Dubai Pet Travel: Vital Docs and Vaccines

Traveling across international borders is a privilege. A privilege that allows individuals to visit and experience new places. Pets being a part of the family also deserve to take part in such opportunities. Moreover, it will be a pain for both parties to leave them at home while you stay out of the country for months or years.

These are enough reasons to take your furry companions on your journey into and out of Dubai. This must sound like an exciting adventure with them. However, it is not devoid of formalities and paperwork. Knowing these basics is essential to ensure a seamless travel experience in this Arab city.

Essential Documents and Vaccinations for Pets in Dubai

The UAE classifies countries as either low-risk or high-risk when it comes to Rabies infections. Understanding the country of origin’s status is a must in navigating these requirements. Consult any pet relocation services Dubai to get a detailed list of this classification. 

• Micro Chipping: The pet has to be microchipped with an ISO 11784 microchip, by a veterinary doctor, hospital, or a trained nurse. Make sure that the microchip is implanted before any vaccinations. This 15-digit, non-encrypted microchip also has to be registered in the pet’s passport with the owner’s contact information. This is an essential document for the identification of the pet. 

• Rabies vaccination: As mentioned earlier the classification of the country of export matters at this stage. Generally, both cats and dogs need to have anti-rabies vaccination that has been injected 21 days before arrival and within 1 year. A certificate that specifically states the manufacturer, batch number, date of administration, and validity of the vaccination needs to be carried along the journey. In the case of countries categorised as high risk for rabies infection an additional test known as Titer test needs to be conducted. If the vaccinations are regular there is no waiting period to conduct the test. Otherwise, a period of 21 days should pass between vaccination and the Antibody Titration Test. The test results need to be recorded in a health certificate as stipulated by the authorities. Assistance from any pet relocation services in Dubai can be helpful if you find these procedures confusing. 
• Other vaccinations: For dogs Canine Distemper Virus, Canine Parvovirus, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, and Leptospirosis are the potential viruses against which vaccination has to be ensured. In the case of cats, such a list includes Feline Pan Leukopenia, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Rhinotracheitis. Please obtain vaccination certificates as in the case of Rabies. 
• Health Certificate: A health certificate attesting that the pet is healthy and free of contagious diseases for safe transportation, has to be obtained. If the pet is entering Dubai from the US the certificate also has to be endorsed by the United States Department of Agriculture. The validity of these certificates is ten days. So plan and obtain these certificates so that they stay valid by the time of import. 
• Treatment for Internal and External Parasites: Before 10 days of shipment make a consultation with a veterinary clinic and treat for anti-external parasites and do the deworming. 
• Import Permit/Re-Entry Card: In case of relocating to Dubai with a pet apply for an import permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. All the above-mentioned certifications might be required while submitting an online application for an import permit. Keep in mind that you can only list two pets per permit. To take more than two you will require extra permits. In case you are coming back to UAE after visiting another country, in place of an Import permit you may need a Re-Entry card.

Other than these listed documents you will also have to apply for a release permit upon landing, from MOCCAE by submitting stipulated documents. In the case of other pets like birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small mammals similar regulations exist. Consult with your pet relocation services in Dubai to act accordingly. Also, remember that certain breeds of dogs are banned or restricted in the UAE. Please work with your pet relocation services on the requirements to maintain them in the Arab land. 

When relocating to a new country like the UAE it is natural that the entire documentation appears perplexing. This is where experts like Canadian Veterinary Clinic in Dubai all equipped to customize the journey for you come as a saviour. With our expertise in pet handling, efficient documentation, and pet-friendly travel arrangements we ensure that a comfortable relocation is availed for your furry companions.