Pet Relocation to the UAE from South Africa
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah or anywhere else in the UAE.
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Relocating to the United Arab Emirates with your pet? The UAE is home to a large South African community and a growing number of pet-friendly neighbourhoods, parks and beaches. Its import rules are strict, though, and no variations are allowed unless explicitly stated, so every vaccination date and document has to be exactly right.
Whether you’re relocating to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah or anywhere else in the UAE, Sky Companion manages your pet’s journey from start to finish, from vaccinations and the rabies titre test to the import permit, health certificate and flights.
Two rules shape most UAE moves: several popular dog breeds are banned outright, and only two pets are allowed per passport holder. We check both as soon as you request a quote.
UAE Pet Import Requirements
Before your pet can travel from South Africa to the UAE, the following requirements must be completed.
Minimum Age Requirement
Dogs and cats must be 7 months or older to enter the UAE.
Microchip Identification
A registered microchip is required. The microchip must:
- Be implanted before any vaccinations are administered.
- Be registered on the manufacturer’s database.
Rabies Vaccination
The rabies vaccination must be done after microchip implantation. At the time of travel, it must be:
- Older than 30 days.
- No older than 1 year.
Any rabies vaccination done before microchipping is not valid.
Annual Vaccinations
Annual vaccinations must be current, meaning older than 30 days but no older than one year:
- Dogs: 5-in-1 vaccination and Leptospirosis vaccination
- Cats: 3-in-1 vaccination
Rabies Titre Test
The UAE requires a rabies titre test. Requirements include:
- Blood drawn 30 days or more after the rabies vaccination.
- A result of 0.5 IU/ml or higher.
- There is no mandatory waiting period after receiving the result before travel.
Parasite Treatment
Both internal and external parasite treatments are required before departure.
Health Certificate and State Vet Endorsement
A health certificate must be issued by a South African private veterinarian, confirming that all requirements have been met and your pet is fit to fly. The certificate must be:
- Signed and stamped by the vet.
- Endorsed by the State Veterinarian.
The certificate is valid for 24 hours only. We provide the correct health certificate for your vet to complete.
Import Permit
An import permit is required for all pets entering the UAE.
- The permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
- Only 2 pets are allowed per passport holder.
Banned Dog Breeds
The following breeds are not permitted into the UAE:
- All Pit Bull types and crosses
- Japanese Tosa (Tosa Inu)
- Dogo Argentino (Argentinian Mastiff)
- Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
- Wolf-dog hybrids
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- Boxers
Download the UAE Pet Travel Requirements
Need a complete checklist before you begin?
Download our UAE Pet Travel Requirements Guide for a detailed overview of every step involved in relocating your pet from South Africa to the UAE.
How Sky Companion Makes the Process Easy
With a health certificate valid for only 24 hours and an import permit valid for 30 days, a UAE move depends on precise timing. Sky Companion provides complete relocation support, including:
- Personal relocation planning
- Microchip verification
- Vaccination planning and timing
- Rabies titre test coordination
- Parasite treatment scheduling
- Import permit assistance
- Health certificate preparation
- State Veterinarian coordination
- Breed restriction checks
- IATA-compliant travel crate guidance
- Flight booking and airline coordination
- Regular progress updates throughout your pet’s journey
Our experienced relocation specialists work closely with veterinarians, airlines and government authorities to ensure every requirement is completed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old must my pet be to travel to the UAE?
Dogs and cats must be at least 7 months old to enter the UAE.
Which dog breeds are banned in the UAE?
All Pit Bull types and crosses, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, wolf-dog hybrids, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers and Boxers.
How many pets can I bring to the UAE?
Only 2 pets are allowed per passport holder. If you are moving more pets, let us know when you request a quote so we can plan around it.
Is there a waiting period after the rabies titre test?
No. The blood must be drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, but there is no mandatory waiting period after the result before your pet can travel.
Can Sky Companion manage the entire relocation?
Absolutely. We coordinate every aspect of your pet’s relocation, from vaccinations and the titre test to the import permit, State Veterinarian endorsement and airline arrangements.