Bring a pet dog or cat to the UAE from the UK: the full official process

Have your pet fitted with a microchip and, for GB export, make sure it is microchipped before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination — GOV.UK is explicit that 'you must get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. If you do not, they'll need to be vaccinated again.' A permanent microchip readable to the international ISO 11784/11785 standard is the norm, and the microchip number must match the number on the health certificate and vaccination records. GOV.UK also requires your vet to have proof the pet is at least 12 weeks old before it is vaccinated against rabies. After the first rabies vaccination there is a minimum wait of at least 21 full days before travel. Keep every certificate — you will need them for the UAE import permit and the export health certificate.

• GOV.UK: microchip before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination
• Pet must be proven at least 12 weeks old before rabies vaccination
• Microchip number must match the number on all certificates
• At least 21 full days must pass after the first rabies vaccination before travel

Your nominated OV or inspector receives the EHC from APHA about 7 working days before your export date, or within one working day of APHA receiving the application if you plan to export in the next 7 working days. The vet completes the required examination, signs and stamps the certificate, and hands you the originals to travel with your pet. Build in enough time before the flight for the OV to inspect and certify, and never leave certification to the last day. MOCCAE also requires internal and external parasite treatment in the days before shipment (see the destination steps), so coordinate that treatment window with the certification appointment.

• APHA sends the EHC to your OV about 7 working days before export
• Or within one working day if you export within the next 7 working days
• Signed original certificate must travel with the pet
• Coordinate the pre-shipment parasite treatment window with the vet visit

The single variable that most affects your timeline is whether MOCCAE requires a rabies antibody titration test for your pet. The USDA/APHIS UAE page — the accessible official reference for this corridor — lists the titre test (result not less than 0.5 IU/ml, on a blood sample taken not more than 12 months before travel) as a requirement, and for a first or lapsed vaccination the sample cannot be taken until at least 21 days after the rabies vaccination. Some rabies-controlled countries are treated more leniently, but you must not assume a UK-origin pet is exempt on the strength of an unofficial list — confirm the current requirement directly with MOCCAE or your official vet. If a titre test is required, arrange it early, because the sampling and laboratory turnaround add weeks to months. Build your timeline around the answer before you book flights.

• USDA/APHIS lists the rabies titre test (>=0.5 IU/ml) as a requirement on the UAE route
• For a first/lapsed vaccination the titre sample is taken at least 21 days after vaccination
• The titre sample must be taken no more than 12 months before travel
• Do not assume a UK pet is exempt — confirm the current requirement with MOCCAE

You must hold a MOCCAE import permit before the pet arrives, and a pet cannot enter on an expired permit. Register in MOCCAE's digital services system through the eServices portal (eservices.moccae.gov.ae), then apply through the MOCCAE website or smart app; you upload the health certificate, the vaccination document and the microchip details with the application. MOCCAE's service page has stated the permit is valid for 90 days from issuance, while the USDA/APHIS UAE page states 30 days — treat the permit as time-limited and confirm the current validity when you apply so it still covers your travel date. Carry a copy of the permit to present to port officials on arrival.

• Import permit required before travel; a pet cannot enter on an expired permit
• Register and apply via the MOCCAE eServices portal (eservices.moccae.gov.ae) or app
• Validity has been stated as 90 days by MOCCAE and 30 days by USDA/APHIS — confirm when applying
• Carry a copy of the permit for port officials on arrival

The UAE bans a list of dog breeds from import: Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasileiro), Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino), Tibetan Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux), Boerboel, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Bully Kutta, Perro de Presa Canario, and the Japanese Tosa, along with any mixed breed or hybrid of these. There is also a quantity limit: no more than 2 companion animals per person per year — 2 cats, or 2 dogs, or 1 cat and 1 dog. Check your dog's breed against the banned list before doing anything else, because a banned breed cannot be imported at all.

• Banned dogs include pit bull types, several mastiff types and the Japanese Tosa (and their hybrids)
• Maximum 2 companion animals per person per year (2 cats, 2 dogs, or 1 of each)
• A banned breed cannot be imported at all — check first
• Confirm the current banned-breed list before you commit