🐾 Complete Pet Import Guide

UAE Pet Relocation Guide

Everything about bringing your pets to UAE - import requirements, pet-friendly housing, veterinary services, and life with pets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Pet-Friendly
UAE Culture
100+
Vet Clinics
Many
Pet-Friendly Parks
Easy
Import Process

Table of Contents

Last Updated: January 27, 2025
Import Requirements
Documents & Rules
Step-by-Step Process
How to Import
Costs & Airlines
Pricing Info
Veterinary Services
Vets & Clinics
Pet-Friendly Living
Housing & Parks
Pet Tips
Important Info

Pet Import Requirements

Good News: UAE is Pet-Friendly!

The UAE welcomes pets and the import process is straightforward if you follow the requirements. Most expats successfully bring their cats and dogs without issues.

Dogs & Cats Import Requirements

📋 Required Documents

  • 1
    Original Health Certificate from licensed vet in country of origin (within 10 days of travel)
  • 2
    Official Vaccination Certificate showing rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old, not more than 12 months)
  • 3
    Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, 15-digit)
  • 4
    Import Permit from UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (apply online)
  • 5
    Copy of owner's passport and UAE visa

✅ Key Requirements

  • Minimum age: Pets must be at least 4 months old
  • Rabies vaccine: Must be given at least 30 days before travel
  • Pet limit: Maximum 2 pets per person (can import more with special permission)
  • Quarantine: Usually NOT required if all documents are in order
  • Breed restrictions: Some dangerous dog breeds are banned (see below)

Banned Dog Breeds in UAE

The following breeds are considered dangerous and cannot be imported or owned in the UAE:

  • • Pit Bull Terrier
  • • Japanese Tosa
  • • American Bully
  • • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • • Dogo Argentino
  • • Fila Brasileiro
  • • Neapolitan Mastiff
  • • Wolf-dog hybrids
  • • Presa Canario
  • • Akita (in some emirates)
  • • And their crossbreeds

Pet Import Costs

Import permit (per pet) AED 200-400
Airport clearance fees AED 200-500
Pet relocation agent (optional but recommended) AED 1,000-3,000
International pet travel crate AED 300-800
Flight costs (as cargo) AED 2,000-8,000
Estimated Total AED 3,700-12,700

Pro Tip: Using a professional pet relocation service (like PetEx, Animal Movers, or Pawsome Pet Relocations) simplifies the process significantly. They handle permits, vet checks, flight bookings, and airport clearance.

Pet-Friendly Housing

Villas

  • Best option for pet owners, especially with gardens
  • Nearly all villas allow pets (check lease agreement)
  • Outdoor space for dogs to play
  • Popular pet-friendly villa communities: Arabian Ranches, The Springs, The Meadows, Al Raha Gardens

Apartments

  • Mixed policies - some buildings allow pets, others don't
  • Always confirm pet policy with landlord BEFORE signing
  • Some require additional pet deposit (AED 1,000-5,000)
  • Pet-friendly apartment areas: JBR, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, JLT

Important Housing Tips

  • Always get pet permission in writing in your lease agreement
  • Some buildings have size restrictions (e.g., "small pets only under 15kg")
  • Gated communities are ideal for pet owners with dog parks and pet-friendly facilities
  • Use property portals (Dubizzle, Property Finder) and filter for "Pets Allowed"

Veterinary Services & Pet Care

Vet Clinics

100+ veterinary clinics across Dubai and Abu Dhabi

  • • German Veterinary Clinic
  • • British Veterinary Hospital
  • • Dubai Veterinary Clinic
  • • Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic

Pet Stores

Large selection of pet supplies and premium brands

  • • Petzone (multiple locations)
  • • Pets Delight
  • • Pet Market
  • • Available online too

Pet Services

Professional pet grooming and care services

  • • Pet grooming salons
  • • Dog training services
  • • Pet sitting/boarding
  • • Mobile vet services

Typical Pet Care Costs in UAE

Veterinary Services:

Consultation AED 150-300
Vaccinations AED 100-200
Spay/Neuter AED 800-1,500
Emergency visit AED 500-1,000+

Other Services:

Grooming (full service) AED 150-400
Dog training (per session) AED 200-500
Pet boarding (per day) AED 50-150
Premium pet food (monthly) AED 200-500

Pet-Friendly Places & Activities

Dog Parks & Beaches

  • Kite Beach - Dog-friendly beach area (early mornings)
  • Zabeel Park - Dogs allowed in designated areas
  • JBR Beach - Early morning dog walking permitted
  • Arabian Ranches Dog Park - Dedicated fenced dog park
  • Barsha Pond Park - Dog-friendly walking area

Pet-Friendly Venues

  • Many outdoor cafes allow dogs on patios/terraces
  • The Courtyard - Multiple pet-friendly restaurants
  • City Walk - Pet-friendly outdoor shopping area
  • Bark Park Cafe - Dedicated dog cafe with play area
  • Several hotels welcome pets (Grosvenor House, JW Marriott Marquis)

Tip: Always keep dogs on leash in public areas. Clean up after your pet (fines for not doing so). During summer (June-September), avoid walking dogs during midday heat - early morning or late evening is best.

Essential Tips for Pet Owners in UAE

🐕 For Dogs:

  • • Register with municipality (required in Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
  • • Keep vaccinations current (especially rabies)
  • • Summer heat is dangerous - walk early morning/late evening
  • • Always carry water on walks
  • • Join expat pet groups on Facebook for community support

🐈 For Cats:

  • • Keep indoors or supervised outdoor access only
  • • Register with municipality if required
  • • Ensure AC access during summer
  • • Pet insurance available from local providers
  • • Traveling with pets out of UAE requires export permit

Related UAE Guides

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Before You Arrive

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Housing Guide

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Complete guide to finding pet-friendly housing including villa communities, apartments that allow pets, and rental requirements.

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Area Guide

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Interactive guide to Dubai areas with parks, pet-friendly spaces, and communities ideal for pet owners.

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Cost of Living

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Complete breakdown of living expenses to help you budget for pet care, vet visits, and pet-related costs.

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Visa Guide

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First 30 Days

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