Pet travel to Dubai is a fun experience that allows your pet to accompany you in discovering the many wonders of Dubai.
However, to protect public health and animal health, the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has very specific requirements that pets must meet to enter the country. These requirements cover microchip identification, vaccines, certification and other documentation.
Preparing your pet properly will help prevent unnecessary delays or even quarantines/denial upon arrival.
Firstly, have your pet micro-chipped with a 15 digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip as soon as possible after vaccinations. The microchip should then be implanted into your pet for 21 days so that all relevant documents are printed with the same microchip number. Scanners at all entry points into the UAE must verify your pet's microchip number before they are allowed to pass through.
Secondly, give your pet the required rabies vaccine as soon as it has been micro-chipped. For first time vaccinations, your pet cannot leave the UAE until 21 days after receiving its rabies shot; booster vaccinations do not need to follow this wait period.
Thirdly, give your pet the required core vaccinations: Distemper, ParvoVirus, Leptospirosis vaccinations for dogs; Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis vaccinations for cats. Record these vaccinations in your pet's international veterinary passport with date, signature and stamp.
Lastly, if your pet originated from a "high risk" country, you may also need to get a rabies titre test done to confirm that your pet has enough antibodies to fight against rabies. Arrange to have your pet undergo a full health check 30 days prior to traveling with your pet to ensure your pet is fit to travel.
Before bringing pets into the UAE, pet owners need to make sure they have all of the correct documents prepared to prevent issues resulting from inaccuracies or outdated information.
If there is an issue with the scanning of documents, or if the documents are outdated, or if the documents were not properly endorsed, the pet could be placed in quarantine for as much as 21 days. According to Dr Moustafa Hafez of Modern Veterinary Clinic Dubai, “Prepare ahead of time and create a file for your pet’s passport with both hard copy and digital copies so that you can easily access your pet’s documentation when checking in at Dubai Customs.”
Some of the most dangerous dog breeds have been banned in some countries to ensure public safety:
There is a ban on cat ownership by certain breeds that are considered hybrids or crossbreeds, such as wolf hybrids, Savannahs, or Bengals, unless they are fifth generation removed from wild ancestry. In Dubai, there are restrictions on breeds that are similar to banned breeds, such as bull terriers, huskies, or shar peis that must be leashed, muzzled, and registered if the pet resides in an apartment.
Typically, pets will travel as manifest cargo (not in the cabin, except for service animals traveling to Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airlines), in airline-approved, International Air Transport Association (IATA)-compliant crates designed to provide pets with adequate space for movement and comfort. For all inbound flights into Dubai, Emirates requires pets to travel in cargo and requires booking a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure. Transits less than six hours may require documentation from the European Union (EU).
Pet travel is less stressful with non-stop flights. Pet owners need an EU attestation on each stopover if one occurs. Once the pet arrives at its destination airport, the pet will go through an examination by a veterinarian to ensure the pet is healthy and that all documentation has been completed properly and this may delay the delivery of the pet for several hours, depending on whether all documents comply.
Arriving at Dubai requires you to reduce your pet’s stress by introducing them to their crate prior to departure from home, and you should never use sedatives on your pet; also, you should prepare for the extreme temperatures at your destination once you arrive. There are many pet-friendly taxi service companies located throughout Dubai, however, you need to book a reservation ahead of time to reserve transportation.
Consult with experienced pet relocation companies to avoid fines and/or returning your pet.
By registering your pet in your local area as a resident, using a leash/muzzle when taking your pet to a public place and knowing where to take your pet in Dubai (pet friendly hotels/parks/beaches) you can monitor your pet's body temperature to prevent heat stress by providing shade/water.
As long as you follow all of Dubai's pet entry requirements, you will have an enjoyable time traveling. Seek advice from a professional vet as soon as possible. Verify all details and work with a vet you trust to achieve a successful trip. To get customized advice for preparing things such as your pet's health check or documents, contact Modern Vet today. Your pet's successful arrival in Dubai is just a step away with the right expert help.
