Embarking on a move from the United Kingdom to the dazzling metropolis of Dubai is an exhilarating prospect. For pet owners, this excitement is coupled with the important task of planning a secure and legally compliant pet relocation UK to Dubai. The United Arab Emirates has a well-defined set of import regulations designed to protect its animal and human populations. While the process is detailed, it is entirely manageable with meticulous preparation and a clear understanding of the sequential steps involved. Unlike the UK’s strict entry rules, the UAE does not impose a mandatory quarantine for pets arriving from the UK, provided all conditions are met. This article serves as an essential checklist, focusing on the key requirements for a successful pet relocation UK to Dubai.
The foundation of any international pet move is timing, and for pet relocation UK to Dubai, the process should begin no less than four months before your intended departure date. The initial step is perhaps the most familiar to UK pet owners: microchipping. Your pet must be fitted with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. This is the non-negotiable first step, as it will link your pet to all subsequent vaccinations and tests. If your pet already has a microchip that is not ISO-compliant, you have two options: implant a compatible chip or bring your own scanner that can read the existing chip to present to authorities at the point of entry in Dubai.
Following microchipping, the next critical step is the rabies vaccination. Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies, and this must be recorded after the microchip number is noted in the pet’s veterinary passport. Even if your pet’s rabies vaccination is current, it is imperative that it was administered after the microchip was implanted. After the vaccination, a waiting period of 30 days is required before proceeding to the pivotal rabies antibody titre test (RNATT). A blood sample must be drawn by your UK vet and sent to an EU-approved laboratory. The result must show a neutralising antibody titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Upon receiving a successful test result, a crucial waiting period begins
The UAE authorities require a wait of three calendar months from the date the blood sample was drawn before your pet is permitted to enter the country. This period allows for any potential incubation of disease to pass. This three-month window is the absolute core of your planning schedule for pet relocation UK to Dubai. It is during this time that you should focus on other preparations, such as ensuring all standard vaccinations (e.g., DHLPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats) are up to date.
Within 10 days of your travel date, you must visit your official UK veterinarian for a final health examination. The vet will conduct a full clinical check to ensure your pet is healthy, free from parasites, and fit for air travel. During this appointment, the vet will also complete the official Export Health Certificate (EHC) required by the UAE. This document is comprehensive and must be filled out without any errors. Once completed, this certificate must be endorsed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in the UK. Your vet will typically manage this submission process to APHA. This endorsed health certificate is a mandatory travel document.
Concurrently, you must secure an import permit from the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). This application is made online through the MOCCAE website or portal. You will need to upload digital copies of the rabies vaccination certificate, the successful RNATT test report, and the completed health certificate. Approval of this permit is essential for clearing your pet through customs upon arrival in Dubai. Furthermore, you must formally book your pet’s travel with an airline that accepts pets on flights from the UK to Dubai. Many airlines have specific temperature embargoes, so planning for a season-appropriate flight is wise.
On arrival at Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), your pet will be taken to the airport’s quarantine facility. You, or your appointed agent, will need to present the original versions of all documents to the officials. This includes the APHA-endorsed health certificate, the import permit, the rabies certificate, and the titre test report. After verification and a brief inspection, your pet will be cleared for release. By methodically working through this checklist and respecting all timelines, your pet relocation UK to Dubai can be concluded smoothly, allowing your entire family to settle quickly into your new life in the UAE.
Image: Unsplash, Lauren Guardala
