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Your pet’s safe trip

to or from the United Arab Emirates starts here

Get A Quote Moving to UAE Moving from UAE

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Pets, not packages. Expect more.

We’re proud to be the highest rated and most trusted international pet shipping company in the United States.

50+ years of care

Trust the experts with experience (and all the 5-star reviews to prove it!).

Technology

Industry-leading Pet Travel Portal to make things simple & clear.

Pet Protection Plan

Peace of mind for things outside of your (or our) control.

Stay in touch

CareTags Travel Sense to provide updates throughout your pet’s move via email & text.

Partner with us for peace of mind.

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OUR PROMISE TO YOU

Starwood Pet Travel offers the highest standard of care-blending real-time tracking, expert and personalized guidance, and a global partner network no one else can match.

Unmatched Transparency

Our industry-exclusive technology gives you real-time, door-to-door tracking—so you’re never out of touch with your pet’s journey.

Global Network, Personally Vetted

We don’t just work with agents—we meet them. Every year, our team travels the world to personally vet and maintain the strongest partnerships in the industry.

Experience + Personal Care

It’s reassuring to have a highly experienced and caring personal travel coordinator who is guiding each step of your pet’s journey.

Every trip has a story

Read stories traveling to and from the United Arab Emirates

DEN-FRA-DXB

May 13, 2025

From DC to Dubai: Cat's Big Adventure

From DC to Dubai: Cat’s Big Adventure

When Cat’s owner first reached out to us, the message was clear: “Worried about the cat being in a crate large enough to move around in. Worried about water. WORRIED. HE IS MY CHILD.”

And...

Meet Cat
JFK-GVA

May 06, 2025

Boston to Burgundy

Meet Hallee—an energetic Irish Doodle with the heart of an explorer and the loyalty of a lifelong best friend. A mix of Irish Setter and toy poodle, Hallee has always been full of energy and curiosity. As she nears her...

Meet Halle
ORD-LAX-MEL

March 17, 2025

From Chicago to Melbourne: Macey's Journey Home

After several years in the U.S., Macey—the sweet, slightly shy ball-chaser—has made her way back home to Australia. Her journey from Chicago to Melbourne was no small feat, spanning thousands of miles and involving a carefully coordinated trip with our...

Meet Macey
DEN-FRA-LHR

April 28, 2025

Orion's Big Move: From the Mountains to English Gardens

Orion, an affectionate and friendly young cat with a playful, cheeky streak, recently made the journey from the mountains of Colorado to his new home in England. Traveling comfortably aboard Lufthansa on a carefully planned route from Denver to Frankfurt,...

Meet Orion
JFK-LHR

April 02, 2025

Pippa moves to Cambridge, England

Pippa, a sweet white Labradoodle from Connecticut, recently made the transatlantic leap to her new home in England. Known for her gentle spirit and fluffy charm, Pippa can get a little anxious when she's apart from her family—often letting out...

Meet Pippa

Discover the heartfelt stories of pet owners traveling
to and from the UAE

Star Star Star Star Star

21 days ago

I cannot thank Ryan and the team at Starwood Pet Relocation enough for the exceptional care and service they provided while moving my cat from the U.S. to Dubai. From the very beginning, their communication was top-notch—clear, timely, and reassuring...

Source: Google

Learn More
Star Star Star Star Star

64 days ago

Just wanted to give a huge thanks to the Jet Pets team in New Zealand and Starwood Pet Travel in the US for getting our beloved Kona safely to the United States. From the initial discussions to the Vet visits...

Source: Google

Learn More
Star Star Star Star Star

122 days ago

Incredible experience using this service. Everything was truly 'hands free' as Starwood took care of all the heavy lifting. Each point of contact was detailed, communicative, and readily available for any and all questions. Our dog arrived to her final...

Source: Google

Learn More
Star Star Star Star Star

221 days ago

My partner and I hired Starwood to help with transporting our dog from Texas to the UK. We found it as affordable as transporting a pet can be (as it was thousands of dollars more to do ourselves and a...

Source: Google

Learn More
Star Star Star Star Star

57 days ago

Julie and team ❤️ We have Oscar now in Tucson. We just wanted to pass on our deepest gratitude to you and your teams. We were so worried and stressed about Oscar’s trip due to his age and medical history...

Source: Google

Learn More

Traveling to the United Arab Emirates

2025 Pet Travel Guide to United Arab Emirates

Relocating to the UAE with your furry family member? With its gleaming cities, pet-friendly communities, and growing interest in companion animals, the United Arab Emirates offers a warm welcome—but also a very specific set of import requirements. Whether you're headed to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or beyond, here's what you need to know to ensure a smooth, stress-free journey for your pet.

