Flying private to the UAE with your dog or cat
A private jet makes the journey easier for a pet, but it does not change the import rules. Every dog or cat needs an import permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) before travel.
- Import permit
- MOCCAE, valid 30 days
- Minimum age
- 15 weeks at import
- Rabies antibody test
- Required
- Limit
- 2 pets a year
How pet import works
Yes, if the dog meets the UAE import rules: a MOCCAE import permit (valid for 30 days), a microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, a rabies antibody test result of at least 0.5, the core vaccines and a veterinary health certificate. Pit bull and mastiff types and some other breeds are banned.
The UAE sets one set of rules for dogs and cats arriving from abroad. The summary below is taken from the US Department of Agriculture's export guidance, which sets out the UAE's requirements as published by MOCCAE.
Tell us about your pet when you ask for a quote. Operators set their own rules on pets in the cabin, and we confirm with the operator and the handler at your arrival airport how the pet will be cleared.
Sources:USDA APHIS: pet travel from the United States to the United Arab Emirates (UAE import requirements set by MOCCAE)UAE Government portal (u.ae), updated 30 September 2026: customs clearance for travellers
UAE import rules for dogs and cats
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Import permit | From MOCCAE before travel; valid for 30 days |
| Identification | Microchip |
| Rabies vaccination | Given at 12 weeks of age or older, at least 21 days before travel |
| Rabies antibody test | Result of at least 0.5, from a blood sample taken no more than 12 months before travel; at least 21 days after a first or lapsed vaccination |
| Other vaccines, dogs | Distemper, parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis |
| Other vaccines, cats | Panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus |
| Parasite treatment | Internal and external treatments in the 14 days before travel, recorded on the certificate |
| Minimum age | 15 weeks at import |
| Number of pets | Up to 2 a year: 2 cats, 2 dogs, or 1 of each |
Returning UAE residents may be exempt from the antibody test if the rabies vaccination is still valid. Pets transiting another country need a statement of no contact with other animals in transit.
Tell us the dates and passengers. A specialist replies with aircraft options and an all-in price, around the clock.
Banned dog breeds
No cat breeds are listed as banned.
- Pit bull types
- Mastiff types
- Tosa
- Presa Canario
- Any mix or hybrid of these breeds
How a pet arrives
The requirements say pets enter as manifested cargo, so the pet must be declared for the flight. Live animals are also a restricted item under UAE customs rules, needing prior approval from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
The health certificate is issued by an official vet in the country of departure; from the United States it is endorsed by USDA and valid for 10 days. Check the timing from your own country with your vet.
We could not read MOCCAE's own service page, so the rules here rest on the USDA summary. Check the current rules with MOCCAE when you apply for the permit.
Sources:USDA APHIS: pet travel from the United States to the United Arab Emirates (UAE import requirements set by MOCCAE)UAE Government portal (u.ae), updated 30 September 2026: customs clearance for travellers
Questions, answered
Still deciding? A charter specialist will talk you through aircraft, airports and price, with no obligation.
Ask a specialistDo I need an import permit for my cat?+
Yes. Every dog or cat needs a MOCCAE import permit before travel. It is valid for 30 days.
How many pets can I bring into the UAE?+
Up to two a year: two cats, two dogs, or one cat and one dog.
Which dogs cannot enter the UAE?+
Pit bull types, mastiff types, Tosa, Presa Canario and any mix of these.
When should the rabies test be done?+
The blood sample must be taken no more than 12 months before travel, and at least 21 days after a first or lapsed rabies vaccination. The result must be at least 0.5.
Fares, dates and rules on this page were checked on 19 October 2026. Official fares and schedules change every season; the operator or authority named in each source has the final word.
Room for every member of the family.
A specialist replies around the clock with aircraft options, the operator's name and an all-in price.