Leaving the UAE With Your Pet During the Current Crisis? Here’s What You Need

In a hurry? Here’s what your pet needs to leave the UAE

• ISO microchip → up-to-date vaccinations (rabies mandatory)
• Pet passport/Vaccination book
• Fit to Fly certificate (from your vet if requested)
• Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) Export health certificate (apply online) 
• Travel certificate EU/UK (from your vet)
• Final check at Cargo Village

Some destinations also require a Rabies Titer Test (allow 2–3 weeks minimum). Start today! do not leave your pet behind.

Across Dubai and the wider UAE, thousands of expat families are making urgent decisions about their futures. Since the escalation of regional tensions in early 2026, the pace of departures has accelerated sharply — and tragically, so has the number of pets being abandoned on the streets. Dogs have been found tied to lampposts. Rescue shelters are overwhelmed. Some owners, faced with confusing paperwork and tight timelines, have even asked veterinary clinics to euthanise healthy animals.

At Vetcare Veterinary Medical Centre, we want to be absolutely clear: your pet can travel with you, and we are here to help you make that happen.

This guide covers everything you need to know about taking your pet out of the UAE — the documents required, the timelines involved, the Oman border rules that have caught people out, and every step of the process.

Why Are So Many Pets Being Abandoned in Dubai Right Now?

The short answer is panic, misinformation, and a lack of clear guidance.

Pet relocation from the UAE does involve paperwork — but it is entirely manageable with the right support. The crisis of abandonment unfolding across the UAE is not because it is impossible to travel with pets. It is because too many owners do not know where to start, or have assumed the process takes longer or costs more than it actually does.

Animal charities including K9 Friends Dubai, Six Hounds sanctuary (Al Ain), and Dubai Street Kitties have all reported being at or beyond full capacity. Volunteers have tracked hundreds of social media posts showing animals left behind by people who believed they had no choice.

You have a choice. Please read this guide in full before making any decision that cannot be undone.

Important: Abandoning a pet is illegal in the UAE and carries fines of up to tens of thousands of dirhams. Beyond the legal risk, the consequences for your animal are severe. Please exhaust every alternative before considering this option.

Can Pets Actually Leave the UAE Right Now?

Yes — pets can legally leave the UAE provided they meet export requirements set by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).

Flight capacity for animals is reduced compared to normal operations, and some airlines have adjusted pet cargo availability. Contact a reputable pet relocation company as soon as possible to check current airline options. Emirates SkyCargo and Etihad Cargo have historically been the primary routes for manifested pet cargo from Dubai.

Definition

What is the MOCCAE Export Health Certificate?

The MOCCAE export health certificate is an official document issued by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) confirming that a pet meets all UAE health and export requirements before international travel. It is mandatory for every pet leaving the UAE — regardless of species, destination, or mode of transport — and is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. Applications are submitted online via the MOCCAE portal and require a final in-person inspection at the airport with a government veterinarian.

Critical Warning: Do Not Attempt to Cross the Oman Border Without the Right Documentation

Oman border alert: There are confirmed reports of pets being abandoned at the Oman border after owners discovered they could not cross with their animals. Do not drive to the Oman border without completing the correct documentation first.

Driving to Oman with your dog or cat and assuming you can simply cross the border is not how it works. Oman has a strict Rabies Titer Test requirement. Processing the blood test takes around 2–3 weeks, which — under current rules — allows you to enter Oman if you have the blood test receipt.

However, after entering Oman, depending on the country you are travelling to next, you cannot travel onwards without complying with that destination’s minimum waiting period — which in most cases is 90 days from the date of the test.

Equally important: leaving via Oman or Saudi Arabia is not a short-term fix. The rules for travelling onwards from those countries are very different to leaving directly from the UAE and will add an additional three to four months to your pet’s travel journey. Think carefully about your entire plan, not just the first step.

