Pet Moving & Relocation Guide
Complete guide to relocating with pets in Dubai. Learn about import regulations, documentation, pet-friendly communities, and helping your pets adjust.
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Moving with Pets: What You Need to Know
Dubai is a pet-friendly city with excellent veterinary services, pet parks, and pet-friendly communities. However, moving can be stressful for pets. Proper planning, documentation, and care during transition will help your furry family members adjust smoothly to their new home.
Start preparing at least 2-3 months before your move for international relocations, or 2-3 weeks for local moves within UAE.
Pet Import Requirements (International Moves)
Required documentation for bringing pets to UAE
Required Documents
- Original health certificate from licensed veterinarian (within 10 days of travel)
- Valid vaccination certificate (rabies mandatory, minimum 30 days before travel)
- Import permit from UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment
- Microchip implantation (ISO compliant 15-digit chip)
- Pet passport (if coming from EU)
- Flight confirmation and airline pet booking
Banned Breeds
- ✗Pit Bull Terrier
- ✗Japanese Tosa
- ✗Wolf dogs and hybrids
- ✗Note: Some emirates have additional restrictions. Check local municipality rules.
Always verify current regulations with UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment before planning your move.
Moving Day Preparation
How to help your pets through the moving process
Before Move Day
- Visit vet for health check and update vaccinations
- Update pet microchip with new address
- Request pet medical records from current vet
- Research vets and pet services in new neighborhood
- Buy or check condition of pet carrier/crate
- Pack pet essentials box (food, bowls, toys, medications)
- Take photos of pets (in case they escape during move)
Moving Day
- Keep pets in quiet room away from movers
- Place "Do Not Open" sign on pet room door
- Walk dogs before movers arrive to reduce stress
- Ensure collar has ID tag with new address/phone
- Pack pets last, transport them yourself (not in moving truck)
- Bring familiar items in car (favorite toy, blanket)
- Have recent photo on phone in case pet escapes
At New Home
- Set up pet area first (bed, bowls, litter box)
- Keep pets confined to one room initially
- Maintain regular feeding and walking schedule
- Walk dogs on leash even in compound (unfamiliar territory)
- Gradually introduce to rest of house over several days
- Pet-proof new home (check for hazards, escape routes)
- Update vet, microchip registry, and pet license with new address
Pet-Friendly Communities in Dubai
Best areas for living with pets
Dubai Marina
Many towers allow pets, beach walk access, multiple vet clinics nearby
JLT (Jumeirah Lake Towers)
Pet-friendly community, walking paths around lakes, parks available
Arabian Ranches
Villa community ideal for dogs, large gardens, pet-friendly environment
The Springs/Meadows
Villa communities with parks, dog-walking areas, pet services nearby
Downtown Dubai
Some buildings allow pets, check individual building rules carefully
Palm Jumeirah
Many villas and apartments allow pets, beach access for walks
Important: Always verify pet policies directly with landlord or building management before signing lease. Some buildings have pet size restrictions, breed restrictions, or require pet deposits.
Get a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your move. We'll handle the details.
Estimated Costs
Import Permit
From UAE Ministry
Health Certificate
From vet in origin country
Pet Relocation Service
Professional pet movers (international)
Flight Ticket (Cabin)
Small pets only
Flight Ticket (Cargo)
Large pets
Microchipping
If not already done
Pet Carrier/Crate
Airline-approved
Dubai Municipality Pet License
Free in some areas
Reducing Pet Stress During Move
Maintain Routine
Keep feeding, walking, and playtime schedules consistent before, during, and after move. Familiarity reduces anxiety.
Use Pheromone Diffusers
Products like Adaptil (dogs) or Feliway (cats) release calming pheromones that help reduce stress during transitions.
Create Safe Space
Set up quiet room with familiar items (bed, toys, blanket with your scent) where pet can retreat and feel secure.
Gradual Introduction
Don't overwhelm pets by giving full house access immediately. Introduce new spaces slowly over several days.
Extra Attention
Spend extra time with pets during move. Your calm presence reassures them that everything is okay.
Exercise Before Move
Tire out dogs with long walk or play session before moving day. Tired pets are calmer and more relaxed.
Important Safety Tips
- • Never transport pets in moving truck - they must travel with you
- • Update microchip and ID tags BEFORE move with new address
- • Keep pets secured in car (carrier or safety harness)
- • Don't leave pets in hot car - Dubai temperatures are extreme
- • Have emergency vet contact saved in phone before moving
- • Keep 2 weeks' supply of pet food/medication in case of delays
- • Ensure balconies are secure (cats can fall, dogs can jump)
- • Check garden/compound for toxic plants before letting pets explore
Pet Moving FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our moving services
Yes, most pets can be imported to Dubai with proper documentation: health certificate, vaccination records, microchip, and import permit. However, certain breeds (Pit Bulls, Japanese Tosa, wolf hybrids) are banned. Cats and dogs are most common; exotic pets may require additional permits.
Check building rules before signing lease - not all allow pets. Ask landlord/agent directly, check property listing for "pet-friendly" label, and search communities known for being pet-friendly (Arabian Ranches, The Springs, JLT, Marina). Villa communities generally more accommodating than apartments.
For international relocation: AED 5,000-15,000 total including flights, permits, health certificates, and professional pet relocation services. Within UAE moves are much cheaper. Costs vary based on pet size, origin country, and whether you use professional pet movers.
No mandatory quarantine for cats and dogs from most countries if all documentation is correct and up to date. However, pets from countries with rabies risk may require additional testing or observation. Always verify current regulations with UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment.
Maintain routines, create a safe space with familiar items, introduce new home gradually, give extra attention and reassurance, keep them confined to smaller area initially, then expand access slowly. Use calming aids if needed (pheromone diffusers, calming treats). Be patient - adjustment takes 2-4 weeks.
Yes! Dubai has numerous dog parks (Barsha Park, Uptown Dubai Dog Park, Al Khawaneej Walk), pet-friendly beaches, grooming salons, vets, pet hotels, and dog training centers. Many communities have designated pet walking areas. Pet services industry is well-developed.
Generally NOT recommended without vet consultation. Sedation can be dangerous during flights (affects breathing at altitude). For car moves within UAE, most pets do better with familiar item and calm environment than sedation. Always consult your vet before giving any medication.
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