Exporting Your Pet from Dubai: The Complete Guide
Exporting a pet from Dubai requires a MOCCAE export permit, a UAE health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, current vaccinations, ISO microchip compliance, a rabies titre test for most destinations, and destination country import approval. The process takes 3-6 weeks for most routes for a fully documented pet. Australia and New Zealand require a minimum of 4-6 months. Foufoufly manages the entire process with zero rejections across 500 relocations.
Overview: Exporting Your Pet from Dubai
Moving out of Dubai with your pet is one of the most common scenarios we manage at Foufoufly. The UAE has one of the world's largest expatriate populations, and every year thousands of families leave Dubai for the UK, Australia, USA, Canada, France, Germany, and beyond, bringing pets they acquired during their time in the UAE.
Exporting a pet from Dubai is a regulated, two-part compliance process. On the UAE side, MOCCAE (the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment) governs the export permit and outbound health certification. On the destination country side, each country's biosecurity authority sets its own import requirements, documentation formats, and in some cases, mandatory quarantine rules.
Both sides must be managed simultaneously. The UAE export documents and the destination country import documents have different timelines, different authorities, and different deadlines. Missing any one step can result in your pet being refused entry at the destination or held at an airport facility at significant cost.
Required Documents for Pet Export from Dubai
Every pet export from Dubai requires two sets of documents: UAE export documents and destination country import documents. Both must be complete, valid, and consistent with each other before your pet travels.
UAE Export Documents (Required for Every Destination)
Mandatory permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Required for every pet leaving the UAE. Apply online at moccae.gov.ae at least 2-3 weeks before travel. Foufoufly manages this entire application.
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 fly. Foufoufly books the vet appointment and prepares all documents for the visit.
ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip at 134.2 kHz. The microchip number must match across all UAE and destination country documents exactly. A single mismatch causes rejection at either end.
Rabies vaccination must be current and recorded against the microchip number. Additional vaccines required depend on destination country rules. All records must be in English or accompanied by certified translation.
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. 3-month mandatory wait applies after a passing result. See our titre test guide for full details.
Airlines require a crate meeting IATA Live Animal Regulations. Correct sizing, ventilation, labelling, and water provision are mandatory. Foufoufly supplies IATA-approved crates in all sizes as part of the Managed and White Glove service tiers.
Step-by-Step Pet Export Process from Dubai
Here is the exact sequence of steps for exporting your pet from Dubai. The order matters. Steps cannot be skipped or rearranged without causing delays or rejections.
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1Free Export Assessment with Foufoufly. We review your pet's breed, current documentation status, destination country, and your departure date. We identify every document required on both the UAE and destination side, every deadline, and the full cost. This is free and takes 15 minutes.
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2ISO Microchip Verification. We confirm your pet has an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip. If the microchip number on your existing documents has any inconsistency across records, we identify and resolve this before any submissions are made.
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3Vaccination Audit. We verify all vaccinations are current and correctly recorded against the microchip number. We flag any upcoming expiry dates that would cause issues during the export process and coordinate booster appointments with your Dubai vet if needed.
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4Titre Test Coordination (if required). For destinations requiring a titre test (UK, EU, Australia, USA, Canada, and most others), we coordinate the blood sample with your vet and arrange shipment to the correct OIE-approved laboratory. We track results and calculate your earliest eligible departure date based on the 3-month waiting period. If your titre test is already current and valid, this step is not needed.
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5Destination Country Import Permit (if required). For Australia, New Zealand, and several other destinations, an advance import permit from the destination country authority must be obtained before travel. We manage this application in full: DAFF for Australia, MPI for New Zealand, and country-specific authorities for all other destinations.
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6MOCCAE Export Permit Application. We prepare and submit the full MOCCAE export permit application on your behalf, compiling all supporting documents, submitting to the UAE Ministry, following up daily, and delivering the approved permit to you. Processed in 3-7 working days for a complete application.
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7UAE Health Certificate and Government Endorsement. We book your MOCCAE-accredited vet appointment in Dubai, prepare all documentation, manage the health certificate issuance, and where required by the destination country, arrange for a UAE government endorsement of the certificate. Every document is triple-verified before travel day.