The Complete Checklist: What Your Pet Needs to Leave the UAE

Step 1 — ISO-Approved Microchip

Your pet must have a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785) for identification. This is the foundation of every other document. All certificates, health records, and export permits must match the microchip number exactly.

If your pet is not yet microchipped, this is the very first thing to address. At Vetcare, we issue a Microchip Certificate on the same day.

Critical timing note: The rabies vaccination must be administered after the microchip date. If your pet was vaccinated before being microchipped, that vaccination record may not be accepted by your destination country. Contact us and we will advise you accordingly.

Step 2 — Valid Vaccinations

Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all international pet travel from the UAE. Additional core vaccinations are also required depending on your destination:

• Dogs: DHPPIL (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis)
• Cats: Tricat / FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

If your pet is receiving its first rabies vaccination, or the vaccination has lapsed and requires a restart, you must wait 30 days after vaccination before a Rabies Titer Test can be performed. Plan accordingly.

Step 3 — Pet Passport / Vaccination Book

The pet passport (also called the vaccination book) is your pet’s official travel record. It must include:

• Your pet’s microchip number
• A physical description of the animal
• Full vaccination history with dates, batch numbers, and manufacturer details

Keep this document safe — it is required at every stage of the process.

Step 4 — Rabies Antibody (Titer) Test — If Required

Not every destination requires a Rabies Titer Test, but many do — particularly Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and several others outside the EU and UK.

The good news: the UK and EU generally do not require a Titer Test for pets travelling from the UAE, provided vaccination requirements are met. However, always confirm this with a relocation company for your specific destination.

Waiting time at Vetcare: 2–3 weeks (potentially longer given the current high volume of requests). If your destination requires a Titer Test and your pet needs a primary rabies vaccination first, you are looking at a minimum of 7 weeks before you can travel. Start immediately.

Step 5 — Fit to Fly Certificate

The Fit to Fly Certificate is issued by your veterinary clinic and confirms that your pet has been physically examined and is healthy enough for international travel.

Validity:

• Valid for 30 days for most destinations
• Valid for 7–10 days for certain countries (check with your relocation company)

Because of this short validity window, timing your Fit to Fly certificate correctly — close to your travel date — is essential. At Vetcare, we provide this certificate following a clinical examination.

Step 6 — Travel Certificate (EU, UK & Other Countries)

For travel to the EU, UK, and several other countries, a formal Travel Certificate is required. This document is issued by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by MOCCAE. At Vetcare, we prepare this document and coordinate MOCCAE endorsement on your behalf.

Step 7 — MOCCAE Export Health Certificate (Apply Online)

Every pet leaving the UAE requires a MOCCAE export health certificate — without exception. This applies regardless of how your pet travels: in-cabin, as excess baggage, cargo, or on a private jet.

How to apply:

1. Create a UAE Pass to access the MOCCAE online portal
2. Select the template for exporting or re-exporting live animals
3. Submit your application with all supporting documents
4. Visit a MOCCAE-approved veterinary clinic (at DXB or AUH) with your pet for inspection
5. The MOCCAE vet will scan the microchip, review vaccination records, and endorse the certificate

Validity: 30 days from date of issuance. This step must be timed to align with your travel date.

Step 8 — Final Vet Visit at Cargo Village

Before your pet boards its flight, you must visit the Cargo Village MOCCAE vet at the airport. Bring your pet and the full set of travel documents including the Travel Certificate from your vet. This is the final checkpoint before your pet is cleared to fly.

Additional Requirement: Parasite Treatment

Some destinations — particularly the UK, Australia and New Zealand and some other countries —  require evidence of tapeworm treatment administered within a specific time window before travel (typically 24–120 hours prior to the flight, depending on destination). At Vetcare, we provide both Internal and External Parasite Treatment and issue a Tapeworm Certificate.

Summary Checklist at a Glance

Destination-Specific Requirements

Travelling to the UK from the UAE

Pets from the UAE do not require quarantine when entering Great Britain, provided they are microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and carry a valid Great Britain Pet Health Certificate. The UK does not typically require a Rabies Titer Test for UAE-origin pets when vaccination records are current. A tapeworm treatment certificate is required for dogs, administered 24–120 hours before arrival.

