MOCCAE Pet Export Permit UAE: Process, Costs & Timeline (2026)

Why You Need a MOCCAE Export Permit

The UAE requires an official export permit for all cats and dogs being transported out of the country. This permit is issued by MOCCAE (Ministry of Climate Change and Environment), the federal authority responsible for animal health and welfare. Without a valid export permit, your pet will be refused clearance at the airport.

The permit confirms that your pet has been examined by a licensed veterinarian, is healthy enough for air travel, has current vaccinations, and meets the basic health standards required for international transport. It also serves as the UAE's official documentation that the animal is being exported legally — not trafficked or smuggled.

The MOCCAE portal (www.moccae.gov.ae) handles the permit application online, though you will still need in-person vet visits and an airport inspection before your pet can fly.

The Vet Appointment and Health Certificate

The first step is booking an appointment with a MOCCAE-approved veterinarian. During this visit, the vet will conduct a full physical examination of your pet, check for signs of illness or communicable disease, and confirm your pet is fit to fly. The vet will also verify your pet's vaccination records and microchip.

The health certificate is issued at the export port (airport) by a MOCCAE veterinarian during the mandatory pre-flight inspection. You must bring your pet to the airport inspection area 48 hours before your scheduled flight. This inspection is included with the MOCCAE export permit fee — there is no additional charge.

The export health certificate is typically valid for 7-10 days depending on the destination country. Time your airport inspection accordingly — too early and the certificate may expire before arrival, too late and you risk missing your flight window.

Microchip Verification

Every pet exported from the UAE must have a working microchip that meets the ISO 11784/11785 standard. This is the internationally recognized 15-digit microchip format used by most countries. The microchip serves as your pet's permanent identification and links to their vaccination and health records.

If your pet was adopted or treated at a UAE veterinary clinic, they likely already have a microchip. Your vet will scan the chip during the health check to confirm it is readable and that the number matches your pet's records. If the chip is unreadable or missing, you will need to have a new one implanted before proceeding.

Important timing note: the microchip must be implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination. If your pet is microchipped after the rabies vaccine, some destination countries will not accept the vaccination as valid, requiring you to re-vaccinate and restart the 21-day waiting period.

Rabies Vaccination Timing: The 21-Day Rule

Rabies vaccination is the most time-sensitive element of the pet export process. The UAE and most destination countries require that the rabies vaccine be administered at least 21 days before the travel date. This waiting period allows the vaccine to produce sufficient antibodies.

If your pet already has a current rabies vaccination that was given more than 21 days ago and is still within the validity period (typically 1-3 years depending on the vaccine type), you do not need a new vaccination. Bring the original vaccination certificate to your vet appointment for verification.

For destinations in the EU, UK, Australia, Japan, and several other countries, the requirements are significantly stricter. These countries require a rabies antibody titer test performed at an approved laboratory, with results showing adequate antibody levels. The titer test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination, and some countries require a 3-month waiting period after the test before entry. If your destination has titer test requirements, start the vaccination process at least 4-6 months before your planned travel date.

MOCCAE Permit Application Process and Fee

Once your pet's vaccinations, microchip, and initial vet check are complete, you can apply for the export permit through the MOCCAE portal. The application requires:

• A copy of your passport and Emirates ID
• Your pet's vaccination record (rabies and other core vaccines)
• Microchip number and implantation certificate
• Recent veterinary health check report
• Flight booking confirmation showing the travel date and destination

The export permit fee is AED 400 per pet for cats and dogs. This is a government fee paid directly to MOCCAE and covers the permit issuance and the airport veterinary inspection. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, though it is wise to apply at least 2 weeks before your flight to account for any delays or document corrections.

Once approved, the permit is linked to your specific travel date and flight. If your travel plans change, you will need to contact MOCCAE to amend or reissue the permit.

IATA-Compliant Crate Requirements

All pets travelling as cargo or checked baggage must be in an IATA-compliant travel crate. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets strict requirements for animal containers used in air transport. A compliant crate must:

• Be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
• Have adequate ventilation on at least three sides
• Be made of rigid, escape-proof material (hard plastic or fibreglass — not soft-sided)
• Have a secure locking mechanism that cannot be opened accidentally
• Include absorbent lining and a water dish that can be filled from outside
• Be clearly labelled with "Live Animal" stickers and directional arrows

Budget AED 800-1,500 for a quality IATA-compliant crate depending on your pet's size. Crates are available from pet stores across the UAE, online retailers, and specialist pet transport companies. Buy the crate well in advance so your pet can get accustomed to it before travel day — a pet that is comfortable in their crate will experience far less stress during the flight.

Airline Cargo Booking and Summer Heat Embargoes

Pet cargo space on flights is limited and must be booked separately from your passenger ticket. Contact your airline's cargo department directly — most airlines do not allow pet cargo bookings through their standard website. Popular airlines for pet transport from the UAE include Emirates SkyCargo, Etihad Cargo, and several European and Asian carriers with dedicated animal transport services.

Expect to pay AED 6,000-25,000+ for cargo shipping, with the cost varying significantly based on your destination, pet's size and weight (including the crate), and the airline. Long-haul destinations (Americas, Australasia) are at the higher end, while regional flights (Middle East, Indian subcontinent) tend to be less expensive.

Summer heat embargoes are a critical factor. From approximately May through September, most airlines suspend or restrict pet cargo transport from UAE airports when ground temperatures exceed safe thresholds for animals (typically above 30-35°C on the tarmac). During embargo periods, some airlines offer temperature-controlled cargo options or late-night flights when conditions are cooler, but availability is extremely limited and costs are higher.

If you are arranging pet transport during summer months, consider using a specialist pet transport company. These companies have established relationships with airlines and can often secure cargo space on temperature-controlled services that are not available to individual bookings. They also handle all the paperwork, crate requirements, and airport logistics.

Total Cost Breakdown

Here is a summary of the typical costs involved in exporting a pet from the UAE. Actual costs will vary based on your pet's size, destination, and airline.

For households with multiple pets, multiply the per-pet costs (permit, crate, vet, cargo) accordingly. Some cargo companies offer multi-pet discounts if animals are travelling on the same flight.

Destination Country Import Requirements

The MOCCAE export permit covers the UAE side of the process, but every destination country has its own import requirements that you must also satisfy. These vary enormously — some countries accept the UAE health certificate with minimal additional paperwork, while others have extensive quarantine, testing, and documentation requirements.

Common destination-specific requirements include:

• EU and UK: Rabies titer test, EU health certificate (Annex IV), entry through a designated point of entry, and potentially a tapeworm treatment within 24-120 hours of arrival.
• Australia and New Zealand: Among the strictest in the world. Mandatory quarantine (minimum 10 days in Australia), rabies titer test, multiple blood tests, and import permits from the destination government. Start at least 6 months ahead.
• United States: Requires proof of rabies vaccination. Some states have additional requirements. CDC regulations may require advance booking of an arrival appointment.
• India: No-objection certificate from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services, health certificate, and rabies vaccination proof.

Always check your destination country's government veterinary authority website for the most current import requirements. Requirements can change at short notice, and arriving without the correct paperwork can result in your pet being quarantined or refused entry.