Dubai pet relocation checklist

The Dubai process is more straightforward than Australia — no quarantine on arrival and a 3–4 month preparation window. However, breed restrictions are strictly enforced and the documentation chain must be complete and error-free before your pet boards.

3–4 months before travel

• Contact Airpets and confirm destination (Dubai-specific — Abu Dhabi uses a different permit system via ADAFSA)
• Confirm your breed is not on the Dubai restricted breeds list
• Confirm your pet is microchipped (ISO 15-digit)
• Ensure rabies vaccination is current and was administered after microchipping
• Ensure core vaccines (DHP for dogs; FVRCP for cats) are up to date or schedule boosters
• Apply for Dubai Municipality dog import permit
• Book airline cargo space: Emirates for direct flights

4–6 weeks before travel

• Confirm import permit has been approved
• Purchase IATA-compliant travel crate in correct size
• Check crate dimensions against Emirates’ specific size chart
• Book Official Veterinarian (OV) appointment for Animal Health Certificate

10 days before travel

• Administer internal and external parasite treatments within 14 days of departure — record on health certificate
• OV issues Animal Health Certificate — valid for 10 days from issue date
• Submit AHC to APHA for endorsement — allow 2–3 working days
• Confirm endorsed AHC has been returned and matches microchip number exactly
• Airpets reviews all documents

Travel day

• No food for 4 hours before check-in; water available until check-in
• Attach labelled water bowl to crate door grill
• Arrive at cargo terminal at least 2 hours before scheduled departure
• Ensure original AHC, import permit, and vaccination records travel with the pet

After arrival

• Airpets’ local UAE partner handles customs clearance at Dubai Cargo Village
• Allow 3–5 hours from flight landing for pet to clear customs
• Register dog with Dubai Municipality (Bur Dubai Veterinary Centre) within required timeframe
• Obtain annual municipal licence — renewal required each year
• Book first health check with UAE vet and transfer microchip registration to UAE database