UAE pet import overview
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) governs all pet imports. Australia is well-regarded as a low-risk country, and the process is manageable with proper preparation. The most important step is securing the MOCCAE import permit before your pet travels.
- MOCCAE import permit — applied for before travel
- ISO 15-digit microchip
- Rabies vaccination — current (within 6 months but not less than 30 days before travel)
- Health certificate endorsed by DAFF (Australian government authority)
- Internal parasite treatment within 14 days of travel
- External parasite treatment within 14 days
Breed restrictions: The UAE prohibits several dog breeds including Pitbull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dobermann, and others. Verify your breed before booking.
Emirates and Etihad cargo
Both Emirates and Etihad Airways operate direct flights from Melbourne and Sydney to Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH). This makes the UAE one of the better-connected international destinations for pet transport from Australia.
Emirates SkyCargo and Etihad Cargo both handle live animals in their dedicated temperature-controlled holds. Rosardi coordinates directly with the airline's live animal desk to confirm your pet's booking and welfare requirements before departure.