Basic Export requirement for all countries
UAE Health Certificate:
For pets travelling to any country, an official UAE Health Certificate is required (also called
export permit). It can't be done by a regular vet. Online application MOEW website and then
the certificate has to be gained from the Ministry vets in Dubai Cargo Village.
Microchip and vaccinations:
Cats and dogs must be microchipped and have up-to-date vaccinations (rabies and
canine/feline vaccinations).
South Africa
General requirements:
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Cats and dogs have to travel as manifest cargo.
The Import permit and quarantine (for dogs) has to be gained /reserved in advance so
it's best to start the process at least 3-6 weeks in advance (depending on whether
you're relocating a dog or cat!).
Cats:
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Import permit is required (no quarantine!).
Cats can travel into Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban airport.
Dogs:
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Import permit is required and mandated quarantine of 7-14 days in either
Johannesburg or Cape Town. Dogs can only travel to Johannesburg or Cape Town
airport.
Blood tests required within 30 days of travelling for Brucella Canis, Trypanosoma
evansi, Babesia Gibsoni, Dirofilaria immitis and Leishmania and the quarantine station
conducts the same tests on arrival. The blood samples taken in the UAE are normally
sent to the lab in Pretoria (Onderstepoort) and the original results can be sent directly
to the quarantine station where the pets will undergo quarantine.
European Countries
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No quarantine (provided all documents are in order)
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The date of the microchip insertion is mentioned in the vaccination records and must
preced at least the last rabies vaccination.
Pets require a UAE International health certificate and EU Veterinary Certificate (to be
gained within 10days of travelling).
Some EU countries mandate that the tapeworm treatment for dogs is required and
must be done within 24-120 hours of travelling.
Most of the European countries allow pets to arrive as accompanied baggage (part of
your airline ticket) or hand luggage (in the cabin)and in this case it's best to call the
airline in advance to confirm if they'll accept your pet as accompanied baggage since
some airlines have certain breed and weight restrictions.
New rule that's in effect from December 2014 is that pets have to travel within 5 days
of their owner travelling. Some of the EU countries have exceptions to this rule and
then the pet(s) will travel as a commercial shipment.
United Kingdom
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No quarantine (provided all documents are in order and full import requirements are met).
Pets must enter the UK as manifest cargo only and the five approved airport options are
London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Owner's cannot do their own Customs clearance. Mandated agents at all the five
approved airport options will handle this. Charges are either pre-paid as part of the air
waybill or must be paid on arrival.
All vaccinations must be up-to-date, rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old at the
time of travel.
The microchip must have been implanted prior to at least the most current rabies
vaccination. The microchip implant date must be mentioned on the vaccination record or
a procedures letter from the vet must be provided.
Pets require a UAE International health certificate and EU Veterinary Certificate (to be
gained within 10days of travelling).
Mandatory tapeworm treatment for dogs within 24-120 hours of arrival in the UK.
New rule that's in effect from December 2014 is that pets have to travel within 5 days of their
owner travelling, otherwise it will be considered a commercial shipments, in which case
additional charges apply.
Canada and US
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No quarantine (provided all documents are in order).
If transiting through a EU country, same requirement as above, the microchip insertion
must preced at least the last rabies vaccination.
For dogs going to the US, a screwworm-free check and certificate must be gained
within 5 days of travelling (no required for Canada).
Pets are allowed to travel as accompanied baggage to both Canada and US.
Australia - CATS
Page 2 of 12
The relocation process for your cat to Australia can take up to 7 months to complete, although
the process can commence earlier. This is due to the requirement for a Rabies Neutralising
Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) which must be carried out a minimum of 180 days (6 months)
prior to travel and a maximum of 730 days (24 months) prior to travel.
Entry requirements:
Import Permit:
Quarantine:
Rabies Neutralising
Antibody Titre Test:
REQUIRED - obtained from DAFF in Australia. The cost is AUD 485
for one cat, plus AUD 245 for each additional cat. The fee must be
paid at the time of application for the permit.
The duration of quarantine in Australia is 10 days and pets can
enter Australia at one of two airports for quarantine, where the
quarantine stations are located: Sydney, New South Wales, and
Melbourne, Victoria.
The Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Testing (RNATT) must be
taken a minimum of 180 days (6 months) and a maximum of 730
days (24 months) prior to your cat's date of travel.
