The Complete Guide to Pet Relocation

Pet relocation can be quite a hassle so make sure to start planning and organizing everything properly and in advance, whether you want to organise everything yourself or take the stress out of it by using one of our partners listed below where you can save up to 20%.

Please keep in mind that there are a few dog breeds that are banned in the UAE including some Terriers, Mastiffs and more.

Certain dogs are prohibited from flying by certain airlines during the summer months plus your pet can’t be too young or too old. So make sure to check these things before starting anything else.

Book Your Ticket

Start looking for an airline that can fly your pet to or from the UAE. Of course, you can choose airlines like Emirates or Etihad, but there might also be a local airline providing the relocation services.

All pets have to fly cargo when going to The UAE. Unfortunately, there’s no other way.

As a pet owner myself and having to go through this with my dog, I know how nervous you must feel.

I had the same. And there were so many questions I had. Should I give some medications to her to make sure she’s not stressed or do I not?

I decided in the end not to give her anything. Talk to your vet and maybe other pet owners who have relocated with their pets as well if you require some feedback.

IATA Approved Crate

Don’t make the same mistake I made and really make sure that the crate you’re buying meets all standards and requirements of IATA. Make sure the size is right so your pet has space to move around but not too much so he/she can hurt him/herself.

Also, make sure to buy the crate way in advance. Take the top off it and have it in your house so your pet can get used to it. Buy a blanket and some toys in it and you can reward your pet every time he or she uses it to lay down in it.

Once you see your pet is comfortable, add the top but don’t add the door so it’s always open.

Once this goes well, it’s time to close the door from time to time until your pet is fully ready to travel with you to your new home.

Microchip

First of all, if your pet does not already have one, then make sure he/she has a microchip. You need to make sure to do this before anything else, especially before your rabies vaccine. Your vet can help you with this.

Vaccinations & Passport

Most pet owners will already have a passport for their pet given by their vet. But if you don’t, then ask your vet for one.

In the passport, you will not only have some personal information about you or your pet but this is also where all the vaccinations records will be kept.

To move to The UAE, you require many up to date vaccinations. Rabies, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Distemper, Bordetella, Leptospirosis and Hepatitis vaccinations are all required for dogs and for cats Rabies, Feline Pan Leukopenia Rhinotracheitis as well as Calicivirus. Don’t worry, your pet doesn’t have to get so many shots. Your vet can combine them in cocktail shots.

Most important to know is that the Rabies vaccine has to be over 21 days before you can go to the next step.

Rabies Antibody Titer Test

When your pet has had the rabies vaccine, you’re required to do a test. This is to make sure that the vaccine has done its job and your pet has the needed antibody levels. The sample will be sent to a lab by your vet.

Import Permit & International Health Certificate

Let’s get started on the paperwork. If you are travelling to the UAE you can apply for the import permit via: https://www.moccae.gov.ae/en/services/export-import-services/import-permit-pets.aspx

This is the website from The UAE government that will take you through all steps and will give you also more detailed information.

Please keep in mind that it can take a few days until even a few weeks before the permit will be ready. Once it’s ready, it will only be valid for 1 month.

You also need to apply for an international health certificate. The certificate itself can be arranged by your vet. You need to have this form 10 days before you are travelling.

Your vaccination certificates as well as a health certificate need to be approved. Where to do that, depends on where you live.

Please keep in mind that rules can change. So make sure to start the relocation preparations in advance to avoid any surprises.

Relocation Companies

If this is all a bit too complicated or if you would just like to make your life easier, then you can always get in touch with a pet relocation company.

Treats Card has 3 relocation companies that they have partnered with, listed below:

Paws & Whiskers

Paws & Whiskers is not only a pet nursery in Dubai. Although they’re known for their boarding, grooming and training services, they also offer relocation services.

Become a Treats Card member and avail a 20% discount with Paws & Whiskers. And the good news is, we have a special offer below so you won’t have to pay for the first month.

Resa Pet Relocation

Resa Pet Relocation is a family-owned Scandinavian pet relocation company based in Dubai. They use their expertise to take care of the whole travel arrangements for your pet with the most comfortable and cost-efficient options available.

With Treats Card you can save an extra 15% on your pet’s relocation costs.

Relocate Your Pet

Relocate Your Pet is a pet relocation and technology company based in The UAE. Their operations are small and nimble which allows them to give a personal service where you know exactly who is handling your beloved pet.

They’re also a frugal bunch which is why they are constantly looking for ways to provide value for money whilst keeping pets safe with the correct paperwork.

Relocate Your Pet is offering a 10% discount to Treats Card members.