Pet Relocation Companies in Dubai: How to Choose the Right One

Searching for pet relocation companies in Dubai usually starts when an international move becomes more complicated than expected.

You may already have your own flight booked. Then come the questions:

Can my dog travel on the same flight? Does my cat need an import permit? Who handles the veterinary paperwork? Can my French Bulldog travel in cargo? Who collects my pet after landing?

International pet relocation involves much more than booking an airline ticket.

A properly planned move may involve:

• UAE import or export requirements
• Microchip verification
• Vaccinations
• Veterinary certificates
• Airline approval
• Import permits
• Pet carriers
• Airport handling
• Customs or veterinary clearance
• Ground transportation
• Destination-country requirements

That is why choosing between pet relocation companies in Dubai should be based on much more than price.

This guide covers the 9 most important things to check before selecting a pet relocation company in Dubai, along with the process, expected services, costs and requirements for moving pets between Dubai, London, the USA and other international destinations.

Quick Answer: The best pet relocation companies in Dubai should understand UAE regulations, international airline requirements and destination-country rules. Look for route-specific experience, transparent pricing, clear documentation support, breed-specific travel knowledge, door-to-door transportation and a contingency plan for delays or airline changes.

Table of Contents

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• What Do Pet Relocation Companies in Dubai Actually Do?
• 
  
  1. Do They Understand UAE Pet Import and Export Rules?
• 
  
  2. Do They Have Experience With Your Destination?
• 
  
  3. Which Airlines and Travel Methods Do They Use?
• 
  
  4. Can They Handle Brachycephalic Dogs and Cats?
• 
  
  5. Do They Manage the Pet Relocation Documents?
• 
  
  6. Do They Offer Door-to-Door Pet Relocation?
• 
  
  7. Is Their Pricing Transparent?
• 
  
  8. What Happens If the Flight Is Delayed?
• 
  
  9. Will You Receive Updates During the Journey?
• How Much Does Pet Relocation in Dubai Cost?
• Pet Relocation to Dubai
• Pet Relocation From Dubai to London
• Pet Relocation From Dubai to the USA
• Pet Relocation Company Checklist
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Pet Relocation With PetJet Express

What Do Pet Relocation Companies in Dubai Actually Do?

Pet relocation companies in Dubai coordinate the regulatory, veterinary, airline and transportation requirements involved in moving animals into or out of the UAE.

Depending on the company and package, services may include:

• Initial travel assessment
• Airline selection
• Flight coordination
• Import permit assistance
• Export documentation
• Veterinary coordination
• Health certificate preparation
• Microchip verification
• Vaccination checks
• Airline-approved carrier guidance
• Home pickup
• Airport transportation
• Customs coordination
• Arrival handling
• Destination delivery

Some companies offer only airport-to-airport transportation.

Others provide a complete door-to-door pet relocation service.

Before booking, make sure you understand exactly where the company’s responsibility starts and ends.

1. Do the Pet Relocation Companies in Dubai Understand UAE Rules?

This should be the first thing you check.

Current UAE requirements for importing dogs and cats include obtaining the appropriate import permit, permanent identification through a microchip and supporting veterinary documentation.

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment currently states that its pet import permit is valid for 90 days from issuance.

The requirements can also vary depending on:

• Pet species
• Origin country
• Rabies-risk classification
• Vaccination history
• Pet age
• Microchip status
• Number of animals
• Whether the pet is entering or returning to the UAE

A professional relocation provider should therefore understand both:

UAE requirements + requirements of the country your pet is coming from or travelling to.

If a company tells you, “Don’t worry, we handle everything,” ask them to explain what “everything” actually includes.

2. Does the Company Have Experience With Your Destination?

International pet relocation is highly route-specific.

A company that frequently manages:

Dubai → London

may need a different process for:

Dubai → New York

or:

India → Dubai

This matters because every destination can have different:

• Import rules
• Veterinary requirements
• Airline restrictions
• Approved entry points
• Customs procedures
• Vaccination requirements
• Documentation timelines

Ask the relocation company:

“How frequently do you handle pets travelling between Dubai and my destination?”

