How to Relocate Your Pet to Dubai from the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

Moving your pet to Dubai involves more than just booking a flight. The UAE has strict regulations around animal importation, and many UK residents underestimate the paperwork, temperature policies, and legal documentation involved. This guide will walk you through every part of the process: legal requirements, pet relocation services, permits, documentation, housing considerations, and arrival procedures — all from the perspective of UK citizens relocating to the UAE.

The first step is obtaining a UAE Pet Import Permit through the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). This permit is mandatory and must be issued within 30 days of travel. To apply, you need:✅ Microchip certificate (ISO-compliant)✅ Up-to-date vaccination record (esp. rabies)✅ Vet Health Certificate (within 7 days of travel)✅ Proof of parasite treatmentCats and dogs must be at least 4 months old. Rabies titration (RNATT) test is not currently required for UK pets. Some breeds are restricted — including American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, and Pit Bull types. We provide the full banned breed list and an import checklist.

Pet travel from the UK to Dubai typically requires a DEFRA-licensed pet shipper. These firms handle permits, flight booking, vet coordination, and airport processing. Key providers include:🔹 PBS Pet Travel🔹 PetAir UK🔹 Airpets🔹 Animal AirwaysServices may cost between £1,500–£3,000 per pet, depending on crate size and airline route. Most pets fly as manifest cargo — Emirates, Etihad, and KLM are top options. You’ll need an IATA-compliant crate, and your shipper will coordinate with Dubai’s live animal clearance team for customs and quarantine review (if needed). We explain what’s included in these packages and how to vet a relocation firm.

Not all buildings or landlords in Dubai allow pets — and even in “pet-friendly” buildings, restrictions apply. To register your pet or apply for dependent visas (if moving with family), you’ll need a Ejari lease in your name. Look for communities like:🐾 Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)🐾 Arabian Ranches🐾 Jumeirah Golf Estates🐾 The Springs / The MeadowsAlways confirm pet policies with your real estate agent and get it in writing. Villas are more likely to allow dogs than high-rise flats. Some buildings ban pets entirely. We share tips for securing a pet-legal lease and avoiding fines or eviction threats.

Once your pet arrives, you must register it at a Dubai Municipality–approved veterinary clinic. This includes a full health check, UAE pet ID card, and local vaccination schedule (including annual rabies booster). Dogs in public must wear muzzles and leashes. Cats may be confined indoors or enclosed gardens. Top veterinary clinics include:🩺 The Veterinary Hospital Dubai🩺 British Veterinary Hospital🩺 Blue Oasis Vet ClinicDubai summers can be deadly for pets. Never walk dogs in the daytime during summer months — burns and heatstroke are common. This section details climate safety, food supplies, local pet insurance, grooming services, and more.

- Lucy, a teacher from Bristol, moved with her 6-year-old Labrador. Her relocation agency handled permits and Emirates cargo booking. Housing was secured in JVC through a pet-friendly agency. She recommends acclimatising your dog indoors for 3 days post-arrival.- James and Amrita, a married couple from Manchester, relocated with two cats. They used PetAir UK and moved into a Springs villa. Dubai Municipality registration took 48 hours. Their tip: bring familiar blankets and toys to reduce stress.- Harpreet, a single founder from London, relocated his French Bulldog through Airpets. He faced difficulty with housing approvals in Downtown Dubai and ultimately moved to Al Barari where dogs are welcome. Each story highlights timelines, costs, and what they would do differently.