Trip preparation5 min read
How to prepare your cat for a trip abroad
Cats are attached to their home and find change hard. Here’s how to plan the preparation so the documents are in order and the journey goes more calmly.
Pet documents for the UAE: what’s needed and what we do
Bringing a cat or dog into the Emirates usually requires an import permit, and the document package itself is fairly extensive. We plan the steps so that your documents are ready at short notice.
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The UAE is one of the destinations with a particularly extensive document package. In addition to the usual microchip and rabies vaccination, additional vaccines, a rabies antibody titre test and an import permit — obtained before travel through the relevant authority — are often required.
How the animal travels to the Emirates is decided by the airline. This is general information. On our side, we plan the sequence of procedures, take the samples for testing ourselves and issue the documents.
Preparation stages
Requirements depend on the destination country, the type of animal and the travel date. Please check transport conditions with your airline or transport company.
- 01
Checking the basic conditions
As a rule, we confirm your animal’s age and breed, whether it is microchipped and its vaccination history — this determines whether the paperwork can begin.
- 02
Vaccinations and titre test
Vaccinations against rabies and other infections are often required, as well as a rabies antibody titre test at an accredited laboratory. We take the blood sample and send it off ourselves.
- 03
Import permit
The permit is obtained before travel; its details must match the veterinary documents we prepare.
- 04
Certificate before departure
Shortly before the trip, a veterinary certificate in the official format is usually issued — we prepare it. It must match the details in the permit.
- 05
Handing over the documents
We cross-check the details across all documents, including the permit, and hand over the ready package.
Things to keep in mind
- A UAE import permit is usually required before departure and is valid for a limited time, so it needs to be timed to your travel date.
- A rabies antibody titre test is usually mandatory for the UAE, and the laboratory must be accredited.
- The UAE restricts the entry of a number of dog breeds considered potentially dangerous.
- In addition to rabies, vaccinations against other common cat and dog infections are often required.
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Frequently asked questions
Is an import permit mandatory for the UAE?
For cats and dogs it is usually obtained before departure. The procedure and validity period may change, so it’s worth checking them on the authority’s official website.
Which vaccinations besides rabies might be needed?
As a rule, vaccinations against common infections are also needed: for dogs, for example, distemper and parvovirus; for cats, panleukopenia and viral respiratory infections. We’ll give you the exact list for your pet once you get in touch and give all the vaccinations ourselves.
Why is a titre test needed for the UAE?
The test confirms that the rabies vaccination has produced sufficient protection. For the UAE it is usually part of the mandatory package, and we take the blood sample ourselves.
Are there any breed restrictions?
Yes, the UAE has a list of dog breeds whose entry is banned or restricted. It’s best to check this before you start preparing.
Tell us about your trip to the UAE
Leave your details — a specialist will get in touch, give you the price and timeline, and then take care of the documents for you.
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