Bringing your pet with you to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can feel overwhelming. Between airline rules, government permits, and strict UAE laws, one mistake could mean your pet gets denied entry — or worse, put into quarantine.
But don’t worry ✈️🐶🐱. This step-by-step guide for 2025 will show you exactly how to get an animal permit to fly with pets to the UAE safely and legally.
✅ Why Do You Need a Pet Permit for UAE?
The UAE has strict animal import laws to protect public health and prevent diseases like rabies. Without an official MOCCAE (Ministry of Climate Change and Environment) pet import permit, your pet cannot enter the UAE — even if the airline allows them on the flight.
Warning 🚨: Arriving without the permit can lead to fines, pet quarantine, or even refusal of entry.
📝 Step 1: Check If Your Pet is Allowed in UAE
Not all animals are permitted. Only certain pets like cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and small pets are usually allowed.
Examples of restricted animals:
- Exotic animals (monkeys, snakes, wild cats) ❌
- Aggressive dog breeds such as Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, Rottweilers ❌
- Endangered or protected species ❌
👉 Official source: MOCCAE Approved List (external link for authority).
🏥 Step 2: Get Your Pet Microchipped
Every pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. This is like your pet’s passport.
- Example: A cat microchipped in Pakistan with an ISO chip will be scanned upon arrival in Dubai.
- Without microchip → Permit will be rejected.
💉 Step 3: Complete Vaccinations
Vaccinations are mandatory and should be completed at least 21 days before travel.
For Dogs:
- Rabies vaccine (within the last 12 months)
- Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis
For Cats:
- Rabies
- Feline Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus
Example: If you vaccinate your dog on August 1st, you cannot fly until after August 21st.
📄 Step 4: Apply for the UAE Pet Import Permit
You must apply online through the MOCCAE website.
Steps:
- Create an account on the MOCCAE portal.
- Upload required documents:
- Pet passport or vaccination record
- Microchip number
- Rabies antibody test (if required)
- Pay the fee (around AED 500–700).
- Receive your electronic permit (valid for 30 days).
Tip 💡: Always apply at least 2 weeks before your flight.
🛫 Step 5: Book a Pet-Friendly Airline
Not all airlines allow pets to UAE. Some allow cabin pets, others only cargo transport.
Examples:
- Emirates Airlines → Pets not allowed in cabin, only in cargo (except falcons).
- Etihad Airways → Cats and dogs can travel in cabin if under 8kg.
👉 Always call the airline directly to confirm.
📑 Step 6: Prepare Health Certificate
Your local vet must issue a government-approved health certificate within 7 days of departure.
This proves your pet is healthy, free of parasites, and fit to fly.
Example: A vet in Karachi issues the certificate on August 10 → your pet must fly before August 17.
✈️ Step 7: Travel Day Checklist
Before heading to the airport:
- Print the UAE pet import permit
- Carry the vaccination record & health certificate
- Ensure your pet is in an IATA-approved travel crate
- Label crate with pet name, owner’s name, contact number
🛬 Step 8: Arrival in UAE
On arrival:
- UAE officials will scan the microchip
- Review all documents
- Collect the import fee (if any outstanding)
If documents are correct → your pet is released to you.
If not → your pet may be held in airport quarantine.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Arriving without MOCCAE permit 🚫
- Expired rabies vaccination 🚫
- Wrong-sized travel crate 🚫
- Applying for permit too late 🚫
🌍 Internal Resource
If you are traveling to UAE, you may also like:
👉 10 Things You Cannot Bring to UAE in 2025 (internal link).
🐕 Final Thoughts
Flying with pets to the UAE doesn’t have to be stressful. As long as you:
- Microchip your pet
- Complete vaccinations
- Apply for MOCCAE permit
- Choose the right airline
…you and your furry friend can safely enjoy the UAE together.
Warning: Do not attempt to sneak pets into UAE without permits — fines and deportation can apply. Always follow the official process.