As more and more people emigrate to Dubai, the question of whether pets are allowed to accompany them arises frequently. This article answers all the important questions regarding pets and bringing existing pets with you.
Permission
Fundamentally, there are several things to consider before simply taking your pet to Dubai. These points should be carefully checked or adhered to, otherwise there could be a problem upon arrival at the airport.
Microchip
The pet must have a microchip according to ISO standard ISO 11784/11785 with a 15-digit code. This must also be on all documents.
2. Vaccinations
Depending on the animal species, extensive vaccinations must also be carried out. For cats and dogs, this is definitely the rabies vaccination. However, it should be clarified in detail which vaccinations the animal specifically requires, as there are different regulations for each animal species. Here are some examples:
Cats: Panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus.
Dogs: Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis (DHP/DHPP) and Leptospirosis.
3. Import licence
To be allowed entry, you also need an import permit which must be applied for at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, MOCCAE for short.
4. Medical certificate
5 to 10 days before entry, a comprehensive health certificate should also be obtained from a veterinarian in the country of origin.
5. Parasite cleanse
Before entry, a parasite treatment should be professionally administered by a veterinarian within 14 days to prevent any risk of import.
Takeaway & Transport
Taking pets to Dubai is not always permitted, and it depends on the type of pet (size) and the airline you wish to fly with.
Cargo
As a general rule, you cannot take animals into the cabin with Emirates, regardless of their size. The only option is to send the animals in the cargo hold, which is a very unpleasant experience for many animals. Other airlines have limits on size and weight, and under certain circumstances, you can carry them in the cabin.
Cabin
Anyone who owns cats or smaller dogs should therefore choose the airline Etihad from Abu Dhabi. There, the carriage of small animals in the cabin is permitted under the following conditions.
- Minimum age of the animal 16 weeks
- Maximum weight 8kg including box
- Maximum box size 40 x 40 x 20cm
unless you buy an extra seat for the animal or the carrier, then it may be 50 x 43 x 50cm in size.
Anyone bringing larger animals will also have to leave them in the cargo hold with Etihad Airlines.
Private jet
If money is no object and you only want the best for your animal, then of course you can also book a private jet to take them along. There are virtually no restrictions regarding taking animals on board. The cost of a jet will, of course, be significantly higher. You have to reckon with €5,000 – €10,000 per flight hour, depending on the size of the jet.
Everyday life with pets in Dubai
Pets are a big topic in Dubai these days, especially as more and more families (with pets) are emigrating. Accordingly, there is more and more infrastructure when it comes to pet parks, vets, spas, etc.
However, one should be aware that animals, especially dogs, are still not as popular in Muslim countries as they are in European countries. Free movement, as known in Europe, is restricted and one must adhere to designated zones.
Those who travel also have the option to board their pet at a special hotel. This is of course up to each individual and also depends on the size of the animal, as small animals can theoretically be taken on certain airlines (as described above) in the cabin when travelling.
If you live in Dubai all year round, you should pay particular attention to ensuring that the animals have enough water during the summer months and are not exposed to the heat.
FAQ
Below is an overview of frequently asked questions about pets in Dubai.
Why are there no dogs in Dubai?
There are indeed dogs in Dubai. However, they are not allowed to roam freely in all places. Mostly, dogs are found in residential areas, such as Creek Harbour or Dubai Hills.
Summary
In summary, it is absolutely permitted to own and import pets into Dubai. However, certain conditions must be met when immigrating to Dubai with a pet. In addition to numerous health checks, you should also consider the transportation itself, as only small animals are allowed to travel in the cabin on certain airlines.
