Once you plan for moving to Dubai from the UK for work, you start planning the move in your mind. This is when you wonder if I can move to Dubai with my dog. If that’s what you have in mind. You are lucky because Prospr has created a detailed guide on this subject matter. We understand the beautiful bond you have with your dog. You won’t leave your furry friend behind if you are permanently moving to Dubai.
The thought of giving up on your baby takes the breath away. Well, you don’t need to leave your lovely dog behind as we are going to unlock a guide that explains:
Moving to Dubai from the UK with a dog- guide unlocked!
Let us be honest: Moving to Dubai from the UK with your dog won’t be simple. It’s a bit challenging as you need to process some documents and follow various requirements to bring a dog to the UAE. But there is no need to sweat, as we are going to highlight all crucial matters one by one.
Get an Import Permit
The first thing you need to do before moving to Dubai from the UK is get an import permit for your dog. Unfortunately, your dog won’t sit by your side on the plane but will be imported as cargo. Therefore, you need an import permit.
- To get this permit, you need to visit your veterinary surgeon in your home country and get a document that confirms that the animal was vaccinated against rabies between one year and 30 days previously. The document must be signed and stamped.
- Another document to furnish is a good health certificate from your country’s government.
- The third vital aspect is the microchip in your dog collar.
- The import permit costs AED 200 and is valid for one month. You can pay by e-card.
Once you have this permit, you need to submit it at the Cargo Village in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah International airport before your animal arrives. When collecting your animal, you need to pay AED 90 as a customs charge. Make sure you keep a good health certificate and vaccination documents of your fur baby with you so that you can provide them if authorities ask for them.
Read our comprehensive guide about moving to Dubai from the UK
What dog owners have to do while staying in the UAE?
Once your pet starts living with you, you need to ensure that it gets proper vaccination against rabies once a year. For this purpose, you will get a red identification disc from Dubai Municipality. Dubai Municipality provides vaccination for dogs for only AED 50. But if you take your dog to a private clinic for vaccination, it will always cost you more.
Another important thing you can’t afford to miss is letting your dog always wear a red disc. If a dog doesn’t have a disc, authorities will regard it as a stray and pick it up.
Other vaccinations you need to get for your dog will protect him against hepatitis, parvovirus, distemper and leptospirosis.
Export permit
When you plan to travel from Dubai with your dog, you will acquire an export permit. Before applying for a license, you must have a signed and stamped document showing the dog is vaccinated. Your furry friend must also be microchipped. The cost of getting this document is AED 100.
A government vet must thoroughly examine your pet at Cargo Village of Dubai, Sharjah or Abu Dhabi five days before the permit.
You must understand the requirements for sending your dog to the UK from Dubai.
Also, read 12 things before moving to Dubai from the UK.
Bringing Pets and Animals in Dubai without a document
If you bring your animal or pet to the UAE without getting proper documents, the government will hold these pets until you provide all the documents. You can’t import dangerous breeds of dogs, such as Pit Bulls, Neapolitan Mastiffs and their crossbreeds. The import of hazardous dog breeds is banned in the UAE.
Know about: What to pack when moving to Dubai from the UK
Authorities behind Dog import/export permit
When you want an import or export permit, you need to seek approval of documents from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. You will provide all the documents mentioned above. Also, you must give a copy of your passport and residence permit. An import/export permit for a dog is valid for only one month. The Ministry office is open between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday.
How much does moving a dog from the UK to Dubai cost?
If you need to get an import permit and pay the cargo fee, you will incur a cost of GBP 500 to 2000 or even more. Other cost factors contributing to the overall dog relation costs from the UK to Dubai include health certificates, quarantine fees, and health certificate expenses.
Must read: What is the average cost of living in Dubai?
Living in Dubai with your dog – What you need to know?
You understand how you can move your dog from the UK to Dubai. The next thing to understand is your lifestyle with your pet. Having a dog in Dubai won’t be easy because most stores, cafes and residential buildings aren’t pet-friendly.
You can’t take your dog to a mall, city park, or metro. Taxis can accept small dogs but don’t allow entry of large dogs. Beaches are not pet-friendly. If you want to stay in Dubai with your dog, you better own a car.
Weather
Heat Strokes are a common phenomenon in Dubai, and this scorching heat spares no one. So, your dog may feel the heat more, as the temperature usually reaches up to 50°C in summer. It may be a bit hard for your dog to bear the heat of Dubai in summer.
Read about: Benefits of moving to Dubai from the UK
Dog parks
As we mentioned before, most places are off-limits for dogs. However, you can find some indoor dog parks and daycare centers. You can’t take your dog to the beach, as these areas clearly show signs of “pets not allowed.”
Residential area
When it comes to finding an apartment where you can live with your dog, it’s advisable to add a “pet-friendly” filter during the search. This will allow you to find those apartments where you can happily live with your furry friend. Almost three out of 10 flats will permit dogs to be residents.
Best community to live with your dog in Dubai
Where should I live in Dubai if I have a dog? Well, the best area is Jumeirah Lake Towers-JLT. This ultra-modern area has multiple residential and apartment buildings. Most apartments and residential complexes are pet-friendly. Another good thing about JLT is that many restaurants and cafes allow you to enjoy lunch and dinner with your pets.
Learn about: Best community to live in Dubai as an expat
Flying with your dog
When you are moving to Dubai from the UK with dogs, you also have a question -can dogs fly in a cabin in the Emirates? Well, your pet can fly with you, but in a separate cargo hold of the plane. They can’t fly with you in a cabin. Emirates Airlines has specially designed cargo holds, and you can expect the best pet care and service.
Let Prospr help you with your hassle-free moving to Dubai from the UK.
Whether you are moving to Dubai from the UK for work, business setup or real estate, Prospr’s consultants can offer you help and assistance. We understand how difficult it is to process all the documents, find the best areas to live in Dubai or choose the best property to invest in. We have developed three comprehensive workshops for British planning to move to Dubai. These workshops are personalized. It means we will sit by your side, listen to your concerns and questions and provide guidance and assistance you can’t find anywhere else. Send us inquiries to hello@prospr.ae.
