United Arab Emirates

 

1. Age of Animal

 

To travel to UAE, your pet must be at least 4 months or older. They need their own Rabies vaccination, which can be given at 12 weeks, and a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test report (details in section 5).

 

2. Microchip

 

Your pet must be microchipped. The microchip should be implanted either before or at the same time as the Rabies vaccination. Only a microchip implanted by an official, registered veterinarian will be accepted for export purposes.

 

3. Rabies Vaccination

 

The primary Rabies vaccination must be older than 30 days, but not older than one year. A yearly booster vaccination is required.

 

Please note: Only a registered veterinarian can administer these vaccinations for export purposes. Vaccinations given by a veterinary nurse, breeder, or welfare organization staff are not accepted.

 

4. Annual Vaccinations

 

Annual vaccinations for dogs and cats are required.

 

For Dogs: Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza, Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough), and Leptospirosis.

 

For Cats: Feline Panleukopenia (Infectious Enteritis/Feline Distemper), Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Feline Calicivirus.

 

Please note: As with Rabies, these vaccinations must be administered by a registered veterinarian.

 

5. Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT)

 

Blood samples must be collected at least 30-31 days after the Rabies vaccination. Pets may travel as soon as the original results have been received, provided the results are no more than one year (12 months) old at the time of the Health Certificate and State Vet endorsement. The Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test must be conducted by Onderstepoort in Pretoria.

 

Please note: Blood for export purposes must be drawn exclusively by a registered veterinarian. All required information must be accurately completed on the laboratory submission form.

 

6. Banned Breeds

 

Importation of the following breeds of dogs is not allowed into the United Arab Emirates:

 

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

• American Pit Bull Terrier

• American Staffordshire Terrier

• American Bully

• Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero)

• Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino)

• Tibetan Mastiff

• Neapolitan Mastiff

• French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux)

• Boerboel

• Bullmastiff

• Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff)

• Bully Kutta (Alangu Mastiff, Indian Mastiff)

• Perro De Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)

• Japanese Tosa

• Presa Canario

 

There are a few selected breeds on the restricted list that MOCCAE will allow entry if they are Service or Emotional Support animals. However, there is a strict criteria that must be met by the owner, and approval is not guaranteed for all cases.

 

Before the Import Permit can be approved, the following documents must be reviewed and approved by MOCCAE:

 

• A comprehensive medical report detailing the owner’s health status, clearly explaining the need for and role of the dog as a support/service animal.

• Certified training documents from a fully qualified trainer, confirming that the pet has received the appropriate training.

• Verification of the trainer’s qualifications, confirming their credentials to conduct the training.

• The owner must also sign documents confirming to the UAE authorities that they will not sell, breed, trade, or abandon the pets while in the UAE.

 

Written approval from the Ministry is required, and this process can take some time. All necessary documentation must be in place before the Import Permit can be approved.

 

8. Import Permit

 

An Import Permit is required for the United Arab Emirates.

 

9. Health Certificate

 

Pets must have an Official Health Certificate issued by a private veterinarian, confirming compliance with the above requirements, and countersigned by an official State Vet. This must be done within 7 days of departure. We provide our clients with a completed and accurate Health Certificate, along with clear guidance on what needs to be done.

 

10. Other Animals

 

Hamsters, chinchillas, and guinea pigs do not require microchipping or rabies vaccination. However, they do need an Import Permit and must travel with their original Health Certificates.

 

If you have any further questions, please contact Global Paws. We're here to help!