Moving from the UK to Dubai with a Dog or Cat: A Practical Guide

Moving to Dubai with a dog or cat brings your pet's journey into almost every part of the move: your departure date, temporary accommodation, airport transfer and first night in your new home. Start by checking that your pet can travel on the proposed route, then build the relocation plan around a confirmed arrangement.

If you want to explore travelling together in the cabin, see our London to Dubai pet charter route. Share your pet's details and preferred month so the team can discuss current options.

Begin with your pet's details and your moving dates

Prepare one information sheet for each animal: species, breed, age, weight, microchip number, vaccination records and recent countries visited. Include any health or handling needs that could affect the journey.

Separate your preferred travel date from your hard deadlines. A lease handover or job start may be fixed; a few days in temporary accommodation may be flexible. Tell the team which is which, and ask whether the proposed flight is confirmed before making dependent bookings.

If you live outside London, include the journey to the departure airport in your plan. Confirm the actual airport and reporting time before arranging transport or an overnight stay.

What paperwork does a pet need for Dubai?

MOCCAE's official pet import service sets the UAE requirements. These include a prior import permit, permanent microchip, vaccination records and an endorsed veterinary health certificate. The permit is valid for 90 days. Check breed eligibility and any additional conditions before booking; in-cabin travel does not remove import requirements.

For departure from Great Britain, GOV.UK's non-EU pet travel guidance explains the export health certificate process. Owners in England, Scotland and Wales also complete the export application form and nominate an official vet. Tell the vet your destination is the UAE so the correct export documentation is arranged. If departing from Northern Ireland, confirm the relevant process separately.

Our Dubai and UAE pet preparation guide gives further questions to work through. Ask the vet and travel team to turn the applicable requirements into dated appointments for your individual pet.

Build a preparation calendar

• Before committing: establish eligibility, review vaccination records, discuss suitable flights and confirm who will organise each document.
• Once the itinerary is agreed: schedule veterinary appointments, arrange the permit and book pet-accepting accommodation and transport.
• Before departure: have the completed documents checked, confirm reporting instructions and keep the originals accessible.
• Before arrival: confirm clearance, collection and the transfer to your accommodation.

This is an order of tasks, not a guaranteed preparation period. Missing records, vaccination requirements or changes to the itinerary can affect how much time you need.

What should your flight quote explain?

Ask for a written breakdown covering the human passengers, each pet and any additional services. Confirm whether veterinary appointments, government fees, handling, clearance and ground transport are included or charged separately.

Also check the aircraft arrangements, any planned stops, baggage allowance, payment schedule and what happens if your moving date changes. Compare the total journey cost, including transport to and from the airports, rather than looking only at the headline flight price.

Prepare for your first days in Dubai

Get written permission for your pet at both temporary and permanent accommodation. Ask about species, breed, size and number-of-pet restrictions. If your furniture arrives later, have your pet's essentials available from day one rather than packed into the removal shipment.

Arrange a cooled airport transfer and a quiet indoor settling-in space. For cats, have a secure room and litter tray ready before opening the carrier. For dogs, plan access to an appropriate toilet area. Ask your vet about an arrival routine suited to your animal, and identify a local veterinary practice before you need one.

Can a large dog or more than one pet travel?

Ask for an assessment of the specific booking. Cabin space, individual animals, operator requirements and import conditions all matter. Supply measurements as well as weight, and list every pet rather than assuming one approval covers the household.

For a flat-faced dog or cat, our UAE travel guide for flat-faced pets outlines questions to discuss with your vet and the team.

Discuss your UK-to-Dubai move

Contact SKYE PETS about your relocation with your preferred travel window, departure location, passenger numbers and each pet's details. Include any fixed moving deadlines so we can discuss the route in the context of your full move.

Requirements reviewed on 15 September 2026. Recheck the linked government guidance and your flight-specific instructions before travel.