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BRINGING A DOG FROMCanada to United Arab Emirates

Dog · Moving

Bringing a cat instead?
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Prep time about 7 weeks

No quarantine when the paperwork is in order. Needs import permit, non-commercial limits, microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody (titer) test, other vaccinations, parasite treatment, health certificate, minimum age, route restrictions, transport rules and arrival inspection.

Always confirm with the destination's official authority and your airline before travelling.

Entry requirements

Tap the seal to stamp a step done.0 OF 12 STAMPED
Source:Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) (opens official site: Ministerial Resolution No. (109) of 2021 regarding regulating import of cats and dogs (English text published by MOCCAE))· checked 26 Sep 2026

As for low-risk countries plus a rabies antibody (titer) test ≥0.5 IU/ml before shipping and a minimum age of 15 weeks. No waiting period after the blood sample is stated. No quarantine if compliant. US origin: USDA says manifested cargo only.

01
Import permit
within 90 days before arrival

Import permit issued in advance by MOCCAE through its website / digital-services account (online form and card payment; no documents to upload for pet dogs and cats). Issued in 1 working day (5 working days for service, emotional-support or medical dogs). Valid 90 days from issue; a pet cannot enter on an expired permit. USDA's page still says 30 days.

DETAILS +

Import permit issued in advance by MOCCAE through its website / digital-services account (online form and card payment; no documents to upload for pet dogs and cats). Issued in 1 working day (5 working days for service, emotional-support or medical dogs). Valid 90 days from issue; a pet cannot enter on an expired permit. USDA's page still says 30 days.

permit valid 90 days from issue (USDA says 30)

Sources disagree — confirm with the authority
  • “Issuance of Import permit prior to importation, issued through the MOCCAE web site (validity of permit is 90 days. It is not allowed to import pets with an expired import permit).” — Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), checked 26 Sep 2026
Source:Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) (opens official site: Import of pets (cats / dogs) — service details, English (MOCCAE pet import service page, service code 122-003-008-000))· checked 26 Sep 2026
02
Non-commercial limits
before travel

An individual may import at most 2 pets per year (2 cats, 2 dogs, or 1 dog and 1 cat). Resident pets leaving and returning to the UAE do not count.

DETAILS +

An individual may import at most 2 pets per year (2 cats, 2 dogs, or 1 dog and 1 cat). Resident pets leaving and returning to the UAE do not count.

03
Microchip
before travel

Permanent microchip; the number on the health certificate must match the implanted chip. MOCCAE names no ISO standard.

DETAILS +

Permanent microchip; the number on the health certificate must match the implanted chip. MOCCAE names no ISO standard.

04
Rabies vaccination
21+ days before departure

Valid rabies vaccination given according to the manufacturer's instructions; the first dose at 12 weeks of age or older. The vaccination must stay valid through arrival (Canadian certificate) — a booster after the titer blood sample means a new titer test (MOCCAE). The 21-day minimum comes from the US, Canadian and UK certificates.

DETAILS +

Valid rabies vaccination given according to the manufacturer's instructions; the first dose at 12 weeks of age or older. The vaccination must stay valid through arrival (Canadian certificate) — a booster after the titer blood sample means a new titer test (MOCCAE). The 21-day minimum comes from the US, Canadian and UK certificates.

not in the UAE texts — from the Canadian, US and UK export certificates

05
Rabies antibody (titer) test
21+ days after the rabies vaccinationwithin 365 days before arrival

Rabies antibody titration test (method not specified) at a laboratory approved by the competent authority of the exporting country; result at least 0.5 IU/ml; the certificate shows sampling date, test date and method, or the result is written on the health certificate. Blood sample at least 21 days after a first vaccination or after a lapsed one; with a valid booster, any time after it. The test must be done before shipping — no waiting period after the sample is stated. The result stays valid 365 days if the rabies vaccination stays valid and no booster is given; otherwise the test must be repeated.

DETAILS +

Rabies antibody titration test (method not specified) at a laboratory approved by the competent authority of the exporting country; result at least 0.5 IU/ml; the certificate shows sampling date, test date and method, or the result is written on the health certificate. Blood sample at least 21 days after a first vaccination or after a lapsed one; with a valid booster, any time after it. The test must be done before shipping — no waiting period after the sample is stated. The result stays valid 365 days if the rabies vaccination stays valid and no booster is given; otherwise the test must be repeated.

after a first or lapsed vaccination only; with a valid booster the sample can be taken at once

the test certificate is valid 365 days, only while the rabies vaccination stays valid and no booster is given (otherwise the test is repeated)

06
Other vaccinations
before travel

Dogs: canine distemper, canine parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis. Leptospirosis may be replaced by a laboratory test if the exporting country does not vaccinate against it. (The US and Canadian certificates specify leptospirosis serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola.)