Then ask:

• Which airlines do you normally use?
• Is a direct flight available?
• Is there a transit airport?
• Who handles the pet when it arrives?
• Are there route-specific restrictions?
• What documents will I need?

The best pet relocation companies in Dubai should be able to explain the complete journey rather than simply sell you transportation.

3. Which Airlines and Travel Methods Do They Use?

Do not select a company without understanding how your pet will actually travel.

Ask whether your pet will travel:

In Cabin

Possible for some smaller pets depending on the airline, route and carrier requirements.

As Manifest Cargo

Some international routes require pets to travel through the airline’s specialist animal transportation process.

With a Pet Escort or Flight Nanny

Depending on airline rules and pet eligibility, a professional escort may accompany the animal.

Via Private Charter

For owners travelling with larger pets, several animals or breeds facing commercial airline restrictions, private aviation may provide another option.

The right solution depends on the individual pet.

A Chihuahua and a 35 kg Labrador should not automatically receive the same travel recommendation.

4. Can They Handle Brachycephalic Dogs and Cats?

This is particularly important in Dubai because of the climate and airline restrictions affecting certain short-nosed breeds.

Brachycephalic breeds can include:

Dogs

• French Bulldogs
• English Bulldogs
• Pugs
• Boston Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• Pekingese

Cats

• Persian cats
• Himalayan cats
• Exotic Shorthairs

Some airlines restrict certain brachycephalic breeds from cargo or impose additional conditions.

Before booking, ask:

“Have you relocated my breed internationally before?”

Then ask how the proposed airline and itinerary apply to that specific breed.

A good relocation provider should never assume that an airline accepting “dogs” or “cats” automatically accepts every breed.

For Persian and Himalayan cats, read our guide to Persian cat air travel.

For Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs, review our guide on brachycephalic dogs banned from cargo before deciding on an itinerary.

5. Do They Manage the Pet Relocation Documents?

Documentation is one of the biggest reasons owners use pet relocation companies in Dubai.

Depending on your route, you may need:

• Microchip information
• Vaccination certificate
• Rabies vaccination
• Rabies antibody test
• Veterinary health certificate
• UAE import permit
• Export documentation
• Airline documents
• Customs documents
• Destination-specific certificates

Ask exactly which documents the company will arrange and which ones remain your responsibility.

A useful question is:

“Can you give me a written document checklist with deadlines for every requirement?”

This is particularly important because some certificates and tests must fall within specific travel windows.

A document completed too early or too late can create problems even if everything else is correct.

6. Do They Offer Door-to-Door Pet Relocation in Dubai?

The flight is only one part of an international relocation.

Your pet’s actual journey may be:

Home → Vehicle → Dubai Airport → Flight → Destination Airport → Customs → Vehicle → New Home

Ask whether the company handles the entire route.

A full door-to-door service can potentially include:

Before Departure

• Home collection
• Carrier inspection
• Pet transportation
• Airport check-in
• Documentation support

During Travel

• Airline coordination
• Transit management
• Flight monitoring

After Arrival

• Airport handling
• Customs coordination
• Pet collection
• Ground transportation
• Home delivery

This can be especially useful for owners travelling separately from their pets.

7. Are Pet Relocation Costs in Dubai Transparent?

Pet relocation does not have one fixed international price.

The cost can depend on:

• Destination
• Airline
• Pet size
• Carrier size
• Pet weight
• Number of pets
• Veterinary work
• Import permits
• Export paperwork
• Airport charges
• Ground transportation
• Customs handling
• Travel method

Before comparing pet relocation companies in Dubai, request an itemised quote.

Ask whether the price includes:

Service	Ask If Included
Airline charges	Yes
Import/export documentation	Yes
Veterinary coordination	Yes
Travel carrier	Yes
Airport handling	Yes
Home pickup	Yes
Destination handling	Yes
Customs clearance	Yes
Final delivery	Yes
Additional government fees	Yes

A cheaper initial quote is not necessarily cheaper once excluded services are added.

8. What Happens If the Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled?

A professional relocation company should have a contingency plan.

