home with your dog!

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This guide reflects requirements as of January 2026. Always verify current requirements directly with MOCCAE, as regulations can change. For country-specific export requirements, contact your origin country's veterinary authority.