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8Airline Cargo Booking and Crate Preparation. We book your pet's cargo space on an airline that meets our standards for pet safety and cargo handling. We supply the IATA-compliant crate in the correct size, prepare all consignment documents, and confirm airline acceptance before travel day.
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9Dubai Airport Check-In and Departure. We brief you exactly on how to check in your pet at Dubai airport. For White Glove tier clients, a dedicated flight nanny accompanies your pet on the flight. WhatsApp photo updates are sent throughout.
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10Destination Arrival and Clearance. We coordinate with our destination country partner agents to manage arrival customs clearance, veterinary inspection, and where applicable, quarantine check-in. For Australia and New Zealand, we manage the full quarantine booking with DAFF or MPI.
Get Your Free Export Assessment Today
Tell us your destination, pet details, and departure date. We will map out every document, every deadline, and give you a clear quote within 24 hours.
WhatsApp Us NowPet Export Routes from Dubai
Foufoufly manages pet exports from Dubai to over 20 countries. Below are the most common destination countries with their complexity level and typical timeline for a fully documented pet.
AHC certificate, tapeworm treatment for dogs (1-5 days before arrival), APHA endorsement. Most common export route.
DAFF import permit, 180-day residency requirement, mandatory 10-day quarantine on arrival. Start planning immediately.
USDA-endorsed health certificate, CDC Dog Import Form for dogs, rabies vaccination minimum 28 days before USA arrival.
CFIA import requirements, valid rabies vaccination, CFIA-endorsed health certificate. Relatively straightforward.
EU format health certificate, titre test with 3-month wait. Same rules apply to Germany, Spain, Italy, and all EU member states.
EU format health certificate, titre test. Some German breed restriction laws apply on arrival for certain breeds.
MPI import permit, mandatory quarantine on arrival, strict biosecurity. Similar complexity to Australia. Very early planning essential.
AVS import licence required, specific health certificate format, titre test required. Licensed importer needed in Singapore.
Destination Country Requirements in Detail
Dubai to UK
The UK is the most common export destination for Dubai-based pets. The process is well-established and Foufoufly has managed hundreds of Dubai to UK relocations.
| Requirement | Detail | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| ISO Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 compliant | Must be in place before all documents |
| Rabies Vaccination | Current and recorded post-microchip | Before titre test |
| Rabies Titre Test | 0.5 IU/ml minimum from APHA or OIE-approved lab | Min 30 days after vaccination, 3-month wait after result |
| Animal Health Certificate (AHC) | Issued by Official Vet, endorsed by APHA | Within 10 days of travel |
| Tapeworm Treatment (dogs only) | Praziquantel treatment by vet, recorded in AHC | 1-5 days before UK arrival. Not before 24 hours. |
| MOCCAE Export Permit | UAE government export permit | Apply 2-3 weeks before travel |
Dubai to Australia
Dubai to Australia is the most complex pet export route we manage. The Australian government has the strictest biosecurity rules in the world. Planning must start a minimum of 4-6 months before your departure date.
| Requirement | Detail | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| ISO Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 compliant | Before all documents |
| Rabies Vaccination | Current and post-microchip | Before titre test |
| Rabies Titre Test | 0.5 IU/ml minimum from DAFF-approved lab | Min 30 days post-vaccination, 3-month wait after result |
| 180-Day Residency | Pet must have resided in an approved country for 180 days | Must be satisfied before travel |
| DAFF Import Permit | Australian Department of Agriculture import permit | Apply months in advance |
| UAE Health Certificate | MOCCAE-accredited vet, endorsed per DAFF requirements | Within 10 days of travel |
| Parasite Treatments | Specified treatments at specific intervals before travel | Per DAFF treatment schedule |
| Mandatory Quarantine | 10 days at DAFF-approved facility in Melbourne or Sydney | On arrival in Australia |
| MOCCAE Export Permit | UAE government export permit | 2-3 weeks before travel |
Dubai to USA
| Requirement | Detail | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| ISO or 125 kHz Microchip | US accepts both ISO and 125 kHz chips | Before all documents |
| Rabies Vaccination | Must be current. Dogs must be vaccinated min 28 days before USA arrival. | Before travel |
| CDC Dog Import Form | Mandatory for dogs. Submit online before travel via CDC portal. | At least 2 days before arrival |
| USDA APHIS Health Certificate | Endorsed by USDA APHIS. Issued by accredited vet in Dubai. | Within 10 days of travel |
| MOCCAE Export Permit | UAE export permit | 2-3 weeks before travel |
Dubai to France and EU Member States
| Requirement | Detail | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| ISO Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 compliant | Before all documents |
| Rabies Vaccination | Current and post-microchip | Before titre test |
| Rabies Titre Test | 0.5 IU/ml minimum from EU-approved OIE lab | Min 30 days post-vaccination, 3-month wait after result |
| EU Format 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 |
Export Timeline by Route
The timeline for exporting your pet from Dubai depends on two things: the destination country's requirements and whether your pet already has a current titre test. The titre test process is the single largest timeline variable for most routes.
