Terms for entering and keeping a pet in Dubai

Terms for entering and keeping a pet in Dubai

As one of the main destinations for living and working, Dubai has special rules for the entry and keeping of pets. These rules are strictly enforced to ensure public health and safety are maintained. In this article from Phil, we provide a summary of the most important rules and regulations related to the entry and keeping of pets in Dubai.

1- License to import pets

A valid import permit is required to bring a pet into Dubai. This permit must be obtained through the website of the UAE Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEW) and is only valid for 30 days. The pet must be transported in a visible container. It is forbidden to carry pets as extra baggage or in the cabin with their owner.

2- Limiting the number of pets

Each applicant can bring a maximum of two pets (dogs or cats) into the UAE. Pets that are less than 27 weeks old and come from countries with high rates of rabies are prohibited. The entry of pets under 15 weeks of age from rabies-controlled countries is also prohibited.

3- Responsibilities of pet ownership

In Dubai, pet ownership comes with certain responsibilities. Pet owners must ensure that their pets does not cause annoyance to others. Keeping pets in apartments and condominiums comes with restrictions, especially when your pet makes a lot of noise or harms others. Also, pet owners are responsible for keeping the surrounding environment clean and preventing pollution of public spaces.

4- Prohibited dog breeds

Dubai has a list of 12 dog breeds that are prohibited from entering the country, including the Japanese Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, and several others. These bans are in place due to public health and safety concerns. It is also forbidden to keep some breeds of dogs such as terriers and huskies in apartments.

5- Prohibited animals

While pets such as digs and cats are allowed in Dubai, some animals are prohibited due to their potential dangers. These animals include certain breeds of dogs, wild animals and birds of prey. Heavy fines are provided for those who keep these animals without a legal permit. These laws are implemented to maintain public health and safety.

6- Documents required for entry

To enter a pet in Dubai, documents must be submitted, including the original vaccination card or animal passport, a copy of the pet owner's residence visa passport and Emirates ID, the original valid health certificate, UAE pet import permit and rabies serum neutralization test certificate. These documents are necessary to verify health and prevent diseases from entering.

7- Airline rules for carrying pets

The rules and policies for carrying pets in airlines are different. Iranian airlines such as Mahan and Iran Air are stricter and do not allow pets to enter the cabin. But foreign airlines such as Turkish air and Lufthansa have easier conditions for transporting pets and even allow some pets to enter the cabin. In contrast, Arab airlines such as Qatar and Emirates are more strict and only allow pets to be carried in the cargo area of ​​the plane.

8- Fees for entering a pet in Dubai

The cost of bringing a pet into Dubai can be high. For example, a dog or cat import permit costs 500 dirhams, and a release request is 1,000 dirhams for each dog and 500 dirhams for each cat. The total cost of bringing a dog to Dubai is about 100 million Tomans, which includes the costs of permits, quarantine, and transportation.

9- Insurance and veterinary services

Pet insurance is one of the important points that you should pay attention to in Dubai. Pet insurance can cover medical expenses and even damages caused by your pet's behavior. Considering the high costs of veterinary services and pet shops in Dubai, having insurance can save you from unexpected expenses. Veterinary services in Dubai are offered at a high level and you can use reputable clinics for your pet's examinations and treatment.

10- Special rules for different countries

The arrival of pets from countries such as Canada and the United States to the UAE requires a rabies test. Also, animals that do not pass a rabies test and are imported from countries with rabies prevalence must be quarantined and the cost of the relevant tests is borne by the owner of the animal. If your pet was vaccinated against rabies before leaving the UAE and the vaccination is still valid, there is no need to retake the rabies test.

Failure to comply with laws and fines

If the pet documents are not presented in full, the entry of the pet will be prevented and the animal will be returned to the country of origin. Also, all costs related to return and quarantine are the responsibility of the owner of the pet. In some cases, a fine of up to 5 thousand dirhams is also considered for the pet owner.

conclusion

Entering and keeping pets in Dubai requires compliance with a set of strict rules and regulations. From obtaining an import license to paying attention to prohibited breeds and complying with the necessary documents, all these things are necessary to maintain public health and safety. 

If you are planning to bring your pet to Dubai, by being fully aware of these rules, you can avoid potential problems and have a carefree experience.