RELOCATION - EXPORTING PETS FROM THE UAE

If you are leaving the UAE and moving your pet to another country, it is always important to know what the requirements are concerning transportation, quarantine, and pet health at your destination. These rules vary from country to country. However, most countries require rabies vaccination and a health certificate that is usually prepared by your pet’s veterinarian or a certified governmental veterinarian. In most cases, your pet should also have a microchip. For some countries, you have to apply for an import permit, while others might impose quarantine on your animal.

For specific information, please contact the relevant ministry at your destination country or contact a relocation agency.

UAE REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPORT

Regardless of the requirements at the destination country, you will need an export permit in order for your pet to leave the UAE. To obtain this export permit, a government veterinarian at the Cargo Village of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah international airports must examine your pet at least 5 days prior to departure.

This certificate will be issued immediately and is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Documents to be submitted include a copy of the owner’s passport, a copy of your pet’s vaccination certificate showing rabies vaccination (older than 30 days but not older than 1 year), and a microchip number.

PET TRANSPORTATION

Airlines

Most airlines will transport your pet as cargo and some will allow you to have your animal with you on board. Unfortunately, if your pet is larger than a small dog, you are not allowed to take it with you in the cabin. You also have to remember that airlines that accept pets for transportation have specific regulations concerning their passage, regardless of whether these pets are accompanied or unaccompanied. It is highly advisable to enquire well in advance of departure as the number of pets permitted on each flight is strictly limited and pet approval is granted on a first-come-first-serve basis. Make sure that you ask about transportation charges and pet insurance. Costs vary from one airline to another; therefore, you have to contact your airline for full details.

If your pet is to travel in the cabin, take it with you when you check-in. If your pet travels as air freight, it must be delivered to the freight terminal in time to assure inclusion on your flight. Should your trip require a transfer between airlines, check pet regulations of the second airline in advance to be sure that pets are carried. There is no thorough checking of pets between airlines, so it will be your responsibility to make sure that connections are made at the transfer point.

Travel Box

With the exception of guide dogs, the pet will need to be contained in a travel box throughout the entire trip. It is important that your pet can stand, sit, turn around and lie down comfortably. Depending on whether your animal will travel in a passenger cabin or as airfreight the box requirements will vary. Keep in mind that there are strict specifications about travel box requirements that must meet International Air Transportation Association (IATA) standards. We sell IATA-approved transport boxes for both cats and dogs at our Centre.

For more information or how to start the process please email us at rakawc@psd.rak.ae