Export Your Pet
From Dubai.
Done Correctly.
Exporting a pet from Dubai requires a UAE MOCCAE export permit, a valid health certificate, current vaccinations, ISO microchip compliance, and destination country import approval. The process takes 3-8 weeks for most routes. Foufoufly manages every document, every authority, and every deadline on your behalf.
What Is Pet Export from Dubai?
Pet export from Dubai is the regulated process of moving your pet out of the UAE to another country. It is not simply booking a flight. It involves compliance with two separate government systems: the UAE authorities on the export side, and the destination country's biosecurity authority on the import side.
Dubai has one of the most internationally mobile populations in the world. Every year, thousands of families leave the UAE with pets acquired during their time here. Whether you are relocating to the UK, returning to Australia, or moving to the USA, the export process has distinct requirements that must be completed in the correct order and within strict timeframes.
Getting any step wrong can mean your pet is refused entry at the destination, placed in quarantine at your expense, or returned to Dubai. Foufoufly has managed hundreds of Dubai export relocations with a zero rejection record. See our service options or how our process works.
Expats leaving Dubai, returning nationals, corporate relocations, families moving abroad, and anyone who acquired a pet during their time in the UAE.
UAE MOCCAE export requirements on one side. Destination country biosecurity and import requirements on the other. Both must be managed simultaneously.
Most routes need 3-8 weeks of preparation. Australia and New Zealand require 4-6 months minimum due to mandatory quarantine and strict biosecurity rules.
We manage every permit, every vet appointment, every government endorsement, and every airline cargo booking from start to finish. You focus on your move.
Pet Export Requirements from Dubai
Every pet export from Dubai requires two sets of documents: UAE export documents and destination country import documents. Both must be valid and aligned before your pet can travel. Select your destination below for the specific requirements.
These documents are required for every pet leaving Dubai regardless of destination. They form the UAE export compliance layer.
Mandatory permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Required for all pets leaving the UAE. Apply online at moccae.gov.ae at least 2-3 weeks before travel.
Issued by a MOCCAE-accredited veterinarian in Dubai. Must be issued within 10 days of travel. Confirms the pet is healthy, vaccinated, and fit to travel.
ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip number must match across all documents exactly. Foufoufly verifies this before any submission is made.
Rabies vaccination must be current and recorded against the microchip number. Additional vaccines depend on destination country requirements.
Required for most destinations. Blood test from an OIE-approved laboratory confirming rabies antibody level of 0.5 IU/ml or above. Must be timed correctly relative to vaccination date.
Airlines require a crate that meets IATA Live Animal Regulations. Correct sizing, ventilation, labelling, and water provision. Foufoufly supplies IATA-approved crates.
The UK has specific post-Brexit import requirements for pets from the UAE. Planning must start at least 4-6 weeks before travel for a documented pet.
| Requirement | Detail | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| ISO Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 compliant | Must be in place before all other docs |
| Rabies Vaccination | Must be current and recorded post-microchip | Before titre test |
| Rabies Titre Test | 0.5 IU/ml minimum from OIE-approved lab | Min 30 days after vaccination |
| 3-Month Wait | Mandatory waiting period after successful titre test | 3 months from test date |
| Animal Health Certificate (AHC) | Issued by Official Veterinarian, endorsed by APHA | Within 10 days of travel |
| Tapeworm Treatment | Dogs only. Must be treated 1-5 days before arrival in UK | 1-5 days before travel |
| MOCCAE Export Permit | UAE government export permit | 2-3 weeks before travel |
Australia has the strictest pet import biosecurity rules in the world. Dubai to Australia is one of the most complex routes we manage. Planning must start a minimum of 4-6 months before travel.
| Requirement | Detail | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| ISO Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 compliant | Before all other documents |
| Rabies Vaccination | Must be current and post-microchip | Before titre test |
| Rabies Titre Test | 0.5 IU/ml minimum from DAFF-approved lab | Min 30 days after vaccination |
| 180-Day Wait | Mandatory 180-day residency period in approved country | Must be met before travel |
| DAFF Import Permit | Australian Department of Agriculture import permit | Apply months in advance |
| Health Certificate | Issued by MOCCAE-accredited vet, endorsed by DAFF | Within 10 days of travel |
| Mandatory Quarantine | 10 days at DAFF-approved quarantine facility in Melbourne or Sydney | On arrival in Australia |
| Parasite Treatment | Treatment for specified parasites required pre-travel | Per DAFF schedule |
The USA has relatively straightforward pet import requirements compared to Australia and the UK, but CDC requirements changed significantly in 2024 and must be followed precisely.
