As travel uncertainty continues across the UAE, many residents are suddenly faced with a difficult question: What happens to their pets if they need to leave the country quickly? Animal rescue groups and relocation experts say messages from worried pet owners have been pouring in. In some cases, panic has already led to heartbreaking situations where pets have been abandoned. The reality is that most of these problems can be avoided with the right information. So before you make any rushed decisions, take a moment to understand your options.
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What Can You Do Instead?
- Boarding Facility: Trusted facilities such as The Barking Lot, Shampooch, Bed And Biscuits, Dogventure HQ, My Second Home Dubai, and more can safely care for pets.
- Travel In-Cabin: This usually applies to small pets under airline weight limits.
- Professional Relocation: For larger pets or complex travel plans, contact experts like Pawsome Pets, Pet Shop, Pets Passport and more.
- Fostering/Adoption Issues: Notify rescue groups or adoption centres immediately and never abandon your pet. Some groups include: K9 Friends, Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre, Stray Dog Centre, Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter, Yanni Animal Welfare and more.
Travelling With UAE-Based Airlines
If you’re flying with your pet, airlines like Etihad Airways and Emirates sometimes allow pets in the cabin or as checked baggage/cargo. Always check with the airline for specific requirements.
What Your Pet Needs
- Microchip: Registered with the relevant municipality (Dubai Municipality for Dubai residents).
- Vaccination Records: Ensure rabies and all required vaccinations are up to date. Keep the full vaccination booklet handy.
- Health Certificate: A recent vet check and copies of medical records are highly recommended.
- Import Permits: These can take several days to process, so don’t leave this to the last minute.
- Destination Requirements: Rules vary by country and species. Verify everything with a professional pet relocation company.
Missing vaccinations trigger mandatory waiting periods. Ask your vet about options to reduce motion sickness and keep your pet comfortable throughout the journey.
Etihad Airways Pet Travel Rules
Passengers travelling with Etihad Airways can bring small cats or dogs in the cabin, provided they meet the airline’s requirements.
Key rules include:
- Pets must be at least 16 weeks old.
- The combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 8kg.
- The carrier must be ventilated on at least three sides, escape-proof, and lined with absorbent material.
- Pets are allowed in Economy and Business Class cabins.
- Travellers must submit a pet booking request at least 7 days before departure and send all required documents in advance.
- Original documents must be presented at the airport.
Air India Pet Travel Rules
Air India also allows pets to travel in the cabin on certain international routes.
Requirements include:
- An indemnity form submitted at least 48 hours before departure.
- Documentation including pet passport, vaccination records, and rabies certificate.
- Pets must travel in a soft kennel measuring approximately 17 x 10 x 9 inches.
- The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 10kg.
Pets travelling in the cabin are usually seated in the last row aisle seats in economy, and airlines limit how many animals can be onboard during a single flight.
General Airline Restrictions
Many airlines share similar restrictions when it comes to pet travel. Common rules include:
- Snub-nosed breeds (such as certain bulldogs or pugs) may not be allowed in cargo due to breathing risks.
- Some large or strong breeds may be restricted by certain airlines.
- Usually only one pet per passenger is allowed.
- Sedated, pregnant, or unwell pets cannot travel.
- Pet carriers must allow animals to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
- Passengers are also responsible for bringing absorbent pads and sealed dry food if travelling with pets in the cabin.
In-Cabin Travel Tips
For flights in-cabin (pets under 10 kg), airlines require:
- Vaccinations: Rabies and DHPPi (5-in-1: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis) at least 30 days before departure.
- Vet-issued travel certificate: Valid for only 7 days, so book flights before getting it.
- Carrier dimensions: Must fit under the seat, ventilated, leak-proof, and lined with absorbent material.
- Weight limit: Combined pet and carrier weight ≤10 kg.
- Airlines also have breed restrictions, and sedated, pregnant, or certain dog breeds may not be allowed.
- Only dry food is permitted in the cabin.
If Your Pet Can’t Travel
Leaving a pet behind unattended or abandoning them is never an option. Licensed boarding facilities are available across the UAE for your fur babies, providing safe, temporary homes. Pets must be fully vaccinated to be accepted, so have your records ready. Foster pet owners should alert the rescue group immediately if they cannot continue caring for an animal. Early notice allows more time to find a solution. If your pet was adopted, check your adoption contract. Some require returning the pet to the rescue organisation instead of rehoming independently. Avoid leaving pets with strangers.
Volunteers from community groups remind owners of small pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and tortoises. Short-term travel with these species is rarely straightforward, and countries won’t accept them. Specific permits may be required, so it’s best to start planning early.
Key Steps
- Check import rules for your destination thoroughly.
- Prepare a backup plan if your pet cannot enter.
- Connect with a certified pet relocation company sooner rather than later.
- Confirm your pet is microchipped.
- Ensure you have the budget, as pet relocation isn’t cheap.
Travelling To Oman With Your Pet
With limited flights due to airspace closures, many residents are driving down to Oman. Trying to drive into Oman with your dog or cat without the proper paperwork can quickly turn into a serious problem. Experts say Oman has strict entry rules for pets, including a mandatory rabies titre blood test, which can take around two to three weeks to process.
Even if you are able to enter Oman, travelling onward to another country may involve additional rules. Many destinations require a minimum waiting period of about 90 days from the date of the rabies titre test before pets are allowed to enter. Without completing these steps in advance, animals may be refused entry at the border.
Pet relocation professionals across the UAE say many residents mistakenly assume they can simply drive to the border and sort out the paperwork there. In reality, they warn that several people have already been turned away after arriving without the required documentation. Travel experts explain that once pets leave the UAE via these countries, continuing the journey to another destination can add three to four months to the overall relocation timeline. Which is why it’s best to plan the entire journey in advance.
Remember, Your Pets Are Not Temporary Entertainment
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, start planning early. By contacting professionals early, you’ll have more options to ensure your pets stay safe and cared for. Remember, they can’t navigate this world alone, so you’re their ultimate guide. Keep reading Gulf Buzz as we’ve got you (and your furry friends) covered!