Travelling to EU Countries from the UAE

The EU does not generally require a Rabies Titer Test for pets from the UAE, but a formal Travel Certificate in EU format is required, issued by your vet and endorsed by MOCCAE. Ensure all paperwork is precise and consistent — entry point checks have become more rigorous.

Travelling to the USA from the UAE

The United States classifies the UAE as a low-risk country for dog rabies, which simplifies the process. Valid rabies vaccination and a health certificate are required. Always confirm current CDC requirements with your relocation company, as US rules are subject to periodic updates.

Travelling to Australia or New Zealand from the UAE

These are among the most demanding destinations for pet import. A Rabies Titer Test is typically required, alongside various  blood tests performed 6 months  prior to travel and specific parasite treatments of external and internal parasites. Minimum lead times can be several months. If Australia , New Zealand, South Africa is your destination, contact us immediately — do not delay. 

Kindly contact a reputable Pet Relocation company which can provide you with a specific time frame and schedule for blood tests requirements of the destination country and airline approved breed  that can be onboarded by certain airlines. 

How Long Does the Process Take?

This is the question we are asked most urgently right now. The honest answer depends on your pet’s current vaccination status and your destination country.

If your pet has up-to-date vaccinations and a valid microchip: 

You may be able to travel within a few days for UK and EU destinations.

If your pet needs a primary or lapsed rabies vaccination: 

You must wait 21 days after  the  vaccination to travel to EU countries  and 30 days before a Rabies Titer Test can be performed. 

For Titer-required destinations, the minimum timeline is 7+ weeks if your  pet  is not  up to date with his  vaccinations. 

The single most important message: start today. Every day you wait narrows your options and potentially pushes your travel date further back. Call us now and we will assess your pet’s current status and tell you exactly what is needed.

What Vetcare Provides

At Vetcare Veterinary Medical Centre, we are fully equipped to handle all veterinary aspects of your pet’s travel documentation. Our team is experienced in international pet relocation and understands the urgency many families are currently facing.

Services we provide:

• Microchip Certificate
• Rabies Vaccination 
• Infectious Diseases Vaccination (DHPPIL for dogs / PCH /FVRCP for cats)
• Rabies Titer Test (2–3 week turnaround — results may take longer during periods of high demand)
• Country specific import blood tests
• Fit to Fly Certificate
• Tapeworm Certificate
• Travel Certificate (for EU, UK, and other countries)
• Internal and External Parasite Treatment and certificate

Please note: The MOCCAE online application and the Cargo Village visit must be completed by the pet owner or through a relocation company. We will advise you on the process and ensure your documents are correctly prepared.

If Travelling With Your Pet Right Now Is Not Possible

We understand that for some families, circumstances may make immediate travel with a pet impossible. If this is your situation, please do not abandon your animal.

• Contact a reputable UAE rescue organisation. K9 Friends Dubai, Six Hounds (Al Ain), and Dubai Street Kitties are actively working to find foster and rehoming placements, though capacity is extremely stretched.
• Ask a trusted friend or colleague still in the UAE to temporarily foster your pet.
• Contact a professional pet boarding service — pets must be fully vaccinated to be accepted, so ensure records are in order first.
• Arrange for your pet to follow you. Professional pet relocation companies can manage the process of transporting your pet to join you at your destination once you have settled. This is a common and entirely legal arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Travel from the UAE

Do I need a Rabies Titer Test to take my pet from the UAE to the UK?

No — the UK does not generally require a Rabies Titer Test for pets travelling from the UAE, provided the rabies vaccination is current and valid. You will need a Fit to Fly Certificate, a Travel Certificate endorsed by MOCCAE, and a completed MOCCAE export health certificate. Always confirm current requirements with a relocation company before travelling.

