50 years ago Dubai was a small down in the dessert with 40,000 inhabitants. Now with over 1,500,000 inhabitants, it is one of the fastest growing cities on the planet. The United Arab Emirates has been become much more friendly towards pets with the influx of foreign workers.
The UAE does not permit the import of pets who have not been vaccinated against rabies. As a practical matter this means that pets must be at least 4 months old before they are eligible to enter the UAE as most vets will not vaccinate a pet against rabies before they are 3 months and the rabies shot must be 30 days old. Also there is a "2 pet-per-passport" rule and we will need a copy of your passport. If you have more than the allowed number, please let us know and we will attempt to receive an exemption.
Below are the requirements and timing of the things needed to be done to qualify your pets for entry into Dubai.
1) MICROCHIP – As soon as practical
All pets traveling to Dubai must be micro-chipped. Avid and Home Again are the most popular brands and most vets carry one or the other. While the exact regulations state the microchip must be an ISO chip, we have not encountered any difficulties with a chip not being ISO compliant. As the exact time the microchip is implanted is not crucial, a special trip to the vet may not be necessary. Please consult with your PMC to determine the most efficient plan of action.
2) RABIES VACCINATION – Between 30 days and a year from the date of travel
Each pet must be vaccinated against rabies and the vaccination must be older than 30 days before the pet can travel. Three year rabies vaccines are increasing in popularity and we have found most to be acceptable. Your PMC will review your specific vet records and verify with the UAE. The rabies certificate must show a date of birth instead of just an age. If you are not sure of your pet's exact birthdate, it is acceptable to estimate.
The microchip number should be noted on the rabies vaccination so if your pet has a valid rabies vaccination, you can just write in the number on the Rabies Certificate. If your pet does not have a valid vaccination or a microchip, the two can certainly be combined into one Vet visit. In this case your Vet should be type in the appropriate number.
3) DISTEMPER VACCINE – Between 14 days and a year from the date of travel
Both dogs and cats need to be vaccinated for distemper. Most dogs receive a DHLPP or DHPP shot as a standard vaccination. The same is true for cats and FVRCP. These are combination vaccines which contain the necessary distemper component and satisfy the requirements. Bordatella or "kennel cough" is also a recommended vaccination for dogs.
4) IMPORT PERMIT – Within 30 days before the date of arrival
All pets must obtain an import permit and it is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. We recommend submitting an application no later than 2 weeks before your proposed travel allow flexibility. It usually takes about 7 working days to obtain, however in rush situations, we have been able to secure the Import Permits on an expedited basis.
In most circumstance we will obtain the Import Permit for you unless you have indicated to us that it is something you wish to take care of.
5) APHIS 7001 HEALTH CERTIFICATE– Within 10 days of arrival in Dubai
Your Vet will need to issue an APHIS 7001 Health Certificate. This is a six part form issued to your Veterinarian by the USDA and they will have the form on hand. The 7001 number will be located in the bottom left corner of the form.
Multiple pets can go on one APHIS 7001 as long as they are the same species. If you have a dog and a cat, you must get a separate form for each. California and North Carolina have a State Health Certificate form which is also acceptable. Please make sure the microchip number for each pet is listed on the form. The APHIS 7001 and State forms do not need the endorsement of the USDA, however some airlines have internal policies which require it. Please check with your PMC for the latest developments.
That's it and remember to take plenty of water!
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