Please note that if your cat has been imported from a "nonapproved" third country, then another rabies vaccination must first
be administered in the UAE before the blood can then be drawn for
the RNATT blood test. Therefore, your cat will need to spend a
minimum of 6 months in the UAE prior to entry into Australia.
Vaccinations:
RABIES: Your cat must be vaccinated against rabies at least 180
days prior to travel if this will be the primary/first such
vaccination.
Aside from the mandated rabies vaccination, it is highly
recommended that your cat have the following valid vaccinations
for entry into Australia: feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and
panleukopnia.
Procedure:
1. The relocation process starts with a valid rabies vaccination,
micro-chipping (AVID, Trovan, Destron or other ISO compatible
microchip) and the rabies blood test (RNATT).
2. The blood drawn by your cat's veterinarian is sent to a UAE
approved laboratory overseas for analysis.
3. The original copy of the RNATT result has to be sent back to the
vet - this can take 3-6 weeks. However, if your cat's veterinarian
is using the AHVLA Laboratory in the UK, their test results are
approved to be sent via email and so will be accepted as long as
they have been signed by the person responsible for issuing the
report.
4. The RNATT blood test result and the RNATT Declaration page of
the DAFF application form are submitted to the MOEW for
Page 3 of 12
completion of the former and attestation of both.
5. Apply to DAFF for the import permit. A copy of the attested
RNATT Declaration, RNATT laboratory report, Veterinary
Attendance Declaration, and credit card payment details must be
submitted at this time. Twenty (20) working days must be
allowed for the processing and issuing of the import permit.
Import permits are valid for up to 1 year from the date of issue.
6. Apply for and book the quarantine space at the selected
quarantine kennel for the intended arrival date in Australia or
the nearest available date following this, should space not be
available. At the time of booking, full payment is required along
with details of any special needs your cat may have. Flight
details should also be supplied at this time, if known.
7. Internal Parasite Treatments: Your cat must be treated twice
with a minimum of 14 days between treatments and with the
second treatment being given within 5 days of travel.
8. External Parasite Treatment: Your cat must be treated at least
21 days prior to travel with a product that kills ticks and fleas
upon contact. The treatment must be repeated according to the
manufacturer's recommendation. It is recommended that your
cat have this treatment at the time of having the first treatment
against internal parasites.
9. A booking is made with the chosen airline 14 days before
departure.
10. The air waybill is executed and the health certificate is obtained
during the week of departure.
11. Within 5 days of travel: Final clinical examination to confirm
that your cat is free from external parasites and clinical signs of
infectious/contagious disease, as well as to receive the second
internal parasite treatment by your cat's veterinarian. Also, if
required due to the manufacturer's recommendation, another
treatment against external parasites.
12. The Veterinary Health Certificate, import permit, all test results
and RNATT blood declaration are submitted to the MOEW for
completion and attestation.
13. Departure.
Vet Fees:
Following the implantation of the microchip and rabies vaccination,
there is the RNAT test, treatments and a final clinical examination
required in order to relocate your cat to Australia. The vet fees for
these tests can range from AED 1,500 to AED 3,000 per pet. The
final amount you will need to pay will depend on the number of cats
Page 4 of 12
you have, their species and their size. And remember, our estimate
does not include these and other third-party fees, although we
certainly can make payment on your behalf and include those
charges in our invoice to you.
Quarantine Fees:
The quarantine fees are approximately AUD 1,705 per cat based on a
10-day period. The number of cats that you have will determine the
final amount and you will need to settle all quarantine fees directly
with the quarantine station. For a full breakdown of the associated
fees for quarantine in Australia, you can visit:
www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/cat-dogs.
Please note that payment for quarantine accommodation for your
cat is due at the time of making the quarantine booking.
Australia - DOGS
The relocation process for your dog to Australia can take up to 7 months to complete, although
the process can commence earlier. This is due to the requirement for a Rabies Neutralising
Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) which must be carried out a minimum of 180 days (6 months)
prior to travel and a maximum of 730 days (24 months) prior to travel.
Entry requirements:
Import Permit:
Quarantine:
Rabies Neutralising
Antibody Titre Test:
REQUIRED - obtained from DAFF in Australia. The cost is AUD 485
for one dog, plus AUD 245 for each additional dog. The fee must be
paid at the time of application for the permit.
The duration of quarantine in Australia is 10 days and pets can
enter Australia at one of two airports for quarantine, where the
quarantine stations are located: Sydney, New South Wales, and
Melbourne, Victoria.
The Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Testing (RNATT) must be
taken a minimum of 180 days (6 months) and a maximum of 730
days (24 months) prior to your dog's date of travel.
Please note that if your dog has been imported from a "nonapproved" third country, then another rabies vaccination must first
be administered in the UAE before the blood can then be drawn for
the RNATT blood test.
Vaccinations:
RABIES: Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies around 7
months prior to travel if this will be the primary/first such
vaccination.
Page 5 of 12
Aside from the mandated rabies vaccination, it is highly
recommended that your dog have the following valid vaccinations
for entry into Australia: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis and Bordetella.
Procedure:
1. The relocation process starts with a valid rabies vaccination,
micro-chipping (AVID, Trovan, Destron or other ISO compatible
microchip) and the rabies blood test (RNATT).
2. The blood drawn by your dog's veterinarian is sent to a UAE
approved laboratory overseas for analysis.
3. The original copy of the RNATT result has to be sent back to the
vet - this can take 3-6 weeks. However, if your dog's
veterinarian is using the AHVLA Laboratory in the UK, their test
results are approved to be sent via email and so will be accepted
as long as they have been signed by the person responsible for
issuing the report.
4. The RNATT blood test result and the RNATT Declaration page of
the DAFF application form are submitted to the MOEW for
completion of the former and attestation of both.
5. Apply to DAFF for the import permit. A copy of the attested
RNATT Declaration; RNATT laboratory report; Veterinary
Attendance Declaration and credit card payment details must be
submitted at this time. Twenty (20) working days must be
allowed for the processing and issue of the import permit.
Import permits are valid for up to 6 months from the date of
issue.
6. Apply for and book the quarantine space at the selected
quarantine kennel for the intended arrival date in Australia or
the nearest available date following this, should space not be
available. At the time of booking, full payment is required along
with details of any special needs your dog may have. Flight
details should also be supplied at this time, if known.
7. Within 45 days of travel the following blood tests and
treatments are required:
 Leishmania infantum (Leishmaniosis) blood test.
 Leptospira canicola (Leptospirosis): Required ONLY if your
dog is not vaccinated against Leptospirosis. We therefore
highly recommend that your dog be fully vaccinated in order
to avoid this test.
 Brucella canis (Brucellosis): If your dog is desexed, then no
testing for Brucellosis is required (evidence of desexing
must be supplied) OR, if not desexed or if you have no
official evidence of desexing, your dog must be blood tested.
 Ehrlichia canis: Please note very importantly that an external
parasite treatment must have been given at least 21 days
Page 6 of 12
prior to having the Ehrlichia test. If any ticks are found on
your dog from the time of the first treatment up until the
time of travel, they must be removed and the preparation
must be restarted, including the testing for Ehrlichia canis.
 The 2nd external parasite treatment with a product that
kills ticks and fleas upon contact.
 Internal parasite treatment: Your dog must be treated twice,
with a minimum of 14 days between treatments and with
the second treatment being given within 5 days of travel. It
is therefore recommended that the initial treatment is given
at this time.
8. Babesia Canis Treatment(s). Within 28 days of travel, this is
required ONLY if your dog has ever visited mainland Africa.
Dogs must be treated with a single (higher) dose of imidocarb
dipropionate OR two lower doses at least 14 days apart. These
treatments must be by injection.
9. A booking is made with the chosen airline 14 days before
departure.
10. The air waybill is executed and the health certificate is obtained
during the week of departure.
11. Within 5 days of travel - Final clinical examination. This is to
confirm that your dog is free from external parasites and
clinical signs of infectious/contagious disease, plus to receive
the second internal parasite treatment by your dog's
veterinarian and, if required due to the manufacturer's
recommendation and when this was administered, another
treatment against external parasites. Please note that protection
against external parasite treatments must be kept up-to-date
from the initial treatment.
12. The Veterinary Health Certificate, import permit, all test results
and RNATT blood declaration are submitted to the MOEW for
completion and attestation.
13. Departure.
Vet Fees:
Following the implantation of the microchip and rabies vaccination,
there are various tests and a final clinical examination required in
order to relocate your dog to Australia. The vet fees for these tests
can range from AED 2,500 to AED 3,800 per pet. The final amount
you will need to pay will depend on the number of dogs you have,
their species and their size. And remember, our estimate does not
include these and other third-party fees, although we certainly can
make payment on your behalf and include those charges in our
Page 7 of 12
invoice to you.
