Rules for importing animals into the UAE in 2024

Like any other country, the UAE has specific rules for relocating Pets. Those going on a trip or vacation and considering moving to permanent residence in this country must study these regulations and requirements in advance if they have pets. It should be noted that many property owners allow tenants with animals to move in and even set the property to pet-friendly status. At the same time, several important issues need to be studied—flight rules, a list of required documents, etc.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURE FOR EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS

Cats, dogs, poultry, and falcons are allowed into the country. A set of services for one animal costs 200 AED or 55 dollars. The government has also banned the importation of specific breeds of dogs. These include the Japanese Mastiff, Indian Mastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Doberman Pinscher, etc. The import of prohibited dog breeds is possible if they are service breeds and there are permitting documents. The pet must be at least 15 weeks old. Every cat, dog, or bird crossing the border must undergo rabies quarantine.

The Ministry of Natural Resources establishes the procedure for importing animals and processing documents. First, owners must apply to import their pet through the ministry” website. The received permit is valid for 30 days. During this period, the animal must be kept in the country. Each person can apply for a license no more than twice a year.

LIST OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

1. Veterinary passport of international standard.
   This is an identification card that contains all the information about the animal. The passport includes the microchip number, species description, breed name, color, gender, date of birth, and vaccination status.
2. Test for the absence of antibodies to rabies.
   The test must be carried out in an accredited laboratory.
3. Certificate confirming rabies vaccination.
   The pet must be vaccinated by 21 days before arrival. The certificate issued by the state veterinary clinic indicates the date of vaccination, series, number, and vaccine name.
4. Veterinary certificate.
   It states that a veterinarian has examined the animal, and it has no external parasites.

To enter the country smoothly, you must collect the necessary documents and know and follow the rules for flying with pets.

FLIGHT RULES FOR RELOCATING PETS INTO THE UAE

Each carrier company sets its own rules for flying with pets. Basic flight rules:

• Animals are transported in the luggage compartment, separately from people, in compliance with IATA rules. Some airlines allow flights with animals in the cabin (in this case, the animal’s weight and the carrier should not exceed 8 kilograms). You can fly with a dog, cat, or bird in the cabin only in Abu Dhabi since there is a veterinary center at the airport;
• The airline must be notified in advance about transporting an animal. This must be done no later than 48 hours before departure. A separate seat is purchased for your pet, and there are a limited number of them on the plane;
• availability of all required documents. The complete list will need to be presented before boarding the plane;
• All animals are kept in special containers during the flight.

Before booking a ticket, going to the carrier” website and studying the flight rules is recommended. Some companies do not allow you to fly in the cabin even with a guide dog if you have all the necessary documents. Some companies require dog owners to give them at least seven days’ notice and provide all documents by mail 48 hours in advance.

Depending on the class, several rules apply when placing dogs and cats in the aircraft cabin. If a passenger is flying economy class, the pet must be placed in a carrier on the seat next to you or the floor under your seat. If the passenger is flying first or business class, the pet will be placed in a carrier on the seat next to you.

WHERE TO STAY WITH YOUR ANIMALS ON ARRIVAL

It is worth considering that not all hotel complexes and rental properties are designed to accommodate pets. Let’s look at several locations that allow travelers with animals.

• Motor City has several properties where you can stay with your pet. Here, you can see residential complexes and objects marked pet-friendly. Visitors can feel quite comfortable, as many areas are specially equipped for walking dogs.
• Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) has several pet-friendly apartments and residential complexes. All are comfortable and located near parking lots, park areas, and dog-walking areas.
• Arabian Ranches a large selection of villas and facilities equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay with pets. You can find a villa or house near a pond, park, or lawn here. Some areas are designed for walking and active games with dogs.

Before traveling to the UAE with animals, you must carefully study the flight rules and procedures and the list of animals permitted for import. You’ll also need to collect a complete list of required documents in advance and be ready to present them whenever you’d like.

Source: https://beyond-dubai.ae/