Pets are the best companions and bring a source of joy and energy to your lives. The UAE also promotes pet ownership by offering various pet-friendly communities. However, it’s important to know the local pet laws in case of pet relocation to Abu Dhabi
When you are moving to Abu Dhabi with your pet friend, you must comply with all the rules and regulations. Now, let’s discuss all the laws, tips, and more about relocating with pets to Abu Dhabi.
- Terms and Conditions
- Documents Required
- Vaccinations Required
- Tips for Settling With Pets
- Things to Consider
- Service Centres
- FAQs
Terms and Conditions for Pet Relocation to Abu Dhabi
Relocating with pets in Abu Dhabi involves various terms and conditions that need to be considered while importing pets:
1. Pet Permit and Microchip
According to UAE laws, your pet must have a MOCCAE pet import permit and microchip while travelling. The conditions for this permit and chip are:
- A valid permit for up to 30 days is required before your pet enters the UAE.
- Microchip your pet and keep a full vaccination record.
- Pet must be shipped in manifested cargo as per International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations.
2. Banned Dog Breeds
As per UAE laws, you can only bring two pets into this country. But make sure you do not own the banned dog breed as pets. Some of these banned dog breeds are:
- All Kinds Pit Bull
- Japanese Tosa (TosaInu, Tosa Fighting Dog)
- Argentinian Fighting Dog (Dogo Argentino, Argentinian Mastiff)
- Brazilian Fighting Dog (Fila Brasileiro, Brazilian Mastiff)
- Wolf Dog Hybrid (Any dog mixed with a wolf)
- American Staffordshire Terrier
3. Vaccination Document
The imported cats and dogs must be relocated to the UAE with the following documents:
- Authorised health certificate issued from the competent veterinary authorities.
- Vaccination document or passport
- The document must fully meet all vaccinations according to annexe number (A) and include:
- Vaccine Name
- Manufacturing Company
- Batch Number
- Vaccination Date
4. Rabies Testing Certificate
A Rabies Testing certificate from an accredited laboratory in the export country must be provided for imports from high-risk countries. The certificate must state the following as per the current regulations:
- Date of sampling
- Examination method
- Antibody titration test before shipping
Also, there are two cases of getting your pet vaccinated against Rabies that you must be aware of. These are:
Case 1
If a pet is vaccinated for the first time or discontinues vaccination, wait at least 21 days. After that, you can take your pet for a Rabies test.
Case 2
If the animal has a valid booster vaccination, the test can be conducted directly without requiring 21 days after vaccination.
Documents Required for Pet Relocation to Abu Dhabi
The following documents should be provided for the pets that are imported for service, emotional support, or medical dogs:
- Certified document from the training centre stating that the dog is for emotional support, a service dog, or for medical use.
- Authorised medical report on the owner’s health status to support the purpose of owning a dog.
- The dog’s owner must pledge not to sell, abandon, or breed the dog. The pledge must be attached as a requirement for the relevant legislation.
Vaccinations Required for Relocating With Pets in Abu Dhabi
To ensure the health and safety of both the pets and the people around, you must timely vaccinate your pet. Rabies is the most important vaccination for animals, including both cats and dogs.
This valid vaccination must be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Moreover, the initial dose of Rabies vaccine should be applied after 12 weeks of the animal’s age. Other essential vaccines for dogs and cats are:
1. For Dogs
You must vaccinate your pet dogs with the following:
- Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
- Infectious Canine Hepatitis
- Canine Parvo Virus
- Leptospirosis (If the exporting country does not apply vaccination, the vaccine can be dispensed and replaced with a lab test)
2. For Cats
The following vaccines are essential for the cats at the time of relocation to Abu Dhabi:
- Feline Pan Leukcopenia
- Feline Rhinotracheitis
- Feline Calicivirus
Tips for Settling With Pets
For settling in Abu Dhabi with pets, you must register your pet with TAMM as soon as possible. After that, look for the following features while exploring the residential communities:
1. Pet-Friendly Communities
The neighbourhood you choose to live in Abu Dhabi must be pet-friendly. It is recommended that you confirm whether the landlord or the building owner allows you to have pets.