Flights can be:

• Delayed
• Cancelled
• Rescheduled
• Changed to another aircraft
• Rerouted

Any of these changes can affect a pet booking.

Ask:

“What happens to my pet if the original flight cannot operate?”

The company should be able to explain:

• Who contacts the airline
• Where the pet stays
• How you are updated
• Whether documentation needs to change
• How alternative travel is arranged
• Whether additional costs can apply

You want to know the answer before something goes wrong.

9. Will You Receive Updates During the Pet’s Journey?

Communication matters when your pet is travelling internationally.

Before booking, ask what updates you will receive.

For example:

• Home pickup confirmed
• Pet arrived at airport
• Airline check-in completed
• Flight departed
• Flight landed
• Customs completed
• Pet collected
• Pet delivered home

Knowing exactly where your dog or cat is in the relocation process can make the experience considerably easier for owners.

Ask whether updates are provided through:

• WhatsApp
• Phone
• Email
• Dedicated coordinator

Also ask who your main point of contact will be.

How Much Does Pet Relocation in Dubai Cost?

Pet relocation costs in Dubai vary significantly depending on the pet, destination and level of service required.

There is no meaningful single price for every relocation.

For example:

One small cat from Dubai to London

will have completely different requirements from:

Two large dogs + one Persian cat from Dubai to New York.

Costs can include:

• Airline charges
• Government fees
• Import/export permits
• Health certificates
• Veterinary costs
• Carrier costs
• Airport handling
• Customs
• Home collection
• Destination delivery

Current UAE government service information lists a federal AED 200 import-permit fee per pet, plus release fees of AED 500 per dog or AED 250 per cat. These government charges are separate from airline, veterinary and relocation-company fees and should always be rechecked before travel.

What Should You Ask For?

Request:

Government costs + Airline costs + Veterinary costs + Ground transport + Professional relocation fees

as separate line items whenever possible.

This makes comparing providers much easier.

Choosing Pet Relocation Companies in Dubai for Importing a Pet

If you’re bringing a pet into Dubai, start with the UAE import requirements.

Current UAE rules require imported cats and dogs to have appropriate identification and veterinary documentation, while a valid import permit must be obtained before arrival.

A typical process may look like:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm that your pet can legally enter the UAE.

Step 2: Check the Microchip

Make sure your pet’s microchip details match its documentation.

Step 3: Review Vaccinations

Check all required vaccinations and their validity periods.

Step 4: Complete Required Testing

Depending on the origin country, additional rabies-related testing may be required.

Step 5: Obtain the Import Permit

Apply within the appropriate timeframe.

Step 6: Confirm Airline Arrangements

Make sure the airline accepts the breed, carrier and route.

Step 7: Prepare Veterinary Documentation

Check all certificates before departure.

Step 8: Arrange Arrival Handling

Plan airport clearance and transport to your Dubai residence.

Pet Relocation From Dubai to London

London remains a major international relocation route for UAE pet owners.

When moving from Dubai to London, you need to check:

UAE export requirements + UK import requirements + airline requirements

rather than focusing only on the airline.

Depending on your circumstances, UK pet-entry requirements can include:

• Microchip
• Rabies vaccination
• Appropriate travel documentation
• Approved route
• Health documentation
• Additional treatment requirements for dogs where applicable

Always check the latest UK Government requirements for your specific travel date.

For detailed planning, read our UK and EU Pet Relocation Documentation Guide.

Pet Relocation From Dubai to the USA

Pet relocation from Dubai to the United States requires another route-specific plan.

The USA can involve:

• Federal requirements
• Airline requirements
• Destination-state requirements

Dogs and cats can also have different entry requirements.

For dogs, check the current CDC requirements before travelling.

For any animal entering the USA, also determine whether the destination state imposes additional requirements.

A professional relocation company should identify these requirements before confirming the itinerary.

Moving Multiple Pets From Dubai

Families travelling with several animals face an additional challenge.

Airlines can limit:

• Pets per passenger
• Pets per cabin
• Pets per aircraft
• Number of carriers

Destination rules can also place restrictions on personal pet imports.

