Pet Travel Requirements for the UAE

Travelling with your pet to the UAE requires careful planning to meet vaccination, documentation, and import requirements. SkyPaws UK ensures that every step — from veterinary checks to customs clearance — is managed professionally, making your pet’s relocation safe, stress-free, and compliant.

Below is a complete overview for dogs and cats entering the UAE from the UK.

 
🐾 Microchip
Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip.
As this is now a legal requirement in the UK, most pets will already meet this requirement.

 
🎂 Age
All pets must be at least 3 months old to receive their rabies vaccination and qualify for entry into the UAE.

 
💉 Rabies Vaccination
A rabies vaccination is mandatory for pets entering the UAE.

It must be administered at least 21 days prior to travel.
Vaccine type can affect validity and compatibility with other vaccinations.
SkyPaws will advise on the best vaccine schedule to avoid any travel delays.
 
🩺 Routine Vaccinations
🐶 Dogs
Dogs must be vaccinated against:

Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus (DHP)
Leptospirosis (L)
🐱 Cats
Cats must be vaccinated against:

Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (RCP)
All vaccines must be given according to manufacturer instructions. Incorrect vaccination can delay travel, so veterinary guidance is essential.
Vaccination stickers must be attached to your pet’s vaccination card, including date administered, next due date, and owner/pet details.
 
❌ Banned Breeds (Dogs)
Entry to the UAE is denied for the following breeds and their crosses:

Pit Bull Terrier & American Pit Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier & American Bully
Japanese Tosa (Tosa Inu / Tosa Fighting Dog)
Argentinean Fighting Dog (Dogo Argentino / Argentinean Mastiff)
Brazilian Fighting Dog (Fila Brasileiro / Brazilian Mastiff)
Tibetan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiff
French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux)
Boerboel
Bullmastiff
Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff)
Presa Canario (Presso De Presa Canario / Canary Mastiff)
Bully Kutta (Alangu Mastiff / Indian Mastiff)
Owners must declare that their dog is not one of these breeds.

 
📅 Residency & Rabies Serology
Both cats and dogs must have resided in the UK for 6 months prior to departure.
If not, a rabies serology (blood) test will be required to demonstrate immunity.
 
🩺 Parasite Treatment & Export Health Certificate
Internal and external parasite treatments must be given by a vet within 14 days of departure.
These are typically completed during the pre-travel health check, when the Export Health Certificate (EHC) is also issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV).
SkyPaws’ veterinary team can assist with these appointments and certificates.
 
📄 Import Permit
All pets require an Import Permit to enter the UAE.
Once issued, the permit is valid for 90 days.
 
🤝 Agent in the UAE
While you can arrange the Import Permit and customs clearance yourself, it is strongly recommended to use a licensed pet shipping agent.
A local agent will manage the paperwork, navigate customs procedures, and reduce stress, especially if this is your first time relocating a pet to the UAE.
SkyPaws has a trusted UAE agent we can introduce you to, making the process seamless.
 
🌏 Ready to Plan Your Pet’s Move to the UAE?
SkyPaws UK makes relocating your pet to the UAE straightforward and worry-free. From vaccinations and health certificates to import permits and customs clearance, our experienced team ensures your pet’s journey is safe, compliant, and comfortable.

Contact us today:
📧 [email protected]
📞 +44 (0)1202 980200
💬 WhatsApp: +44 (0)7798 772441