Quarantine Fees:
The quarantine fees are approximately AUD 1,705 per dog based on
a 10-day period. The number of dogs that you have will determine
the final amount and you will need to settle all quarantine fees
directly with the quarantine station. For a full breakdown of the
associated fees for quarantine in Australia, you can visit:
www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/cat-dogs
Please note that payment for quarantine accommodation for your
dog is due at the time of making the quarantine booking.
New Zealand CATS
The New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry (MAF) requires that the relocation
process be started 6 months before the relocation date. All pets must undergo a quarantine
period of 10 days upon arrival. Pets can only enter New Zealand when the MAF requirements
have been met in the country of origin.
Entry requirements:
Import Permit:
Quarantine:
REQUIRED - Issued by the MAF in New Zealand. The fee is NZD
166.62 per family and this must be paid for at the time of
application.
The duration of quarantine in New Zealand is 10 days.
The blood sample collected for the Rabies Neutralising Antibody
Titre Testing (RNATT) must be not less than three months and not
more than 24 months prior to the date of shipment, with a result of
at least 0.5 IU/ml.
However, if your cat is being imported from a "non-approved" third
country i.e not approved by MAF, then there is a minimum 6 months
residency period where your cat has to stay here in the UAE before
he / she can travel to New Zealand. Your dog will also need to have
the blood sample taken for the RNATT following arrival in the UAE.
Vaccinations:
Over and above a valid rabies vaccination, your cat should be
vaccinated against feline panleukopenia (enteritis), feline
rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus.
In the case of a primary rabies vaccination, the vaccine was given
no less than six months and no more than one year prior to the date
of shipment.
In the case of a booster rabies vaccination, the vaccine was given no
more than one year prior to the date of shipment.
Page 8 of 12
Procedure:
The relocation process starts with micro-chipping and a rabies
vaccination.
At least 3 weeks later, the blood can be drawn for the rabies blood
test (RNATT).
The blood test is sent to a New Zealand MAF approved laboratory
for analysis.
The original copy of the RNATT result is sent back to the
veterinarian - this can take up to 6 weeks.
Contact must be initiated with the quarantine facility and their
forms must be obtained and completed, and an initial deposit
made, in order to secure your pet's quarantine booking at the
time of submitting their forms and information.
A breed declaration and the RNATT blood test import permit
application page must be completed by your pet's veterinarian.
The RNATT blood test and RNATT blood test application page must
then be attested by the Ministry of Environment & Water
(MOEW).
An official boarding confirmation document must be obtained from
the quarantine facility in writing.
At the time of applying for the New Zealand Import Permit from
MAF, the items below will need to be sent to MAF:
 UAE Ministry-attested rabies blood test result.
 Vaccination card copy.
 Application form with your credit card details.
 Quarantine booking confirmation.
 The breed declaration form.
 RNATT blood test results page.
 Microchip letter(s) from your vet.
The treatment for external and internal parasites is given in the 30
days prior to the date of shipment and at least 2 weeks before
the second treatment.
A booking is made with the chosen airline 14 days before departure
and the quarantine facility is advised of the flight details for the
mandatory pre-alert.
A final clinical examination, internal and external parasite
treatments and completion of veterinary paperwork by your
cat's private vet are required within 2 days (48 hours) prior to
travel.
The air waybill is executed. A copy must be supplied to the
quarantine facility at this time.
The UAE Health Certificate is obtained around 4 days before
departure.
The import permit, Veterinary Certificate A and all blood tests are
submitted to the MOEW for attestation in the 48 hours prior to
the date of shipment.
At the time of checking your pet in for departure, the Veterinary
Certificate B is taken to the Ministry Veterinarian for the
completion.
Departure.
Page 9 of 12
Vet Fees:
Quarantine Fees:
The vet fees for the external and internal parasites treatment, final
clinical examination and completion of veterinary certificate A can
range from AED 600 to AED 1,000 per pet. The final amount will
depend on the number of pets you have and their size. It is
recommended to speak to your pet's veterinarian to procure an
estimate of these charges beforehand.
The quarantine fees can range from AED 2,000 to AED 4,500 per
pet, based on a 10 -day period. The number and breed and size of
pets that you have will determine the final amount, along with the
charges of the individual quarantine facility. You must settle these
charges with the quarantine station directly.
New Zealand DOGS
The New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry (MAF) require that the relocation process
be started a minimum of 7 months before the relocation date. All pets must undergo a
quarantine period of 10 days upon arrival. Pets can only enter New Zealand when the MAF
requirements haven been met in the country of origin.