DETAILS +

Dogs: canine distemper, canine parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis. Leptospirosis may be replaced by a laboratory test if the exporting country does not vaccinate against it. (The US and Canadian certificates specify leptospirosis serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola.)

07
Parasite treatment
within 14 days before departure

Treatment against internal and external parasites within the 14 days before shipment, recorded on the health certificate or in the pet passport.

DETAILS +

Treatment against internal and external parasites within the 14 days before shipment, recorded on the health certificate or in the pet passport.

08
Health certificate
within 10 days before arrival

Veterinary health certificate attested by the competent veterinary authority of the exporting country, with a statement that the animal was examined and showed no signs of disease; plus the vaccination record or pet passport showing microchip number, description (species, colour, sex, date of birth) and, for every vaccine, name, manufacturer, batch and date. MOCCAE states no validity period; the US, Canadian and UK certificates are valid 10 days from issue.

DETAILS +

Veterinary health certificate attested by the competent veterinary authority of the exporting country, with a statement that the animal was examined and showed no signs of disease; plus the vaccination record or pet passport showing microchip number, description (species, colour, sex, date of birth) and, for every vaccine, name, manufacturer, batch and date. MOCCAE states no validity period; the US, Canadian and UK certificates are valid 10 days from issue.

not stated by MOCCAE — validity of the Canadian, UK and US certificates

09
Minimum age
before travel

At least 15 weeks old on import (high-risk country).

DETAILS +

At least 15 weeks old on import (high-risk country).

10
Route restrictions
before travel

Ship directly from the exporting country; if the pet passes through another country it must not mix with other animals in transit. The US and Canadian certificates carry an owner's declaration for this.

DETAILS +

Ship directly from the exporting country; if the pet passes through another country it must not mix with other animals in transit. The US and Canadian certificates carry an owner's declaration for this.

11
Transport rules
before travel

Transport in line with IATA rules for live animals (container). MOCCAE's texts do not say whether the pet must arrive as manifested cargo — see the US-only step below.

DETAILS +

Transport in line with IATA rules for live animals (container). MOCCAE's texts do not say whether the pet must arrive as manifested cargo — see the US-only step below.

12
Arrival inspection
before travel

On arrival: online release request and card payment (release fee 500 per dog, 250 per cat), visual inspection by MOCCAE at the port of entry, electronic release permit. Documents for release: customs declaration or bill of lading, vaccination record / passport, certified health certificate, and the titer test certificate.

DETAILS +

On arrival: online release request and card payment (release fee 500 per dog, 250 per cat), visual inspection by MOCCAE at the port of entry, electronic release permit. Documents for release: customs declaration or bill of lading, vaccination record / passport, certified health certificate, and the titer test certificate.

Source:Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) (opens official site: Import of pets (cats / dogs) — service details, English (MOCCAE pet import service page, service code 122-003-008-000))· checked 26 Sep 2026
  • The permit application itself needs no documents for pet dogs and cats (they are checked at release). — Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)
  • Titer test validity and boosters: the test certificate is valid 365 days only while the rabies vaccination stays valid and no booster is given; a booster after the blood sample means repeating the test. — Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)
  • Canada's certificate also requires the rabies vaccination given before the blood sample to be valid on arrival. — Canadian Food Inspection Agency (origin-country authority)
  • 21 days between rabies vaccine and departure, and a 10-day health certificate: from the Canadian and US certificates, not from MOCCAE. — USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (origin-country authority)
  • Canadian certificate — clinical examination within 5 days before departure; certificate valid 10 days. — Canadian Food Inspection Agency (origin-country authority)
  • The US health certificate is valid 10 days after issue. — USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (origin-country authority)

No quarantine when the paperwork is in order

If the pet does not meet the rules: Detained in a quarantine or pet shelter licensed by MOCCAE, at the owner's expense, until it is confirmed that it meets all the required conditions (Ministerial Resolution 21/2025); otherwise re-exported.

Source:Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) (opens official site: Import of pets (cats / dogs) — service details, English (MOCCAE pet import service page, service code 122-003-008-000))· checked 26 Sep 2026
+1 more
Also:Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)

Timeline

Working out your dates…

Documents

One paper per requirement above; carry originals. 0 of 7 ready.

Official fees

Fees the authorities publish for this route, in their own currency. Vet and airline charges are not included.

import permit
Source:Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) (opens official site: Import of pets (cats / dogs) — service details, English (MOCCAE pet import service page, service code 122-003-008-000))· checked 26 Sep 2026
AED 200 per animal
release on arrival (dog)dog only
Source:Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) (opens official site: Import of pets (cats / dogs) — service details, English (MOCCAE pet import service page, service code 122-003-008-000))· checked 26 Sep 2026
AED 500 per animal

Entry points

Where a pet may enter the United Arab Emirates, per the rules.

