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Are you a pet-owner planning to travel to or from the UAE? Whether you’re a frequent traveler or a resident, understanding the regulations and requirements for importing and exporting pets is crucial. In this guide, we’ll break down the necessary documents, permits, and vaccinations to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your furry friend.

Importing Pets into the UAE

Required Documents

• Customs declaration or bill of lading showing the delivery data
• Document of immunisations or a passport with the required data
• Certified health certificate issued by the competent veterinary authorities
• Import permit and release permit
• In the event of importation from a high-risk country, a laboratory test certificate should be attached to the antibody titration test for rabies.

Obtaining Import and Release Permits

1. Visit moccae.gov.ae
2. Go to the ‘Our services’ tab, hover your cursor over ‘Service directory,’ and click on ‘Export and import services’
3. Go to ‘Import of pets (cats/dogs)’ and click on ‘Start service’
4. Login with UAE Pass
5. Fill out the electronic form
6. Pay the fees online

Points to Note

• Individuals can import no more than 2 cats or 2 dogs or a dog and a cat annually, with the exception of the exit and entry of resident animals.
• The import permit is valid for 30 days after issuance.
• Cats and dogs will be shipped according to IATA conditions for pet animal transport.
• The cats and dogs must be identified with a permanent microchip, and the chip number in the health certificate needs to be the same as the one implanted in the animal.

Conditions for Resident Cats and Dogs

• The animal must have obtained a veterinary health certificate from the ministry before leaving the country.
• The animal must be identified by microchip.
• The pet must have an authorised veterinary certificate issued by the competent authorities in the exporting country.
• The animal must be vaccinated against rabies before its departure from the UAE and this vaccination must be valid until its return.

Required Vaccinations

• Rabies
• Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
• Canine Parvo Virus
• Infectious Canine Hepatitis
• Leptospirosis (can be dispensed with and replaced by lab test if the exporting country does not require vaccination)
• Feline Pan Leukcopenia
• Feline Rhinotracheitis
• Feline Calicivirus

Exporting a Pet out of UAE

Required Documents

• Animal passport
• Vaccination booklet
• Veterinary health certificate
• A certificate of origin is needed for the consignment
• A copy of the import or approval permit issued by the importing country, except for companion animals
• Any additional documents or test reports required by the importing country

Obtaining a Veterinary Health Certificate

1. Visit moccae.gov.ae
2. Go to the ‘Our services’ tab, hover your cursor over ‘Service directory,’ and click on ‘Export and import services’
3. Go to ‘Request for a veterinary health certificate for exporting or re-exporting live animals’ and click on ‘Start service’
4. Login with UAE Pass
5. Fill out the electronic form
6. Pay the fees online
7. Conduct the physical examination and laboratory tests (if required)

By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the regulations and requirements for importing and exporting pets to and from the UAE. Happy travels with your furry friend!