Several pet-friendly apartments for rent in Abu Dhabi are available in the emirate’s best residential areas, including:
- Al Reem Island
- Khalifa City
- Corniche Road
- Yas Island
- Al Khalidiya
- Saadiyat Island
2. Nearby Pet Services
As a pet owner, you must be aware of the nearby pet services. Each pet-friendly community offers the best pet shops in Abu Dhabi for your convenience. Also, the various veterinary clinics in Abu Dhabi with the most qualified vets provide the best treatments for pets.
3. Outdoor Activities
To provide comfort and convenience to pet owners, Abu Dhabi also offers various pet-friendly destinations for their outdoor activities. From parks to beaches, you can take your pet to multiple leisure spots in Abu Dhabi for their enjoyment.
4. Pet-Proofing
While living with a pet, especially when you have kittens and puppies, pet-proofing your home becomes crucial. Pets love to explore every nook and corner of your home, which often leads them to trouble. So, consider the following tips and tricks to ensure pet safety:
- Install child-proof latches on cabinets.
- Keep balconies closed when not in use.
- Check electrical outlets for loose wires.
- Keep small objects out of reach.
- Close toilet lids to prevent water contamination.
- Seal the food items and cleaning agents.
- Keep medicines, razors and cleaning agents in closed cabinets.
Things to Consider While Importing Pets to Abu Dhabi
For those who are importing pets to Abu Dhabi must consider the following things:
- The minimum age to import low-risk animals is 12 weeks and high-risk animals must be 15 weeks old.
- Vaccination should be done at 12 weeks old, with validity based on the manufacturing company.
- Animals must receive preventive doses for internal and external parasites 14 days before shipment.
- Cats and dogs must be shipped directly from the exporting country.
- Personal imports are allowed for up to two cats or two dogs annually, with exceptions for resident animals.
- Animal welfare legislation and standards must be considered.
- Bengal and Serval cats as pets require a pedigree certificate for individuals and commercial companies.
Service Centres
To get a pet permit in Abu Dhabi for relocation, visit the following MOCCAE service centres:
1. Al Guwaifat Centre for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine
Address
Al Guwaifat, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Working Days
24/7
Contact
- Phone: 800-3050
- Email: info@moccae.gov.ae
2. Khatm Al Shaklah Centre for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine
Address
Al Ain Area, Khatem Al Sheklah Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Working Days
Monday to Sunday: 07:00 am to 06:00 pm
Contact
- Phone: 800-3050
- Email: info@moccae.gov.ae
3. Mazyad Centre for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine
Address
Mazyad Area, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Working Days
Monday to Sunday: 07:00 am to 06:00 pm
Contact
- Phone: 8003050
- Email: info@moccae.gov.ae
4. Zayed International Airport Centre for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine
Address
Cargo Village, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Working Days
24/7
Contact
- Phone: 8003050
- Email: info@moccae.gov.ae
FAQs
Yes, you can relocate with pets in Abu Dhabi. However, an import permit is required for bringing pets into Abu Dhabi. Also, you must have this permit before the pet’s shipment.
To own a pet in Abu Dhabi, you must comply with the following rules:
-Pet licences are mandatory.
-Microchipping and regular vaccinations are essential for dogs and cats.
-Registration with the municipality’s veterinarian services must be done.
-Pets must wear proof of municipality registration all the time.
Only Etihad Airlines permits in-cabin pet travel, requiring owners to adhere to terms and conditions.
Pet relocation to Abu Dhabi involves a series of steps, including applying for a permit and vaccination. For a smooth relocation, you must comply with all the UAE pet rules and regulations, along with the requirements
Those who are relocating with pets in Dubai also need a pet permit and registration. For more on pet-related services in the UAE, check out the Property Finder Blog.
