Bringing a pet to United Arab Emirates

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

The UAE requires all dogs to have a MOCCAE import permit, ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml), and a 90-day wait from the blood draw date before arrival. There is no quarantine on arrival for compliant dogs. The same core rules apply regardless of the origin country's rabies status. Start planning at least 4 months before travel.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to United Arab Emirates.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Breed restrictions

The UAE does not maintain a nationwide breed ban, but some individual emirates (e.g., Dubai) may restrict certain breeds such as Pit Bulls and their mixes. Additionally, many airlines refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers) as cargo due to respiratory risks. Check with the specific airline and local municipality before travel.

Documents checklist

  • MOCCAE import permit
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Rabies titer test result (FAVN/RFFIT)
  • International health certificate
  • Microchip certificate
  • Air waybill (cargo manifest)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark: MOCCAE import permit ~$100-200, microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, clearing agent fees ~$200-500. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MOCCAE.

The pet must be at least 4 months old at import. All documents must be valid at the time of arrival.

MOCCAE UAE

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Breed restrictions

The UAE does not maintain a nationwide breed ban, but some individual emirates (e.g., Dubai) may restrict certain breeds such as Pit Bulls and their mixes. Additionally, many airlines refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers) as cargo due to respiratory risks. Check with the specific airline and local municipality before travel.

Documents checklist

  • MOCCAE import permit
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Rabies titer test result (FAVN/RFFIT)
  • International health certificate
  • Microchip certificate
  • Air waybill (cargo manifest)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark: MOCCAE import permit ~$100-200, microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, clearing agent fees ~$200-500. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MOCCAE.

The pet must be at least 4 months old at import. All documents must be valid at the time of arrival.

MOCCAE UAE

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Breed restrictions

The UAE does not maintain a nationwide breed ban, but some individual emirates (e.g., Dubai) may restrict certain breeds such as Pit Bulls and their mixes. Additionally, many airlines refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers) as cargo due to respiratory risks. Check with the specific airline and local municipality before travel.

Documents checklist

  • MOCCAE import permit
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Rabies titer test result (FAVN/RFFIT)
  • International health certificate
  • Microchip certificate
  • Air waybill (cargo manifest)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark: MOCCAE import permit ~$100-200, microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, clearing agent fees ~$200-500. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MOCCAE.

The pet must be at least 4 months old at import. All documents must be valid at the time of arrival.

MOCCAE UAE

Frequently asked questions

The UAE does not publish a specific numeric limit for non-commercial pet imports, but in practice, importing more than 2-3 dogs per person may trigger commercial import rules, requiring additional approvals and fees. For personal pets, it is advisable to limit to one or two dogs and confirm with MOCCAE or a clearing agent.
No. The UAE does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from import requirements. All dogs, regardless of function, must have a MOCCAE import permit, a rabies titer test with a 90-day wait, a health certificate, and a microchip. Service dogs may be allowed in the cabin on some airlines, but import regulations remain the same.
Yes. The UAE requires a rabies titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml for all dogs, regardless of origin. The test must be done at an approved laboratory, and you must wait 90 days from the date the blood sample was drawn before the dog can enter the UAE.
Plan for at least 4 months. The timeline includes: rabies vaccination (day 0), waiting 30 days, then titer test (day 30), then waiting 90 days from the blood draw (day 120), plus time to obtain the import permit (1-2 weeks) and health certificate (within 10 days of travel). Total: approximately 4-5 months.
Most airlines do not allow pets in the cabin on flights to the UAE; they must travel as manifest cargo. Only service dogs may be permitted in the cabin on some airlines, but prior approval is required. Check with your airline well in advance.
If the titer test result is below 0.5 IU/ml, the dog must be re-vaccinated against rabies and then a new titer test must be performed at least 30 days later. The 90-day wait restarts from the date of the new blood sample. This can significantly delay travel.
Yes, in practice. MOCCAE requires that all pet imports be processed through a licensed clearing agent at the port of entry. The agent will handle customs clearance and ensure all documents are in order. Fees typically range from $200 to $500, but confirm with your chosen agent.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to United Arab Emirates.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Import permit issued by MOCCAE (if required for the origin; confirm current rules)

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit (if required) ~$50-100, customs clearance ~$100-200. No titer test or quarantine is required in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MOCCAE.

For cats from countries with negligible rabies risk (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City), UAE generally does not require a rabies titer test. An import permit may still be required depending on current MOCCAE regulations.

MOCCAE UAE

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Import permit issued by MOCCAE
  • Rabies titer test result (if required for the origin; confirm current rules)

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-100, customs clearance ~$100-200. A titer test (~$100-250) applies only if required for the origin. No quarantine is required when documents are in order. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MOCCAE.

For cats from low-risk countries (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia), UAE requires an import permit. A rabies titer test may be required if the origin is not on the exempt list. Quarantine is not required if all documents are in order.

MOCCAE UAE

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Import permit issued by MOCCAE
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory (at least 0.5 IU/ml, test done at least 90 days before travel)

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-100, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, customs clearance ~$100-200. No quarantine is required when all conditions are met. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MOCCAE.