| Route | Documented Pet | 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 New Zealand | 5-8 months | 7-9 months | Yes, 10 days |
| Dubai to Singapore | 4-6 weeks | 4-5 months | No |
| Dubai to South Korea | 4-8 weeks | 5-6 months | No |
Airline Policies for Pets Departing Dubai
Most international routes from Dubai require pets to travel as manifest cargo rather than in the cabin. Understanding each airline's policy before booking is essential.
| Airline | Cabin | Cargo | Key Routes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | No | Yes | All international routes | All pets travel as manifest cargo via Emirates SkyCargo. No cabin pets on international flights. |
| Etihad Airways | Small pets | Yes | All international routes | Cats and small dogs under 8kg including carrier allowed in cabin. Larger pets as cargo. |
| British Airways | No | Yes | Dubai to London | Via IAG Cargo. No cabin pets on international routes from Dubai. |
| Lufthansa | Small pets | Yes | Dubai to Germany and Europe | Small pets under 8kg allowed in cabin. Larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo. |
| Air France | Small pets | Yes | Dubai to France and Europe | Pets under 8kg in cabin. Larger pets as cargo. Specific crate dimensions apply. |
| Qatar Airways | No | Yes | All international routes | Via Qatar Airways cargo. No cabin pets on international routes. |
Breed Restrictions at the Destination
While most breeds can be exported from Dubai without issues on the UAE side, destination countries have their own breed-specific restrictions that apply on arrival. These vary significantly by country and must be checked before starting the documentation process.
| Destination | Restricted or Banned Breeds |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | XL Bully (banned since February 2024), Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro |
| Australia | American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Perro de Presa Canario |
| Germany | State-specific rules. Some German states restrict Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and Staffordshire Terriers. |
| USA | No federal breed restrictions. Some cities and states have local breed bans. Check destination city rules. |
| France | Category 1 dogs (Pit Bulls, Tosas, Staffordshire Terriers) face strict restrictions. Category 2 (Rottweilers) face regulations. |
| Singapore | Multiple restricted breeds including Pit Bull Terriers, Akitas, and others. Check AVS approved breed list. |
Cost of Exporting Your Pet from Dubai
The cost of exporting your pet from Dubai depends on the destination country, your pet's size, current documentation status, and chosen service tier. Below are indicative total cost ranges including Foufoufly service fees and typical external costs combined.
| Route | Essentials | Managed | White Glove |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai to UK | AED 8-13k | AED 13-20k | AED 22-30k |
| Dubai to Australia | AED 14-20k | AED 20-30k | AED 30-40k |
| Dubai to USA | AED 9-14k | AED 14-22k | AED 22-32k |
| Dubai to Canada | AED 9-14k | AED 14-22k | AED 22-32k |
| Dubai to France / EU | AED 8-12k | AED 12-18k | AED 20-28k |
| Dubai to New Zealand | AED 16-22k | AED 22-32k | AED 32-45k |
| Dubai to Singapore | AED 9-13k | AED 13-20k | AED 20-28k |
These figures include Foufoufly service fees and typical external costs (titre test, MOCCAE export permit, health certificate, crate). Australian and New Zealand quarantine fees (AUD 2,000-4,000) are additional. For a precise written quote, contact us on WhatsApp with your destination and pet details. See our full cost guide for a complete breakdown of all cost factors.
