Introduction
To bring dogs to Dubai and from Dubai is a question that UAE expats face, especially dog lovers.
UAE expats face a number of issues when preparing for summer travels. A question that often arises specially for expats with doggies is whether to take them with them. The alternative is leaving them with friends or pet hotels which do a superb job (most reliable ones) despite the summer heat.
In this publication we address the initial flight in and subsequent flights once the animal is in the UAE. The flights to the UAE are considered as dog imports and flights out of the UAE as dog exports.
We have concentrated in this publication in dogs’ travels from/to Europe with Emirates Airlines. It is strongly recommended that additional checks are made when flying with alternative airlines. We are aware that Etihad offers the option for dogs to fly in the cabin too.
Bringing Dogs to Dubai
An import permit can be obtained 30 days before the flight. This can be done on the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment web. https://www.moccae.gov.ae/en/our-services.aspx#page=1
We need to search for Issue an Import Permit for Live Animals and Birds and click on Start Service:
At this point you Will need to register (we can do it for you too).
Once in (i have used my details), you Will need to add the details of the animal:
At the time of requesting the import permit you will need to ensure that you have the following Documents
Required Documents to Bring Dogs to Dubai
- The original vaccination card or animal passport which must include the pet’s microchip, date of birth, validity of treatments, rabies vaccination and other vaccination records (dates, manufacturer, batch number , vaccine labels, etc…)
- Valid original official health certificate from the exporting country illustrating the identification of the pet with Microchip and that the animal has been examined and presents satisfactory health symptoms. This now has to be done by a CEXGAN veterinarian. We can help you find one near your home in Spain.
- Original certificate of rabies serum neutralization test (RSNT) performed within 90 days prior to travel attesting to a minimum titer of 0.5 IU/ml or higher. A few years ago they no longer requested this (important to reverify with airline in the even that any changes have taken place), but it is very important that Rabies keep it in order. Data follows below.
Required vaccinations and Anti-Parasites
1) Rabies, a valid vaccine applied according to the vaccine manufacturer’s instructions, the initial dose should not be applied before the animal is 3 months old and 21 days must elapse before arriving in the UAE.
2) Canine distemper virus (CDV)
3) Canine parvo virus
4) Canine infectious hepatitis.
5) Leptospirosis (Ictohaemorragea – Canicola)
A few days before the flight, during the week before the flight:
1) Use of anti-external parasites (Fipronil or Permethrin).
2) Deworming (anthelmintic) using (praziquantel).
24 Hours Before Flight
A CEXGAN Veterinarian must process report showing that animal is fit to travel. We strongly recommend that the professional has previous experience because the deadlines are tight, and you suffer significantly waiting for CEXGAN to process.
With CEXGAN you will need to finalize it at Ports. Sometimes the location will vary based on flight itinerary or the itinerary on the location of the CEXGAN location.
This document must be sent to cargo officials handling the export of the animal to finalize approval at customs airport so it is always recommended to fly during the working week as customs and ports are closed over the weekend.
Summary for Bring Dogs to Dubai
- The first step should be to verify that the animal has all the vaccines requested.
- Have CEXGAN vet in the loop (where you will take your doggie within 24 hours of flight).
- Third. Request an import permit (30 days before your travel) with vaccines 1 to 5 on your site to be able to upload it to the Ministry system indicated above.
Arrival
Upon arrival dogs must be picked up at Cargo passing through Emirates offices, customs and a veterinarian who does a new check-up. The process must be done online upon the arrival of the dog, which is normal (if it is done with a nice veterinarian, it is managed directly by him. There are minor payments at each office and customs, where (customs) you can only pay in cash, ensure to bring AED 50 in cash for it.
We generally help our clients once they take off so the forms are ready once they land and meet the airport veterinarian.
Exporting a Dog
Whether you are to export a dog forever or for the summer you will need to apply for Veterinarian Certificate at MOCCA:
Upon its application you can either visit Dubai Airport Vet 24/7 or make an appointment at any of the designated veterinarians at the MOCCA site.
At this point the Veterinarian will ensure that the animal has the below anti parasites and issue the allowance to travel.
1) Use of anti-external parasites (Fipronil or Permethrin).
2) Deworming (anthelmintic) using (praziquantel).
Arranging Travel
With Emirates Airlines Dogs can be booked 48 hours prior to departure and they can be checked just at the time of checking in your luggage. This is not the same than when the animal flies in as it flies purely cargo and will need to reach the airport 5-6 hours before the flight.
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We hope this publication will help you arrange your dog travels to and from the UAE and remain available for any questions regarding this post of general application.
For more information published in English you can visit all our publications at this link as well as the videos in English of our Partner Maria Rubert.
*The information on this page is not intended to be legal advice. This article is intended to provide an initial introduction to the import of dogs to the UAE.