Entry requirements:
Import Permit:
Quarantine:
REQUIRED - Issued by the MAF in New Zealand. The fee is NZD
166.62 per family and this must be paid for at the time of
application.
The duration of quarantine in New Zealand is 10 days.
The blood sample collected for the Rabies Neutralising Antibody
Titre Testing (RNATT) must be not less than three months and not
more than 24 months prior to the date of shipment, with a result of
at least 0.5 IU/ml.
However, if your dog is being imported from a "non-approved"
third country i.e not approved by MAF, then there is a minimum 6
months residency period where your dog has to stay here in the
UAE before he / she can travel to New Zealand. Your dog will also
need to have the blood sample taken for the RNATT following
arrival in the UAE.
Vaccinations:
Over and above a valid rabies vaccination, your dog should also be
vaccinated against canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis,
canine parvovirus, canine parainfluenza and bordetella
bronchiseptica (against canine cough).
Page 10 of 12
In the case of a primary rabies vaccination, the vaccine was given
no less than six months and no more than one year prior to the date
of shipment.
In the case of a booster rabies vaccination, the vaccine was given no
more than one year prior to the date of shipment.
Procedure:
The relocation process starts with micro-chipping and a rabies
vaccination.
At least 3 weeks later, the blood can be drawn for the rabies blood
test (RNATT).
The blood test is sent to a New Zealand MAF approved laboratory
for analysis.
The original copy of the RNATT result is sent back to the
veterinarian ~ this can take up to 6 weeks.
Contact must be initiated with the quarantine facility and their
forms must be obtained and completed, and an initial deposit
made, in order to secure your pet's quarantine booking at the
time of submitting their forms and information.
A breed declaration and the RNATT blood test import permit
application page must be completed by your pet's veterinarian.
The RNATT blood test and RNATT blood test application page must
then be attested by the UAE Ministry of Environment & Water
(MOEW).
An official boarding confirmation document must be obtained from
the quarantine facility in writing.
At the time of applying for the New Zealand Import Permit from
MAF, the items below will need to be sent to MAF:







UAE Ministry-attested rabies blood test result.
Vaccination card copy.
Application form with your credit card details.
Quarantine booking confirmation.
The breed declaration form.
RNATT blood test results page.
Microchip letter(s) from your vet.
Tests for Leptospirosis and Heartworm (Antigen) are done in the 30
days prior to the date of shipment. At the same time, the first
treatment for external and internal parasites is given. (Please
see the section below regarding alternative options for the
treatments/tests).
If your dog fails the first leptospirosis test, then another has to be
taken no sooner than 14 days after the first. (Please see the
section below regarding alternative options for the
treatments/tests).
Tests for Brucella Canis and Babesia Gibsoni are done in the 16 days
prior to the date of shipment. (Please see the section below
regarding alternative options for the treatments/tests).
A booking is made with the chosen airline 14 days before departure
and the quarantine facility is advised of the flight details for the
mandatory pre-alert.
Page 11 of 12
If necessary, apply for a transit permit 10-14 days before departure.
Please speak to us about transit charges as these may be
applicable, depending on the airline being used.
A final clinical examination, internal and external parasite
treatments, Heartworm (Dirofilaria Immitis) treatment and
completion of veterinary paperwork by your dog's private vet is
required within 2 days (48 hours) prior to travel.
The air waybill is executed. A copy must be supplied to the
quarantine facility at this time.
The UAE Health Certificate is obtained around 4 days before
departure.
The import permit, Veterinary Certificate A and all blood tests are
submitted to the MOEW for attestation in the 48 hours prior to
the date of shipment.
Your pet is taken to the Ministry Veterinarian for the completion of
the Veterinary Certificate B at the time of checking your pet in
for departure.
Departure.
Veterinary Fees:
There are various examinations and tests required in order to
relocate your pet to New Zealand. The vet fees for these tests can
range from AED 3,800 to AED 6,000 per pet. The final amount will
depend on the number of pets you have, their species and their size.
It is recommended to speak to your veterinarian for an estimate of
these charges beforehand.
Quarantine Fees:
The quarantine fees can range from AED 3,500 to AED 4,500 per
pet, based on a 10 day period. The quarantine charges differ
between quarantine facilities. Furthermore, the number, breed and
size of pets that you have will determine the final charges. These
charges must be settled by you directly with the quarantine facility.
Page 12 of 12