To move a dog or cat from Dubai to Great Britain, your pet needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination given at 12 weeks or older, a 21-day wait after that vaccination, and a Great Britain Pet Health Certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Dogs also need tapeworm treatment 1 to 5 days before arrival. The UAE is a “Part 2 listed” country, so no rabies blood test or 3-month wait is needed. That makes Dubai one of the easier departure points for UK pet travel.
Pet import rules change, so always confirm the current rules on the official UK Government pet travel page before you book.
Does the UAE Count as a Listed Country?
The UK sorts origin countries into three groups: Part 1 listed (EU countries and Andorra), Part 2 listed, and unlisted. The UAE is Part 2 listed, which means:
- No rabies blood test (this applies only to unlisted countries).
- No EU-style pet passport. Pets from Part 2 listed countries need a Great Britain Pet Health Certificate.
- A shorter timeline than unlisted countries, where pets wait about three months after the blood test.
You can see the full list on the UK Government’s listed and unlisted countries page.
Requirements to Move a Dog or Cat from Dubai to the UK
1. Microchip your pet
Your pet must be microchipped before the rabies vaccination. If the chip is implanted afterwards, the vaccination has to be repeated.
2. Rabies vaccination
Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated. Your vet needs proof of age before giving the vaccine.
3. Wait 21 days
After the primary rabies vaccination, your pet must wait at least 21 days before travelling. Pets with a valid, in-date booster don’t need to restart this wait.
4. Great Britain Pet Health Certificate
This is the key document for Dubai departures. It must be issued within 10 days of your pet’s arrival in Great Britain, and an EU pet passport or Animal Health Certificate can’t replace it. It is completed by an authorised vet and confirms your pet’s identity, microchip and rabies vaccination. See which document applies on the UK Government’s pet travel document page.
5. Tapeworm treatment (dogs only)
Dogs need a tapeworm treatment given by a vet 24 to 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before arrival in the UK. It is recorded on the health certificate. Cats don’t need it.
6. Travel on an approved route
Pets must enter Great Britain through an approved route with an authorised carrier. Check your airline’s pet policy early, because carriers set their own acceptance rules and seasonal restrictions.
7. Check breed and number limits
- Banned breeds can’t be brought into Great Britain unless they hold a valid Certificate of Exemption. The UK can seize and destroy banned-breed dogs that arrive without one.
- You can bring a maximum of 5 pets on a non-commercial move.
Timeline: How Early Should You Start?
The minimum is a little over three weeks, but we recommend starting 6 to 8 weeks ahead. That gives you room for vet appointments, airline space and certificate paperwork, and a small delay won’t force you to rebook the whole journey.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Vaccinating before microchipping. The vaccine won’t count.
- Getting the health certificate too early. It must be issued within 10 days of arrival, so a delayed flight can invalidate it.
- Using an EU pet passport. Dubai departures need the Great Britain Pet Health Certificate.
- Missing the dog tapeworm window. It is easy to get wrong when flights shift.
- Leaving airline booking until last. Pet space on flights is limited and varies by season and temperature.
How ISS Relocations Can Help
Coordinating vets, certificates, airline rules and flight timing is where most pet owners lose time. ISS Relocations provides end-to-end pet relocation services from Dubai, and your pet can travel alongside the rest of your household move through our international relocation service.
To check your pet’s eligibility in minutes, use our Pet Relocation Checker. For more on settling in, see our guide to moving to the UK.
You can also explore:
- Moving tips and our moving guide
- Transit insurance for your belongings
- How to verify a legitimate mover before you hire anyone
Ready to plan your pet’s move? Request a free quote or contact our team on +971 4 234 8100 or enquiry@iss-relocations.com.
FAQs
Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to move from Dubai to the UK? No. The UAE is a Part 2 listed country, so no rabies blood test or 3-month wait applies.
How long does it take to move a pet from Dubai to the UK? The minimum is the 21-day wait after the rabies vaccination, but 6 to 8 weeks of planning is safer.
Can I use an EU pet passport? No. Pets arriving from the UAE need a Great Britain Pet Health Certificate.
Do cats need tapeworm treatment? No. Only dogs need it.
Is there a limit on the number of pets? Yes, up to 5 pets on a non-commercial move.
Do I need to quarantine my pet in the UK? Pets meeting all the entry requirements don’t need to be quarantined. Pets that arrive without the right documents or treatments may be refused entry or held until the rules are met.