  • Airports: DXB, DWC, AUH, SHJ, RKT
    Seaports: Jebel Ali Port, Khalifa Port, Al Hamriya Port, Khalid Port, Fujairah Port
    Land: Khatm Al Shaklah, Mazyad, Al Ghuwaifat, Hatta, Khatm Al Malaha, Al Darah
    List as of 2026-09-24
    MOCCAE does not call this a list of designated entry points. The same list names a "WAM" centre that could not be identified. Fujairah and Al Ain airports are not on it.
    Source:Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) (opens official site: Import of pets (cats / dogs) — service details, English (MOCCAE pet import service page, service code 122-003-008-000))· checked 26 Sep 2026
    Sources disagree — confirm with the authority
    • “Service channels - MOCCAE - Ministry of Climate change & Environment Website - Jabel Ali Port Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine - Ras Al Khaimah Airport Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine - Dubai Airport Cargo village Center for Veterinary Quarantine - Dubai Airport Free Zone Center for Veterinary Quarantine - Zayed Internatinal Airport Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine - Khalifa Port Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine - Khatm Al Shaklah Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine - Mazyad Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine - Al Guwaifat Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine - Hatta Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine - Al Maktoum Airport Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine - Al Hamriya Port Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine - Khalid Port Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine - Khatm Al Malaha Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine - Al Darah Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine - Sharjah Airport Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine - WAM Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine - Fujairah Port Center for Veterinary Quarantine” — Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), checked 26 Sep 2026

Breed bans

Add the breed to your link (Edit route) and the checklist refuses a banned type.

Airlines

Airline rules are separate from entry rules and change without notice — confirm in writing when you book. Only what the carriers' own pages say, read 25 Sep 2026. All airlines

  • Lufthansa LH
    CabinYes
    HoldYes
    Snub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
  • Emirates EK
    CabinNo
    HoldYes
    Snub-nosedCargo: only Nov – Apr
  • ANA (All Nippon Airways) NH
    CabinNo
    HoldYes, up to 45 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: not 1 May – 31 Oct
  • Qantas QF
    CabinNo
    HoldCargo only
    Snub-nosedNot stated
  • Delta Air Lines DLcabin: not on this route
    CabinYes
    HoldNo
    Snub-nosedHold, cargo: no
  • KLM KL
    CabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cm
    HoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: no
  • Air France AF
    CabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cm
    HoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
  • British Airways BA
    CabinNo
    HoldCargo only
    Snub-nosedCargo: restricted
  • Qatar Airways QR
    CabinNo
    HoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: restricted

Transit and stopovers

  • Transit: no permit is needed for air transit at the same airport (or sea transit at the same port) if the animal stays isolated from other animals; crossing UAE territory needs a prior MOCCAE transit permit, a rabies vaccination record and the destination country's import permit. — Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)
  • A pet crossing the UAE in transit is classified by rabies risk like an imported one — so from a high-risk origin the transit consignment needs the titer test as well (MOCCAE service page). Animal-welfare rules apply. — Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)
Source:Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) (opens official site: Ministerial Resolution No. (109) of 2021 regarding regulating import of cats and dogs (English text published by MOCCAE))· checked 26 Sep 2026
+1 more
Also:Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)

Return trip to Canada

Easy for a returning pet (no separate returning-resident rule; standard import rules apply), about 1 week of preparation. No quarantine.

Source:Canadian Food Inspection Agency (incorporated by reference into the Health of Animals Regulations) (opens official site: Import Reference Document (As referenced in the Health of Animals Regulations), Part III ss. 1–2, Part IV)· checked 04 Oct 2026

Full checklist for a dog from United Arab Emirates to Canada

Leaving United Arab Emirates with the pet

  • MOCCAE issues a veterinary health certificate for export after examining the animal; valid 30 days from issue. Keep it — a resident pet needs it to come back without being treated as a first import.
  • Online request and card payment, then a physical examination (and laboratory tests if the destination asks for them); the certificate is issued electronically in 1 working day.
  • The export certificate is issued in 1 working day.
  • Fee for up to 2 pets travelling for personal purposes — 100 (AED; the page prints no currency).
  • Neither the destination's import permit nor a certificate of origin is needed for the MOCCAE export certificate of a dog or cat (unless the destination country asks for them); bring any extra test reports the destination requires.
  • No certificate of origin for dogs and cats unless the destination country requires one.
  • Reports of any additional tests the destination requires are attached to the request.
Source:Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) (opens official site: Request for a veterinary health certificate for exporting or re-exporting live animals — MOCCAE service page, English (service code 122-003-005-000))· checked 26 Sep 2026

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Sources

Every requirement above comes from one of these pages. Last researched 26 Sep 2026. Seen a change? Tell us.

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