Pets in Dubai: Bringing & Keeping Animals
Moving with pets requires planning. Dubai is increasingly pet-friendly, but there are rules, restrictions, and costs to navigate.
Whether you're bringing pets from home or adopting in Dubai, here's everything you need to know about pet ownership.
Bringing Pets to Dubai
Start planning 3-4 months before your move. The process involves paperwork, vaccinations, and specific airline arrangements.
ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip required before rabies vaccination.
Must be 30 days to 12 months before travel. Rabies titer test may be required.
Through Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). Takes 5-7 days.
From licensed vet within 10 days of travel, endorsed by government.
Book pet cargo early. Consider using pet relocation specialists.
Usually not required if paperwork is correct. Possible 30-day quarantine otherwise.
Use a pet relocation service: Companies like Fetchapet and Petcharter handle the complex process. Costs AED 3,000-8,000 but reduces stress and errors significantly.
Breed Restrictions
Banned breeds
- • Pit Bull Terrier
- • American Staffordshire Terrier
- • Japanese Tosa
- • Dogo Argentino
- • Fila Brasileiro
- • Wolf hybrids
Restricted (permit required)
- • Rottweiler
- • Doberman Pinscher
- • Mastiff types
- • Some other large breeds
- • Building restrictions may apply
Pet-Friendly Housing
Finding pet-friendly housing can be challenging. Many buildings don't allow pets or have restrictions.
What to know
- • Many apartments ban pets
- • Size limits common (under 10kg)
- • Extra deposit may be required
- • Villas generally more flexible
- • Always check before signing lease
Pet-friendly areas
- • JLT (many pet-friendly buildings)
- • Arabian Ranches (villa community)
- • Dubai Marina (some buildings)
- • Springs/Meadows (villas)
- • Town house communities
Pet Care Costs
| Item | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Import (flying from abroad) | 5,000-15,000 |
| Vet consultation | 150-400 |
| Annual vaccinations | 300-600 |
| Pet food (monthly) | 200-600 |
| Grooming session | 100-300 |
| Boarding (per night) | 100-200 |
| Dog walking (monthly) | 800-1,500 |
| Pet insurance (annual) | 500-2,000 |
Dog Parks & Beaches
Barsha Pond Park
Dedicated dog park in Al Barsha. Fenced area, water bowls provided.
JLT Dog Park
Popular community dog park. Good for socializing dogs.
Dubai Marina Walk
On-leash walking. Popular morning and evening.
Palm Beach (sections)
Dog-friendly beach sections at certain times.
Creek Park
Some areas allow dogs on leash.
Al Qudra
Popular for outdoor walks with dogs.
Summer note: Avoid walking dogs midday in summer — pavement burns paws and heat is dangerous. Early morning (before 7am) or after sunset only.
Veterinary Services
Popular vet clinics
- • British Veterinary Centre
- • German Veterinary Clinic
- • Modern Vet
- • Dubai Pet Hospital
- • Animal Care Centre
Pet services
- • Pet shops (Petzone, Tom & Co)
- • Mobile grooming services
- • Dog walking apps
- • Pet boarding facilities
- • Pet sitting (Rover, local options)
Adopting in Dubai
Many pets need homes in Dubai. Adoption is a great option.
Adoption organizations
- • K9 Friends Dubai
- • Animals & Us
- • Stray Dogs Center UAQ
- • Feline Friends Dubai
- • Dubai Cat Society
Adoption process
- • Home check usually required
- • Adoption fee: AED 500-1,500
- • Includes vaccinations/neutering
- • Many cats and dogs available
- • Foster programs available
Common Questions
Yes, but it requires planning. You need an import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination (30+ days before travel), health certificate, and specific airline arrangements. Some breeds are restricted. Start the process 3-4 months before your move.
Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and wolf hybrids are banned. Rottweilers, Dobermans, and some other breeds require special permits and may face restrictions in some buildings.
Increasingly so, but with limitations. Many apartment buildings don't allow pets or have size restrictions. Parks and beaches have pet areas but not many. Pet shops, vets, and pet services are widely available. It's not as pet-friendly as European cities.
Vet visits: AED 150-400 for consultations, AED 300-600 for vaccinations. Pet food is similar to Western prices. Grooming: AED 100-300. Pet boarding: AED 100-200/night. Flying pets from home can cost AED 5,000-15,000 depending on size and origin.
Dubai has designated dog parks and beaches. Popular spots include: Barsha Dog Park, JLT Dog Park, Dubai Marina Walk (on leash), certain beach sections. Many residential communities have walking areas. Always clean up after your dog.
Get the Dubai Pet Guide
Our complete guide to pet ownership in Dubai — import procedures, vet lists, and insider tips from pet owners.
Essential for pet parents.