Bringing a dog or cat from Canada to the United Arab Emirates
Under the United Arab Emirates's rules, pets from Canada are in the group “All countries (titer test assumed)”. A dog from Canada needs a microchip, a rabies vaccine, a rabies titer test, an import permit and an official health certificate. There is no quarantine if every rule is met. Plan for 21 days from the first vaccine to arrival.
About the United Arab Emirates: Every pet needs a MOCCAE import permit (valid 30 days) and must arrive as manifested cargo; pets from countries not on MOCCAE's low-risk list also need a rabies titer test. Strict limit of 2 pets per person per year and a long list of banned dog breeds.
All countries (titer test assumed) Permit and long wait
- Titer test
- Required
- Wait after blood test
- —
- Import permit
- Required
- Quarantine
- None if rules are met
Minimum preparation: 21 days from the first rabies vaccine to arrival.
Step by step
Microchip, then vaccinate
ISO microchip, then rabies vaccine at 12 weeks or older, at least 21 days before travel, plus the core vaccines listed for low-risk countries.
Rabies titer test
Blood sample at an approved lab at least 21 days after a first vaccination, within 12 months before travel. Result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Get the MOCCAE import permit
Apply online with MOCCAE once the flight is booked. The permit is valid 30 days.
Treat for parasites
Internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days before travel, recorded on the certificate.
Official health certificate and cargo booking
Government-endorsed health certificate including the titer result, and a manifested-cargo booking.
Pets without a valid titer result may be held in quarantine or refused at the owner's expense.
Good to know
- Cats
- Same documents as dogs, with feline core vaccines (panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus). No banned cat breeds; hybrid/wild-type cats (e.g. Bengal, Savannah) reportedly need extra pedigree proof.
- Banned breeds
- American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Tibetan Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Boerboel, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Bully Kutta, Perro de Presa Canario, Tosa, Crosses/hybrids of any of these
- How many pets
- 2 pets per person per year (2 dogs, 2 cats, or 1 of each).
- Parasite treatment
- Internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days before travel, recorded on the health certificate.
- Arrival
- Manifested cargo only (no in-cabin or excess baggage). Usually via Dubai or Abu Dhabi airports.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to bring a dog from Canada to the United Arab Emirates?
Canada counts as "All countries (titer test assumed)" for the United Arab Emirates. Starting from a pet with no rabies vaccine, the minimum is 21 days: rabies vaccine, a blood test at least 21 days later, then the waiting period before arrival.
Does my pet need a rabies titer test to travel from Canada to the United Arab Emirates?
Yes. The blood sample must be taken at least 21 days after the rabies vaccine.
Will my pet be quarantined in the United Arab Emirates?
Not if every rule is met. Pets without a valid titer result may be held in quarantine or refused at the owner's expense.
Do I need an import permit?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates requires an import permit.
Are the rules the same for cats?
Same documents as dogs, with feline core vaccines (panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus). No banned cat breeds; hybrid/wild-type cats (e.g. Bengal, Savannah) reportedly need extra pedigree proof.
Sources
- MOCCAE - Import permit for pets (official; blocked to automated access during research)
- USDA APHIS - Pet travel from the US to the UAE (government, secondary)
- NVWA (Netherlands) OVEUV-24 export instructions, dogs and cats to UAE, 1 Apr 2024 (government, secondary)
- Zoovet Travel - UAE pet entry (non-government, secondary)
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-28. Full rules: United Arab Emirates pet import rules.