For cats from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), UAE requires a FAVN rabies titer test with a minimum 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 90 days before travel. Quarantine is not required if all conditions are met. Cats must be at least 4 months old.

MOCCAE UAE

Frequently asked questions

The UAE does not explicitly cap the number of pets for non-commercial import, but bringing more than 5 pets may be considered commercial and require additional permits and compliance with commercial import regulations. For 1-2 cats, the process is straightforward with the required documents.
No. The UAE does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All cats, including service animals, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and permit requirements. Airlines may have additional policies for service animals in cabin, but import rules remain the same.
It depends on the origin country. Cats from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa) must have a FAVN rabies titer test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 90 days before travel. Cats from low-risk countries may also require a titer test unless the country is on the exempt list. Cats from negligible-risk countries (e.g., Andorra) generally do not require a titer test. Always check the latest MOCCAE regulations.
Cats must be at least 4 months old to enter the UAE. This ensures they have received a valid rabies vaccination (given at no earlier than 12 weeks) and met the 21-day waiting period after vaccination.
The official health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. It must be endorsed by a government veterinarian or an accredited veterinarian authorized by the origin country's competent authority.
Yes, an import permit issued by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is required for cats from most countries. The permit must be obtained before travel. The application can be made online through the MOCCAE website or via a local agent in the UAE.
No quarantine is required for cats entering the UAE if all import conditions are met, including a valid rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, import permit, and rabies titer test (if applicable). However, if documents are not in order, the cat may be quarantined at the owner's expense or refused entry.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to United Arab Emirates.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in that country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not more than 1 year old)
  • International health certificate issued by a government veterinarian and endorsed by the UAE Embassy/Consulate
  • Import permit issued by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark, not a quote: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MOCCAE.

Ferrets are not listed as prohibited animals in the UAE, but they are considered exotic pets and may require additional approval from MOCCAE. The import permit must be obtained before travel. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the UAE Embassy in the origin country. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. Ferrets must be transported in an IATA-approved crate.

MOCCAE UAE

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in that country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not more than 1 year old)
  • International health certificate issued by a government veterinarian and endorsed by the UAE Embassy/Consulate
  • Import permit issued by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark, not a quote: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MOCCAE.

Same requirements as for free-tier origins. Ferrets are not listed as prohibited animals in the UAE, but they are considered exotic pets and may require additional approval from MOCCAE. The import permit must be obtained before travel. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the UAE Embassy in the origin country. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. Ferrets must be transported in an IATA-approved crate.

MOCCAE UAE

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in that country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not more than 1 year old)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an OIE-approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml, test at least 90 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued by a government veterinarian and endorsed by the UAE Embassy/Consulate
  • Import permit issued by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark, not a quote: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MOCCAE.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test. The test must be done at least 90 days before travel. Ferrets are not listed as prohibited animals in the UAE, but they are considered exotic pets and may require additional approval from MOCCAE. The import permit must be obtained before travel. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the UAE Embassy in the origin country. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. Ferrets must be transported in an IATA-approved crate.

MOCCAE UAE

Frequently asked questions

Yes, ferrets are allowed into the UAE as pets, but they are considered exotic animals and are subject to strict import requirements. You must obtain an import permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) before travel, and your ferret must have a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an international health certificate endorsed by the UAE Embassy in your country. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries also need a FAVN titer test.
The UAE generally allows up to 5 pets per person for non-commercial import. If you are bringing more than 5 ferrets, you will need to follow commercial import rules, which involve additional permits and inspections. Always check with MOCCAE for the latest limits.
No. The UAE does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and permit requirements. Service animals may be allowed in the cabin, but they still need the same documentation.
If your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN rabies titer test is required. The test must be done at an OIE-approved laboratory at least 90 days before travel, and the result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. Ferrets from low-risk or free countries do not need this test.
The MOCCAE import permit typically takes 3-5 working days to process once you submit all required documents. However, it's recommended to apply at least 2-4 weeks before travel to allow for any delays. The permit is valid for a specific period, usually 30 days from issuance.
Your ferret must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. The vaccine must be given when the ferret is at least 12 weeks old. Other vaccinations, such as distemper, are recommended but not mandatory for entry. Keep in mind that the rabies vaccination must be valid for at least 21 days and not more than 1 year at the time of travel.
No, there is no quarantine required for ferrets entering the UAE if all import conditions are met. However, if your ferret arrives without the proper documents or fails the titer test, it may be quarantined or refused entry. Ensure all paperwork is complete before travel.

Good to know

All pet imports must be pre-approved through the MOCCAE e-services portal. Dogs must arrive as manifest cargo; they cannot enter in the cabin or as checked baggage on most airlines. A licensed UAE-based clearing agent is typically required to process arrival. The rabies titer test must be performed at an OIE/WHO-approved laboratory and show ≥0.5 IU/ml. The 90-day wait starts from the date the blood sample was drawn, not the test result date. All documents must be in Arabic or English; translations may be required.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to United Arab Emirates, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with United Arab Emirates's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.