Taking Dogs To UAE » Fly Your Dog to UAE from UK

Heading to Dubai or Abu Dhabi and bringing your dog along? Good news, the UAE is one of the easier places to sort out.

Unlike countries that need titre tests and months of waiting around, the UAE keeps it fairly simple. Standard vaccinations, an Import Permit and you’re pretty much done. We’re Fetchapet and we’ve been shipping dogs to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for over 30 years, so we know the drill.

UAE Dog Import Requirements From The UK

The UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the other emirates) all follow the same import rules for dogs. Here’s what you need:

• Your dog has to be at least four months old. No puppies under that age allowed in at all.
• Microchipping comes first, before any jabs. The chip number goes on every bit of paperwork your vet does.
• Vaccinations wise, your dog needs rabies, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus covered. That’s what vets call R and DHLP. These have to be done at least 21 days before you fly but they can’t be more than 12 months old. Make sure your vet gives you a proper vaccination certificate with all of them listed.
• You need an Import Permit from the UAE authorities. This is where our contacts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi come in handy. We’ll put you in touch with them and they’ll handle the permit application for you. Takes about two weeks usually. These same people can also meet your dog at the airport and get them through customs, which honestly makes arrival day so much less stressful.
• Your dog sees an Official Veterinarian within 48 hours of flying. They do the Export Health Certificate and sort out parasite treatments (internal and external). Most vet practices have someone who can do this.
• We make your dog’s travel crate to measure. Built in our workshops, proper size so your dog can stand, turn around and stretch out.
• Here’s something important though. The UAE bans certain dog breeds from entering the country. The list includes some bull breeds and a few others, and it does change from time to time. If you’re not sure about your dog’s breed, just ring us on 01206 330332 and we’ll check the current restrictions for you. Better to find out early than get caught out later.
• No quarantine when you land. Your dog clears customs and comes home with you the same day.

If you’re also bringing a cat, here’s what you need to know about flying cats to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Dog Export To UAE Timeline

This is where the UAE is brilliant compared to somewhere with strict requirements.

You’re looking at four to six weeks total, maybe less if everything moves quickly. Get the microchip sorted and book the vaccinations. Wait 21 days after the jabs. During that time we get the Import Permit application going through our UAE contacts.

Then it’s just the final vet check within 48 hours of the flight and you’re done. No three month waits, no titre tests, just straightforward paperwork and vaccinations.

If you’re on a tight timeline because of a work relocation, the UAE is pretty accommodating.

Flying Your Dog To Dubai Or Abu Dhabi

Your dog flies in a crate we build specifically for them. Not too big, not too small, just right for your dog’s measurements.

The cargo hold where your dog travels is the same temperature and pressure as where you’re sitting. It’s not like some freezing warehouse. It’s climate controlled and comfortable. The lights go dim during the flight so it’s dark and quiet, which helps dogs settle and sleep.

We use Adaptil spray in the crate before your dog goes in. It’s not a sedative or anything like that, just mimics the natural pheromones dogs produce when they feel safe. Seems to help.

Your dog gets a water bowl that’s accessible the whole flight. No food though because dogs shouldn’t eat within six hours of check in. This reduces the chance of them being sick or having tummy problems during the journey.

The vet bed we put in the crate is really good quality. Supportive, comfortable and if any water spills it drains through so the top stays dry.

Check in and loading are the noisy stressful bits for dogs because there’s lots going on. Once the plane’s actually flying, most dogs just sleep. It’s basically a long nap for them.

If you can get the travel crate a few weeks before the flight, let your dog use it as a bed at home. Throw some treats in there, make it a nice place to be. Then on travel day it’s not some scary new box, it’s just their bed.

We can collect your dog from anywhere in England, Scotland or Wales on the day of travel, or you can bring them to us or meet us at Heathrow if that works better for you.

Why UAE Is Different

Most people moving to Dubai or Abu Dhabi are going for work contracts. That usually means you know your move date well in advance, which is helpful because you can plan everything properly without rushing.

The other nice thing about the UAE is they’ve got their systems sorted. The Import Permit process is relatively quick, customs clearance at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports is efficient and our agents there know exactly what they’re doing because they handle pet arrivals constantly.

Get In Touch

Ring us on 01206 330332 between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday if you want to talk anything through. Or email info@fetchapet.co.uk whenever. We’re pretty good about getting back to people quickly.

Our UAE contacts are solid. They’ve been doing Import Permits and customs clearance for years and they make the whole arrival process much smoother than trying to figure it out yourself.

FAQs About Flying Dogs To UAE