How long is the MOCCAE export health certificate valid for?

The MOCCAE export health certificate is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. It must be timed carefully to align with your departure date.

Can I drive from the UAE to Oman with my pet?

Not without completing the correct documentation in advance. Oman requires a Rabies Titer Test, and the results take 2–3 weeks. Additionally, travelling onwards from Oman to most countries requires a further 90-day waiting period from the date of the test. Do not attempt to cross the Oman border without verifying the rules first — there have been confirmed cases of pets being abandoned at the border after owners were refused entry.

What happens if my pet’s rabies vaccination has lapsed?

If the vaccination has lapsed or your pet has never been vaccinated against rabies, you must vaccinate first and then wait a mandatory 30 days before a Rabies Titer Test can be performed (if your destination requires one). For destinations that do not require a Titer Test, you may be able to travel sooner, minimum 21 days after the rabies vaccination is done — but always verify with your relocation company.

Can my pet travel in the cabin with me on a flight from Dubai?

This depends entirely on the airline and your pet’s size and weight. Small cats and dogs may be permitted in-cabin on some airlines. Larger dogs typically travel as manifest cargo. Given current reduced flight capacity, availability for pet cargo is limited — contact your airline and a relocation specialist as soon as possible.

Is it illegal to abandon a pet in the UAE?

Yes. Under UAE law, abandoning a pet is a criminal offence that carries fines of up to tens of thousands of dirhams. Beyond the legal risk, animal welfare organisations across Dubai are urging all pet owners to exhaust every alternative before considering abandonment.

How quickly can Vetcare prepare my pet’s documents?

Many documents — including the Fit to Fly Certificate, Travel Certificate, and vaccinations — can be prepared within days. The Rabies Titer Test takes 2–3 weeks for results. Contact us directly and we will assess your pet’s individual situation and tell you exactly what is needed and how quickly it can be done.

Do pets need to quarantine when leaving the UAE?

No — there is no quarantine requirement for pets departing the UAE. Quarantine rules are set by your destination country, not the UAE. Many popular destinations including the UK, EU countries, the USA, and Canada do not require quarantine for pets arriving from the UAE, provided all vaccination and documentation requirements are correctly met. Australia and New Zealand are exceptions — both have strict biosecurity rules that may involve supervised stays on arrival. Always confirm destination-specific quarantine requirements with a licensed pet relocation company before travelling.

How much does it cost to export a pet from Dubai?

Costs vary depending on your destination, your pet’s current vaccination status, and whether you use a relocation company. As a general guide, veterinary documentation (Fit to Fly Certificate, Travel Certificate, vaccinations, and titer test if required) typically ranges from a few hundred to over a thousand dirhams depending on what is needed. The MOCCAE export health certificate carries an additional government fee. Airline transport costs vary significantly by carrier, route, and whether your pet travels in-cabin or as cargo. Using a professional pet relocation company adds a service fee but removes the administrative burden from you entirely. Contact Vetcare for a breakdown of our documentation fees.

Can cats travel in the cabin on a flight from Dubai?

Some airlines permit small cats (and small dogs) to travel in-cabin in an approved carrier, provided the combined weight of the pet and carrier falls within the airline’s limit — typically 7–8 kg. Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai each have different policies, and rules vary by route. Given the current high demand for pet travel from the UAE, in-cabin spots are filling quickly — contact your airline directly as early as possible to confirm availability and requirements. Regardless of how your cat travels, all documentation requirements (vaccination, MOCCAE export certificate, Fit to Fly certificate) apply equally to in-cabin pets.

Need Help With Your Pet’s Travel Documents?

Our veterinary team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact Vetcare Veterinary Medical Centre today — we understand the urgency of the current situation and will prioritise your case.

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Vetcare Veterinary Medical Centre — Clinical Team

Disclamier: This article was prepared by our clinical veterinary team in Dubai. All information is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. For personalised advice on your pet’s travel needs, please contact our clinic directly.