It is the exporter's responsibility to ensure that the animal meets the importing country requirements.

An import permit is required and is obtainable from the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Climate Change & Environment website​.​

Note

Where an importing country issues an import permit, the exporter must ensure the animal meets any requirements in the permit.

Health certificate

1. The export country (Australia) has not recorded Rabies for at least the two years prior to export.
2. The age of the dog(s)/cat(s) was not less than 15 weeks of age at the time of export.
3. Vaccinations:
1. The animal(s) have been vaccinated for rabies, at not less than three months of age and not less than 21 days prior to export in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
2. The dog(s) have been vaccinated against the following disease: Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Parvovirus, Infectious Canine Hepatitis and tested negative within 30 days prior to export for Leptospirosis (Leptospira canicola and Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae). See attached vaccination and laboratory certificates.
   * pre-export testing of dogs for Leptospira canicola and L.icterohaemorrhagiae is by Microscopic agglutination test (MAT)​
   
4. The animals(s) were treated against external and internal parasites within 14 days of export.
5. The animals(s) were inspected and identified by a Registered Veterinary Surgeon within 24 hours of export and showed no external signs of infectious or contagious disease. 
6. The dog/cat was placed in a crate that was cleaned and disinfected before use and complies with the regulations for air transport of animals of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
   

List of dog breeds prohibited from import

There are breeds of dogs that are banned for import into the United Arab Emirates, except for those used as service animals, emotional support animals or for medical purposes and in accordance with the regulating requirements. You should check the list provided below and any importing country information carefully.

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• American Bully
• Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero)
• 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​
  

If your animal is returning to Australia, you should make yourself familiar with the Department’s requirements for importing live animals into Australia​. ​​This is important as your animal may have been exposed to diseases that do not occur in Australia.

Based on a protocol agreed 21 September 2016.

Entry last reviewed 7 August 2025. ​