The best time to start preparing is ASAP once you have a notion of relocating.

Pet relocation has two sides: export and import.

The approximate time for the import side of things will depend on the type of pet you have and their vaccination status, also whether you’re coming from a country classified as “high-risk” or “low-risk” for rabies.

For the export side, you would want an agent based in your country of origin (see IPATA.org website for agents in your country/area) who can assist you determine what export requirements there are and how long the process will take.

Stafford Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasileiro), Argentinian 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

Except for service animals, emotional support animals, and medically necessary animals in accordance with the regulating requirements.

In terms of pet imports, most countries fall under one of three rabies categories.

1. Rabies-free countries
2. Rabies-controlled countries or low-risk countries
3. High rabies countries or high-risk countries

It is important to note that rabies classification varies from country to country, and what the UAE considers to be rabies-free may not necessarily be the case in Canada.

These are countries that have a low incidence of rabies. These countries have stringent measures in place to stop the spread and prevalence of rabies.

These countries have a high incidence of rabies where rabies occurs in both wild and companion animals.

Australia, Austria, Andorra, Barbados, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech, 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,Qatar, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Palau, Latvia, Albania, Croatia, Maldives, Spain, Cyprus, Slovakia, Korea, Montenegro, Seychelles, Suriname, Micronesia, Greece, Marshall Islands

A titer (titre) test is a blood test that can show whether your pet has antibodies for a particular illness.

Titer testing can be used to determine the effectiveness of a vaccine or the presence of any natural immunity towards disease.

Proof that your pet is immunized against rabies is a rabies vaccination certificate, filled in by your vet when they vaccinate your pet. Yet, sometimes further proof is required: a rabies titer test (or rabies titre test).

The rabies titer test is also known as the rabies antibody test, rabies neutralizing antibody titer (RNAT) test, or rabies blood test, as it measures the amount of antibodies produced in the blood of your pets for rabies. It confirms the effectiveness of the rabies vaccine in your pet.

We highly recommend that you consult with your veterinarian about the possibility of another rabies vaccination and obtaining another blood sample.

The moment you receive the results and your pet has passed the test. Pets can travel as soon as possible to the UAE.

It is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.

You can obtain an import permit by going to:

Normally, it takes 1 working day to be issued.

Depending on the airline and the regulations of the destination country, pets could be traveling as accompanied (or excess baggage), in passenger cabins, or as manifest cargo.

As per UAE regulation, all pets must arrive in the country as manifested cargo.

As an exception to the rule: Currently, Etihad Airways arriving in Abu Dhabi is the only airline that permits pets in cabins under certain terms and conditions.

For more information:

Traveling as "manifest cargo" means that your pet will travel as an unaccompanied shipment, even if you will be traveling on the same flight. If you need to travel at a different time, and on a different flight, cargo is the only way. This means that your pet is not checked in with your luggage when you arrive at the airport's passenger terminal, but rather she/he is brought to the airport's cargo section several hours before the time of departure and then handled like other types of cargo shipment. Animals traveling through manifested cargo are taken well cared for, they are priority of all the other normal cargo. Your pet is the last to be loaded on board and the first to be offloaded.

Your pet will be in a section of the aircraft at the rear, underneath the cabin. When pets fly in the hold, they're not among overloaded suitcases. The airlines have created special procedures to take care of our pets when we cannot be with them. Aircraft have special zones in the hold that can accommodate crates for pets. When a live animal is flown, the aircraft's crew will be notified. This means that air in the hold can be heated and pressure readjusted to preferable conditions for animals. Pets are treated as a priority and are the last to be loaded on board and the first to be offloaded. Because of these carefully thought out details, flying pets in the hold is as safe as it can be.

Few airlines operate this procedure, which involves the owner checking their pet in with their luggage at the terminal. Meaning on your departure day, when you check in for your flight, you will bring your pet with you and check in your pet the same way as you check in your luggage. And once the check- in process is done, a porter will come and assist you to take your pet to a security screening. After the security screening you may give your four legged friend a kiss as the porter takes your pet to a safe area waiting to be loaded on the flight when it's close to departure time. You will reunite with your pet upon arrival, as another porter on your destination will take your pet to the baggage claim area. On the aircraft, your pet will be placed in the cargo hold, it is the same area where pets are placed when flying as manifested cargo. They will be in a special zone in the hold that can accommodate crates for pets. And, that air in the hold can be heated and pressure readjusted to preferable conditions for animals.

Airlines have their own restrictions concerning the species and breeds of pets and other animals that they are willing to transport.

A microchip is required as UAE no longer accepts tattoos and the microchip number is needed in your application for the import permit.

Pets coming into UAE must first be microchipped with an ISO 11784 pet microchip that has 15 digits and is not encrypted. In the event that your pet's microchip is not ISO 11784 compliant, you may bring your own microchip scanner.

Floof VIPets will provide you with VIP treatment regardless of your flight departure or arrival time. No additional fees are applied.

In the UAE, pets with all required vaccinations, documents, and other requirements are not subject to quarantine.

Pets that fail to comply with the necessary requirements may be quarantined, exported, or confiscated.