FAQ'S

All pets must arrive into Dubai International Airport as manifest cargo on a commercial airline. However, it is possible for your pet to fly into Abu Dhabi in cabin. Your pet must be under 8kg and comply with the airline policies. Alternatively, it is possible for your pet to arrive anywhere in the UAE on a private jet. We can assist with pets arriving in cabin. View the import costs HERE

It’s normal to feel a bit worried about your pet traveling as ‘cargo.’ This mode of travel involves your pet flying in a different section of the plane to you. Even though you won’t be able to visit, it is temperature-regulated and dimly lit for your pets comfort.

Pets travelling as cargo receive priority boarding, meaning they’ll be last on and first off. 

Pets travel in and out of the UAE as cargo everyday and it is very safe. Cargo FAQ’s  

Your pet must travel in IATA-compliant carrier, whether in the cabin or as cargo. Paws & Planes will assist with measuring your pet and can also supply an appropriate crate when you book your pets travel with us. We always use the IATA reference guide to ensure a proper and safe fit 

When your pet lands in Dubai, they will be taken off the plane in their crate and moved to a secure animal holding area within the cargo terminal. Here, they will be looked after by trained airline staff while customs clearance and minister vet checks take place. With our full import into UAE service, you don’t need to be at the airport at all. We will handle everything for you and then deliver your pet straight to your home, keeping you updated at every stage. 

Read more about how we handle your pets customs clearance here 

For your pet cat or dog to be successfully imported into the UAE, the following is required: 

  1. Microchip 
  2. Valid Rabies Vaccine 
  3. Rabies Titre Test (if the country you are travelling from is ‘high risk’ 
  4. Up to date annual vaccinaions (DHPPL for dogs, FVCRP for cats) 
  5. Valid health certificate from the origin country, endorsed by the relevant authority. 
  6. At least 12 weeks of age (or 15 weeks if travelling from a high risk country) 
  7. Internal & External parasite treatment, administered within 14 days by a licensed vet. 
  8. Not be a banned breed

These requirements are enforced by The Ministry of Climate Change & Environment and can be viewed on their official government page here

This depends on many factors such as the destination, your pet’s current vaccination status and pre travel requirements. We recommending reaching out to us as soon as you have your destination and  travel date in mind so we can provide a realistic timeline estimate. 

This depends on the time of the year, airline policies and your pets health. Many airlines restrict travel for snub nosed breeds during the summer; some airlines do not permit them at all. When you get in touch, we’ll explore your options and assist with the additional paperwork required for your special breed. 

Yes, Paws and Planes offers a door-to-door service for most destinations, where we manage every aspect of your pet’s journey. This includes working with overseas agents to take care of procedures like import permits, customs clearance, quarantine, and delivery to your pet’s final destination, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience from start to finish. 

We provide full import service for pets arriving into UAE from all major airports.You can view the import fees HERE 

As of July 2024, the banned breeds in the UAE include:

  • Mastiff (Dogo Argentino)
  • Tibetan Mastiff
  • Neapolitan Mastiff
  • French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux)
  • Boerboel
  • Bullmastiff
  • Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff)
  • Bully Kutta (Alangu Mastiff, Indian Mastiff)
  • Perro De Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Presa Canario

If you have a service animal or an emotional support animal, special permission is required in advance along with attested supporting documentation.

If you are traveling from one of the following countries, additional rabies testing is not required:

  • Australia, Austria, Andorra, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, French Polynesia, Falkland Islands, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Mauritius, Malta, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Palau, Latvia, Albania, Croatia, Maldives, Spain (excluding Melilla), Cyprus, Korea, Montenegro, Seychelles, Suriname, Micronesia, Greece, Marshall Islands, Bahamas, Lithuania, and Macedonia.