| Requirement | Detail | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| ISO Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 or 125 kHz chip accepted | Before health certificate |
| Rabies Vaccination | Must be current. Dog must be vaccinated at least 28 days before arrival | Before travel |
| CDC Dog Import Form | CDC Dog Import Form required for dogs. Submit online before travel. | At least 2 days before arrival |
| USDA Health Certificate | Endorsed by USDA APHIS. Issued by accredited vet. | Within 10 days of travel |
| MOCCAE Export Permit | UAE export permit | 2-3 weeks before travel |
EU member states follow the same EU pet import regulations. Non-EU countries like Switzerland and Norway have similar but distinct rules. The process is typically 4-6 weeks for a documented pet.
| Requirement | Detail | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| ISO Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 compliant | Before all documents |
| Rabies Vaccination | Must be current and recorded post-microchip | Before titre test |
| Rabies Titre Test | 0.5 IU/ml minimum from EU-approved laboratory | Min 30 days after vaccination |
| 3-Month Wait | Mandatory waiting period after successful titre test | 3 months from test date |
| EU Health Certificate | Specific EU format issued by official vet | Within 10 days of travel |
| MOCCAE Export Permit | UAE export permit | 2-3 weeks before travel |
Our Pet Export Process: Step by Step
Foufoufly manages the entire export process from the moment you contact us to the moment your pet arrives safely at your destination. Here is exactly what happens, in order.
We review your pet's current documentation status, breed, destination country, and travel date. We identify every document required, every deadline, and the total cost. This takes 15 minutes and costs nothing.
Free. No obligation.We review everything your pet currently has: microchip compliance, vaccination records, titre test status, and any existing permits. We identify exactly what is missing and build a precise timeline working backwards from your departure date.
Timeline mapping includedIf your destination requires a rabies titre test, we coordinate with an OIE or destination-country approved laboratory. We book the blood sample collection, track results, and calculate your earliest eligible travel date based on the mandatory waiting period.
OIE lab coordinationFor countries that require advance import permits (Australia, some EU states), we manage the full application to the destination country's biosecurity authority. This includes DAFF for Australia, USDA for USA, and APHA for the UK.
All countries coveredWe apply for and manage the UAE MOCCAE export permit on your behalf. We handle all submissions, follow up with the Ministry, and collect the approved permit. You make no government calls.
Fully managedWe book your MOCCAE-accredited veterinarian appointment in Dubai, prepare all documentation for the appointment, manage the health certificate issuance, and where required, manage government endorsement by the destination country authority. Every document is triple-checked.
Triple verificationWe book your pet's cargo space with an airline that meets our strict standards for pet safety and comfort. We supply the IATA-compliant crate in the correct size, prepare the full consignment package, and confirm acceptance with the airline cargo team before travel day.
IATA crate suppliedWe handle check-in at Dubai airport, send you photo updates throughout the journey, and coordinate with our destination country partner agents to manage arrival, customs clearance, and delivery. For White Glove tier clients, a dedicated flight nanny accompanies your pet.
WhatsApp updates throughoutPet Export Routes from Dubai
Foufoufly manages pet exports from Dubai to over 20 countries worldwide. Below are the most common routes, their typical timelines, and complexity levels. Every route has different requirements and we tailor the process accordingly.
AHC certificate, tapeworm treatment for dogs, APHA endorsement, titre test required. Most common export route.
180-day residency requirement, mandatory 10-day quarantine in Melbourne or Sydney, DAFF approval. Start planning immediately.
CDC Dog Import Form, USDA-endorsed health certificate, rabies vaccination minimum 28 days before arrival.
CFIA import requirements, valid rabies vaccination, health certificate. Relatively straightforward for documented pets.
EU format health certificate, titre test, 3-month wait after titre test. Same rules apply to Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands.
QIAS import permit, specific health certificate format, titre test. Direct flights available via Korean Air.
Similar to Australia. MPI import permit, mandatory quarantine, strict biosecurity. Very early planning required.
AVS import licence, specific health certificate, titre test required. Licensed importer required in Singapore.
EU format health certificate, titre test, 3-month wait. Same EU rules as France. Specific breed restrictions apply.
Full Route Timeline Summary
| Route | Timeline (documented pet) | Timeline (needs titre test) | Quarantine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai to UK | 3-5 weeks | 4-5 months | No |
| Dubai to Australia | 4-6 months | 6-8 months | Yes, 10 days |
| Dubai to USA | 3-5 weeks | 4-5 months | No |
| Dubai to Canada | 3-5 weeks | 4-5 months | No |
| Dubai to France | 4-6 weeks | 4-5 months | No |
| Dubai to Germany | 4-6 weeks | 4-5 months | No |
| Dubai to South Korea | 4-8 weeks | 5-6 months | No |
| Dubai to New Zealand | 5-8 months | 7-9 months | Yes, 10 days |
| Dubai to Singapore | 4-6 weeks | 4-5 months | No |
Timeline and Cost: Pet Export from Dubai
Two questions every pet owner asks: how long will it take, and how much will it cost. The honest answers depend on your destination, your pet's current documentation status, and the service level you choose.