How Foufoufly Manages Your Pet's Export from Dubai
Foufoufly is Dubai's only dedicated premium pet relocation concierge. We are physically based in Dubai, which means we have established relationships with MOCCAE-accredited vets, direct contacts at Dubai airport cargo facilities, and on-the-ground knowledge of how UAE export processes actually work in practice.
What Sets Foufoufly Apart
- Dubai-based and locally licensed. No major international competitor has a physical Dubai operation. We attend MOCCAE in person, know the inspectors, and understand how the system works from the inside.
- Zero rejections across 500 relocations. Our pre-submission document audit eliminates the errors that cause rejections, delays, and airport holds.
- End-to-end management. We do not hand off to third parties. From your first free assessment to your pet's arrival at the destination, Foufoufly manages every step directly.
- Transparent pricing. Complete written cost breakdown before any work begins. No surprise invoices.
- Real-time updates. WhatsApp photos throughout the journey. You always know exactly where your pet is.
- Named person, not a call centre. Sam Jamal personally oversees every Foufoufly client relationship. You have a direct contact, not a ticketing system.
We recently managed the export of three cats from Dubai to Edinburgh, UK for a family that had lived in Dubai for 8 years. Two of the cats needed their titre tests updated and one had a microchip number discrepancy across their vet records that would have caused a MOCCAE rejection. Foufoufly identified and resolved the discrepancy, coordinated the titre tests, managed the MOCCAE application, and all three cats arrived safely at Edinburgh airport within 6 weeks of our first call.
Your Pet Deserves a Smooth Departure
Free assessment. We map out every document, every deadline, and every cost. Response within 24 hours. Zero obligation.
Get Free Export AssessmentFrequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to export my pet from Dubai?
Every pet export from Dubai requires a MOCCAE export permit, a UAE health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a MOCCAE-accredited vet, ISO 11784/11785 microchip compliance, current vaccinations including rabies, a rabies titre test for most destinations, and an IATA-compliant travel crate. Destination-specific documents such as the UK Animal Health Certificate, USDA endorsement, or Australian DAFF permit are additional requirements on top of the UAE export documents.
How long does it take to export a pet from Dubai?
For a fully documented pet, most routes take 3-6 weeks. If your pet needs a rabies titre test, add 4-5 months for the 30-day post-vaccination wait, lab processing, and mandatory 3-month waiting period. Dubai to Australia takes a minimum of 4-6 months due to the DAFF permit process and 180-day residency requirement. Dubai to New Zealand takes 5-8 months minimum. See our titre test guide for the detailed timeline breakdown.
Does my pet need quarantine when leaving Dubai?
There is no quarantine required in Dubai for pets leaving the UAE. However, destination countries may require quarantine on arrival. Australia requires mandatory 10-day quarantine at a government-approved facility in Melbourne or Sydney at a cost of AUD 2,000-4,000. 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.
Can I take my pet on the plane with me when leaving Dubai?
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 cabin on international flights. Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France 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.
How much does it cost to export a pet from Dubai?
Pet export from Dubai through Foufoufly costs between AED 8,000 and AED 40,000 depending on destination, pet size, and service tier. Managed tier starts from AED 13,000 for most routes. White Glove starts from AED 20,000. Australian and New Zealand quarantine fees of AUD 2,000-4,000 are additional. See our complete cost guide for a full breakdown by route.
What is the MOCCAE export permit and how do I get it?
The MOCCAE export permit is a mandatory government permit issued by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Every pet leaving the UAE must have one. It is applied for online at moccae.gov.ae and typically takes 3-7 working days to process. Foufoufly manages the entire application, submission, and follow-up process on your behalf as part of every service tier. See our MOCCAE permit guide for full details.
What breeds are restricted at the destination country?
Breed restrictions vary significantly by destination. The UK bans XL Bullies and several other breeds. Australia bans American Pit Bull Terriers and related breeds. France restricts Category 1 and 2 dogs including Pit Bulls and Rottweilers. Germany has state-specific breed laws. The USA has no federal restrictions but some cities and states have local breed bans. Foufoufly assesses breed eligibility against destination country rules before starting any documentation process.