Pet Relocation
Moving countries is a stressful process for humans, but moving your pet needn’t be
Countries have differing veterinary requirements with little leeway for non compliance. It therefore makes sense to entrust the process to veterinary professionals. A starting point is to ensure your pet is healthy and up to date with their vaccinations and parasite control. In some cases you may need to begin preparations up to 12 months ahead of your planned move.
At British Veterinary Hospital Dubai we can advise you on the requirements and ensure both you and your pets are fully prepared for their move along with all the required permits and veterinary certifications.
Whether your pets travel as cargo or accompany you on your flight, our experienced relocation team will organise the whole process for you including all veterinary requirements, airline bookings and paperwork. We will escort your pets to the airport of departure.
As members of IPATA, we have access to a worldwide network of agents we work with to ensure your pet is swiftly cleared through customs on arrival and delivered to you at the airport or to your home. Our team will be able to explain all available options to you, and any special considerations according to species or breed.
All pets must arrive in UAE as cargo. Working with our international partners we can provide a bespoke door to door package to bring your pet from anywhere to the UAE.
On arrival in the UAE, we will complete the customs clearance formalities and collect your pet from the airport and deliver to your home.
As a bonus all our new arrivals receive complimentary Municipality Registration, a veterinary health check and 500 Dh voucher to use for our veterinary services once you are settled.
All pets must arrive in UAE as cargo. Working with our international partners we can provide a bespoke door to door package to bring your pet from anywhere to the UAE.
On arrival in the UAE, we will complete the customs clearance formalities and collect your pet from the airport and deliver to your home.
As a bonus all our new arrivals receive complimentary Municipality Registration, a veterinary health check and 500 Dh voucher to use for our veterinary services once you are settled.
Successful Relocations
Moving Your Pet From or To the UAE
The timeline depends on your destination country, airline availability, and the specific import requirements involved. Some relocations can be arranged within days, while others may require several weeks or months of preparation due to testing or permit timelines.
We always recommend contacting us as early as possible so we can guide you through the process and avoid unnecessary delays.
The earlier, the better. Some countries require:
- Rabies vaccinations
- lood testing
- Waiting periods
- Import permits
Starting early gives us the best chance of securing the smoothest route and ensuring all veterinary and travel requirements are completed correctly.
This depends on:
- Airline regulations
- Destination country rules
- Your pet’s size and breed
Some airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin, while others require pets to travel as manifest cargo.
For example:
- The UK requires pets to arrive as manifest cargo
- Abu Dhabi may allow small pets under airline weight limits to travel in-cabin with certain airlines
Our team can advise you on the safest and most suitable option for your journey.
Manifest cargo is a specialised animal transport system used by airlines for international pet travel. Pets travel in a dedicated, temperature-controlled and monitored area of the aircraft designed specifically for live animals.
While the term “cargo” can sound worrying, this is the standard and safest method required by many countries for pet importation.
Requirements vary depending on the destination country, but commonly include:
- Valid vaccinations
- Microchip
- Health certificate
- Export permit
- Import permit
- Parasite treatments
- Airline-approved travel crate
Our relocation team manages the entire process for you, including paperwork, scheduling, and coordination with airlines and international agents.
Pet relocation costs vary depending on:
- Destination country
- Airline
- Crate size
- Veterinary requirements
- Import permits
- Flight availability
Because every relocation is different, we provide personalised quotations based on your pet and travel plans.
We can manage as much or as little of the process as you need.
This may include:
- Veterinary preparation
- Export paperwork
- Flight booking
- Customs documentation
- Airport handling
- Coordination with overseas agents
Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
Yes. Most countries require pets to have up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies vaccinations.
Some destinations may also require:
- Rabies blood tests
- Additional vaccinations
- Internal and external parasite treatments
These requirements are often time-sensitive, so planning ahead is essential.
Yes. We can arrange IATA-approved travel crates that meet airline safety requirements.
The correct crate size is extremely important for your pet’s comfort and airline approval. Our team will guide you on selecting the appropriate crate for your pet.
Certain breeds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats, and other flat-faced breeds, may have airline restrictions due to breathing concerns.
Travel options vary depending on:
- Airline policy
- Time of year
- Destination
- Your pet’s overall health
Our veterinary team have all completed their IATA BOAS assessment Certificates and can assess your pet and advise on the safest travel options available.
Travel regulations and airline schedules can occasionally change with little notice.
Our relocation team continuously monitors:
- Airline updates
- Import/export regulations
- Route availability
We will always work to find the safest and most practical alternative for your pet if plans need to change.
Every pet responds differently to travel, but careful planning makes a huge difference.
We focus on:
- Safe travel preparation
- Appropriate crate sizing
- Minimising travel time where possible
- Veterinary guidance throughout the process
Our aim is always to make your pet’s journey as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Yes. We assist with both exports from the UAE and imports into Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Import requirements usually include:
- Import permits
- Vaccination compliance
- Parasite treatments
- Approved travel arrangements
Our team can guide you from the very beginning of the process
International pet travel can be complicated, with strict regulations, timelines, airline requirements, and documentation involved.
Using an experienced relocation team helps:
- Avoid costly mistakes
- Reduce delays
- Ensure compliance with regulations
- Reduce stress for both owners and pets
At British Veterinary Hospital, our relocation process is supported by experienced veterinary professionals and international relocation partners worldwide.