Middle East and Asia
Pet travel to Abu Dhabi
UAE Ministry clearance with approved-laboratory titer testing.
Clearance & Entry
What's required to enter.
- 1
MOCCAE import permit (Ministry of Climate Change and Environment)
- 2
ISO microchip
- 3
Core vaccinations including rabies
- 4
External and internal parasite treatments
- 5
Health certificate signed within 7 days and endorsed by government veterinarian
- 6
Breed clearance (restricted breeds require additional approval)
These are the official entry rules for United Arab Emirates.
Read our step-by-step compliance guide covering every document, timing window, and government contact for United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi (AUH) airport operates a dedicated Animal Reception Centre. The UAE Ministry permit requires 2–3 weeks for processing. We file applications simultaneously with pre-travel preparation to minimize total lead time.
— Paws en Route Compliance Team
Our process
How we handle Abu Dhabi.
Documentation Review
We audit every certificate, vaccination record, and microchip date against the exact requirements for Abu Dhabi.
Permit Filing
Our team files all import permits and advance notifications on your behalf, tracking approval status in real time.
Veterinary Coordination
We work with your vet or our partner clinics to issue compliant health certificates timed precisely to departure.
Airport Concierge
A dedicated chaperone manages customs inspection, APHIS or border authority clearance, and handover at destination.
Local Logistics
Getting your pet into Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi International (AUH) operates a dedicated Animal Reception Centre. The UAE Ministry permit process typically takes 2–3 weeks. We file MOCCAE permit applications simultaneously with pre-travel preparation and coordinate AUH airport reception.
Entry Airports
Supported Airlines
At a glance
Lead time
21–60 days
Ready to travel to Abu Dhabi?
Get a custom quote with exact timelines and costs for your pet.
Pet-Friendly Stays
Where to rest in Abu Dhabi.
Down Town Plaza Hotel Apartments
Down Town Plaza Hotel Apartments allows dogs of any size for no additional fee. Cats are also welcome. Four-legged guests receive a welcome gift.
Abu Dhabi Airbnb Rentals
Pet policies are determined by the individual host of each Airbnb property. For more information on the pet fee, weight limit, and other restrictions
Paws en Route
Not seeing your ideal stay? Our concierge knows every pet-friendly property in Abu Dhabi.
Paws en route members get waived pet fees at select partner properties in Abu Dhabi. Ask your concierge which properties are currently in the programme.
Getting Around
Navigating Abu Dhabi with your pet.
One of the biggest anxieties of pet travel is local transit. Here's everything you need to know before you land.
Public Transit
Abu Dhabi has limited public transit options. Taxis and Careem are the default. The city is a driving city by design; we arrange private transfers for all journeys.
Private Cars
Our Abu Dhabi executive fleet covers AUH Airport to all major hotels on Saadiyat, Yas, and the Corniche. All vehicles pre-cleared for pet transport with advance booking.
On Foot
The Corniche promenade and Yas Island cycling paths are the city's premier walking routes. We provide morning-only timing maps — sunrise to 9am is optimal to avoid peak heat.
Private Ground Transport
Climate-controlled, GPS-tracked fleet. Seamless door-to-door service between cities or to your final destination.
Experiences & Culture
Abu Dhabi, with your dog.
Al Fay Park
Al Fay Park is a dog-friendly outdoor recreation area in Abu Dhabi, AE. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you for a walk or run on the paved paths around
Al Matlaʹi St, Abu Dhabi, AE
Al Bateen Open Beach
Dogs are welcome at the far end of Al Bateen Open Beach during early morning hours.
Bateen street, Abu Dhabi, AE
Paws en Route
Want more to do with your dog? Our experts plan the perfect itinerary in Abu Dhabi.
Local Infrastructure
Know before you land.
Emergency resources, export-certified clinics, and vetted boarding — vetted and saved before departure.
Emergency Vet
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (Pets Unit)
Export Clinic
Veterinary Hospital Al Khalidiyah
Boarding & Daycare
PetZone Boarding Abu Dhabi
Get a Quote
Get a custom quote for Abu Dhabi.
We handle the flights, the veterinary compliance, and the door-to-door logistics. Tell us where you're starting from, and we'll calculate the route to Abu Dhabi.
Travelling to
Pet type
No obligation · Concierge response within 24 hours
Paws en Route Concierge
Ready to turn this guide into a real trip?
Your Preparation Timeline
We build a personalised calendar for Abu Dhabi: permits, vet appointments, and health certificates timed precisely to your departure window so nothing expires before you board.
Local Intelligence, Pre-loaded
Vetted stays, pet-safe transit routes, and emergency contacts, all curated for Abu Dhabi and confirmed before you land, so your first day is calm.
Common questions about Abu Dhabi.
Everything you're likely wondering before you start the process.