Current UAE rules generally allow the personal import of no more than two cats, two dogs, or one cat and one dog per person per year, subject to specified exceptions, including certain returning resident animals.

If you’re moving several animals, tell your relocation provider the total number at the beginning of the planning process.

Read our full guide to traveling internationally with multiple pets for additional planning considerations.

Pet Relocation Companies in Dubai: Quick Comparison Checklist

Before choosing a provider, confirm:

• They have experience with your exact route

• They have reviewed your pet’s breed

• They understand UAE requirements

• They understand destination-country rules

• They have confirmed an appropriate airline

• They have explained how your pet will travel

• You have a complete document checklist

• You have an itemised quote

• Ground transport is confirmed

• Arrival handling is confirmed

• You know who your coordinator is

• They have explained their contingency plan

• You understand what happens during a delay

• All additional costs have been explained

If several of these remain unanswered, get more information before paying a deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Relocation Companies in Dubai

What do pet relocation companies in Dubai do?

Pet relocation companies in Dubai help coordinate the transportation of pets into and out of the UAE. Services may include documentation, airline coordination, permits, veterinary preparation, airport handling, ground transport, customs coordination and destination delivery.

How do I choose the best pet relocation company in Dubai?

Choose a provider based on route experience, airline knowledge, documentation support, transparent pricing, communication, pet-specific planning and contingency arrangements.

Do not choose based only on the cheapest quotation.

How much does pet relocation cost in Dubai?

There is no fixed price. Costs depend on the destination, pet size, airline, carrier, paperwork, veterinary requirements, government fees, ground transportation and service level.

Ask for an itemised quotation.

Do pets need an import permit to enter Dubai?

Dogs and cats entering the UAE generally require an appropriate import permit along with required identification and veterinary documentation.

Check the current UAE Ministry requirements before travelling.

How long is a UAE pet import permit valid?

Current UAE government service information states that the pet import permit is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.

Always verify the current validity when applying because government procedures can change.

Can pet relocation companies arrange door-to-door transportation?

Many companies can provide door-to-door arrangements, but services vary.

Ask whether the quote covers:

Home pickup → Airport → Flight → Arrival → Customs → Home delivery.

Can a pet relocation company transport a French Bulldog?

Potentially, but French Bulldogs are brachycephalic dogs and may face airline restrictions.

The company should check the breed against the specific airline, route, aircraft and travel method before confirming the journey.

Can Persian cats be relocated to Dubai?

Yes, Persian cats can be relocated internationally when they meet UAE entry and airline requirements.

Because Persians are brachycephalic cats, airline transportation rules should be checked carefully.

Can pet relocation companies in Dubai move multiple pets?

Yes, many providers coordinate multiple-pet relocations.

However, the number of pets can affect permits, airlines, carriers, ground transportation and destination requirements.

How early should I contact a pet relocation company?

For international moves, start planning as early as possible.

Several weeks or months may be required depending on vaccinations, blood testing, permits, documentation and airline availability.

Is pet relocation from Dubai to London possible?

Yes. Pets regularly relocate between Dubai and London, but owners must comply with UAE departure requirements, UK pet-entry rules and the airline’s requirements.

Can a pet relocation company arrange Dubai-to-USA travel?

Yes, depending on the provider.

Make sure the company understands current US federal requirements, airline regulations and any additional requirements imposed by your destination state.

Looking for Pet Relocation Companies in Dubai? Start With the Right Questions

There are several pet relocation companies in Dubai, but the right choice should be based on much more than who offers the lowest quotation.

Your relocation provider should understand:

Your pet + Your breed + Your route + UAE regulations + Airline rules + Destination regulations + Ground transport + Arrival process

At PetJet Express, we help owners coordinate international pet relocations between Dubai, London, the USA and other international destinations, with travel planning built around the individual pet rather than a one-size-fits-all itinerary.

Depending on your requirements, we can help coordinate:

• International pet relocation
• Airline and route planning
• Pet documentation
• Flight nanny and pet escort options
• Climate-controlled ground transportation
• Multiple-pet moves
• Private aviation options
• Destination coordination

Moving your pet to or from Dubai? Contact PetJet Express for a route-specific relocation plan.