Pet Relocation UAE Guide (2026) | Costs, Dubai Movers & Permits
MoveConnector Team
Relocation Expert
Quick Summary: The 2026 Snapshot
If you are planning to move your pet from the UAE in 2026, the rules have tightened. The "easy" routes are gone. Below is the essential data you need before booking a flight.
| Metric | Typical Data for 2026 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Timeline | 4–7 Months (Start early!) |
| Average Cost (Cat) | AED 8,000 – AED 14,000 (All-in door-to-door) |
| Average Cost (Dog) | AED 12,000 – AED 25,000+ (Depends on crate volume) |
| Strict Destinations | USA (New CDC Rules), Australia (180-day wait), UK/EU (3-month wait) |
| Key Permit | MOCCAE Export Health Certificate (Valid for 30 days) |
| Primary Method | Manifest Cargo (Pets in Cabin are rarely allowed ex-UAE) |
Planning a full house move too? Check our guides for International Moving or Moving to the UK.
What Is Pet Relocation from the UAE?
Definition for Travelers: Pet relocation from the UAE is the regulated process of exporting dogs and cats through MOCCAE-compliant veterinary screening, airline cargo booking, and destination-specific import permits. It requires specific steps like Microchipping, Rabies Vaccination, RNATT blood testing, and booking a Manifest Cargo flight on approved airlines like Emirates or Etihad.
Why 2026 is Different: The "High-Risk" Reality
Moving a pet from the UAE is no longer just about buying a ticket. As of late 2025, global biosecurity laws have shifted. The UAE is classified as a "High-Risk Country" for rabies by major destinations like the USA and EU.
What this means for you:
- The "Wait" is Mandatory: You cannot simply vaccinate and fly. For the EU and UK, you must wait 3 months after your pet's blood test before they can enter.
- The USA is Harder: The temporary CDC waivers have expired. As of August 2025, strict enforcement is back. Dogs vaccinated in the UAE now require a CDC dog import UAE permit and must arrive at specific airports with animal care facilities.
- Summer Heat Embargoes: Between May and September, daytime temperatures on the Dubai tarmac exceed 40°C. Airlines will reject pet shipments during the day. You must book night flights or use climate-controlled transfers.
Who Uses Pet Relocation Services in the UAE?
UAE residents typically search for professional pet movers when relocating to countries with strict biosecurity laws.
Top searched phrases in UAE include:
- "Pet relocation Dubai"
- "Pet movers Abu Dhabi"
- "Ship dog to UK from Dubai"
- "Pet cargo Emirates"
- "MOCCAE health certificate for pets"
The complexity of the move depends on your destination. See the route comparison below.
Popular Pet Relocation Routes from UAE (Difficulty Rating)
| Route | Difficulty | Critical Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| UAE → UK | Medium | 3-month wait after blood test; Manifest Cargo only. |
| UAE → EU | Medium | RNATT Blood Test required; 3-month wait. |
| UAE → USA | Hard | CDC Import Permit required + Designated Airport entry. |
| UAE → Canada | Easy | No RNATT required; fewer restrictions than USA. |
| UAE → Australia | Very Hard | 180-day wait + Mandatory 10-day Quarantine. |
| UAE → Singapore | Medium | Strict parasite treatments + Quarantine booking. |
Step-by-Step: The 7-Month Export Timeline
Do not wait until your visa is cancelled. If you start late, you may have to leave your pet behind in boarding (costing AED 50+ per day) while they wait for clearance.
Phase 1: The "Paperwork" (7 Months Out)
- Microchip First: Ensure your pet has an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit microchip. This must be implanted before the rabies vaccine.
- Rabies Vaccination: Must be valid (older than 21 days, less than 12 months).
- The RNATT Blood Test: This is the bottleneck. Your vet draws blood 30 days after the vaccine. This sample is sent to an approved lab (usually in Germany or UK).
- Critical Rule: The 3-month (EU/UK) or 180-day (Australia) waiting period starts the day the blood is drawn, not the day you get results.
Phase 2: The Booking (2 Months Out)
- Crate Measurement: Buy an IATA-compliant crate. Your pet must have 2-3 inches of clearance above their ears when standing.
- Pro Tip: Airlines like Emirates SkyCargo strictly reject crates that are even 1cm too small. If in doubt, buy the next size up.
- Book the Flight: Pets almost always fly as Manifest Cargo from DXB/AUH. This is a separate ticket from yours (Air Waybill).
Phase 3: The Exit (10 Days Out)
- Final Health Cert: Visit a MOCCAE-licensed vet for a "Fit to Fly" exam.
- Parasite Treatment: Mandatory deworming (Tapeworm) and tick treatment 24-48 hours before flight.
- MOCCAE Export Permit: Your relocation agent submits the vet papers to the Ministry portal.
- Cost: AED 200 per permit + AED 500 (Dog) / AED 250 (Cat) inspection fee.
The True Cost of Pet Relocation (2026 Estimates)
Stop guessing. Here is the realistic breakdown of what you will pay to move your pet from Dubai to London or New York.
