Taking your pet on holiday from the UAE is possible
Here’s what you need to know:
As the weather heats up and pet parents start planning their summer holidays, many wonder if they can bring their furry friends along. At Paws & Planes, we’re not just about permanent relocations to and from the UAE—we also specialize in pet travel for holidays, ensuring a smooth round trip for your pets whether you’re heading home for the summer or planning a few weeks of adventure.
Key Pet Travel Requirements
When planning to travel with your pet from the UAE for the summer, there are a few essential steps to follow. All pets traveling abroad must have a valid MOCCAE export health certificate, issued online and valid for 30 days.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Microchip: Your pet must be microchipped for identification.
- Rabies Vaccination: A valid rabies vaccination certificate.
- Up-to-date Annual Vaccinations: Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are current.
These details will be recorded in the MOCCAE health certificate, which must be endorsed by a government vet. At Paws & Planes, we’ll assist with obtaining this crucial certification by handling the application process and taking your pet to the government vet at DXB Cargo Village, ensuring everything is completed within the correct timeframe.
Destination-Specific Health Certifications
Some destinations, such as the UK and EU, require a destination-specific health certificate for entry. These certificates are typically 7-8 pages long and need to be filled out and endorsed correctly within a strict timeframe. Any mistake or missing information can cause delays at your pet’s point of entry.
To avoid any issues, we handle the entire process for you. We’ll obtain the correct template, pre-fill the health certificate, coordinate with the vet, and ensure everything is completed on time. This eliminates any risk of errors, ensuring a smooth entry into your holiday destination.
Travel Options for Leaving the UAE
When it comes to pet travel, there are 4 main options for pets departing from the UAE:
- In-Cabin
- Excess Baggage
- Cargo
- Private Jet
All of these options are safe. We provide services for each to ensure a seamless travel experience. Whether your pet is traveling in-cabin (under 8kg, with select airlines), as cargo, or via private jet, we’ll handle every detail—from booking the airline and arranging vet visits to the final handover at the airport.
Travel Options for Returning to the UAE
When returning to the UAE, travel options are somewhat limited. Although pets can leave the UAE via Excess Baggage or In-Cabin travel, returning pets must arrive as manifest cargo. The only exceptions are for pets traveling via private jet or pets under 8kg flying into Abu Dhabi (AUH) with a select group of airlines.
If you’re returning after your summer holiday, we’ll ensure that your pet’s health certifications from the holiday country meet UAE travel regulations. We’ll also secure the necessary UAE permit and manage the submission to MOCCAE, ensuring smooth clearance upon arrival. For pets arriving as cargo, we offer full door-to-door services, ensuring that your pet’s journey home is just as smooth as their holiday adventure.
More Than Just Permanent Moves
Whether you’re taking a short summer holiday or making a permanent move, Paws & Planes is here to handle all your pet travel needs. We take the stress out of the process by managing all the paperwork, coordinating with airlines, and ensuring your pet’s journey is as comfortable as possible.
Relax and enjoy your holiday, knowing that everything is taken care of for your pet’s travel. Ready to plan your pet’s next adventure? Reach out to us today, and let us make the journey seamless for both you and your furry friend.