How Long Does Pet Export from Dubai Take?
The timeline is driven by three variables: the destination country's requirements, whether your pet has a current titre test, and the mandatory waiting periods built into the process. The titre test waiting period is the most common cause of delays.
| What Affects Your Timeline | Time Added |
|---|---|
| Pet has no titre test and needs one | Add 4-5 months: 30 days post-vaccination wait, lab processing, plus 3-month post-titre wait |
| Australia or New Zealand destination | Minimum 4-6 months regardless of documentation |
| Destination requires advance import permit | Add 4-8 weeks for permit processing |
| Government health certificate endorsement | Add 3-10 working days depending on country |
| Pet has all documents current | 3-5 weeks for most destinations |
How Much Does Pet Export from Dubai Cost?
Foufoufly offers three service tiers for pet exports from Dubai. All tiers include our zero-rejection documentation guarantee. View our full services page for complete tier comparisons.
- Export documentation guidance
- MOCCAE export permit management
- Destination country requirements mapping
- Health certificate support
- Airline requirements checklist
- Everything in Essentials
- Full airline cargo booking
- IATA-compliant crate supplied
- Dubai airport handling
- Destination partner coordination
- WhatsApp updates throughout
- Everything in Managed
- Dedicated flight nanny
- Door-to-door collection in Dubai
- Destination home delivery
- Post-arrival registration support
- Priority 24/7 WhatsApp access
Additional Costs to Budget For
AED 400-900 depending on laboratory used. External cost paid directly to the lab. Foufoufly coordinates booking and sample collection.
Approximately AED 200-400 paid directly to the UAE government. Foufoufly manages the application and submission.
APHA (UK), USDA (USA), DAFF (Australia) endorsement fees vary by country. Typically GBP 80-150 or equivalent. Foufoufly advises exact fees per route.
For Dubai to Australia routes, mandatory 10-day quarantine in Melbourne or Sydney. Budget AUD 2,000-4,000 paid to DAFF directly.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pet Export from Dubai
For most destinations, exporting a pet from Dubai takes 3-5 weeks if your pet has a current titre test and all vaccinations are up to date. If your pet still needs a titre test, add 4-5 months to account for the 30-day post-vaccination wait, lab processing time, and the mandatory 3-month waiting period. Australia and New Zealand require a minimum of 4-6 months regardless of documentation status due to mandatory quarantine requirements.
Every pet export from Dubai requires a MOCCAE export permit, a UAE health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, ISO 11784/11785 microchip compliance, current vaccinations including rabies, and a rabies titre test for most destinations. Destination-specific documents include a UK Animal Health Certificate with APHA endorsement, a USDA-endorsed health certificate for the USA, or DAFF approval for Australia. Foufoufly manages all of these documents on your behalf.
There is no quarantine required in Dubai for pets leaving the UAE. However, your destination country may require quarantine on arrival. Australia requires mandatory 10-day quarantine at a government-approved facility in Melbourne or Sydney. New Zealand also requires mandatory quarantine. The UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany, and most other destinations do not require quarantine for pets with complete documentation.
Pet export from Dubai costs between AED 4,000 and AED 25,000 through Foufoufly depending on the destination, pet size, and service level chosen. The Essentials tier starts from AED 4,000 for documentation management. The Managed tier starts from AED 8,000 and includes airline booking, crate supply, and airport handling. The White Glove tier starts from AED 15,000 and includes a dedicated flight nanny and door-to-door service. Additional external costs include the titre test (AED 400-900), MOCCAE permit fee (AED 200-400), and Australia quarantine fees (AUD 2,000-4,000) where applicable. Contact us for a precise quote.
Most dog breeds can be exported from Dubai to any destination. However, some destination countries have their own breed-specific restrictions that apply on arrival. The UK restricts XL Bullies and several other breeds. Some EU countries restrict Pit Bull Terriers and related breeds. Additionally, snub-nosed or brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats face airline cargo restrictions due to breathing risks. Foufoufly assesses your pet's breed against destination country rules before starting any process.
For most international routes from Dubai, pets travel as manifest cargo rather than in the passenger cabin. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and British Airways do not allow pets in the passenger cabin on international routes. Etihad Airways and some European carriers allow small pets (under 8kg including carrier) in the cabin. For the White Glove service tier, Foufoufly provides a dedicated flight nanny who travels on the same flight as your pet and provides updates throughout the journey. See our services page for full details.
Your Pet Deserves
a Calm Departure.
Free assessment. We review your pet's documentation, map out the exact timeline, and give you a clear quote. No obligation, no pressure. Response within 24 hours.
Free assessment. No spam. No obligation. We respond within 24 hours.