Microchip

All pets entering the UAE must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit pet microchip. If your pet’s current microchip is not ISO-compatible, you may either bring your own microchip scanner or have your vet insert a compliant chip before travel.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a crucial part of the import process for both dogs and cats. The UAE requires:

For Dogs:

  • Rabies vaccination – Administered at least 21 days before travel and no more than 12 months prior, unless a 3-year vaccine is noted and accepted. Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the rabies vaccine.

  • Core vaccines – Including Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, and Leptospirosis, typically given as a DHPP or DHLPP combo shot.

For Cats:

  • Rabies vaccination – Same timeline as dogs.

  • Core vaccines – Including Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP).

Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are recorded on a valid certificate and match the microchip ID number.

Rabies Titer Test

While many countries in the region require a rabies titer (RNATT), the UAE does not currently require a rabies titer test for pets arriving from the U.S.—but always check for the most up-to-date rules before travel.

Import Permit

All pets must have a UAE import permit, which must be obtained in advance and is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. This document is usually obtained by your pet relocation specialist or a local sponsor and is mandatory for entry.

You’ll need to provide:

  • Copy of the pet’s vaccination record

  • Valid rabies certificate

  • Microchip details

  • Owner’s passport copy

  • Flight information

USDA Health Certificate

All pets must travel with a USDA-endorsed health certificate, known as APHIS Form 7001 or the country-specific health certificate. Your USDA-accredited veterinarian must complete the form within 7 days of departure, confirming your pet is healthy and fit to travel.

This document must be:

  • Signed and dated by your vet

  • Endorsed by your regional USDA office

We strongly recommend starting this process early to accommodate vet appointments and USDA processing.

Quarantine

Good news—there is no quarantine for pets traveling from the U.S. to the UAE as long as all requirements are met. However, pets may be examined upon arrival. If there are any issues with documentation or signs of illness, authorities may detain or quarantine your pet for further assessment.

Travel Crates and Flights

Pets flying to the UAE typically travel as manifest cargo, and your pet must be transported in an IATA-compliant crate sized for comfort and safety. Emirates and Etihad are commonly used carriers, both of which have excellent pet cargo facilities.

Ensure your crate is:

  • Large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down

  • Properly ventilated

  • Secure and labeled with feeding instructions and identification

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in the UAE, your pet’s documents will be reviewed by airport officials. A customs clearance fee and inspection fee may apply, and your pet must be collected promptly. If using a relocation service, they will manage this process and arrange safe delivery to your home.

How Starwood Can Help

At Starwood Pet Travel, we’ve helped countless families move their pets to the UAE with care, compassion, and precision. If you're planning your move, we're here to help every step of the way.

2025 United Arab Emirates Country Guide

Congratulations—you’ve arrived in the UAE with your furry family member! While the relocation process may have felt like a marathon of paperwork, crate training, and embassy requirements, now comes the rewarding part: settling into your new home and helping your pet adjust to life in the Emirates.

This guide covers what pet parents need to know once they land, including veterinary care, pet supply stores, local laws, and pet-friendly places to explore.

UAE Country Guide

Moving from the United Arab Emirates

We have a team of experts ready to help with every aspect of your pet’s move from the UAE. Our services from the UAE include:

  • Door to door pet transport, both international and domestic
  • Assistance with health certificates, import certificates, and other travel documents needed for animal transport
  • USDA endorsement and consular legalization (when needed) of all relevant documents where required
  • Airline approved flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identification and emergency notification instructions
  • Customs clearance and delivery to your home
  • Local pet taxi service to and from the airport, your home, veterinarian, kennel, or groomer – available in your area
  • Travel consultation and flight reservations

We will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and we will update you throughout your pet's journey.

Incoming Pet? We're Ready for Touchdown!

Whether you’re flying your pet to the United States after a brief stay or a whole lifetime in another country, there are a number of hoops to jump through. Getting all of the details right can be confusing and time-consuming, and improper planning or documentation could delay your pet’s entry into the country. Let us handle all the details for you!

Usa Import Faq

What’s the process?

After submitting your quote request and completing the invoice payment, a dedicated booking specialist will be assigned to assist you. They will take care of all the necessary arrangements for your pet's import, including collecting information and documents from you. On the day of arrival, they will keep you updated on the clearance process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

It's important to note that this quote covers import and customs clearance specifically for the United States. It is your responsibility to handle the export process from your country of origin. You have the option to work directly with an airline or engage a local pet shipper.

Additionally, if you are traveling from a high-risk rabies country to the United States, it is your responsibility to obtain the CDC import permit.

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