🐕 Dog Relocation Costs (e.g., 20kg Golden Retriever)
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Package | 1,500 – 2,500 | Vaccines, Microchip, RNATT Blood Test, Health Cert |
| MOCCAE Fees | 700 | Export Permit (200) + Inspection (500) |
| IATA Travel Crate | 800 – 1,500 | Size 400/500 plastic crate with metal bolts |
| Air Freight (Cargo) | 6,000 – 12,000 | Calculated by Volumetric Weight, not dog weight |
| Destination Fees | 2,500 – 4,000 | Customs clearance, VAT (if applicable), Airport handling |
| Agency Fee | 3,000 – 6,000 | Coordination, booking, and error-prevention |
| TOTAL | ~AED 14,500 – 26,000 | Varies by airline and season |
🐈 Cat Relocation Costs (Standard Domestic Cat)
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Package | 1,200 – 2,000 | Vaccines, Microchip, Health Cert |
| MOCCAE Fees | 450 | Export Permit (200) + Inspection (250) |
| IATA Travel Crate | 300 – 600 | Size 100/200 plastic crate |
| Air Freight (Cargo) | 3,000 – 6,000 | Cats take up significantly less cargo volume |
| Destination Fees | 2,000 – 3,500 | Customs clearance & handling |
| Agency Fee | 2,000 – 4,000 | Coordination fee is often lower for cats |
| TOTAL | ~AED 8,950 – 16,100 | Varies by destination |
Pro Tip: Emirates SkyCargo pets cost is based on "Volumetric Weight." Even a light dog in a huge crate pays for the space, not the weight.
Destination-Specific Rules (The "Red Tape")
🇺🇸 USA (New CDC Rules)
- The Change: Since UAE is "High Risk," you need a CDC Dog Import Form.
- The Catch: Your dog must appear healthy and be at least 6 months old. If your rabies vax was given in UAE, you must land at one of the 6 approved airports (JFK, LAX, MIA, etc.) with a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- The Route: You generally cannot fly pets in-cabin to the UK. They must arrive as Manifest Cargo.
- Transfer of Residence (ToR): Apply for ToR relief early to avoid paying 20% VAT on your pet's "value" + shipping costs. If you are also shipping household goods, see our Moving to UK Guide.
🇦🇺 Australia
- The Hardest Move: Minimum 180-day wait after blood test.
- Quarantine: Mandatory 10 days at Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility (Melbourne).
- Cost: The import permit alone is ~AUD 480, and quarantine is ~AUD 2,000+. Total move often exceeds AED 35,000. Search for "pet quarantine Australia from UAE" early to understand the booking slots.
Comparison: Handling it Yourself vs. Using an Aggregator
Can you do it yourself? Yes. Should you?
| Feature | DIY (Do It Yourself) | MoveConnector Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 20-30% Cheaper | Full Service Fee |
| Risk | High (Missed paperwork = Rejected entry) | Low (Guaranteed Compliance) |
| Flight Booking | Difficult (Cargo depts prioritize agents) | Priority Booking accounts |
| Crisis Management | You are on your own if flight delays | 24/7 Agent Support |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a sedative to keep my dog calm? No. Airlines like Emirates and Etihad strictly forbid sedated animals. Sedation lowers blood pressure at high altitudes, which can be fatal. Instead, focus on crate training 3 months in advance.
2. Which airline is best for pets leaving UAE? Emirates SkyCargo (Emirates Pets) and Etihad Cargo are the gold standards. They have dedicated animal facilities (like the "SkyPharma" facility in Dubai) where pets are watered and walked during transit.
3. Does Emirates SkyCargo accept pets from Dubai? Yes. Emirates SkyCargo accepts dogs and cats as Manifest Cargo. All animals must be in IATA-approved crates and pass a MOCCAE veterinary inspection before acceptance.
4. Can pets transit through Doha or Istanbul? Transit rules vary by airline. Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines allow transits for pets, but certain breeds may be restricted. Your relocator must pre-approve the routing with both airport stations.
5. Are certain dog breeds banned from flying from the UAE? Yes. Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Persian cats face seasonal or full restrictions on most airlines. Consult your agent before booking.
6. What happens if I miss the 3-month wait for Europe? Your pet cannot travel. There are no waivers. You will have to board your pet in the UAE or send them to a "holding" country (like Bahrain) if you must leave immediately, though this is complex and costly.
Quick Pre-Flight Checklist
- Microchip: ISO 15-digit code implanted.
- Vaccines: Rabies valid & record book updated.
- Blood Test: RNATT done 3+ months prior (for EU/UK).
- Crate: IATA compliant with metal bolts (no plastic clips).
- Permit: MOCCAE export permit printed.
Expertise You Can Trust
MoveConnector works exclusively with vetted, licensed, and IPATA-recognized pet relocation specialists in the UAE. Every partner is trained in IATA Live Animal Regulations, MOCCAE permitting, airline cargo booking procedures, and destination-specific veterinary import laws to ensure full compliance and safe pet travel.
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