How to import your pet

Importing pets to the UAE involves a well-defined process to ensure the safety and security of your furry companions as they transition to their new home. The UAE has stringent regulations in place to prevent the entry of diseases and ensure the well-being of imported animals. This process typically includes obtaining the necessary vaccinations, microchipping, and health certificates, and adhering to specific quarantine and import permit requirements.

At D'PetSquad Global Relocation Specialist, we specialize in guiding you through every step of this journey. Our expertise ensures that all documentation is in order and that all regulatory requirements are met. We work closely with you to make the importation process as smooth as possible, ensuring your pet's arrival in the UAE is handled with care and efficiency. Whether you're relocating for work, moving permanently, or bringing your pet for a visit, our comprehensive services are designed to meet your needs and help your pet settle comfortably into their new environment.

Pets must be up-to-date with their vaccinations, including rabies, to meet UAE entry requirements. Proof of vaccination is essential for ensuring your pet's health and compliance with UAE regulations. 

Vaccination requirements

For Dogs: Must be up-to-date on rabies vaccinations, rabies vaccines should administered not less than 12 weeks old  from date of birth and at least 21 days  before travel. For the rest of the vaccinations, no waiting period is necessary.

Vaccination for dogs against the following:

- Rabies Virus

- Canine Distemper Virus

- Canine Hepatitis/Adenovirus 

- Canine Parvovirus

- Canine Parainfluenza Virus

- Canine Leptospirosis (with specific strains of L. Canicola and Icterohemorrhagiae)

- Canine Kennel Cough (If the pet is going into the kennels after arrival)

NOTE: Dogs travelling from Australia must have tested negative within 30 days prior to export for Leptospirosis (Leptospira Canicola and Icterohaemorrhagiae).

For Cats: Rabies vaccination is also required, along with other vaccinations. They must be administered not less than 12 weeks old from date of birth and at least 21 days before travel. For other vaccinations, no waiting period is required.

Vaccination for cats against the following:

- Rabies Virus

- Feline Rhinotracheitis / Herpesvirus

- Feline Calicivirus

- Feline Panleukopenia

For pets coming from countries classified as high risk for rabies by the UAE, a rabies titer test is required. This test measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood to confirm adequate immunity. 

Rabies blood test  or RNATT from an accredited laboratory from the country of export with a minimum result of > = 0.5 ml drawn at least 21 days after the rabies vaccination is given and must be valid within a year from collection/sampling date. 

An import permit issued by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is mandatory. This permit authorizes the entry of your pet into the UAE and ensures that all health and documentation requirements are met. 

Provided we all have documents in 1 and 2 and all of them are assessed and acceptable as per UAE regulation and requirements, we are ready to apply for the import permit.

Import Permit is valid for 30 days from date it is issued.

Pets must be treated for internal and external parasites. This includes deworming and flea/tick treatments, which help prevent the spread of diseases. 

Parasite treatments must be treated for internal and external parasites, within 14 days prior to travel.

For pets arriving in Abu Dhabi or from countries without a government-issued health certificate, a UAE Annex Certificate is required. However, this annex needs to be endorsed by the official government veterinarian from the country of origin. This document verifies that your pet meets all local health and import standards. 

 A government-issued health certificate from the country of origin is necessary. This certificate confirms that your pet is healthy and free from contagious diseases. 

 A copy of the AWB, which details the shipment of your pet, must be provided. This document helps track and manage the transportation of your pet.   

Ensuring compliance with these requirements facilitates a smooth entry process and helps guarantee your pet’s safe arrival in the UAE.