The UAE requires an import permit from MOCCAE (Ministry of Climate Change and Environment) for all pet dogs and cats. Pets must enter as manifest cargo with a valid microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before arrival, and an endorsed health certificate. Several dog breeds are banned, and the import permit costs 200 AED per pet.
Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before arrival
Original vaccination card or animal passport with microchip ID
Health certificate from licensed vet in country of departure
Pets must enter as manifest cargo only
Banned breeds: Pit Bull, Staffordshire Terrier, various Mastiff breeds, Cane Corso, Boerboel, Japanese Tosa
Import requirements by pet type
Requirements for relocating a pet to United Arab Emirates vary significantly by species. Below are the rules for birds, horses, and exotic pets — dogs and cats are covered in the key requirements above.
Birds
Import permitted
Pet birds can be imported into the UAE under MOCCAE's import service for live animals and birds. You need a MOCCAE import permit (valid 90 days from issuance) and, for release, an attested veterinary health certificate on the approved model. Sanitary conditions depend on the bird type and the exporting country's animal-health status. CITES-listed species (most parrots, raptors) need additional CITES clearance.
Obtain a MOCCAE import permit for the consignment of live animals and birds before shipping (permit valid 90 days from the date of issuance)
On release, present an attested veterinary health certificate issued by the exporting country's competent veterinary authority on the approved import model
Sanitary conditions are set according to the animal type and the animal-health status of the exporting country, per MOCCAE's approved health-certificate models
Certificate of origin issued by the competent authority for commercial consignments (waived for GCC-origin consignments and for animals listed in the CITES annexes)
CITES clearance for protected species (most parrots, raptors) handled via MOCCAE's CITES import service
Veterinary inspection of the consignment at the UAE port of entry before release
Verified against MOCCAE's official 'import for live animals and birds' service page: permit validity is 90 days, an attested veterinary health certificate is required for release, and a certificate of origin is needed for commercial consignments (GCC and CITES-annexed animals exempt). MOCCAE lists a per-bird release fee for ornamental/other birds. Falcons are handled under a separate falcon pathway. Specific avian-influenza/Newcastle freedom periods are set per the exporting country's health certificate and can change; confirm the current model before booking.
Horses
Import permitted
The UAE has major equestrian and racing infrastructure and readily imports horses through MOCCAE's permanent or temporary horse-import service. Importation is allowed only from MOCCAE's list of approved countries. A temporary import permit is valid for ten days. Import requires a laboratory test from the exporting country, the horse passport and vaccination document; release requires an attested veterinary health certificate and a UAE laboratory test.
Obtain a MOCCAE horse import permit (permanent or temporary; the temporary import permit is valid for ten days)
Importation is permitted only from MOCCAE's list of allowed countries
At import stage provide: a copy of the laboratory examination from the exporting country, a copy of the horse passport, a vaccination document, and a copy of the owner's passport / ID
No-objection certificate from the Emirates Arabian Horse Association where the horse is an Arabian
For release (permanent importation): the import permit, an attested veterinary health certificate issued by the exporting country's competent veterinary authorities, and a copy of the laboratory test issued in the UAE
Physical examination, laboratory testing and veterinary clearance at the UAE port of entry before release
Verified against MOCCAE's official 'Import of horses - permanent or temporary' service page: the temporary import permit is valid for ten days, imports are only allowed from approved countries, and the listed documents are the laboratory test, horse passport, vaccination document, owner ID, Emirates Arabian Horse Association NOC, plus an attested health certificate and UAE lab test for release. MOCCAE fees are AED 400 per head to import and AED 500 per head to release. The MOCCAE page does not enumerate a specific named-disease list (e.g. glanders, dourine, EIA); exact tests follow the approved health certificate for your origin country, so confirm the current model before shipping.
Reptiles
Generally not permitted
The UAE prohibits private ownership and import of reptiles as pets. Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 regulating the possession of dangerous animals bans owning, trading or breeding dangerous and exotic animals, including all reptiles such as snakes, lizards and crocodiles, plus spiders and scorpions. Only zoos, wildlife parks, circuses, breeding and research centres may keep them, so private reptile relocation is not realistic.
Private possession and import of reptiles as pets is prohibited under Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 regulating the possession of dangerous animals
Only licensed zoos, wildlife parks, circuses, breeding centres and research institutions may keep such species
Any permitted (institutional) import requires MOCCAE clearance plus CITES certificates for listed species
Violations carry heavy fines (reported in the range of roughly AED 10,000 to 700,000), possible imprisonment and confiscation of the animal
Verified against the UAE Government portal page on Federal Law No. 22 of 2016, which lists all reptiles (including crocodiles, lizards, snakes), spiders and scorpions among the dangerous animals individuals may not own, possess, trade or breed; only zoos, wildlife parks, circuses, breeding and research centres are exempt. Reported fine ranges (about AED 10,000-700,000) come from UAE government and news sources and may change. Because private keeping is prohibited, reptile relocation into the UAE is effectively impractical for ordinary pet owners.
Pet-type requirements researched and last updated June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the destination’s government authority before booking — regulations change frequently.
How much does it cost to ship a pet to United Arab Emirates?
A full-service move to the United Arab Emirates typically costs $2,370–$5,610 for a medium dog, covering the airline cargo fee, IATA crate, vet and USDA documents, rabies titer test, import permit, customs clearance. Typical process time: 7–10 days.
